5 Reasons Why Muay Thai Training Is a Better Workout Than Running

1) It's more practical. Running can't help you in a self defense situation, unless you run away. MT can most definitely help you in a self defense situation, but not in the way you would expect. The self confidence you develop from training MT will allow you to stay calm in difficult situations. This self confidence will carry over to all areas of your life, making you a happier, more balanced person.

2) It's more fun. Putting long miles on the road can hypnotize you, and is also hard on your joint. Learning MT challenges you mentally as much as physically. It keeps your mind present, teaches your discipline and is a great stress release. Training with a partner and learning new techniques keeps you constantly engaged, there's no time to get bored.

3) It's a more effective fat burner. When I switched over to training MT, I got my body fat as low as 6%. I had never been able to get it below 10% before then. Here's why: although running does burn more calories per workout, training MT gives a metabolic boost that lasts up to 8hrs afterwards, burning calories even while you're sitting! This boost is created by using your whole body and recruiting a greater number of muscle fibers than long steady running.

4) It increases your strength, agility and coordination. Running is good for building cardio, but MT offers a dynamic set of techniques and challenges that you'll never see on a long run. MT pad training combines strength training with cardio, while you have to constantly be aware of your timing, distance and technique. The first time I tried it I was all over the place, and was way weaker than I thought. It left me thinking about the training even after I was finished, and I couldn't wait to train some more, which is something I hadn't felt in a while.

5) It's a better cardio workout. I know, I just said running is good for cardio, and I didn't believe it either. But the first time I tried muay thai I couldn't even get through one round! This is because you only use your legs when running, so your heart only has to pump to your legs. Whereas training MT, you're using your entire body, and this constant shock keeps your heart pumping blood to your whole body. Since the body wants to minimize this shock the next time it happens, it increases the volume of oxygen in your blood, giving you even better cardio in less time!