Muay Thai Training with Resistance Bands
With the advancements in sports science and research, athletes and trainers around the world have incorporate various training methods to achieve the best performance. Muay Thai has jumped on the wagon with camps both inside and outside of Thailand supplementing traditional trainings with various strengthening/conditioning exercises. Other than kettle bells, medicine balls, and various plyometrics exercises, one tool, in particular, has found its way into Muay Thai gyms around the world. It is none other than the resistance band, which is gradually becoming a commonplace equipment as part of a fighter's training routine.
The history of resistance band is well-documented with origins from the late 19th century. Elastic bands were introduced around the mid-20th century and became very popular with martial arts training over the past decade. A key reason for its popularity in Muay Thai and many combat sports is that it integrates almost seamlessly with traditional training methodology.
Here are some of the main benefits of incorporating resistance band into Muay Thai training:
- By adding resistance to regular exercises, intensity of the training is increased which naturally lead to better productivity and performance.
- Outside of the Muay Thai gym, resistance band is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide variety of strength and conditioning exercises to work different parts of the body.
- Resistance bands are very affordable and widely available in sporting goods stores everywhere. These make them great additions to every gyms.
- Resistance bands are light, small, and great for travel purposes. Pack a band, a jump rope, and it's an all-rounded training routine that can be taken anywhere, both indoors and outdoors.
Resistance band training can be done alone or with a partner/trainer by incorporating them into shadow boxing, bagwork or even padwork. Different levels of resistance are available. For solo work, resistance bands can be anchored to a heavy kettle bell. By increasing the intensity gradually and warming up adequately before each training, unnecessary injuries can be minimized. With so many benefits, it's time to mix it up at the gym with some resistance bands and jazz up the training routines. It's time to unleash the best!
