I love a hardcore workout like the next person – I just recently did 100 pull-ups a day for a week – but even I admit, it's nice to try something different every now and then. I should definitely do a few types of exercises more often, including mobility drills and warm-ups, so this 10-minute kickboxer warm-up is way up my street.
This warm-up is from Founding Fightcamp (opens in new tab) Trainer Aaron 'Speedy' Swenson (opens in new tab), who already provided the readers of T3 with a workout before. Aaron is an accomplished fighter with two National Kickboxing titles and a USA National Kickboxing Team spot. Not to mention, he is a sought-after trainer in Los Angeles known for his technical approach to teaching.
Check out his 15-minute bodyweight home workout on T3: the perfect follow up after the warm-up is done. We have loads more T3 x FightCamp workouts; here is a quick link to see them all: click me.
If you like this home workout, make sure you check out these 5 Agility Ladder Drills (opens in new tab) and this Quick 15-Minute Summer Workout Routine (opens in new tab) on FightCamp's blog too!
How to perform this 10-minute kickboxer’s warm-up
Follow along with Aaron as he works his way through the warm-up exercises below. You will perform each movement for 40 seconds and rest for 20 seconds.
For this workout, all you need is a chair or table to hold onto for balance. Punch bags and boxing gloves are strictly optional.
Are you ready? Click play on the video below, and let's get warmed up!
FightCamp 10-minute kickboxer’s warm-up: watch the video
FightCamp 10-minute kickboxer’s warm-up: exercises explained
Shadowbox with Boxer’s Bounce
Follow Aaron’s instructions on shadowboxing and the boxer’s bounce. Make sure you follow the rhythm of the bounce and throw your punches accordingly. Feel free to land those shadow hooks as hard as you wish but remember: this is the warm-up drill and not a standalone workout. But feel free to pretend it is. Up to you.
- Boxing basics with former US National Boxing Team Member Tommy Duquette
Leg Swings (right and left)
Holding onto a chair/desk/wall for balance, lift one leg and swing it, front to back.
Push up into Down Dog
Start in a high plank position as you lower the upper body to the floor to perform the push-up. As you return to the start position, lift your hips towards the ceiling as you press back to the down dog position. Move at your own pace, and feel free to perform the push up on your knees if you need to modify the move.
Not sure how to do push-ups correctly? Check out T3's how-to guide on the topic. After all, push-ups are just as good as a bench press in building big guns.
Isolated Side Kick (right and left)
Holding onto the chair for balance, lift one knee towards the chest at an angle. Extend the leg, slowly, out to the side. Retract the leg as your knee comes back into your chest.
Sumo Squats
Standing with your legs wider than your hips and your toes facing out, lower the hips towards the ground. Straighten the knees and squeeze your glutes as you return to the starting position. You can hold onto the chair for balance if needed.
Isolated Round Kick (right and left)
Holding onto the chair for balance, bend your knee slightly as the foot lifts off the floor. Extend or kick the leg out on a low angle. Bend the knee and kick at a medium angle. Bend and kick at a high level. Return to the starting position.
Burpees
Starting in a standing position, drop down to the floor in a high plank position, lower the chest to the floor, as you lift the chest back up, jump the legs in and explode back up to a standing position.
Mountain Climbers with Runner’s Lunges
Starting in a high plank position, drive the knees towards the chest, one at a time. Every third repetition, let the foot land just under the chest and hold your body in the lunge position for a few seconds. Repeat the sequence.
T3 x FightCamp workouts
We have a massive library of FightCamp workouts on T3, all with follow-along videos that you should most certainly check out. Please find the full list below:
- 10-minute medicine ball workout by the talented PJ Sheridan (opens in new tab)
- 10-minute jump rope workout by the awesome Tommy Duquette (opens in new tab)
- 12-minute boxing full-body workout, also by Tommy
- 20-minute kickboxer strength and flexibility full-body workout by the super-energetic Flo Master (opens in new tab)
- Full-body conditioning workout by the undefeated professional MMA fighter Shanie "Smash" Rusth (opens in new tab)
