The problem of being overweight is quite common these days. Nearly one billion people in developing countries are suffering from obesity, almost four times what it was in 1980. This has already set off alarms in the health departments of different countries as well as in the minds of the patients. The result: people are trying hard to remain fit. New procedures are emerging to help people get rid of the extra fat. Kickboxing is one such weight loss procedure, which has gained immense popularity in recent times for its effectiveness. However, the popularity has been accompanied by a number of myths about kickboxing, which need to be busted to ensure that people are aware of its reality.

  • Kickboxing is Extremely Difficult to Learn

This is one of the greatest myths about kickboxing. It is discouraging many potential participants from joining this sport. In fact, it is also damaging the reputation of the sport as well. In reality, kickboxing is not rocket science. Any person with the tiniest bit of fitness experience can easily master this sport within a short period of time. Therefore, anyone with a penchant for sports and fitness is able to start learning kickboxing.

  • Kickboxing has to be Started when you are young and is not for Older People

There is absolutely no age bar to start kickboxing. All you need for it is to want a fit body and the wish to master this sporting form. This sport is actually based on some of the ancient martial art forms. It helps to strengthen the muscles, and it also lengthens and softens the connective tissues, which makes it beneficial for all. No matter your age, you can always join a kickboxing class.

  • Kickboxing is Just as Good as Any Other Form of Cardio Exercise

It has been already proven that kickboxing has almost three times the effect of any cardio exercise. It reduces excessive fat and helps to do away with the problem of obesity. Moreover, an hour of kickboxing can help you burn as much as 700 to 900 calories. You can lose up to as much as 10 to 15 pounds in the first month itself. These figures depict results much higher than what other cardio exercises offer. Therefore, you can always join a kickboxing class to quickly get excellent results.

  • Kickboxing Causes a Lot of Injuries

Kickboxing classes are meant for kids and people of all ages. Therefore, the trainers are always alert to ensure that there are no injuries. Hence, they train to close the gaps and ensure that short strikes are made to neutralize the effects of kicks. Moreover, the punching bags are used in majority of the classes.

  • Kickboxing cannot be Accompanied with Gym Sessions

Kickboxing is a form of exercise as are gym sessions. Both of them are meant to keep you fit and healthy. Hence, both of them are likely to complement each other and help you reduce the maximum amount of weight in the minimum possible time.

  • Kickboxing causes Distraction and can be Disturbing for Students

Kickboxing follows the tricks and techniques of some of the most ancient forms of martial arts. Therefore, it focuses on strengthening both the mind as well as the body. The processes involved in kickboxing helps to strengthen focus and concentration, which is completely opposite to causing distractions. As the power to concentrate increases, it can actually help the students perform better in all spheres of life.

  • Kickboxing is Extremely Dangerous for most People

Kickboxing is, in fact, one of the most popular sporting disciplines that is being followed by a large number of people in recent times. It requires a high level of fitness, but it is no different from any other form of fitness. Hence, there is absolutely no danger involved in it. In fact, in the majority of the training centers, the trainers put a lot of stress on safety to ensure that the participants do not get hurt.

Kickboxing is turning out to be one of the most popular ways people are using to lose those extra pounds and help fight obesity. Its acceptance is growing with every passing day among the majority of people. Despite a large number of myths that have grown around it, kickboxing franchises are expected to grow in popularity in leaps and bounds in the years to come.

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Shannon “The Cannon” Hudson, founder and CEO of 9Round Franchising, LLC is the current IKF Light Middleweight Kickboxing Champion of the World. He won his title on October 1, 2011 with a 6th round TKO victory. He trains under legendary boxing trainer Xavier Biggs, brother of 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Tyrell Biggs. Shannon began martial arts at the age of seven, and has continued training ever since then. He has a 5th degree Black Belt in Japanese Shotokan Karate and a 4th Degree Black Belt under Joe Lewis’s Fighting System JLFS.