Beginner’s Guide to attending Muay Thai group classes
Contents:
What to expect at the beginning
What to wear
What to bring
What to do after
1. What to expect at the beginning
From our experience, just expect an intensely smelly room with courageous characters. Just to put it into perspective, some people have been waiting all day to get to their Muay Thai class because they love it so much, and they will not be afraid to show it! I remember the first Muay Thai session we ever went to, there seemed to be a contortionist in the room as he essentially tied himself into a knot trying to get that deep stretch.
Expect to be treated like everybody else. Your coach may seem nice at first and appear as though they’ll go easy on you, but believe me - as soon as the first bell dings you are one in the same and that coach will treat you like everybody else. And, it’s kind of the most freeing feeling ever. You can expect inequality, climate change or questionable political views to go flying out that window. Will you be expected to do 100 kicks in your first class like everyone one else? Probably. Will you do it? Maybe, but it’s actually fine if you don’t as well. No one will judge you. At all. In fact, they’re probably so excited to see someone new but just won’t show it.
Watch a tutorial on how to wrap hand wraps. IF you decide to take your own handwraps i suggest watching a tutorial on how to wrap these. Also, if you are any more than 5 minutes late to the class, it’s probably unlikely you’ll have time to put these on. It’s not the end of the world though, your hands will most definitely survive!
2. What to wear
Leggings aren’t actually the most comfortable. In every other sport leggings are fine, but they feel so restrictive in Muay Thai. There are so many burst actions and high kicks that you will feel like they are hindering your performance. The best thing to start in are shorts with a secondary layer to protect your bits, if you don’t feel comfortable in these, try and opt for super stretchy cycling shorts and a long t-shirt. Eventually, get yourself some Muay Thai shorts!
You’re going to sweat. A lot. Dress for the occasion. Cotton absorbs too much sweat and will weigh you down. Nylon tends to go see-through when you sweat. So, our recommendation is to actually wear a top that is your most sweat absorbent, or, if you’re comfortable, wear the least amount of fabric.
NO shoes on the mats. Some classes wear socks and some don’t, just expect yourself to not be wearing trainers when training, so feel free to turn up in sandals if you want! You will be leaving them at the door anyway. The second topic this brings to light is to keep your feet fresh, you don’t want to be self-conscious about how you smell to your pad holder the whole session.
Cut your toenails. We’ve all been victims. Getting a nail caught on someone’s tshirt or taking a nip out the pads from your big toe. This article has you covered, cut your toenails. Your pad holder will thank you for it.
3. What to bring
Spare socks. If you do end up training in socks, they’re gonna get pretty rank from the sweat on the mats, it’s just the way it is. So pack extra just in case!
Snacks. If it’s me, after every class I am ravenous and I will tear through heaven and hell just to have a bite of food. I usually have some kind of dinner plan but waiting for the food to arrive is just too long. Some ideas to get you by: protein bar, beef jerky, biltong or a protein shake with just the powder - fill it up with water or milk from the shops after your session.
Vapour rub or tiger balm. It gets SMELLY. I hate the feeling of being on the train home and being able to smell myself if I'm honest. Make the journey more enjoyable and have something to sniff.
You need water, not energy drinks. I’ve made the mistake before, I took flavoured water - which normally I love but all you want during class is some refreshing water. Take a water bottle and take little sips (not gulps) after each set.
Maybe a towel. If you’re a big sweater, you might want to take a small towel with you. Especially if it’s during the summer months.
EXTRAS: equipment suggestions; these really are not essential for your first time, but if you want to be super prepared: hand wraps, shin pads, boxing gloves and muay thai shorts
4. What to do after
Eat a protein-rich meal. No matter what your diet is (carnivour, vegetarian, vegan), you know where to get protein. So go get it. Otherwise you will lose all the hard work you’ve sweated your toes off for. Funny story, I happen to always be next to a Nando’s at any class I've attended in London - so I get the usual: Chicken Butterfly - Hot, Halloumi, Creamy Mash and Macho Peas (incase you were wondering what the best nandos order was). Also, if you’re saving money - I will make sure to have prepped extra dinner the night before and have leftovers after class.
Drink tons of water. Just don’t stop - you’ve lost a lot of fluids so refill your system. Nuff said. Sorry if you can’t sleep ‘cus you’re peeing all night.
Get a good night’s sleep. So, first class is over. Are you going to be in pain? Yes. Will you be groaning in your sleep from pain? Probably. But it’s the best feeling ever. Just make sure to get as many hours of sleep as you need. You’ve just done one of the most intense sports out there and your body needs to heal! You’ve nourished yourself, hydrated, and now it’s time to rest.
Good luck!
Su-su!
Kim - Bussakorn Muay Thai