Strong Kicks and Powerful Flexibility

Monday, 29 October 2007

Strong Kicks and Powerful Flexibility

Throughout this site there are many posts that give information on how to strengthen the muscles used in kicking. One legged squats and heavy bag kicks for example are very good ways to strengthen the leg muscles. Another tried, tested and recommended training method is simply to hold certain kicks in the extended position for a length of time.

The exercise works like this. For a side kick workout, holding a wall or chair for balance, bring your kicking leg to the chambered part of the technique, then slowly extend your leg as high as possible to the full extended position of the side kick. Then hold this position for as long as possible.

If not done before, you will be doing very well to extend your leg fully without it dropping. Work with this, and gradually you will be able to keep your leg in the extended position for long intervals and also, you will start to notice your leg being held higher and higher as your flexibility improves.

The side, front, roundhouse and back kicks are excellent for this type of practice as a variety of muscles in the leg will be worked with each kick. A good workout would be to hold each kick for 2 sets, training both legs, one after the other. After a considerable difference has been noticed in leg power, and flexibility, training without the aid of the wall will enhance balance in kicking.