Finding the right Muay Thai gym to meet your personal goals requires some research on your part. Start by identifying what you want to achieve. Are you training for fitness, weight loss, or are you interested in competition? Or do you want to learn basic self-defense?
Whether you are a beginner seeking fitness, or a future competitive fighter who wants to make the most of your training, consider these factors to help choose your gym:
- Strength Equipment – Does your gym have the right equipment to reach your goals? Not only an adequate number of heavy bags and sparring equipment, but also training equipment for flexibility and power. Look for dumbbells, barbells, several sturdy benches, a chin up bar and cardio equipment. Cardio can be done off site, but some equipment like treadmills or stationary bikes are useful for warming up prior to training. You should also have enough clear floor space for push ups and rope jumps.
- Fight Equipment – A good Muay Thai Sydney training facility will have a variety of bags and balls for punch and kick training. Heavy hanging bags are essential for Muay Thai training, with the long banana bags for low kicks, knees, elbows and strikes. Kick protection and pads should also be available to properly absorb the force of kicks and punches and safe strike practice.
- Sparring Ring – A properly equipped Muay Thai gym will have a boxing ring for training and sparring. It’s a vital part of combat training, even a small ring will help you learn how to move, attack and defend.
- Knowledgeable Staff – Research the background of the owner and training staff. Are they professional fighters with training and competition experience? Beware of amateurs who open poorly equipped gyms hoping to turn a quick profit. Check their website and ask questions to help determine their background and skills. The level of skill you require depends on your fitness and training goals. Ensure that the Muay Thai gym is open when you are available to train, mornings, evenings or weekends.
- Onsite Visit – Visit the facility at the time you would train. How crowded is it? Talk to the students. Are they satisfied with their training? Do they feel they are receiving solid instruction and skills for the tuition or dues they are paying? These students will be your future training partners, do you feel you will fit in? Will this gym and staff help you reach your goals?
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