Martial arts has always been a way for us to switch things up on our wellness journey. You will never know the bliss of boxing until you try it. It brings out your inner child, “playing rough,” while also being an excellent cardio and strength training exercise. Beyond the physical benefits, kickboxing is also a powerful tool for improving mental health. We were thrilled when we discovered a kickboxing training academy just a short walk from our house, and that was the highlight of our summer wellness journey.
Boxing burns a whole lot of calories!
Since we had tried boxing in the past, for our first kickboxing class, we brought along our boxing gloves, a bottle of water, an Apple Watch to track (and prove what we already knew—that boxing burns a whole lot of calories!), and a can-do attitude. Subsequently, we realized that owning other essential kickboxing gear is key! Nobody wants to use a smelly, “damp from an earlier class” pair of boxing gloves or shin guards. To help you better prepare for your own kickboxing experience, here’s a list of items you’ll need.
Boxing Gloves
Our coach, a black belt, would always tease the class, loudly reminding us, “Buy high-quality boxing gloves, not those cheap things!” He emphasized the importance of investing in great training gloves for wrist support and delivering powerful strikes on the punching bag. A good pair of gloves not only protects your hands and wrists from injury but also improves your performance in class. So, while it might be tempting to go for a budget option, it’s worth spending a bit more for gloves that offer durability and proper support.
Shin guards
Shin guards are a must-have when practicing kickboxing or Muay Thai, especially if you’re sparring. They protect not only your shins but also your sparring partner from painful bruises or potential injuries during kicks. When choosing shin guards, it’s important to ensure they fit snugly without sliding around, as a secure fit offers the best protection. For us, picking shin pads was surprisingly easy—we were naturally drawn to a brand called “Twins,” which, as twins ourselves, felt like the perfect match!
Hand Wraps
Hand wraps are not always required for kickboxing, but they come highly recommended. Hand wraps provide crucial support to your wrists, knuckles, and fingers, reducing the risk of injury (Yes! Protection is key in kickboxing). Even if your gym doesn’t mandate them, investing in a quality pair of hand wraps will keep your hands safer and allow you to punch harder with confidence. Just remember to wrap them ahead of class cause they can be a bit tricky for beginners.
Mouth Guard/ Groin Guard/ Head Guard
While we never personally invested in these additional “guards,” many martial artists in the advanced sparring sessions made sure to use them. In one session, I was paired with a male partner, and let’s just say my foot accidentally found its way to his groin. Oops!. In that moment, the need for ample protection became crystal clear. Combat sports are undeniably fun, but they can also be dangerous. So, if you’re planning to commit to kickboxing for the long haul, investing in extra protection like a mouth guard, groin guard, or head guard is definitely worth it.
Other than the specific kickboxing gear mentioned, you’ll want to pack the usual gym essentials like a towel, water bottle, and other basics. Don’t worry—we’ve got a dedicated post on what to pack in your gym bag to help you prepare. And, of course, comfortable workout clothes are a must! Check out our guide on building your capsule workout collection for more tips.
OSS!!!
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OSS!!! That’s the word we were required to say as we entered and exited the dojo, symbolising respect and perseverance. Our summer kickboxing journey was such a blast that we even got our niece and nephew involved—and they absolutely loved it!
Kickboxing taught us that you don’t have to be perfect to start, you just have to begin. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, challenge your mental strength, or simply try something new, kickboxing is an empowering way to take your wellness journey to the next level. So, grab your gear, step into the dojo, and unleash your inner fighter—your wellness journey is waiting!
