The best kickboxing gear for beginners, according to trainers
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Kickboxing is experiencing a heyday that would make Chuck Norris proud. Although the sport is among the world’s oldest, it was never a common form of recreational exercise in the United States — until now. Industry forecasts show interest in the sport continuing to grow over the next five years, a trend that is consistent with boxing in general.
Boxing ranked as the nation’s fourth most-popular according to one recent Harris Poll of more than 2,000 adults, when little more than a decade ago it hadn’t even broken the top 10. Women and Gen Z are a big part of the reason for that growth. Around 3,000 women register with USA Boxing each year.
There are several reasons people are attracted to these sports, says Jerry Beasley, professor emeritus of Asian Martial Arts at Radford University based in Virginia and a former student of Bruce Lee. Some people like learning self defense, while others enjoy the cardio fitness aspects of training. There’s also a social component of taking group classes that resonates in the post-pandemic era.
What is cardio kickboxing?
Kickboxing is similar to regular boxing, only you’re using your feet, elbows and knees, as well as your fists. For that reason, kickboxing is often done barefoot. Otherwise, the gear you use for both sports is similar.
One thing you’ll want to decide is whether you’re interested in training to strike, aka make actual contact with an opponent who is also trying to hit you, or just for cardio. “If you’re someone who’s just starting out, look for something in line with your specific interests,” says Darryl Reed, Jr. PFT, a kickboxing instructor with Bay Club based in Santa Monica. Many gyms offer both kinds of classes, which gives you the option to change your mind.
Another great thing about both kickboxing and boxing is that both sports have a low barrier to entry. You don’t need a ton of fancy or expensive equipment, or even to be in great shape. “All fitness levels are welcome,” says Reed. “Don’t be intimidated by not knowing how to throw a punch or kick. Instructors will walk you through proper technique.”
Many gyms even offer kids’ classes. José Tilapa, owner of Keystone Boxing & MMA Gym outside Philadelphia, hosts youth programs for three different age groups (from ages 5 to 16) that teach kids the fundamentals of the sport, and builds their confidence. Beginners — of any age — will have a hard time finding a more comprehensive cardio workout. “A lot of people don’t think about the conditioning aspect of it. They think they’re going to hit a bag,” Tilapa says. “There’s so much more to it: stance, footwork, endurance.”
Of course, in order to have a fighting chance in kickboxing, you’re going to need the basics. Training gloves, which are non-negotiable, can range from $40 to hundreds of dollars a pair. Beginners and those who only want to kickbox for fitness should note that they are usually sold by weight, not size, and the heavier the glove, the larger it will be. In general, people who weigh between 105 and 190 pounds can use a 10- to 12-ounce glove.
Ready to join in the fun? Here’s some of the best kickboxing gear our experts say can help you get started.
Best kickboxing gear
Kickboxing hand wraps and gloves
Hayabusa Perfect Stretch Hand Wraps
Hand protection is crucial for this sport. Pros will use a traditional gauze-like wrap that doesn’t have a lot of stretch, but for beginners, a Mexican-style wrap that has some elasticity like these Hayabusa stretch hand wraps is best because it will protect your hands without feeling restrictive.
Title Boxing Classic GEL-X Glove Wraps
Some beginners prefer these pull-on style gloves to traditional hand wraps because they’re faster and easier to put on and take off between activities.
Tussle Fight Gear 140-Inch Hand Wraps
Former fighter and boxing coach Cary Wlliams wanted boxing gear made specifically for women, so she created a company that does just that. Her hand wraps are 140 inches instead of the standard 180 to better accommodate a woman’s smaller palm, which means you can get a snug fit without excess fabric.
Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves
In general, most gloves are unisex, and these are a great pair for beginners, with proper padding, support and a stay-cool lining. They’re also made of vegan-friendly materials.
Sanabul Easter Egg Boxing Gloves
Looking to add a little flair to your workout? The poppy colors of these gloves are fun, and no less functional. They’re designed to fit a narrower hand, but still offer the same premium protection as other gloves, and are made from vegan-friendly materials.
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
While a beginner glove is great for cardio workouts, if you plan to stick with kickboxing or spar (aka get in a ring and fight someone), you may want to invest in a higher quality pair for protection and longevity. The Hayabusa T3 have an ergonomic fit and layers of protection. Reed’s test for a quality glove? “The padding should feel nice and firm, especially when the gloves are new,” he says. If you make a fist inside the glove and try to open your hand, you should meet with some resistance. As you use the glove, you’ll break it in like a new pair of shoes.
Kickboxing accessories
Hayabusa Glove Deodorizer
Gloves aren't washable, alas, but this bamboo charcoal-filled insert absorbs excess moisture, preventing odor-causing bacteria and extending the life of your gloves.
Sanabul Lab Series Duffel Gym Bag
You want a carryall to stash your wraps, gloves and other gear and this classic duffel from Sanabul is ventilated so it doesn’t trap odors and airs out sweaty equipment. It also has plenty of pockets for organizing your gear.
Camelbak Eddy+ 32-Ounce Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Believe that these workouts are going to make you thirsty, and prepare appropriately. A large water bottle with a straw that you can use even with gloved hands is essential. We like the 32-ounce Camelbak Eddy+, which is insulated stainless steel to keep your water cool and has a spill-proof silicone straw.
Boxrope
Jumping rope isn’t just something out of the “Rocky” franchise: It helps boxers warm up, adds cardio to a workout and helps improve footwork, timing and speed, Tilapa says. He likes the Boxrope because the PVC used to make it is about 15 percent heavier than other similar ropes to optimize speed and prevent tangling, the length is adjustable and the handles have a nice grip band.
Title Boxing Classic Commander Heavy Bag 2.0
At 70 pounds, this is a great, affordable bag that is a good weight for home use: durable enough to take plenty of punches, but not so heavy that it requires any special reinforcements to install.
Kickboxing apparel
Title Boxing Pro Compress Contender Shorts
For this kind of fast-paced, mobile workout, loose clothing isn’t ideal. Compression clothing is said to help increase blood flow for improved circulation, which helps with flexibility and recovery.
Title Boxing Pro Compress Contender Short Sleeve Crew
This shirt has the same advantages as other compression clothing, and is made of fabric that wicks away moisture and dries quickly, perfect for any high-intensity workout.
LNDR Chisel 7/8 Legging
Compression leggings are said to increase blood and oxygen flow to muscles to boost your performance and stamina, but they’re also great because they don’t move when you do, which gives you the freedom of motion you need for throwing kicks.
Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Light T-Shirt
How much will you sweat in this sport? “A cotton T-shirt turns into a wet towel,” says Reed. For that reason, he recommends a dry fit compression top like this moisture-wicking one from Gymshark.
Athleta Invincible Bra
For a sport like kickboxing, you want a sports bra that minimizes motion, and the aptly named Invincible Bra does just that. Plus it comes in traditional cup sizes to accommodate a range of busts.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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