When it comes to boxing, there are so many elements to go into getting a fighter ready for competition or even training for amateur fights or just for enjoyment can take its tole on our bodies and leave us needing recovery.
CBD has been proven to be one of the leading natural pain killers in the market, replacing dangerous and addictive opioid pain relievers left right and centre.
CBD is far more than just a pain reliever for fighters though. It helps you to relax after training when you are wound up and tight and it can help your muscles and joints to recover effectively. It also helps with getting to sleep late at night and reduces anxiety.
CBD is so popular because it works and let us break down our favourite products for you here.
What we always look for in a CBD brand is that it is third party lab tested so we know exactly what we are getting, C02 Extraction to ensure there is no contaminants and solvents on the product and we look for good quality and value as well. We have franked the products in order of our favourites but we love the bundles at the end.
1. CBDmd (Best THC Free Oil)
CBDmd are a public company who sponsors many athletes including UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal and golfer Bubba Watson.
Their hemp is US grown having tried hemp from all around the world which is a testament to this hemp grown in Colorado. They offer Free And Fast Shipping Within The USA but don’t ship worldwide unfortunately.
CBDmd’s products are all completely THC free and they are competitively priced. You can go for a range of the different strengths and flavors to suit your tastes but we particularly like the natural flavour which grows on you over time.
Take the oil first thing in the morning and around 1 hour before bed or after training for the best effects and don’t forget to use Coupon Code: GREATHEMP at the checkout for a further 20% off.
Get The Best Price On CBDmd Here:
2. Nuleaf Naturals (Best Full Spectrum)
Nuleaf Naturals are the heavyweights of the boxing division and their full spectrum oils are a knockout success. Nuleaf Naturals have just started sponsoring the one and only P4P king Terence Crawford, so it is no wonder why we like them so much.
Nuleaf focus 100% of the energy on creating the best oil in the market. They don’t offer any other products and the resulting oil is a hit.
Nuleaf Produce Their Oils using the C02 extraction method and the hemp is grown in Colorado where they are based. These products contain under .3% THC so this is perfect if you need something a little stronger when you have picked up a knock or want to get a good night of deep sleep.
Get The Best Price On Nuleaf Naturals With Coupon: GREATHEMP
3. Joy Organics
Joy Organics are a family based company whose mission is to be the gold standard of the THC free CBD market.
They started in Colorado but now have multiple stores across the US including Austin,Texas.
The products are made with Max Bioavailability in mind, meaning that your body absorbs as much of the CBD as possible.
Joy Organics have a solid product range as well including gummies, oils and creams. You can get Joy Organics with 20% off using coupon: GREATHEMP.
Get The Best Price On Joy Organics Here:
4. CBDistillery
CBDistillery came into the Hemp game on a #CBDmission to save the community from over priced products. They saw that the market was overpriced and wanted to offer even better quality for a better price.
The result has been a resounding success and they offer a range of Full Spectrum, THC Free Creams, Isolate, Balms, Soft gels and Vegan Gummies to name a few
Get The Best Price On CBDistillery Here:
5. CBDmd Bundles
If you are anything like then you are always on the hunt for a deal and CBDmd have some of the best ones on the market. If you have never tried CBD before and you get to get a flavour of what to expect for a couple of different products, then check out the Rejuvenation Bundle by CBDmd.
You get to try out the Freeze cream for when you are sore after training. The oil first thing in the morning and in the evening and the gummies to microdose on throughout the day. When you buy as part of the bundle, you make a saving of over $20 and you can use Coupon Code: GREATHEMP for a further 20% off.
Get The Best Price On CBDmd Here:
The CBDmd Relax, Regroup, Recharge Bundle lets you test the regular cbd oil and specially formulated CBD sleep formula. Taking the regular one in the morning and the sleep one in the evening can be a great way to get the maximum benefits from CBD And they throw in a bath bomb as well if you are into that kind of thing.
6. CBDfx Bundles
CBDfx is another US company although they ship worldwide. They have some great flavoured CBD oils which are carried by a coconut based MCT oil which brings it’s own benefits.
CBDfx are veterans of the game and we particularly like their CBD Oil Tincture Bundle where you can try three tinctures at a reduced price and we also like the Topical bundle if you suffer with pain and muscle fatigue from training, It contains a cream and a balm at a reduced price that can be applied to the areas where you fell pain or any injuries you might be picking up along the way.
Don’t forget to use Coupon Code: GREATHEMP15
Get The Best Price On CBDfx Here:
Best Balms
If you are specifically looking for balms for injured muscles, strains or stiff joints, then the CBDmd Lifetime Balm Bundle is a great option to choose.
It contains both the CBDmd Freeze cream for any aches and pains as well as joint pain and the recover cream will help you to get back on your feet and ready for the next session.
You can also get both items with $20 for buying the bundle.
Get The Best Price On CBDmd Here:
Conclusion:
Boxing is one of the toughest sports on the planet and getting into the ring is no joke, no matter what the level is. We continuously push ourselves to the next level hoping to improve our game in the ring but it takes it’s tole outside the ring when rest and recovery becomes more crucial. CBDmd can help us to relax, recover and get a good night sleep. Check out CBDmd here.
How Important Is Running For Boxing? Everything You Need To Know
Boxing and running go hand in hand. The first thing that pops into my head when I think about boxers running is Floyd Mayweather putting in his miles while talking trash on a 24/7 show against his latest victim.
Indeed, running has gone hand in hand with boxing since the old days of Ali, Frasier, Leonard and Robinson and even beyond that, boxers run a lot of miles almost everyday and with good reason. It is great for the cardiovascular systems development and building the legs.
Running is a key element of boxing training because because it builds an aerobic foundation for to get in elite shape for boxing, it gives a fighter time to think and visualize their upcoming fights and it provides conditioning for the legs which will help fighters to stay light on their toes and fresher into the later rounds of the fight.
Boxers can put in a steady pace run everyday of 5 miles and upwards and they always follow that with a training session later in the day. In this article we will cover all the reasons why boxers run, how running effects the various cardio systems and other benefits of running for boxers. Finally we will answer some of the top questions around running that we get asked so let’s get started.
Why Running Is So Important For Boxers
Running for boxing is hugely important mainly because of its effects on the cardiovascular system. When a fighter goes on long runs, he is not only increasing his lung capacity, he is conditioning his body and mind also.
Training in the gym is obviously the most useful for fighters but running can increase a fighters long term endurance in the ring. If you want to last 12 rounds of constant action, you better be used to working for long periods of time without taking a break and that is what running will help a fighter with.
Running also engages the legs and develops the muscles, allowing the fighter to stay light on his toes around the ring and running even gives a fighter time to think outside of the gym while keeping his weight in check.
While the reasons and benefits are many, it goes without saying that running is a necessity for boxing and fighting in general and that is something that is not likely to change anytime soon.
Sprinting vs Jogging For Boxing
Sprinting and Jogging are both crucial for getting a fighter into the best condition possible. While almost all boxers will jog everyday, they may only do sprints 2 – 3 times per week. The reason why both are important is because they work on different aspects of the boxers conditioning that need to worked separately and outside of the gym.
The amount of time a boxer should put in in jogging depends on how long the bout is going to last so if it’s a short 3 round fight, you should be looking at more sprinting and less jogging while still getting 3 or 4 long runs a week for all the other benefits. If you are fighting 12 rounds, you absolutely have to be running 6 miles a day.
This comes down to our cardio systems:
The Aerobic And The Anaerobic Cardio Systems
One is responsible for steady state endurance over a long amount of time and that is the Aerobic System. Think about the bar in boxing games that goes down slowly. The Anaerobic system is designed for explosive bursts over a short period of time. This is the bar that runs down quickly in boxing games but also replenishes quickly.
So what does this mean for boxing?
While, steady state cardio will allow you to recover quickly over a longer time, so you are still fresh in round 10 or 11 while the boxer who hasn’t run is a yard off the pace. The longer you will be fighting for the more aerobic cardio you should do but there is also nothing wrong with being ready for 12 rounds if you are only fighting 3.
Anaerobic conditioning will allow to throw 10 punches in a combo in any round and have the ability to recover quickly. This is why explosive cardio like sprints and rowing and even swimming or spinning class but also strength exercises like lifting weights explosively and skipping are so effective.
Think of it like the old computer games we all played as kids. They always had 2 energy bars. One went down slowly over time while one reacted directly to the output of punches you were throwing. These represent the two cardio systems perfectly.
One exercise will not work one cardio system exclusively, it is more like a scale can that can be manipulated by increasing the intensity of the exercise.
Want to engage the anaerobic system more on your daily jog, increase the pace of the run. Want to engage the aerobic system more on sprint day, increase the length of your sprints.
What about Hill Sprints for boxing?
Hill Sprints are an excellent tool at a boxers disposable for really adding an extra intensity to the training as the fight gets closer. Hill sprints can be done in sets to ensure your aerobic system is not being tapped into but as the sets wear on and the times slow, the aerobic system will take over.
When I was fighting I would start with 5 Hill Sprints then 2 sets of 5 the following week, right up to 5 sets of 5 coming up to the day of the fight.
What About Interval Training, What is it exactly?
Interval training is when you mix steady state cardio and explosive cardio together. You get your rest during the steady state part and then push as hard as you can again for the anaerobic part.
You can incorporate interval training into all of your regular cardio. Jog for 50 seconds and sprint for ten or include 5 sets of 3 short burst sprints into your long run.
Spinning class is also another great way to achieve this with long steady state ‘hill climbs’ and then sets of down hill sprints.
You can also incorporate this into other exercise like rowing, swimming and pretty any other form of cardio you can think of but this is definitely worth doing.
What Other Non Boxing Cardio Should Boxers Do?
The ones we have listed are perfect but keep in mind that boxing is tough, you need to spend a lot of time in the gym training on every aspect of what you are doing in the ring that finding the time to do all the different forms of cardio you like.
That being said swimming is excellent at building up all the muscles in the body.
Hill walking can really tap into the aerobic system
Rowing is good at building the shoulders and sits nicely between aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
Cycling is good for building the legs.
All types of cardio is good for boxing and what types suit you the best might not necessarily be the ones you like the most but all in all cardio is crucial for boxing.
How Many Miles A Day Should A Boxer Run?
We reckon 5 or 6 miles is a lot for a boxer to be running a day but that is a professional. If you are an amateur fighting only 3 rounds, you should run 5 miles 3 or 4 times a week but focus more on building up your anaerobic system.
If you are fighting 12 rounds then 5 or 6 miles a day is a definite necessity.
Running vs Jumping Rope For Boxing
Jumping rope is another exercise that is synonymous with boxing. Jumping rope has a range of benefits. It works the steady state cardio system and the anaerobic system at the same time and you can easily change the intensity at any time.
It’s no surprise then that the one of the greatest boxers of the modern era Floyd Mayweather is also a master of the skipping rope, not only for cardio it allows you to work on your arm endurance, footwork, hand eye coordination and explosive jumping power.
Jumping rope is the closest cardio simulation you could have for moving around the boxing ring and throwing punches besides shadow boxing. You could easily include a couple of rounds of skipping into your warm to get the benefits and it is also kind of fun to do.
How Good Is Running On Treadmills For Boxing
Running on treadmills provides one key difference to running on the street and that is that you set the speed on the machine and then you have to run that fast.
You can use a fitness watch or phone app to track your progress as you run outdoors but that is not going to hold you accountable to the goals you set out before your run.
If you want to go and a high pace for a long time then a treadmill is the perfect place to do it and if you want to run at a set pace for long period of time, then a treadmill can also be good.
Running on a treadmill can be quite repetitive and I would recommend getting into the outdoors for your running as much as possible. Fill your lungs with fresh air and think about boxing and life.
Is Running Backwards Good For Boxing?
Treadmills are also very handy for running backwards. We would like to always be on the front foot in boxing but we know that isn’t always going to be the case. Running backwards not only really builds the calves but it allows you to practice throwing shots while moving backwards in the ring.
If you are an outside fighter who likes to keep their opponent on the end of long shots then you need to be running backwards to get use to the foot movement you will need to stay out of range as your more aggressive opponent rushes in to close the distance.
Running backwards is a great way to improve your conditioning and footwork.
Shuttle Runs For Boxing
Shuttle runs are an excellent condition tool for fighters. This involves a set of markers each at equal distance where a boxer will run and touch the first cone before returning to the base cone and he will then sprint to the second and back and so on until he has completed all 5 or 10 in the circuit.
This is excellent for conditioning, movement leg strength and flexibility. You are trying to move as fast as you can then you have to bend down and touch the floor and sprint back to the first cone as quickly as possible. It is working a lot of muscles and pushing the anaerobic system to its limit.
This is an exercise that is often overlooked but it is worth bearing in mind if you want a quality exercise in your training.
Sled Runs For Boxing?
Loading heavy plates onto a sled and pushing it as far as you can is a great way to build power in the legs and develop the anaerobic system for boxing.
Try doing 3 to 5 sets of runs as part of your training for an edge over your opponents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Boxers Run Long Distances?
Boxers run long distances to develop their aerobic conditioning which will allow them to stay fresh into the later rounds. The longer the fights duration, the more emphasis should be placed on long distance running.
Why Do Boxers Run In Hoodies?
Boxers run in hoodies in hoodies for two reasons. Number 1 is because it can help them to lose weight and number 2, because they might live in a cold climate. I used to run 5ks in a hoodie because it was cold in Dublin. A boxer may wear a lot of layers on their run if they are trying to lose weight.
Why Do Boxers Run So Early In The Morning?
Boxers normally run so early in the morning because they will have to go to the gym and train later in the afternoon or the evening.
Boxers are also hardworking folk and they want to get the job out of the way as early as possible and running in a fasted state is also becoming very popular.
How Many Miles Does Canelo Run?
Canelo is not the fastest runner in the boxing world, that’s for sure, but he still racks up 4-5 miles when he is in camp preparing for a fight.
He’s cardio has been called into question on occasion and he’s time are pretty poor so we think he may not be running with great intensity during those miles or maybe he is skipping the runs on certain days, who knows.
How many miles Does Floyd Mayweather Run?
Floyd Mayweather is infamously dedicated in running 6 miles a day at a blistering pace when he is getting ready to fight.
Floyd will run in jeans, boots, whatever he has on and 50 Cent told of how he started for the Miguel Cotto fight by running out of a strip club is Las Vegas in his jeans and boots and running all of the 6 miles home. Check out a video of Floyd running here:
What’s The Best Cardio For Boxing?
Running is right up there with the best cardio for boxing. Other quality cardio is boxing pads with a trainer or coach, and sparring is also going to be up there as the best for cardio because at the end of the day you are training for a fight so there is no better way to prepare than by sparring.
Is old school running still cool?
Old school running will always be cool! I think about some the great fighters of the past putting in their miles with a car behind them to set the pace or Floyd Mayweather’s senior making his son run behind the car on his way to school.
Old school running for boxing is very much the same as the new school although there is more science and supplements involved now than before. The actors have changed but the activity remains the same when it comes to running for boxing.
How many miles should a beginner boxer run?
If you are just starting out in the boxing then congratulations and we wish you well on your journey. How many miles you run is really up to your conditioning level but you may be surprised at how far you can run if you get up and get moving, which is the most important thing afterall!
Conclusions
Running is an absolutely essential element of any fighters game plan and if you want to get in the ring at any level you need to consider running as part of your game plan even if it is just to perform your best at training or if you are sparring.
Whatever your level running is a fun and effective way to improve your health and your cardio. Remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and we hope you picked up a few pointers for your own fight game.
Terence Crawford Nuleaf Naturals CBD Affiliate Deal Announced
The Benefits of cbd for every athlete in the world are becoming more and more apparent and there is a growing number of CBD companies affiliating themselves with some of the top athletes in the world.
P4p boxing star Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford is the latest high level athlete to sign an affiliate deal with Nuleaf Naturals who are themselves heavy hitters in the CBD industry.
These are exciting times for the CBD market and for athletes looking for a non toxic and fully natural supplement that can help with a huge range of aspects of a fighters life and training.
Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford
If you have been sleeping under a rock for the past 5 years, Terence Crawford is widely considered by many to be the top P4p boxer in the world.
Bud sprung to fame by becoming a world champion when he beat Ricky Burns in 2014 and went on to defend the title against the red hot prospect and 50 Cent managed Yuriorkis Gamboa where he dropped him multiple times before finishing him late in the fight.
If you are a fellow Boxing Addict then Terence Crawford, the Bud will need no introduction. He is currently 36 – 0 and a three weight world champ and has added big names like Amir Khan to his resume making him quit in their fight.
If you’ve been living under a rock, here is some highlights of Bud in action:
Crawford is an effective switch hitter, equally comfortable in the orthodox and southpaw stances. The 32 year old Omaha native is set for big show downs vs Manny Pacman Pacquiao, Vasily ‘Loma’ Lomachenko and Errol The Truth Spence to see who really is the best fighter in the world and as Boxing Addicts, we are standing by eagerly to see these fights happen.
Nuleaf Naturals – Full Spectrum p4p CBD Oil Kings
Nuleaf Naturals have grown quickly to become one the most respected CBD companies in the world. They focus 100 percent on full spectrum oils unlike many other companies who create all sorts of other products such as edibles, vapes, creams and everything else you can imagine to their customer base.
The result is that this Colorado based company offer the very best full spectrum cbd oil on the market today.
Colorado is well known for its hemp fields and producing some of the very best and sought after hemp in the world. This hemp is processed into the world famous CBD oil that we have come to know and love.
Get The Best Price Here With Coupon: GREATHEMP
Full Spectrum?
CBD comes from the same plant as cannabis but the main difference is that hemp contains less than .3% THC. THC is the substance responsible for getting you high.
Full Spectrum products use the full hemp plant and contain less than .3% THC.
Broad Spectrum products contain the full plant but the extraction method removes the THC and therefore you can be fully sure you won’t fail a drug test etc.
That being said, taking the recommended dose of Nuleaf Naturals will not make you fail a drug test as you can tell with Terence Crawford being affiliated with them.
It is however super important to go with a reputable company to ensure that there is not a much higher level of THC in the product which can lead to many problems.
We have no problem with THC and many fighters use marijuana but we do have a problem with people taking it against their will or knowledge, so always go with a reputable company that performs third party lab testing.
How does CBD work?
We have covered CBD for fighters in this article but lets take a brief look here again for clarity.
CBD works with the bodies endocannabinoid system. This is a set of receptors around the mind and body than maintain balance and homeostasis. The Endo system feeds on cannabinoids produced naturally in the body but also on phytocannabinoids introduced to the body through CBD oil and Also THC.
CBD is cannabinoid associated with healing and that is why CBD has sprung to prominence so rapidly.
Benefits of CBD for fighters
CBD comes with endless benefits for fighters which you may already be familiar with or not. By feeding the endo system with CBD, you can immediately tap into these benefits.
Recovery From Training
Boxers and fighters train harder than any other athlete, often multiple times per day and this can lead to our bodies getting broken down and our muscle tissue in need of repair.
CBD is well known to aid in the recovery process an is proven to reduce swelling and inflammation in the joints, allowing us to get back in the gym sooner and train harder.
Replacement For Opioid Based Treatments
Opioid based pain relievers have been widely used for as long as we can remember in recent history. These are addictive and can often lead to problems when mixed with other medications. CBD is a 100% natural, non addictive alternative that is proven beyond doubt to ease the pain of training hard and sparring etc.
Helps With Sleep
This is a deal breaker for many people to try CBD, it is extremely effective and helping you get some shut eye. CBD relaxes the mind allowing you to fall asleep more easily and in this world of constant noise from our smart phones and endless coffees, getting some sleep from recovery and rest is crucial, especially for fighters.
Calms Anxiety
CBD relaxes the mind and allows you to feel more calm. I know coming up to a fight, every fighter is on edge and not as relaxed as normal, maybe even Bud himself. You are just waiting for the fight to come on fight week. The hard training has been done and you just want to get in there and show your skills.
CBD can help to calm you down, keep you relaxed and help you to focus on your upcoming fight.
Want to try it yourself?
Nuleaf Naturals can be bought online with fast and free shipping in the USA and also worldwide shipping.
You can get a 20% discount when you use the Coupon Code: GREATHEMP at the checkout and if you want to give CBD a try, Nuleaf Naturals are one of the best around.
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Muay Thai For Females: 6 Reasons To Try It Out Today
The benefits of muay thai for females are really endless. Not only will you grow in confidence and learn how to defend yourself. You will also get in the best shape of your life. Before we get into the benefits, lets have a brief look at what Muay Thai is and what it involves.
Where did Muay Thai come from?
Muay Thai is an ancient Asian martial art that is extremely effective in combat situations. As you may guess from the name, it has it’s roots in Thailand. Muay Thai was used by the ancient province of Siam to defend to country from invaders. The soldiers carried two swords and used the Muay Thai stance. If they dropped the swords they would continue to fight with their bare hands and feet.
The Art of 8 Limbs
Muay Thai utilizes 8 Limbs in attacking and blocking attacks of the opponent. The Hands, Feet, Knees And Elbows are all used and different fighters will utilise the different tools available to win the fight. Some may heavily favour the hands and some may use teeps and roundhouse kicks to maximum effect.
Is Muay Thai Dangerous?
Muay Thai is a sport that can be enjoyed by everybody, from kids to seniors and definitely females. Walking into a gym, the trainer will be able to quickly tell your level. You will more than likely work on pads, bags and practicing moves with a partner until you are ready to properly spar. This may take 6 months or less depending on your experience going into the sport. Yes, Muay Thai is dangerous but only when you get to a level where you are hard sparring or fighting but this will take time and a coach of any standing will never ever throw you in at the deep end.
Ok Now We Are Onto The Benefits
Excellent For Fitness
It would be very difficult to find a sport that will tone your body more than Muay Thai. A single class can burn over 1000 calories and Muay Thai fighters are some of the best conditioned athletes in the world. Muay Thai uses every part of the body so you will get toned in all parts of your body. If you are thinking of taking up muay thai to lose some weight, you will not be disappointed. Like everything in life, the more you stick at it, the better you will get and the more weight you will lose.
Talking about fitness, it is not just about losing weight. You will also get toned in every part of your body. Muay Thai fighters are well known for incredible conditioning and immense 6 packs. It wouldn’t be surprising for a muay thai fighter to run a marathon without specific training either, such is the level of conditioning that can be achieved.
Self Defence
The world can be a dangerous place for males and females. Learning a martial art is the best way to overcome any fear or anxiety of being attacked. Of course, you won’t become Joanna Jedrezcyck over night but if you stick at it, you will build up some very effective moves very quickly.
Since Muay Thai was once used to defend Thailand it is definitely effective in a self defence situation. The use of all the limbs makes it very difficult for someone who is untrained to defend against the variety of strikes. Jiu Jitsu is also very effective and wont do any lasting damage to the attacker.
Confidence
Being able to defend yourself is always going to build your confidence and make you fell good and that is a great benefit for any women who are lacking in confidence. This is also boosted by getting in better shape, pushing your boundaries and learning a new skill. I believe everybody should learn some form of martial arts and self defence as children to build confidence and help them grow into healthy adults.
For people who suffer from anxiety or are generally shy, Muay thai is a great way to express yourself and build your character. The confidence you gain from the art of muay thai can be hugely beneficial in all of your life.
Make Friends and Memories For Life
Muay Thai isn’t just a martial art it is a way of life and on your journey you are bound to make some friends for life. If you take up muay thai seriously you will be surrounded by some of the nicest and most genuine people on the planet and are likely to make some friends for life. If you are lucky enough to visit a traditional muay thai camp in Thailand for a holiday, it will be one of the best experiences of your life. Thailand is known as the land of smiles and is virtually always sunny. The advances you can make in Muay Thai by taking a trip to Thailand is invaluable.
Quality For Stress Management
If you work in an office environment or have a lot of stress in your life, Muay Thai is a fantastic way to unwind and release you stress. Hitting bags and pads as hard as you can really help to alleviate stress, anxiety and all the problems that go hand in hand with life. It’s not just hitting things as hard as you can, exercise releases endorphins in your mind that can help to improve your mood, prevent disease and give you a better quality of life.
Structure and Discipline
If your life carries you away sometimes and you find yourself eating bad food or ending up in clubs at the weekend, Muay Thai can be a great way to add focus and discipline to your life. On the days you are training, you will need to keep your diet clean and this can easily spill over into the rest of your life. When it comes to going out drinking too much and making bad life choices, not wanting to sacrifice the gains you made during the week will help you to stay on the straight and narrow.
The physically hard work and tough physical effort builds character and that helps you to grow as a person.
Have Fun And Live Your Best Life.
As I’ve said, you may end up as an amateur, pro or even world champion in muay thai but one thing is for sure, if you get into Muay Thai, it will be a life time love and you have great fun along the way. Muay thai caters to all skill levels and types of people. If you are on the fence about trying the sport, I would definitely urge you to get involved and have a great time learning, building and growing with this incredible sport.
What do women wear in Muay Thai?
Muay thai is a simple sport it take up, all you need is a pair of shorts and a tshirts to get started. As you progress, you can invest in the various, epically designed muay thai shorts, gloves and all the other accessories for an improving fighter. Do not worry about the gear when you are getting started, just get down to a quality gym and get going as soon as you can.
CBD has become increasingly popular over the last number of years not just in sports but also across all aspects of health and wellness. There appears to be a growing body of evidence that CBD, which can come from the cannabis or hemp plant will help to alleviate pain along with many other benefits. What you typically need to look out for is the THC percentage. The farm bill of 2018 stated that CBD products with less .03% THC are to be classed as hemp and are therefore legal.
Can UFC Fighters Use CBD In Competition
UFC fighters can now use CBD in competition, but this was not always the case. CBD was a banned substance for UFC up to 2018 but it is no longer banned. Marijuana is still a banned substance for UFC fighters.
Supplementation Risk For Fighters
Since CBD can be extracted from high THC plants or Low THC Hemp plants, you need to be careful that you don’t test positive for THC when you fight as THC is still banned substance in the UFC and in your workplace.
What Can CBD Or Hemp Oil Help Fighters Out With
CBD oils, creams, capsules, vapes and edibles are all purported to aid with Pain, Anti- Inflammation, Anti-Stress, Relaxation, Insomnia, Anxiety, Epilepsy and a whole host of other issues.
Fighters will generally use CBD oils and products to help with pain and inflammation. MMA fighters train hard in multiple disciplines so ongoing pain is something they are going to have to get use to if they want to train at a high level or compete.
Managing pain, muscle soreness, inflammation, back pain, pain in the neck or in the knees is why a lot of fighters will turn to CBD for its healing properties.
CBD for insomnia in Fighters
A lot of fighters will take CBD before bed in order to get a good nights rest and the reviews of many products on Amazon on the likes, give very good reviews of CBD and Hemp oil really working to help get a good nights sleep
CBD Oil Vs Opioid Based Pain Killers
When it comes to the main benefits of CBD for fighters, the fact it is an alternative to dangerous opioid based pain killers is a major one. Opioid based pain killers have often led to big problems when mixed with other drugs or alcohol consistently has led to fighters losing their lives.
The last thing a professional fighter needs to deal with it a possibly debilitating addiction to these highly addictive painkillers.
CBD is a natural and clean way to get your pain down. Opioid and prescription based pain killers are a major issue modern sport and they are full of toxic materials while CBD is a naturally occurring plant that has very limited negative effects.
Does It Actually Work?
You are probably wondering if CBD works and I can positively tell you that it does. Having personal experience with CBD I have seen first hand its positive effects. Not only that but I am joined by a community of thousands of people professing to having great experience with CBD and Hemp Oil.
I am not alone in my praise of CBD as a fighter. UFC fighters Nate Diaz and Bas Rutten are major proponents of CBD in the fight game while Boxing world champion Charlie Edwards credits CBD Oil with his rise to the top.
How Does CBD Work?
Cannabis and hemp plants contain over 120 cannabinoids of which CBD is one and THC is the other. The THC that occurs in the plant is what brings about that high feeling which is psychoactive. CBD on the other hand does not have an psychoactive effects but it reacts with the human body in a unique and effective way.
CBD And The EndoCannabinoid System
The Human body has an endocannabinoid System which reacts in a specific way to different cannabinoids within the body. Some cannabinoids are produced within the body and others can ingested orally and with a cream, vape or edible to stimulate a certain reaction in the body. CBD’s interactions with the endocannabinoid system seems to produce a calming effect that soothes muscles soreness, relieves join aches and pains, relives pain especially chronic pain and has great a effect on muscle inflammation. CBD is also said to have a positive effect on more serious illness such as Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, ADHD, Cancer, Anxiety and Insomnia to name a few.
How Do Fighters Take CBD
Whether you are a fighter or just train regularly, finding the best way to get your CBD dosage may be of importance to you and there a number of ways you can you daily fix.
CBD Oil
The most common way to take CBD is in oil tinctures. These enable you to place a couple of drops under your tongue where it can be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream so you can get the mg’s of CBD into your body. CBD oil can also be dropped into your tea or coffee or placed onto your food. Dropping under the tongue will be the most effective.
CBD Soft Gels And Capsules
This is probably the most efficient way to get your CBD and it takes the taste of the CBD oil of the picture. Some CBD oils do have a strong taste and by taking an everly increasing CBD softgel you know exactly how much your are getting and you can get your dosage easily. Many people will take two in the morning and two before bed or after training but it depends on what your daily dosage will be.
CBD Or Hemp Creams
CBD and Hemp Creams can be rubbed onto the muscle, bain, neck or any other area that is causing the athlete pain and they can seek to get some relief with that. If you are looking for a quality cream to relieve any pain from your training, make sure you get product that is well reviewed and contains cbd as opposed to hemp seed oil which is cheaper and not effective.
Check Out Our Top 10 CBD Products Here:
CBD Edible And Snacks
There are a wide array of CBD edibles and Drinks on the market now. You can get CBD chocolate, coffee, Gummies, Teas and so on. The Effect that you get from the CBD should be similar to taking the oil and capsules but it will taste delicious.
CBD Vape
Some fighters like the infamous Nate Diaz press conference where he was vaping CBD to recover after a tough fight. Nate Diaz has also infamously been banned for marijuana although most are of the opinion that it is not a performance enhancing drug for combat sports.
Some companies like CBDfx even have specific Muscle rub creams that athletes can use aid in their recovery and get them ready for the next training session. Whatever you do, don’t cheap and get a product that is well reviewed.
The UFC star is sponsored athlete by Green Roads CBD and he is an avid supporter of athletes using cbd to recover from the hard training they endure.
Charlie Edwards
Charlie Edwards is a UK based world champion boxer and avid supporter of CBD. He argues that CBD changed his outlook on life and he has a paid sponsorship with Love Hemp UK. Charlie looks set to have a long run as a champion and is a great champion for CBD.
Bas Rutten
UFC Legend Bas Rutten Loves CBD and he appears in many videos professing his love for the effect of the substance on him and other fighters that he is around. He is another very successful fighter in a long line of combat athletes who can’t speak highly enough of including CBD in their training and recovery schedules
Shannon Briggs (Lets Go Champ!)
Shannon ‘The Cannon’ Briggs is a louder than life character who once fight against Vladimir Kiltschko and lost on points, Briggs has stayed in great shape into his 40’s and still calls out a top level fighter every now and again. He is also a big advocate for using Hemp oil as a recovery aid for fighters.
The Future of CBD in Combat Sports
CBD and Hemp oil are look set to have a rapidly expanding impact on the world of combat sports. Hemp is growing at a tremendous rate across all of Northern America and Europe and more and more fighters are catching onto the tremendous benefits that are offer with the plant.
TOP CBD Brands
There are a few top CBD brands that we would recommend for to you have a look at and consider as part of your combat sports training. Any CBd companies that we recommend we will have tried and tested. We only promote products we believe in and have been reviewed well be hundreds if not thousands of People.
CBD Fx is one of the most popular and heavy hitting CBD companies out there and they have a wide range of products for you choose from:
CBD Oil
CBD Tinctures
CBD Cream
CBD Muscle Rub
CBD Vape And Vape Kits
CBD Edibles Including Delicious Gummies
CBD Capsules
CBD For Pets
CBD Drinks
This wide range is hugely popular in The US and has 100’s of reviews for you to chose from.
CBDfx have a great of quality CBD products which are all under .03% THC. You need to be a bit careful with this product and drug testing as it does contain THC is small dosages but if you take the recommended dosage you should be fine.
If you need a THC high quality cbd source, look no further than Joy Organics. They have a quality range of products and are all third party tested to be THC free.
CBD Pure
CBD Pure is a well know CBD oil brand that comes in a variety of different strengths allowing you to take a mild, medium or strong dose as required. The higher the dose the more expensive but CBD pure have some great offers on their website for you to choose from.
CBD Pure is a quality brand and you can trust well in their products. This is further backed up by 100’s of positive Reviews on Their Website.
Joy Organics
Joy Organics produce wonderful hemp based products and it may be of significant notice to those willing or training to compete as it contains zero THC and definitely wont show up in your system under any drug testing. The products are well renowned for being effective and of a high quality.
Ramina Hemp is a USA Made CBD cream that has shown to be very effective for Neck, Back and joint pain but also highly effective for muscle soreness and chronic pain. Ramina is a best seller on Amazon and you check out the endless positive reviews of the product on Amazon.
Greenford Hemp Cream
This is also an intensive Hemp Cream that be used to aid fighters and athletes in their daily recovery from tough trainings sessions which push them to their limits every day. This Strong cream contains 1000mg of quality hemp oil along with Turmeric and MSM making a very effective solution for dealing with inflammation from training. This product is available at $25 so we think it is well worth a try.
VIRIDIAN PEAKS THERAPEUTIC GRADE OIL
Veridian Peaks packs a strong punch with 25,000 MG of quality hemp in every 60ml bottle. Viridian Peaks is well know as a best selling cbd oil that is
again very well reviewed on Amazon and can be purchased there with very fast delivery. It is best to take Veridian Peaks oil with 2 drops under the tongue once or twice daily depending on your required dosage.
If you are just beginning your Muay Thai experience, I would like to congratulate you. You made a great choice. No matter if you want to improve your physique while getting some knowledge in self-defense and fighting, or you desire to follow a professional path, Muay Thai will not disappoint you. Before you experience your first training, however, you need to be well prepared.
In the overflowing market for martial arts gear, it is often difficult to choose the most suitable equipment. For a diverse martial art like Muay Thai, you will need a lot of specialized gear. The purpose of this article is to bring more insight to anyone who wants to have the ultimate experience beginning their training.
Below, I will cover all the most important aspects of Muay Thai gear, I will briefly explain the different styles of Muay Thai, and I will give you my personal and professional experience on every bit of information. After reading this article, you should be ready to begin your own path.
I myself have trained Muay Thai for a number of years, although as a part of my MMA training. After all, it has been one of the most preferred martial arts in recent years, both separated or in MMA. No matter what you choose, I would suggest that you do not miss out on any of the information given below.
What gear do you need for Muay Thai?
As I already mentioned, Muay Thai is one of the most diverse martial arts. I will start with the essentials and then continue with gear that is useful but not entirely necessary in the beginning. However, I suggest that you consider every bit of equipment as everything listed below will help you improve while providing extra protection and efficiency.
Muay Thai Gloves
You already know gloves will be your first and most important purchase. Having all the other equipment you will need, everyone wants to find the most suitable pair and not something expensive that they will regret in the future. Now, there are a few types of Muay Thai gloves such as Sparring gloves, Clinch gloves, and Bag gloves. However, your best choice will be the all-in-one training gloves.
Ideally, many people tend to use regular boxing gloves for Muay Thai and the opposite when changing martial arts but this is not so often suitable. Muay Thai gloves allow you to open your hands easier and get a good grip during a clinch. This is the main difference that you should really know about. I have used both types during a Muay Thai training, and I would definitely recommend getting proper authentic gloves for the particular martial art. The differences may seem small, but trust me, it is worthy choice.
Muay Thai gloves come in a variety of sizes. It mainly depends on the individual to choose the weight but there are a couple of suggested sizes depending on the type of training. For example, as with any other martial art, for sparring, I would suggest heavier gloves between 14 and 18oz. The heavier the gloves, the more protected your partner will be, and you as well. This is because the weight will ideally make your punches slower and the additional padding will provide extra safety.
To be honest, outside of my sparring sessions, I used lighter gloves – 10 or 12oz. This served for improving technique and speed. In addition, light gloves from quality brands also have enough padding and protection. Of course, this means that you need more than a single pair but you will see that with time, you will have a lot more than one or two pairs.
If you plan on following a professional career path, you need to know that regularly professional Muay Thai matches are played with light gloves between 8 and 10oz. It usually depends on the weight category. It is normal for lightweight fighters to use 8oz gloves while heavy fighters would rather go with 10oz or so.
With this said, I wouldn’t recommend training with 8oz gloves unless you plan on doing light bag/pad work. Otherwise, you will not have enough protection and although you may not feel it on the moment, it is not safe for your long-term physical health.
Material
With Muay Thai, you can expect to throw a great lot of punches. What you need, are gloves that will endure these heavy pieces of training. Genuine leather continues to be the most preferred choice by professionals and coaches as it is the most endurable type of gloves.
If you go deep enough in your searches, you may be able to find gloves from synthetic materials that are considerably efficient but my opinion is that the industry has not yet improved as much to offer a decent replacement to genuine leather gloves.
Besides endurance, there is one more key factor that should make genuine leather gloves your final choice. It is practically the same with shoes – synthetic leather will make you sweat a lot more. With genuine leather, it is quite the opposite and your hands will breathe a lot more. No one wants to have smelly gloves and hands all the time.
Velcro or Lace-up
These are the two versions for Muay Thai gloves you can choose from. Both have their ups and downs and it once again depends entirely on you to choose what suits you most.
If you do not plan on training by yourself and your gym mates won’t get pissed off lacing uo your gloves every time, I would suggest that you can consider lace-up gloves. They fit a lot better and are tighter around the wrists. This way, they are a lot safer than Velcro gloves. The only issue with these is that you need someone else to tighten your laces. The vast majority of amateurs and pros alike will use velcro and lace up for fights.
As for Velcro gloves, you do not require any assistance. They are easy to put on and off but are far looser. I wouldn’t suggest using Velcro gloves for heavy bag/pads training as your wrists will not be as protected. In addition, you could easily scratch your partner during your sparring sessions. I know this does not sound like a serious injury but it is definitely not anything pleasant.
Hand Wraps
Similar to my MMA Gloves Guide, I will take some time to express my opinion on the importance of hand wraps. I think no one should begin training without putting on some hand wraps under the gloves. Although you will most likely be using heavier gloves, they will never be sufficient enough to fully protect your hands.
They will prevent your wrists from breaking, you can wrap them around your knuckles, and something I mentioned above, your gloves will not get smelly. Here is my favorite video guide to hand wrapping. It is not hard to do but you want to do it correctly, otherwise, the whole effect will not be as sufficient.
There are two types of wraps to choose from – elastic cotton and non-elastic cotton. Obviously, the elastic ones are flexible and a lot more convenient. However, I would definitely suggest non-elastic cotton wraps for long training sessions as they will get loose after a far longer period of time.
Mouth Guard
I have seen a lot of people around me express their disappointment with how expensive good mouth guards are. Although I feel the same way, I think that having your teeth knocked out will make you regret not spending the extra cash.
In fact, I wouldn’t recommend training without mouth guard to anyone, beginner or an already experienced fighter. Simply spend the extra $15-20 and ensure your safety. It’s a contact sport, you will need it. There are, of course, custom mouth guards which are made for your teeth. It is always the best decision to have something that fits you perfectly but I wouldn’t say it is necessary. However, if you have a lot of money to spare, consider getting a custom one, they usually cost around $80-100.
Shin Guards
Although this piece of equipment will be used mainly during sparring, I think it is essential. There are people that train for fun and miss out on this part of the whole experience. However, I still believe that shin guards are useful and will be required at least once at some point.
My personal favorite brand for shin guards has to be Top King. Although I have owned only one pair by them, I have tried out different models and by other brands as well. In the end, you need to find something that fits your leg and is not too small. Besides that, you need to be sure that they will protect the feet and shins. Smaller ones are simply pointless.
Although I do not find the Muay Thai shorts a necessity, I am still placing them in the essential items. This may be due to the fact that I have been mostly an MMA fighter. I think we all know how good it feels when you look professional while doing a specific action.
It is the same with martial arts equipment. You will look a lot more dedicated if you wear your own Muay Thai shorts rather than regular athletic shorts. Most large and renovated gyms have their own sportswear so you can expect to receive something with their logo.
If, however, you want to have your own authentic shorts beforehand, I would most definitely suggest Yokkao as your go-to brand for Muay Thai shorts. I have had two pairs overall and both were by this brand.
Ankle Wraps and Knee Pads
I am putting these two together as both depend entirely on the individual. I think these two are unnecessary for a beginner unless you have problems in these areas or simply want extra safety. Additionally, ankle wraps could make you feel more stable during a fight.
I myself have always used knee pads simply because I suffered an injury on both knees in my late childhood. You need to ensure that they are the correct size. Therefore, I would suggest that you choose these in a physical store rather than an online store. Same goes for the ankle wraps as a pair too tight will affect your blood circulation.
If you haven’t got any injuries, I would rather say that these two are not a necessity. With a good coach, you will learn how to move and control your legs properly, and I doubt that you will have any problems in these areas.
Headgear
This is another piece of equipment that I think is situational based on your personal safety expectations. I would recommend a boxing headgear for people that have a lot of sparring sessions. Otherwise, I think it is a waste of money for a beginner.
Muay Thai Kick Pads
I am sure you have already watched training videos or have seen someone train Muay Thai. Therefore, you should know that Muay Thai pads are most likely the most essential piece of equipment for training. These pads are divided into training techniques. For example, there are Leg Kick Pads, and there are Focus Mitts.
These essential pads are always available in the gym but there are those that prefer to have their own at home. I myself have never owned any but if I could return to my first steps in MMA, I would definitely purchase some. After all, training with friends at home or in nature was one of my favorite activities.
Here are a couple of videos I found very useful about pads. Since I will not focus on the different types of pads here, I suggest that you take a look if you feel like you want to purchase any.
What are the different styles of Muay Thai?
In the beginning, you will not get too involved with the different styles of Muay Thai. Before anything else, your coach will begin with the basics. However, with time, you will realize that there are not simply one or two fighting styles in this martial art.
Muay Tae
This style focuses mainly on kicking techniques during training. It is a style that has the purpose to destroy the opponent with a continuous wave of heavy kicks all over the body.
Muay Mat
This style is most likely the most aggressive as it has the purpose to take out the opponent as fast as possible with a series of heavy hits, mostly in the head. Fighters who have this style are very endurable when it comes to getting hit as well. Their only aim is to knock out the enemy, no matter the damage or injuries they will have to suffer at the same time.
I could easily say that this is my favorite style of Muay Thai as it is aggressive and straightforward. I think it could easily become your favorite too, simply check out this video of one of the greatest Muay Mat fighters, who sadly passed away – Ramon Dekkers.
Muay Khao
The third popular style of Muay Thai is Muay Khao. Ideally, fighters here spend a lot of time searching for a clinch and inflicting damage with their knees. I do not know many fighters who train in this style but I do know how destructive knee techniques are. Besides that, they grant you a lot of points during a professional fight.
Muay Femur
I am leaving the most complicated style last – Muay Femur. Widely known as the King’s discipline, this style encompasses every type of technique in this sport but mastered to perfection. Fighters who have mastered this style are an absolute treat to watch. They are great tacticians, they know how to get out in dangerous situations, and how to escape injuries.
What is the Best Muay Thai Brand?
As with every other martial art or any sport, the market is overflowed with brands and products. Although there are many new additions on the market that are continuously rising to fame, I will focus on the usual go-to brands that I am used to and experienced with.
If you ask any professional, they will most likely tell you a name between Fairtex, Yokkao, Top King, etc. I would say that it all depends on the individual, as with almost everything else. For a beginner, I would easily suggest something by the most renowned brands. They definitely stand out and produce really high-quality products that are efficient and endurable.
My personal favorite brand has always been Venum. This applies to both Muay Thai and MMA gloves that I have previously owned. I have hardly ever had a better experience. At the same time, the next person you ask may tell you that he hates Venum. It is all individual according to experience. My suggestion is to try out as many as you can during your training. I have never been a person to stick to one brand, my gloves, and equipment usually varied with each purchase.
Why are Muay Thai shorts so short?
People have been widely pushed away from Muay Thai shorts due to their length. Honestly, it is simply a tradition. You realize you do not necessarily need to wear them high. When you think about it, they are not overly short, or at least that is my opinion. You do not want to restrict your movement with kicks and knees also.
I think they provide enough airflow so that you do not overheat during training, and at the same time you can show off the progress in your legs to your peers in the gym. Think positive, Muay Thai shorts are a great authentic addition to your equipment, although they are not a necessity.
What should you wear on your first Muay Thai class?
I am sure that you will be both excited and a little bit frustrated before your first class in any martial art. With Muay Thai, the first class includes a warm-up, usually shadow-boxing, and some techniques and punches that the trainer will teach you.
Naturally, you should either wear your most comfortable athletic shorts and shirt, or your authentic Muay Thai shorts. As I mentioned, all gyms will have every piece of equipment you may need. This means that they will most certainly have shin pads, gloves, etc. that you may use. However, I would really suggest that you already have your own pairs of everything before you decide to experience your first training.
Most importantly, do not eat too much beforehand and bring a lot of water.
Final Thoughts
I wish I could go back to my first day of training and experience everything once again. If Muay Thai is your first martial art, I cannot tell you how amazing you will feel after your first class. It is a brand new world that you will enter and it will certainly change your life if you continue training.
I feel like you should now be ready to purchase the most suitable equipment for yourself. Before you go, let me give you one last tip. I would recommend that you make your orders online with at least the larger portion of your equipment. This is due to the fact that physical stores have a lot of added costs and I think you have a lot of equipment to go through.
In addition, your gym will most certainly try to sell you either their own branded equipment or professional gear by famous brands. Stay as far as possible from these offers as they naturally could even double your costs.
With this said, we went through all sorts of the necessary gear, you learned about the different styles of MMA, and I discussed a few popular beginner questions. Make sure you give the videos I shared a look, you will learn a lot more about the different aspects of this martial art. As for the different brands, I think that you will find your favorites as you gain experience.
In the end, I have to say one thing. If you have the opportunity, get the more expensive pieces of gear – in martial arts, the most popular brands are a few and they truly have the best equipment. Never settle for the cheap equipment, in a combat sport you need to stay safe and protected.
