Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and is a beautiful martial art rooted in history. The practice can be traced back as far as the 16th century, though it is believed to have been around for far longer.
But what is all the fuss about? And why should you train Muay Thai for fitness in Thailand? Here’s everything you need to know…
Immerse yourself in the culture
One of the primary benefits of doing Muay Thai for fitness is to simply immerse yourself in the culture. Again, Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and is held in high esteem. By throwing yourself into this wonderful sport, you will be gaining a very unique insight into Thai culture.
Challenge yourself in ways you have never imagined
Training at a Muay Thai camp in Thailand is an incredible way to challenge yourself in ways that you can never have imagined. If you have been leading an otherwise sedentary life and you feel like you are in need of a new challenge, this is the sport for you.
Your trainers will test your endurance and encourage you to push your body to even greater heights. By the time that you have finished your training, you won’t even recognise yourself!
Gain a practical skill while getting in shape
One of the biggest things that puts many people off getting regular exercise is the fact that they find it boring. If you are one of these people who don’t see the point in training at a gym for the sake of it, and you would much prefer to be learning something at the same time, then practicing Muay Thai is highly recommended!
Not only will your body get some of the finest exercise available, but you will be gaining life-skills that will stay with you forever.
Train your entire body – and mind
Muay Thai training involves so much more than simply kicking and punching. Your typical training schedule at a reputable Muay Thai camp will include
- Running on the beach
- Shadow boxing
- Sand bag work
- Various Muay Thai techniques
- Sparring with other fighters
- Stretching out your muscles
- Swimming
- Running
- Jump rope work
- Pad work
- Clinching
Your trainers are not only interested in teaching you technique, but building your strength, increasing your agility, bolstering your endurance, and helping you become more mindful about how you treat your body.
Muay Thai is also a great way to detox and distract yourself. For those who may have had issues with drinking too much, or perhaps working too often, having a break from society and stepping into a Muay Thai camp is one of the most effective ways of hitting the reset button and reconnecting with yourself.
You will learn a lot about your own physical and mental capabilities, and we guarantee that you will feel all the better for it!
Make lifelong friends
Of course, one of the finest benefits of all is making friends along the way. From your trainers to your sparring partners, learning Muay Thai puts you through the ringer! The Muay Thai environment is built on trust and respect, and many lifelong friendships are forged in the flames of martial arts.
It’s so much better than normal boxing
In your typical boxing match, fists are only allowed. In Muay Thai however, punches and kicks are encouraged. This sport is so much more fun than traditional boxing because it allows much more variety and encourages the athlete to think more creatively, on their feet!
It’s great for the heart
There are few forms of training as good for the heart as Muay Thai! Given the variety of cardio-focused exercise involved, you will be sure to get the blood pumping, thus strengthening your heart.
That, and you will quite literally fall in love with the sport. Very few people can endure a Muay Thai training camp and come out the end of it not feeling totally and utterly smitten with the sport.
Muay Thai is so incredibly powerful!
Visit a new country
If you have never been to Thailand before and you are looking for an excuse to visit, you really cannot go wrong with Muay Thai. Certainly, Thailand is a beautiful country and worth visiting for any reason, but to go with the intention of training Muay Thai, learning a new skill, and resetting your mind and body, is the ultimate adventure!
It’s accessible to people of all ages and genders
Muay Thai is open for everyone! Practically every single Muay Thai gym will be open for men, women, and children. So, if you want to come along with your partner, or with your children, you’d be more than welcome to give it a go!
- Encourage discipline and focus
- Provide amazing exercise
- Build socialising skills
- Generate strength and agility
- So much more!
Encourage healthy eating
When training Muay Thai, you won’t have any room for bad habits. You will need all of the energy that you can get! So, if you have been looking to clean your life up, improve your diet, and nurture your body, you’ll find that training Muay Thai in Thailand will be an effective motivational tool.
It’s a spiritual practice
For many Muay Thai practitioners, it isn’t just a sport, but a way of life. Spirituality is heavily rooted in Thai culture in general, so it’s no wonder that spirituality finds its way into Muay Thai as well. If you have been yearning for belonging and crave answers, delving into the mystical beauty of Muay Thai could open you up to new beginnings.
Conclusion
We could talk all day about how amazing Muay Thai is. The fact is, you’ve got to try it to understand. So, if you are in need of some exercise but want to have some fun and learn something new, we urge you to come on down and give it a go for yourself!
