3 Essential Pieces of Kickboxing Equipment You Won't Want to Forget for Your Workout

Plenty has been said today about children not getting enough exercise, especially since an estimated two-thirds of American children go without physical activity on a daily basis. But for American adults, the figures are even worse. More than 95% of adults today aren't getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, and at least 80% do not meet guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities whether they're active or not.

If you're one of the adults looking to change your daily routine to include more exercise, then one way to do so is through kickboxing. This cardio workout is practiced by more than 6.31 million people ages six and up in the U.S. as of 2013, and many more are also learning the types of combat skills seen in mixed martial arts and other fighting competitions. Part of being successful in your workout, though, comes down to having the right sports equipment to help you out. If you're looking for kickboxing equipment, make sure you don't miss out on these three essentials.

• Heavy Bags: Also referred to as punching bags, kicking bags, or strike shields, these bags are designed to let you learn the moves of kickboxing competitors but in a safe way. In fact, at least 90% of combat athletes use one of these vertically hung bags to practice landing straight and hooking punches, so even the pros utilize this convenient kickboxing equipment. This type of sparring gear is essential for both gym and home workouts, and you can use them on your own, too.
• Gloves: To keep kickboxing participants safe, gloves are a necessity to help absorb impact. Whether you're sparring using heavy bags or practicing with another person, gloves prevent your hands from getting cut or bruised. These gloves are tailored to both men and women and often include gels and other materials to keep your hands cool. Some gloves are also weighted in order to give you a higher-impact workout that also includes some weight training, and it helps add force to punches.
• Headgear: Finally, when you buy kickboxing gear online, don't forget your headgear. Padded helmets are the most popular type of gear for the sport. To avoid serious injuries, make sure you have this important kickboxing equipment in your collection.

Need more advice on the kinds of kickboxing or MMA equipment you need to help you get fit? Be sure to contact us with questions.