The Benefits of Running (Road Work) for Muay Thai – Main Event Fitness Geelong
Road Work, or Running, plays an important role in Muay Thai. Most professional fighters in this form of martial art stress the importance of running, and do lots of road work themselves. Most days in the life of pro Muay Thai practitioners begin with enough road work, which consists of going out and running at a good pace on the roads for 5-10km. There are various benefits of running for people who practice this art.
It increases aerobic energy
Historically, professional fighters such as Buakaw Banchamek, Muhammad Ali, Nick Diaz and Aleksandr Karelin have been found to incorporate running into their training regimen with immense success. Although there is argument that combat sports are anaerobic in nature as they last for just a few minutes, a great deal of anaerobic energy is also needed for the fight sessions. For years, roadwork has been found to and relied on to improve aerobic fitness. In a real fight, that is the closest it gets to speedy movements. Without the stamina, you are going to lose your breath pretty quickly.
It strengthens the shins
Strong shins and leg muscles are a must for Muay Thai artists, as hard kicks are an integral part of fights in this form of art. A few hard kicks can floor your opponent quite well, or at least affect his performance in some way and even make him lose balance. Running regularly can make your shins stronger and strengthen your leg muscles like few other workouts can.
It improves your cardio training
Lots of roadwork can tremendously boost your cardiovascular training. You can put more time and energy into hitting Thai pads and bags and not feel drained faster. Whether in a fight within the ring or in a real-world combat situation, you will be able to last for a longer duration. It can take you some time to get used to road work, but once you are habituated you will not feel exhausted and like the way it has been able to improve your cardio training.
It conditions your body
Whether you are street fighting or having a combat in the ring, you need to put hours of training to be able to hold your own and find the stamina, speed, energy and gas to perform the moves at lighting fast speed. Alongside, you will also have to think on your feet and adapt and improvise in order to overcome your opponents. Road work helps condition your body immensely and prepares you to undergo the many hours of training that you need in order to perform to the best of your ability.
It refreshes your mind
Finally, running out in the open and taking in the fresh air and sunshine can work wonders for your mind and help freshen it up. It will break the monotony of indoor training and make you feel like you are also enjoying your days alongside. After all, mental health is as important as physical well-being and both are important in order to last a fight and prevail.
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