Starting kickboxing in 5 easy steps

How can I best start with kickboxing?

How can you best start with kickboxing or boxing? What preparations should you consider? What equipment do you need for kickboxing and how can you continuously improve your performance during training?

More and more women and men are starting to take kickboxing classes. Not surprising, because this sport offers many physical and mental health benefits. Besides, kickboxing under the guidance of a trainer is also a lot of fun.

Starting kickboxing can be quite exciting. You not only have to find the right gym or instructor, but also think about your equipment. Do you want to start kickboxing? The best way to do that is by following the steps below.

Starting kickboxing in 5 easy steps

1. Make a plan for yourself

If you want to seriously start kickboxing, you need a plan. In this plan, you determine, for example, what your goals are. Do you want to start kickboxing to lose weight, improve your fitness, or eventually participate in competitions? In your plan, you also include your current fitness level. This way, the coach knows exactly which group you can be placed in. As a result, you always train at your own level.

2. Choose a kickboxing school that suits you

Choose a trainer or a kickboxing school that matches your level. Kickboxing lessons vary in level and skills, both from the boxers themselves and the trainer. For example, you can take kickboxing lessons focused on cardio, or choose boxing training that focuses on movements or competitions. So preferably take trial lessons at different gyms and boxing trainers. Align your choice with your personal goals and plans.

3. Purchase good kickboxing equipment

If you want to start kickboxing, you also need good clothing. This equipment provides the right protection but also ensures that you protect your body and your opponent. For example, boxing gloves and bandages are important, but also good shin guards. In any case, choose high-quality boxing gloves.

This is perhaps the most important type of equipment you need if you want to start kickboxing. If you maintain leather gloves properly, they last a very long time. A good investment, therefore.

4. Start with a nutrition plan for optimal performance

If you want to start kickboxing, it is also wise to adjust your eating habits. You eat at set times before and after kickboxing training. Especially proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are important nutrients. With kickboxing, you burn a lot of calories. So it is important that you get enough fuel. Also, after training, your body must be able to recover. Preferably, you do this by sticking to an adjusted eating pattern.

5. Just start!

 Kickboxing may be an intimidating sport, but starting with boxing is easier than you think. Take trial lessons at different gyms and with different coaches, learn the art from others, or attend a few training sessions. You'll see how accessible this sport really is. The more experienced kickboxers or trainers are not there to judge you on what you can or cannot do. They actually see it as a challenge to share their knowledge with you and to make you even more enthusiastic about kickboxing.

Of course, you don't have to immediately purchase a complete set of equipment for kickboxing. Sometimes you can also first borrow boxing gloves or bandages at the gym you choose. When you want to take your performance to a higher level later or if you have fallen in love with the sport, it is important to wear well-fitting kickboxing gear.