Page 114 - Muay Thai Training Exercises

Saiyok uses water and electrolyte drinks while training.

7. Selecting Your Weight Class
To be eligible for Muay Thai competition, you and your
trainer must determine your weight division and then
concentrate your training at this weight. Several factors
have to be considered in determining the best-suited
weight division, such as your current weight, your
percentage of body fat, your ght style, and the
competitive conditions.
Your percentage of body fat should be as low as
possible. It is typically 8–10 percent for professional male
Thai boxing athletes, and somewhat higher for female
athletes. The percentage of body fat can also be higher in
amateurs, who don’t face the same physical demands. A
high proportion of fat means that an athlete is not fully
trained. The athlete will then compete in a higher weight
division, where the opponents will be stronger. In this
situation, athletes can compete only if they are technically
clearly superior.
If a Muay Thai ghter’s body fat is 15 percent, it can be
reduced to about 6 percent through intensive training and
the correct nutrition. At a weight of 170 pounds, this
means a reduction in body fat of 10 pounds without a loss
of performance. Further slimming can be achieved only by
reducing muscle mass, which leads to less strength and
deterioration in performance. Experience shows that it