Need of body coordination in a fight.

no power without a strong core

In my first kickboxing class, I was shown some basic punches and kicks. They looked pretty easy and Do-able! But when I tried to punch it came out with half the power with which it was demonstrated. I was giving the punch all the energy I had! But it looked like nothing. It was only after some practice did I realize that a good punch comes with body coordination. You need to use your torso to twist, legs to assist the torso movement and even your breath! The first few classes you’re forgiven all the wobbling that happens when you kick too.:)

A lot of kickboxing training includes building up of “core strength”. This is of utmost importance when it comes to body coordination in a fight! (Sometimes you don’t need an opponent to bring you down – tripping over yourself, losing balance is not uncommon!!).

All of our movements are powered by the torso–the abs and back work together to support the spine when we sit, stand, bend over, pick things up, exercise and more. The torso is the body’s center of power, so the stronger you are in that area, the easier your life will be.

When someone talks about the core, they’re referring the muscles deep within the abs and back, attaching to the spine or pelvis. Some of these muscles include the transversus abdominis (TVA), the muscles of the pelvic floor, the lats and the obliques, just to name a few. These muscles are where movement originates and it’s also the source of our stability (that explains all the wobbly kicks!). Whether you’re running, lifting weights or giving a round house, these ‘core’ muscles help keep your body stable and balanced.

Strong core muscles also keep your back healthy. They hold your body upright, improve your balance and enable you to really put some power in your arm and leg movements (read powerful punches and awesome kicks!). If the core muscles are weak, your body doesn’t work as effectively, and other muscles have to pick up the slack. This can result in injuries such as a twisted knee, a pulled shoulder, or your classic “bad back.” A weak core can make you old before your time. With a strong core, you may be old in years, but you won’t walk old. A strong core will aid your whole body will function more effectively during a fight.

To sum it up good core strength can help you with all of the below!

• Greater efficiency of movement
• Improved body control and balance
• Increased power output from both the core musculature and peripheral muscles such as the shoulders, arms and legs
• Reduced risk of injury (the core muscles act as shock absorbers for jumps and rebounds too!)

As a result you’ll end up with a good sparring session!