Thumbnail for the video of exercise: Side Kick. Kickboxing

Side Kick. Kickboxing

Exercise Profile

Body PartPlyometrics
EquipmentBody weight
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
AppStore IconGoogle Play Icon

Get the exercise library in your pocket!

Introduction to the Side Kick. Kickboxing

The Side Kick in kickboxing is a powerful exercise that not only enhances your lower body strength but also improves balance and coordination. It's ideal for anyone looking to engage in a full-body workout, particularly those interested in martial arts or self-defense. This exercise is desirable as it provides a fun and dynamic way to increase cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and overall fitness levels.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Side Kick. Kickboxing

  • Pivot on your left foot, turning your body to the right, and lift your right knee up to hip level with your foot flexed.
  • Extend your right leg out to the side in a quick, snapping motion for the kick. Your foot should lead the movement, and your body should follow.
  • Retract your right leg quickly, returning your knee to hip level.
  • Return to your original fighting stance, ready to perform the next kick or defend against an incoming attack. This completes one repetition of the side kick.

Tips for Performing Side Kick. Kickboxing

  • **Balance and Control**: A common mistake is to rush the kick, which can lead to loss of balance. It's crucial to maintain control throughout the movement. This means lifting your knee to your chest first, then extending your leg to perform the kick, and retracting it back in a controlled manner.
  • **Use Your Hips**: The power of a side kick comes from your hips, not your leg. Avoid the common mistake of just using your leg to kick. Instead, push your hips forward as you extend your leg to add power to your kick.
  • **Foot Position**: Your foot should be flexed with the heel pointing towards the target.

Side Kick. Kickboxing FAQs

Can beginners do the Side Kick. Kickboxing?

Yes, beginners can absolutely do the Side Kick in kickboxing, but it's important to learn the correct technique to avoid injury. It's recommended to start slow and possibly under the guidance of a trained professional. As with any exercise, it's crucial to warm up beforehand and maintain proper form throughout. Here are the basic steps to perform a Side Kick: 1. Start in a basic fighting stance. Your non-dominant foot should be forward, with your dominant foot back and to the side. 2. Turn your body sideways to your target, lifting your dominant foot off the ground. 3. Bend your knee, pulling your heel towards your body. Your foot should be turned so that your heel is facing your target. 4. Thrust your foot out towards your target, pushing through your heel. Your leg should be fully extended. 5. Retract your foot quickly, returning to the bent knee position. 6. Lower your foot back to the ground, returning to your original stance.

What are common variations of the Side Kick. Kickboxing?

  • The Front Kick: This is a direct, straight kick executed by lifting the knee and snapping the foot out directly in front of the body, hitting the opponent with the heel or the ball of the foot.
  • The Hook Kick: This kick is performed by swinging the leg in a hooking motion, striking the opponent with the heel.
  • The Spinning Back Kick: This is a more complex kick where the practitioner turns their body around completely, kicking straight back with force.
  • The Axe Kick: This kick involves raising the leg straight up and bringing it down forcefully, often aiming for the head or shoulder level of the opponent.

What are good complementing exercises for the Side Kick. Kickboxing?

  • Roundhouse Kicks: Roundhouse kicks also complement Side Kicks because they train the same muscles but in a rotational motion, improving flexibility, coordination, and enhancing the ability to deliver powerful kicks from various angles.
  • Knee Strikes: Knee strikes are another complementary exercise to Side Kicks as they engage the same core and leg muscles but in a close-range combat scenario, enhancing strength, balance, and the ability to quickly switch between different types of attacks in kickboxing.

Related keywords for Side Kick. Kickboxing

  • Kickboxing workouts
  • Plyometric exercises
  • Body weight fitness
  • Side kick training
  • Kickboxing for plyometrics
  • Body weight kickboxing
  • Side kick kickboxing exercise
  • Plyometric kickboxing routines
  • Body weight side kick exercises
  • Kickboxing techniques for plyometrics