Core Strength Training With Muay Thai

Muay Thai also widely known as ‘Thai Boxing’ is one of the most popular martial art forms that involve stand-up striking and clinching techniques. The combined use of elbows, knees, shins and fists has also gained it a recognition of ‘art of eight limbs’. The history of origination of this combat sport can be traced back to the 13th century. Over the last few decades, Muay Thai has gotten a lot of recognition and is being practiced by many combat sports players around the world. One of the major reasons for this increasing adoption is the underlying benefits that Muay Thai offers in the form of improved core body strength. Let’s dig deeper to learn more about the importance of Muay Thai for developing core body strength.

 

Understanding core body strength 

Most traditional training methods are aimed at improving the core strength of the person. These training exercises are designed to develop the core muscles present in the chest, arms and legs. Core body strength can be broadly explained as the muscular control of the torso. Core strength training increases stability and aids in performing all physical activities that require some body strength. In addition to the upper and lower abdominal muscles, it also focuses on the back and obliques.                 

     

 

Muay Thai exercises for developing core strength

Now that we are aware of what core strength training is, let’s take a quick dive into some important Muay Thai training exercises that help to develop your core body strength. 

  1. Crunches

Crunches and sit-ups are a part of your regular Muay Thai training. The good thing about this exercise is that it can work wonders for your core strength. Crunches are aimed to tighten your abdominal muscles and the external oblique to a great extent. You can always increase the difficulty level for your exercise to obtain better results. You can ask your training partner to throw body shots on your abs while you are doing crunches. Please note that it is important to wear protective gear like boxing gloves for adequate safety while doing the same. 

 2.Leg raise

Most Muay Thai trainers recommend ending your exercise sessions for Muay Thai with a leg raise. This exercise is aimed to tone important muscles like abdominal muscles, quadriceps, obliques, lower back and hamstrings. You can practice a leg raise on an inclined bench for better results. One can also have a training partner to practice leg raises accurately. If you are unsure about the required posture, you can watch training videos to improve your exercise. 

3.Planking

Anyone who has some knowledge about core strength training must be aware of the planking exercise and how effective it can be to improve your core body strength. Planking is indeed great for abs training; however, its role is not just limited to improving your abs. It can work equally well for other body parts as well. Some of the important muscle groups that are targeted while planking includes glutes, spine, hamstrings, abdominal muscles, shoulders and back. Besides these, adding some variations to your planking exercise can also train your obliques and deltoids.

4. Abs conditioning

Abs conditioning plays an important role in preparing players for Muay Thai matches. Learning to take body shots during training is crucial to prepare for Muay Thai sports. For abs conditioning at home, one can also practice dropping a medicine ball, throwing roundhouse kicks and hitting with a kick pad.

 

Final Words

Besides these, other important Muay Thai exercises like heel touches, body shots, and the medicinal ball drops also help in developing your overall core strength. All these exercises collectively benefit your body by improving balance, increasing strength and stability and building resistance required for Muay Thai matches. One can easily improve their cardiovascular strength, endurance and athleticism with balanced Muay Thai training. It is important to wear your protective gear while doing Muay Thai exercises.

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