Is Kickboxing A Good Workout For Weight Loss?

If you’re someone who’s looking to shed some extra weight but can’t stand the thought of running, kickboxing just might be the workout for you. There are a ton of great benefits to taking a kickboxing class and yes, it can help you shed some extra pounds, too! Keep reading to find out why kickboxing is a good workout for weight loss.

Burning More Calories

The bottom line is you can burn a lot of calories in a shorter amount of time if you decide to put in the effort during a kickboxing class. In fact, you can burn as many as 900 calories in a single class! This is great news for those who are trying to raise their heart rate and lose belly fat. 

Cardio kickboxing classes are considered an aerobic exercise that uses short bursts of energy and can often include martial arts movements. As a form of a cardio exercise, cardio kickboxing will require more use of the arms and upper body to throw jabs, cross punches, uppercuts, and hooks. You might also perform quick mini workouts in between like jump squats, burpees, and planks. In other words, cardio kickboxing will keep you on your feet and your heart pumping.

A regular kickboxing class may resemble more of an anaerobic exercise where you focus on form and, of course, kicking with your legs. This form of exercise is going to utilize mobility in the lower part of the body, which allows you to keep going at a steadier pace over the length of the class. Core strengthening may also be practiced during this type of workout so that the center of your body is more defined and able to withstand progress.

Build Muscle

Compared to other forms of exercise such as running, cardio kickboxing and regular kickboxing can be a full-body workout that requires a lot of movement in a short amount of time. When you get a great instructor, such as the ones here at O Athletik, you get an immersive experience complete with a cardio workout, high-intensity movements in the arms and legs, and the isolation of core muscles to strengthen the center of the body.

On the Right Path to Weight Loss

Keep in mind that losing weight should feel more like a marathon than a race. Losing one to two pounds a week is an ideal goal and should be done in a healthy way. Fad diets, restraining from foods your body needs, and obsessively working out might help you lose weight faster, but is far more damaging in the long run. Not only can it offset your body’s natural metabolism, but those who commit to dangerous forms of weight loss often gain the weight back once they begin to return to normal eating and exercise habits. Empower yourself to combine your kickboxing workouts with healthy eating and plenty of hydration. 

Foods as Fuel

  • Leafy greens (spinach, brussels sprouts, etc.)
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Tomatoes
  • Avocados
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Lean meats (turkey, chicken)
  • Beans
  • Bananas
  • Brown rice

It’s recommended that men drink 15.5 cups of water a day, while women should drink 11.5 cups of water a day. Water is essential for your body and helps it replenish nutrients and heal properly after a strenuous workout.

Finally, it’s important to remain positive during your weight loss journey and gain the support you need from friends and family. It might take longer than you would hope but change is possible!

You now have all of the information you need to answer the question, Is kickboxing a good workout for weight loss? Visit us at O Athletik and give one of our kickboxing classes a try. With our state-of-the-art gym and an exceptional variety of classes, we know you won’t be disappointed.