The sport of Muay Thai has certainly taken the martial arts
stage by storm, as year after year, more people are becoming aware of the
sport. Even though it's not as popular as western-style boxing, Muay Thai
combines your 4 limbs into a deadly, yet elegant combination of strikes, making
it one of the most intense martial arts discipline.
It is one sport that requires dexterity, strength and
stamina. Of course, it isn't complete without adding one's mental toughness to
the equation. The sport goes beyond self defense and aesthetic values. The
conditioning endured during Muay Thai sessions will greatly help your body,
strength, stamina and overall health.
- Fit Body
For those wanting to beat that dreaded weight scale or
perhaps just wanting to sculp their body into perfection, Muay Thai is a great
addition to your fitness agenda. The intense exercises and drills will
vigorously burn the calories and melt the fat, as almost every part of your
body is constantly moving in a speedy combination of kicks and punches. With
the jab of a left arm and a devastating strike from your right knee, the
exercises will get you lean, fit and also a proportionate body.
- Mental Toughness
Like all martial arts, it's not about haphazardly punching
and kicking, but the mental strategy that every good fighter must have. Your
mind will be trained to make decisive moves and when to use those moves. Your
mental alertness must constantly be on point at all times. Inside the ring,
your confidence will be tested, as the hungriest fighter will most likely win.
Muay Thai doesn't only incorporate your physical body, but the brain that
controls that body, so it's always tested.
- Leg Strength
The use of your lower body is what gives Muay Thai its
unique reputation. You'll find that the exercises and drills will strengthen
your leg just as effective as going to the gym. Learning how to deliver a
bone-cracking kick strengthens the muscles of your quads and calves. In
addition, your knee will greatly benefit from its various exercises as it
trained to help deliver that knock out blow. From roundhouse kicks, to a knee
strike, every muscle in your lower body will greatly benefit.
- Increase in Overall Vitality/Core Strength
It won't happen overnight, but with proper discipline, the
Muay Thai student can improve their overall strength. Most people think of
strength as having a six-pack and towering biceps and although Muay Thai could
help achieve that, it's the strength you'll earn after the hard work you clock
in that matters. You might have to take a couple of punches at first, but the
boost in your strength is simply priceless. The fast-paced movements of the
sport will truly push the boundaries of your body.
- Stress Relief
You build up a hefty load of stress during the day and
sometimes it's a nice feeling to punch, kick or elbow something. Due to the
physical stress (the good kind) and the fast-paced action you'll endure during
training sessions, you'll focus on you and the exercise. Plus, it's a great
opportunity to meet new people and socialize in a different environment.
Muay Thai is a great sport for just about anyone. Of course,
different people will need different levels of endurance. Don't be afraid to
slow it down if you have to. Ask questions if you're not sure about a move and
take regular breaks. Be sure to consult your physician before choosing a new
physical journey for safety measures. Most importantly, enjoy your time
practicing the sport.