In terms of what to expect from your first class – I can’t speak for all gyms, so here is a taste of what you would encounter at Southside Muay Thai & Fitness.
People are usually nervous about going to a Muay Thai gym for the first time. Speaking from experience, I can remember feeling this way when going to my first class some 20 years ago.
We are a gym that has no attitudes or ego’s, so I can assure you that any anxious feelings will quickly subside.
Gym Atmosphere
The first thing that you will notice (and cannot miss) is the atmosphere. Muay Thai gyms are very motivating and noisy!
The gym will be a hive of activity with people training. With people comes voices. As Muay Thai is a social activity, there is lots of communicating between the coaches and gym members.
As the pad work begins, you will here a strike as a ‘slap’ or ‘thud’. Pad work can often be fairly vocal, especially when conducted at high intensity. The pad holder gives instructions, whilst the boxer may make sounds that resemble the ‘grunt’ that tennis players make when striking the ball.
You will also notice the smell of ‘liniment oil’, which is similar to ‘deep heat’ and used for warming muscles.
Class Content
Typically, most Muay Thai classes will begin with skipping and shadow boxing. If you are a beginner, our coaches will individually work with you to teach you basic techniques covering stance, footwork, punching and kicking.
From there, you will get the opportunity to undertake some pad work, working drills and combinations.
The class will conclude with some basic clinching strategies, body-weight strength work, and stretching.
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