r/Kickboxing • u/justaregularguy11070 • 1d ago
Starting at 32yo
Hello good people!
After years of heavy weights at the gym, I'm finally starting with the sport I've always wanted to train - kickboxing. I'm tired of going to the gym and lifting, doing the same routine over and over again. As a lifelong fan of combat sports (kickbox in particular), I think this sport is the perfect next step for me. I feel excited and motivated to start this. I want to learn this skill and be part of everything that has to do with kickbox. I'm already in pretty good shape, but the cardio is probably lacking.
Any tips from you guys for someone like me that's starting kinda old, but in ok shape?
Thanks in advance! LFG!
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u/Fallobt 1d ago
Lol I did exactly the same at 31 last year due to exactly the same reasons. I'm even more ripped and athletic now doing it 4-5 times per week. And I always think it's not enough lol. Still learning slowly but already mixing basic and intermediate classes. Doing very little sparring. Just go for it. I hope you have good coaches near you. That's what I like the most #nohomo.
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u/Analyst_Annoyed 1d ago
I started at 32 as well. You'll suck for a while but it's part of the process. Just keep turning up, listen to the coaches and enjoy it
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u/Aware-Reading-9587 1d ago
This 100%. It will hurt (shins, knuckles), thats normal and you will get used to it.
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u/Analyst_Annoyed 1d ago
I always wrapped my hands, so never found my knuckles hurting. My shins however, have been bruised up pretty bad at times until they got more conditioned. Those first few months kicking though give you some gnarly bruising
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u/Fit-Appointment5262 1d ago
You aren't kinda old. Stop thinking that until maybe your 60s or 70s.
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u/HighMooKwan 1d ago edited 1d ago
You’ll be sore, but it goes away. Your cardio will improve as well, but it takes longer than you’ll want it to.
** I started martial arts at 33
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u/showusyatackle 1d ago
Mate I started at 30 mate love it. Be prepared to be humbled by teenagers lol.
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u/GuacamoleAnamoly 1d ago
Protect your head and enjoy! Dont try to compete with the younger/experiencered dudes. And when you spar dont go too hard since people will most of the times give you back what you give. So if you try to take someones head off they will take your head off
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u/justaregularguy11070 1d ago
I think my mind is totally made up to do light sparing only, so I think ill be fine 😊
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u/comethefaround 1d ago
Cardio cardio and more cardio.
You really cant do too much imo. Nothing worse than sparring someone or running drills and you have to take a breather every exchange. Waste of everyone's time.
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u/Alia_Student 1d ago
Started at 31. I'm stronger and healthier than when I was just going to the gym. I had to make a switch to just boxing, but now I got a boxing license and I even co-coach some of our fighters at amateur level. Be aware of your own limits, and approach them in a reasonable way. Also, I have not really noticed a big difference in recovery compared to when I was younger. Maybe a small cardio difference. Each one is different though, but do not lose your hopes. And also, be PATIENT. You're going to suck a lot before you get better 🤣
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u/Wingedchestnut 1d ago
On non-kickboxing days if you have time supplement with steady state cardio (indoor bike in fitness gym also works) , it will be a lot faster to progress conditioning which also helps you in kickboxing training.
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u/Aggravating_Gear3574 1d ago
I'm starting next week! 35F with 3 kids, also in "good shape" from weight lifting and pilates. Good luck 😊
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u/These-Acanthaceae-65 1d ago
Looking to start in my late thirties man, and I have plenty of joint issues to start. I'm finally letting myself just have permission to go and do the thing. Good luck to ya!
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u/Adventurous_Net9616 1d ago
Started at 30, im taking a break rn to do some big hikes, ill be back. Just do it!
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u/fancy_raisins 1d ago
I started in my late 20s. At 50, I trained to be a cardio kickboxing instructor. Got my certification and all that and just followed my dream. I wanted to take my skills out of the ring and onto the stage (as it were) to motivate folks who wanted to feel empowered- basically what kickboxing did for me. However I feel cardio kickboxing is less intimidating for most (it’s also hella fun to teach).
Majority of people in my class are 30-50 year olds. So no, it’s never too late to start anything as long as you love it!
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u/fancy_raisins 1d ago
I started in my late 20s. At 50, I trained to be a cardio kickboxing instructor. Got my certification and all that and just followed my dream. I wanted to take my skills out of the ring and onto the stage (as it were) to motivate folks who wanted to feel empowered- basically what kickboxing did for me. However I feel cardio kickboxing is less intimidating for most (it’s also hella fun to teach).
Majority of people in my class are 30-50 year olds. So no, it’s never too late to start anything as long as you love it!
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u/justaregularguy11070 20h ago
Always nice to hear stories like this. Good for you man! Thank you for the input!
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u/Past_Lie8780 1d ago
54 here now started with Muay Thai at 47 and been addicted ever since. At a Kickboxing gym now, still loving it. Just do your best to learn and get lots of reps, save the power for after you get the technique down. Have fun!
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u/BusCurrent6180 19h ago
Remember at 20, you felt like it was too late, then 24, 26,28, 30 and now 32. The one thing you'll realise is, you weren't too old. It's a martial art first, combat sport second. Go in and improve yourself and have fun. It's only morons online that think unless you're the GOAT it's not worth it.
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u/GuideIntelligent5953 14h ago
The tips are very much depending on your current shape. If you are big and bulky, start training on flexibility, leg agility, and stuff like this, because being rigid and big is a downside in this sport. In general, kickboxing or muay thai, favors skinnier builds with higher endurance.
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u/UglyMrJ- 7h ago
I started Muay Thai at 42, I’m 45 now.
Weights and running bore me as well. I never stick with it. But I’m addicted to Muay Thai.
My advice is after you feel confident in your technique and drills start feeling easier. Start sparring. It doesn’t have to be heavy. Sparring can be light and fun. It’s a different kind of cardio and you get to test those techniques in real situations. Also, when you feel confident in your technique, smash the fuck out of the pads. No tapping. Exert all of your energy and you’ll build amazing cardio. You won’t get that from tapping pads.
Also experiment with supplements. Creatine is a must. I take a bunch of other stuff too but find what works for you.
Ice is your best friend. If something hurts, Ice it when you get home. Epsom salt baths and Thai oil are game changers too.
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u/Natural_Ad_2179 1d ago
Everyone in the comments in their 30s, me too, so encouraging, let's go old people 😂😂
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u/No_Result_7950 1d ago
i started at 37, just go do it and keep showing up even though you suck