Muay Thai Workout and Progression Tips

Originally posted February 12, 2016

There are several things which you can do as a Muay Thai novice that can help to optimize your progress in the sport. Throughout the years, Muay Thai athletes have pooled together advice on how to train smarter and get past common roadblocks which some beginners might encounter. With that being said, it is important not to establish or become comfortable with bad habits in the gym; always make sure you are being coached by a trained individual who can oversee your workout and routine. Above all, keeping injury free is the best way to establish a consistent routine; the fastest and most ideal path towards martial arts improvement

Keeping Relaxed & Breathing

As a beginner, it can be difficult or even overwhelming taking in all sorts of new information. This is a big reason why breathing properly and staying relaxed is essential when it comes to Muay Thai and martial arts progression. By staying calm and learning to control your adrenaline output in a combat situation, it becomes easier to absorb and apply techniques. Avoid tensing up during shadow boxing exercises and the benefits will be obvious.

Warming Up

By warming up prior to a training session, the body adjusts to a more physical state, and you are better suited to get the most out of your lesson. This is an obvious method of preventing injury, so never skip the warmup. A pre-training routine can be used at any time, and is an ideal way to experiment with different exercises. A generic routine might start with some stretching, cardio and bodyweight exercises, followed by a shadow-boxing circuit. Cross-training in other martial arts like Brazilian jiu-jitsu or wrestling can also introduce new regimens to your pre-training warmup.

Sparring

Sparring is something that should be undertaken when a student feels comfortable enough with their techniques and wishes to practice with fellow gym-mates. It is an excellent process to solve common issues such as flinching or holding a bad stance. Learning the basics is best done outside of sparring, but perfecting the basics truly happens while sparring with others. For beginners, each individual sparring session should focus on a specific offensive or defensive technique. Make sure that you are resting between sparring sessions to avoid over-exertion, and always establish a given pace with your sparring partner to avoid injury or things getting out of hand.

Supporting the Team and Gym

Collaborate with members of your gym, and get involved. Offer support with training exercisers, and try to help in any way you can. If somebody you train with is competing, make sure to show up and cheer your gym on. Not only will this kind of team mentality benefit those around you, but the camaraderie can make anybody who is new to martial arts feel welcome generate continued interest.

Setting Personal Goals

Getting into any sport with a specific set of goals is an ideal path to achievement, but sometimes these objectives are not so obvious. Training under the guidance of an experienced coach can help develop these aspirations, if they exist. Consistency is paramount when it comes to meeting personal goals, especially in rigorous martial arts. Keep track of your progress, but do not get discouraged if things are going slower than anticipated. Sticking to a set of goals in Muay Thai can even have benefits in the outside world, and is a necessity when trying to achieve success as a professional martial artist.

Mamute Martial Arts offers a strong Muay Thai program for both adults and children. Classes are held three times a week for both beginners and those who are more experienced. The program focuses on combinations, pad-work, clinching and practical sparring.