5 Benefits of Starting Muay Thai in 2024
Thinking about starting Muay Thai in 2024? Here are 5 benefits of Muay Thai training that will help your decision making!
Self confidence
Muay Thai training is sure way to improve your self confidence. Whether it’s the self defence benefits or the personal growth you’ll experience, the training will make you more self assured and confident in your capabilities. In classes you’ll be encouraged to express yourself and to train with intensity. I’ve personally found that the training over time has improved my confidence and has helped me overcome shyness in many aspects of my life.
Strength and conditioning
Muay Thai is great full body training. You’ll learn to punch, kick, knee, elbow, clinch and how to defend all the above. There is emphasis on becoming stronger, more conditioned and to have excellent endurance. Expect to leave classes with shin bruising and other random bruises as your body gets accustomed to the training. Over time, you’ll notice significant improvements in your cardio and general muscle definition!
Physical outlet of self expression
Personally, I feel this is a huge plus of training Muay Thai. The intensity of the training will push and challenge you in every way. In saying that, it’s a great outlet to physically express yourself. There’s a rush of adrenaline when you do a movement well. The physical exhaustion after a class leaves you feeling satisfied and proud of yourself. The training aspects that make you uncomfortable (eg. people being in your personal space; learning how to hold your ground) will be motivation to train and learn how to overcome your fears.
It’s always challenging
After 10 years of Muay Thai training, I feel like I’m still learning how to kick. It has always been challenging and honestly I think it always will be. There’s never a limit to improving your skills. In that sense you’ll never be bored of the training. The challenges come in waves. Some seasons it’s mental battles to overcome, others it’s physical challenges or limitations to overcome.
Never a better time to start Muay Thai (especially for the ladies)
Muay Thai has seen a spike in popularity and publicity in recent years. A rise of popular promotions, increase in local gyms, influx of coaches from Thailand to teach locally, the ease of going to Thailand to train, many online resources to learn from .. all point to - there’s never been a better time to start Muay Thai!
For the ladies, there’s never been a more welcoming and inclusive time. Females are recognised, respected and looked up to in the sport. Top promotions are promoting female athletes and supporting female referees and leaders in the sport. There’s a huge rise of women participating in classes and more female coaches to learn from.
For those who’ve decided to start their Muay Thai training, here’s a little advice to get you on your way!
1) Find a gym that’s right for you - the team, culture, and timetable that works for you.
2) Commit to a training routine - work out a training schedule you can keep at for at least 3 months.
3) Take your time - Start slow. Learn the basics. Let your body adjust to the training. Enjoy it!
