Runner? Hiker? Spartan / Tough Mudder racer? Muay Thai fits perfectly with that!

Understatement of the year: running is big in Thailand. But it’s big in the States as well, so the segue into Muay Thai training is already there!

Since I started working at NJ United MMA, I’ve seen some people sign-up for Muay Thai memberships while having almost no exercise experience at all. God bless those individuals – it takes guts to go from nothing and straight into a contact martial art like Muay Thai, even if you don’t elect to spar! However, other individuals who start Muay Thai have at least dabbled in some type of cardiovascular activity. Some have been runners. Others have enjoyed doing Spartan or Tough Mudder races. And still others have been hikers and healthy eaters looking for step-up in terms of mental and physical challenges. And I’ve heard a lot from positive feedback from Muay Thai first-timers like this. But I think the funniest (and maybe the most illuminating?), was from a young man who saw the martial art’s potency and said “This martial art is like . . . tobacco sauce. A little bit goes a long way!”

Some enjoy Muay Thai purely for cardio and technique, and others seek to eventually compete. But no matter what kind of practitioner you are, it’s vital to train with instructors and students who know how indispensable it is to have a big gas tank (i.e. awesome cardio)!

And yeah, I totally agree with that sentiment! I also agree with the reverse – that a little bit of running and cardio will put a much sharper edge on your Muay Thai technique. If you’re currently doing some form of cardio, you’re already set up to get the most you can get out of Thailand’s science of eight limbs. Yes, it’ll be a different type of cardio than you’ve ever done. No, your body won’t be “ready” for it, since nobody is truly “ready” for something they’ve never done. But so what? Muay Thai truly is the road less traveled, and that’s one reason why I have great respect for people traveling a road that is vaguely similar (due to the cardio-factor), and hitting the ground running in Muay Thai class.

Running and cardio sharpen your Muay Thai smarts, and vice versa. The synergy here is very potent, and the takeaway is huge. And honestly, even if you don’t plan on throwing heavy leather while competing in the ring, your cardiovascular system does need to be shaken-up sometimes. Before I started training Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there were times in my life when I was master of my cardio-routine, and I was getting nice results. But that was the problem. Nice was just nice, and I wanted something more than nice. When I took up Muay Thai training, I was no longer the master of my cardio-routine. The “master” then became a martial art of infinite potential and development. Long story short, I got in better, tougher shape than I thought I would, I had more straight-up fun than I thought I would, and I didn’t look back. I believe this is exactly what’s in store for any first-timer who slips on gloves with a can-do attitude!

JJ Mike

Come train at NJ United Mixed Martial Arts and take advantage of our 7-day free trial offer! Whether you’re an aspiring competitor or casual student, you will benefit from training in our friendly, professional, and ego-free environment. Call us at 973-638-1570 to schedule your first class, and visit us on the web at http://www.njunitedmma.com/ for more info.