New year, new me: how to start kickboxing in 2026

A new year calls for good resolutions, and the best resolution you can make is to start exercising in 2026. Which sport? Kickboxing, of course! Because kickboxing gets you fit quickly, makes you feel stronger and more confident, and teaches you discipline and focus. Want to lose weight in the new year? Kickboxing is a great idea for that too. Plenty of reasons to put this sport on your new year's to-do list.

In this blog we'll set aside the technical side for now and cover everything about the benefits of kickboxing.

These resolutions you can achieve by kickboxing in the new year

'Start exercising' can be a resolution in itself, but chances are your new year's list is longer than that. The great thing about kickboxing is that with just one sport you work towards quite a few goals. So it's not two birds with one stone — it's a whole flock. Kickboxing helps you, for example, to:

- Lose weight

- Improve your fitness

- Get stronger

- Become more confident

- Worry less

- Focus better

- Be more social

Losing weight with kickboxing: does it work?

Want to lose weight in the new year? Then kickboxing is a great way to do it, whether you simply want to shed a few holiday pounds or seriously want to improve your life. Kickboxing is a full-body, high-intensity workout that burns a lot of energy. With cardio kickboxing you burn roughly 500 to 900 kilocalories per hour, depending on how hard you train and how much you currently weigh.

Tips for losing weight with kickboxing

1. Choose a gym with good coaching.

2. Train at least twice a week and focus on your technique.

3. Add one to two light cardio sessions per week, such as walking or cycling.

4. When it comes to eating, aim for a small calorie deficit (no more than 300 kcal below your maintenance needs).

5. Eat plenty of protein to preserve your muscles.

6. Listen to your body. Your shins, ankles and wrists need time to adjust and you'll need rest days. So don't push too hard right from the start.

How to improve your fitness with kickboxing

Want to mainly improve your fitness in the new year? Kickboxing can help with that too. To build your fitness, your training schedule should revolve around repetition and a gradual build-up. Start with two kickboxing classes per week, work on your breathing rhythm and make sure you also do two cardio sessions per week alongside kickboxing, such as walking, cycling or jogging. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, drink enough water and take rest days.

Also build up your training progressively. If you're completely exhausted after every session, something isn't right. Add a little strength and core training as well. Think squats/lunges, hip hinges (deadlift variation) and planks.

How does kickboxing make you stronger?

Whatever way you approach kickboxing training and whatever goal you have in mind, kickboxing will make you stronger. You train many muscles at the same time, such as those in your:

- Legs

- Glutes

- Core (abs, back and hips)

- Shoulders

- Arms

You also build muscular endurance. This means you'll be able to keep delivering power even when you get tired. And if you build up your training gradually, your tendons and ligaments will get stronger and your shins, wrists and ankles will be able to handle a lot more.

Kickboxing and self-confidence: standing stronger in your own shoes through boxing

Many of the more introverted people among us probably have this on their list of good resolutions for 2026: becoming more confident. And kickboxing helps with that. You see yourself getting stronger step by step and you start doing things you previously thought you couldn't. Those kinds of wins add up. Kickboxing teaches you to:

- Push your limits and expand them

- Be more aware of your body

- Move with greater confidence

- Feel less vulnerable

- Defend yourself

Deal with failure and feedback

If you really want to work on your self-confidence, it's important to choose the right gym for your classes. The atmosphere should be clear, honest and open. If a gym doesn't feel right for you, training there won't do your confidence any good.

Stress and kickboxing: a healthy outlet

You won't achieve this resolution overnight, but for most athletes kickboxing is a genuine stress-killer. You burn off stress hormones, clear your head and get an endorphin boost. After a class you'll feel more relaxed, lighter and less prone to overthinking. Do you often feel frustrated or tense? Then kickboxing is also a safe outlet. On pads or a punching bag you can punch or kick out all your negative emotions without shame.

How kickboxing helps you improve your focus

Improving your focus is always a tricky resolution. It can seem like you either have focus or you don't, especially when it comes to things like work. Or so it seems. But kickboxing genuinely does improve your focus. In this sport you constantly have to switch between technique, timing, breathing and safety. Your brain has no room to wander, which forces you into the present moment. This trains your brain to sustain attention. After a few weeks or months you'll notice the difference in your everyday life too.

What makes kickboxing a social sport?

Want to make new friends in the new year? Then joining a gym or club is a great idea. A place like that is a real community. Getting to know people there is almost a given. Kickboxing is also incredibly intense, and suffering together leads to fast bonding. You cheer each other on, laugh about each other's 'I'm dying' moments and feel like part of a group. That makes kickboxing worthwhile, even if your only goal is to become more social.

Work towards all your resolutions with 10% off sports gear at Rumble Store

Are you ready to fully commit to your new year's resolutions by taking up kickboxing? Then you'll need high-quality sports equipment. Think clothing, boxing gloves and protection. Fortunately, you don't have to look far, because everything you need to start kickboxing in January can be found at Rumble Store. From 5 to 18 January 2026: 10% off the entire range!

Browse our extensive range now or visit our martial arts store in Houten. Start the new year in style!