First days anywhere can be pretty nerve-wracking. The days leading up to your first kickboxing class are bound to be filled with a lot of excitement—and a side of anxiety. That’s completely normal. If you’ve never set foot in a martial arts gym before, it can be a little intimidating. That’s what we’re here to talk about today. The best way to calm your nerves before entering into a new environment is by preparing yourself.
Kickboxing is a full-body contact sport. It can be highly beneficial for your fitness and even mental health if you do it right and consistently. Once you get your first few sessions out of the way, you should learn new skills and enjoy yourself in no time.
Here’s everything you need to know before your first session:
What to Prepare
Rest, Water, and Power Meals
Whether your class is early in the morning, in the middle of the day, or later in the night, you should do your best to get some good quality sleep and rest the day before. If your first kickboxing class is your first foray into the world of fitness, you’re going to need your strength and focus. Of course, your instructor won’t make you do anything that’s beyond your capabilities, but you also want your body to be at total capacity.
At the same time, you should also hydrate well throughout the day. Drink plenty of water to make sure you’re ready for your class. When it comes to meals, eat something heavy no less than two to three hours before the session. You want to take time to digest and turn all those calories into energy.
Clothes and Equipment
You don’t need to worry about wearing too much, especially since it’s only your first class. A simple loose shirt and comfortable bottoms will do the trick. More importantly, you should prepare your gloves and wraps. The wraps will protect your hands and knuckles from all the punching.
As for the gloves, depending on the gym you go to, those may or may not be available for rent. Just to be sure, go out buy some quality gloves. It doesn’t have to be the most high-end ones. The most basic and affordable ones will work just fine.
What to Expect
Conditioning at Your Level
The most intimidating aspect of joining a kickboxing class might be the class itself. You’re probably worried about looking like an amateur or a total newbie, right? Here’s the thing, that’s perfectly fine. Everyone you meet in that class will start at the same place you did.
Kickboxing is doable for people of all skill levels. The most effective way to learn the sport and develop your fitness is by doing it at the proper pace. Your instructor will know just how much to push so that you still feel yourself progressing with the class without risking injury or anything else to you.
Core Workout
No matter what level you’re working from, expect an intense, sweaty, and productive workout. People usually assume that kickboxing is all about the kicks, punches, and the like because of its name. What you need to train to give those movements power is your core. Expect to move and engage your core in ways you haven’t done before or in a long time.
Summary
It’s understandable to be worried or intimidated before your first class. But kickboxing and MMA sports, in general, are about self-improvement. Most of the people you will meet at the gym, including the instructors, only want to help and see you succeed. And at Pride Martial Art Academy, you can rest assured that the environment is full of support and encouragement.
Pride Martial Arts Academy is a martial arts gym located in Clarence, New York. We teach fighting classes based on various disciplines like mixed martial arts (MMA), Jiujitsu, and more. Expect a warm and welcoming environment once you join our classes. We offer great facilities and a chance to learn alongside the best instructors. Sign up for a free class with us today!
