In last few years cardio kickboxing has become quite popular as a high intensity workout for quick weight loss, complete body workout and a self defense technique. I am a kickboxing enthusiast and practice it to keep myself fit and lean. Based on my experience, I am listing the safety precautions which you should take if engage yourself in kickboxing workout and to make it more effective.
Do some stretching exercise before and after a high intensity or high impact workout like kickboxing. Stretching exercise will prevent your muscles from any king of injuries.
Warm up your body before any intensive workout. This will help you to avoid strains and pains. You can warm up by doing light aerobics, dancing, jogging or skipping.
Wear right sized clothes. Avoid either too tight or too lose fitting clothes. Such clothes can restrict free motion in a kickboxing workout. As cardio kickboxing is a high impact cardiovascular workout, it is expected that you will sweat. So wear clothes that will absorb sweat. Normally good cotton or sportswear would do well.
Wear good running shoes. Good shoes are really important as they will significantly reduce the impact on your knees and joints while kicking and jumping. Don't do kickboxing working bare foot especially on hard or concrete floors.
If you are a beginner, be careful with your kicks and punches. Don't be too aggressive in the beginning as you might harm yourself.
Kicking too high or with great intensity may put unnecessary strain on your joints and muscles. Avoid it.
As with any sport or workout, give yourself a few days (may be a week) before you start pushing yourself. Let your body adapt and learn the skills and motions of kickboxing workout.
After your workout you should feel more energetic and ready to go. If you feel really tired or week after the workout, it means that you are over stressing yourself.
Slowly increase your workout intensity over the weeks. Don't aim to be a master on day one.
Don't get dehydrated. Drink sufficient water at the beginning of the workout and sip water if required during the workout.
Relax and let your body cool down for few minutes at the end of workout.
Remember that warming up before the workout and cooling down after the workout is really important. Warming up helps your body prepare for a high intensity workout and cooling down helps your body stabilize and relax after a high intensity workout.
Ensure that your floor is clean and there are no clothes, papers or other objects lying on the floor. You might accidentally step on them during the workout and might injure yourself.
Maintain proper balance, posture and proper foot position while kicking and punching.
In case you experience joint pains and strains give yourself a rest for couple of days. If it persists please see your physio-therapist or doctor.
In case you suffer from some sort of illness, back or joint pains, complications etc, please discuss with your doctor before engaging yourself in any high intensity workout.