Kickboxing 101
Looking for a way to de-stress and get a quick, full-body workout in 30 minutes? Fitness kickboxing does it for me. I was apprehensive at first, but the guys at Houston Muay Thai set my mind at ease and taught me proper feet and body positions and how to deliver an effective kick and punch. If you are interested in trying out a class, here are a few things that you will need to know!
1. Prepare yourself to sweat. I don't mean just a few droplets... I am talking every square inch of your body will be covered in sweat. Core exercises are thrown in between the nonstop punching and kicking combinations on the bag and padwork with the trainer. You will feel your heart rate go up really fast!
2. A key thing you must do to prepare yourself to sweat is to HYDRATE. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink 13 cups and that women drink 9 cups of water a day. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise. Dehydration will not be an issue!
3. What to wear?! Wear comfortable clothing, and no shoes are needed, during class. Most women will wear capris or shorts and a loose or fitted tank. These will allow you to kick and punch freely without any restriction. Most men wear shorts and a t-shirt.
4. Arrive to class 10 minutes early to wrap your hands with boxing hand wraps, before putting the gloves on. This is an important step to protect the bones and muscles of the hands and to stabilize the wrists to prevent injury. My gym, Houston Muay Thai, provides the wraps and gloves for rental. Remember... safety first!!
5. Traditionally, kickboxing uses the 4-point striking system, in which both hands and feet are used. Being at a Muay Thai gym, you will use the 8-point striking system, where both hands, feet, elbows, and knees are used to fight. Muay Thai is an advanced sport and requires you to be quick in motion and thinking, because you will not know your opponent's next punch-kick combo. Once you get the mechanics of kickboxing down, you can give it a try!
Why Houston Muay Thai? First, it is conveniently located in downtown Houston. Secondly, fitness kickboxing has allowed me to learn a method of self-defense, while gaining confidence, strength, and balance. Two to three visits are recommended each week to deliver the best results, so I go twice a week. Houston Muay Thai offers four classes in the early morning, around noon, and after 5:00 p.m. every day (except Sundays), so there is a time slot for everybody's schedule. The first class is free, so there is nothing to lose... but a lot of toxins in your sweat!
As for a bit of background on the owner, Michael Corley lived and competed in Thailand for two years. He returned to Houston and opened the gym in October of 2014. Whether your goal is to learn a new way to get in shape or to gain expert training in Muay Thai, Michael is very qualified to help you achieve these things!
Act fast!! Time's a-ticking!
Visit Houston Muay Thai for the full schedule and more information.
Hope to see you in class tonight at 5:30 p.m., if you want to get your butt kicked! :)
xo,
Teresa Thuy