Surprising Ways Kickboxing Helps Mental Health

1. Kickboxing Enhances Your Mood

Kickboxing is a great way to improve your mood.

When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Kickboxing is not only physically challenging, but mentally challenging as well, as you learn new kickboxing techniques and combinations, you're also challenging your brain and building mental resilience. This can lead to a greater sense of confidence and self-efficacy, which can have a positive impact on your overall mood and well-being.

 

2. Kickboxing Provides Stress Relief

Kickboxing is a great stress reliever.

When you're punching and kicking a heavy bag or pad, you're releasing a lot of pent-up energy and tension, which can help you feel more relaxed and calm.

According to a study published in the Journal of Sport Behavior, participants who engaged in kickboxing reported lower levels of stress and higher levels of self-esteem than those who did not. In fact, many fitness professionals and mental health experts recommend kickboxing as a stress-relieving activity.

 

 

3. Kickboxing Improves Cognitive Function

In addition to boosting your mood and reducing stress, kickboxing can also improve your cognitive function. This is because kickboxing fitness requires a high level of mental focus and concentration.

As you're performing various kicks, punches, and combinations, you're also engaging your brain and building neural pathways.

Over time, this can lead to improvements in cognitive function and overall brain health. According to a study published in 2021, kickboxing training can improve cognitive function in young adults, including attention, memory, and processing speed. 

 

4. Kickboxing Can Help Reduce Burnout

But the mental health benefits of kickboxing at Fight Station Kickboxing don't stop there.

Kickboxing can also help you build resilience and cope with adversity. This is because kickboxing can help you develop a growth mindset, which is the belief that your abilities and skills can be developed through dedication and hard work.

As you practice and master new techniques, you're building resilience and learning to overcome challenges, both inside and outside the studio. 

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So, there you have it—kickboxing isn't just a great workout for your body, it's also a great workout for your mind! Whether you're looking to reduce stress, boost your mood, improve your cognitive function, or build resilience, kickboxing is the perfect fitness activity for you.

 

Need Mental Health Help and Advice Urgently?

Contact NHS 111 and select the mental health line option.

Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours

 Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" if you're under 19

If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.

 

You can also check out Young Minds, our 2025 Charity Partners to get help and support if you are 25 and under - YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds