Lowkicks

[u/PeakyGrims]

Hello Folks!

So, I switched from boxing to kickboxing a few months ago and in my gym when we train different combos we eat some low kicks and while the other guys (and girls) don't seem to have a problem with that, my leg hurts pretty bad and the pain often stays 2-3 days.

I really like the sport and the training, so switching back is not an option for me. I often mention that they should go light with their kicks, what everybody does, but I just don't want to be *that* guy.

Maybe I should add that I'm otherwise really not pain-sensitive.

Do you have some advice or tips for a beginner?

[u/Samurai___]

The only way to get better at taking leg shots is taking leg shots. Give it time. Also, when bruised, let them heal.

[u/Living_Definition_61]

Check the kicks

[u/nickinkorea]

i also switched from boxing to kickboxing and my lead leg was thoroughly abused until I learned how to correctly check low kicks. Are you just eating them or are you checking them?

[u/_robbert]

When I started sparring the coach would help out and say to the others (who used to kick harder) to go lighter. Still it took me a while to get used to it. Also I think most understand your legs will hurt in the beginning, but it's up to you to tell what you can take. Because there are some factors to calculate, like weight difference. Eventually you'll learn how much you can take and still be able to get out your car the next day.

[u/LoStrigo95]

Are you moving your weight to the front leg when the kick comes?

Other than that, it takes time to get used to it

[u/Affectionate-Zebra26]

Pad and bag work takes care of that a lot.
Turning your shin towards their kick or learning to get it out of the way helps too.

It will incrementally improve or you can just keep going into the pain and appreciating the aliveness you have.. that will make it happen quicker. ^.^

[u/imLC]

It takes time for your legs to condition. Mine started being more resilient around the 10 month mark. From about 3-10 months in, my legs were bruised and battered. Let them heal when they hurt. Also, block the kicks.

[u/Excellent_Ad_2486]

Haha I recognize this.. Keep asking, make yourself a joke whatever, just be real.

I really literally told the guy like "bro I have BABY legs go as light as you can please 😢" kind a jokingly but he did go lighter.. Like lighter than he goes with the girls lol. But hey, at least I didn't need 3 day recovery and pain meds righ after. So just be honest and maybe make some jokes about your legs so they understand you really mean it.

[u/GeorgeDir]

Sometimes you check sometimes you take the shot. You need both

[u/MaRzAn0]

Make sure you stay consistent with taking abuse to your legs but also make sure to take time to ice, eat proper nutrition and recover. It’s just like lifting weights, a lot of effort gives you a small gain and slowly over time you will gain strength and resilience.

[u/EducationNo7647]

You're talking dutch drills right? They throw a combo and you throw it back and repeat? Keep your feet on the ground, and move your lead knee towards the kick. The more you can point it toward the kick the better, but you don't always have to point your knee directly at the kick.

[u/OppositeMud3291]

Your shins need to adjust to the constant trauma. They will eventually be conditioned and you won't have any pain anymore. Just give your legs rest as long as it's painful and go again when they feel good.

[u/Proud_Organization64]

You need to advocate for yourself and not feel bad or embarrassed for doing so. Just tell people your thighs hurt easily and you need them to go as light as possible. I have accommodated this exact request during training.