What is kickboxing?
Kickboxing is a combat sport, based on the foundation of combining many types of martial arts such as Muay Thai, karate, savate, boxing. Kickboxing includes the main movements of punching, kicking, combined movements of hands, elbows, knees, shins, feet.
Kickboxing is not only a sport that focuses on punching and kicking techniques, but also includes many other self-defense and defensive techniques. In addition, practicing kickboxing not only helps you improve your martial arts skills but also helps you lose weight quickly, because this sport requires high-intensity movement.
Why does kickboxing help firm thigh muscles?
Kickboxers perform a lot of kicks, squats, and quick movements that put a lot of pressure on the muscles in their thighs. Each kick and movement targets the quads, hamstrings, and inner thighs, helping to tone and strengthen the thighs.
In a study published in the Journal of Muscle, Ligaments and Tendons, after kickboxing, the majority of participants felt a significant improvement in muscle strength.
How to practice kickboxing to help firm thighs?
- Basic position: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and arms raised, protecting the face.
- Practice kicks: There are many different types of kicks you can try such as:
+ Front kick: Lift the knee and extend the leg forward, using the ball of the foot.
+ Side kick: Turn your body to one side, lift your knee and stretch your leg.
+ Roundhouse kick: Rotate your body on the supporting leg, lift your knee and rotate your leg in a circular motion.
+ Squat kick: Combine squatting with kicking, squat down and when standing up, kick out with one leg.
- Do the kick and switch legs, for beginners, do 10 - 15 repetitions for each kick.
- Finish with stretching movements to relax the muscles.
