Kickboxing and Boxing Improved My Mental Health | Bxrank Post

Jab, cross, hook, uppercut! You may be familiar with those terms -- they are examples of the types of punches used commonly in kickboxing and also boxing.

Over the past few months, I’ve taken several kickboxing classes, and just recently a trial boxing session. I am by no means an expert, but I wanted to share my experiences with you.

Most of us know how beneficial exercise is to mental health. When we exercise, we generally feel better about ourselves, and we are less likely to have other health issues if we exercise frequently.

For people with conditions like depression and anxiety, studies have proven exercise helps relieve at least some symptoms.

I have personally felt the benefits of kickboxing and now boxing. As a nearly lifelong sufferer of depression (and some anxiety), I have tried many forms of exercise to try and help my mental and physical health.

I have found kickboxing and boxing to be the best workout, and I’ve felt the most relief after engaging in these activities.

For me, besides depression and anxiety, I suffer from stress, anger, frustration and irritability sometimes on a daily basis, so having a workout that allows me to punch and kick is a great way to relieve all of those emotions and feelings in a positive outlet.

The mental boost I've experienced is matched by the strength I feel in my body. I've also been able to lose weight through kickboxing and other workouts -- the kickboxing classes I took gave me more motivation to take my fitness seriously, and allowed me to enjoy myself as well. 

Besides being able to punch, kick and let out frustrations, the idea of doing group classes or one-on-one sessions (or even workout videos) on a consistent basis gives me a sense of accomplishment.

I have learned new skills and have a new passion to talk about with other people. It gives me something to look forward to, which is a mental boost in itself.

Also, doing a traditionally “masculine” workout is empowering to me. It makes me feel more powerful, strong, and able to defend myself if I ever had to.