Is Muay Thai more aerobic or anaerobic?

Muay Thai likely relies primarily on the ATP-PC and glycolytic energy systems, with moderate aerobic contribution to sustain performance throughout a match. These sports suggest that Muay Thai relies heavily on anaerobic energy systems, particularly the phosphagen system, due to the sport's emphasis on speed, explosiveness, and short bursts of intense activity. However, a well-developed aerobic system is also crucial for faster recovery between rounds, allowing athletes to maintain peak performance throughout a fight. Differing Opinions - Which Energy System Used Muay Thai has fewer rounds than boxing and shorter duration of time than both wrestling and MMA. Therefore, aerobic energy system contribution may be minimal and be involved only in ring movement and recovery mechanisms. Surprisingly, In Crisafulli et al study, he did an experimental profiling during a simulation Muay Thai match on 10 Muay Thai athletes who had 2 years of regular competition. The result stated that there was a high involvement of both aerobic metabolism and anaerobic glycolysis. According to both Capai et al and Crisafulli et al, heart rate during matches remained above the anaerobic threshold. Summary: Muay Thai likely relies primarily on the ATP-PC and glycolytic energy systems, with moderate aerobic contribution to sustain performance throughout a match.

Muay Thai is a martial art that requires complex skills and tactical excellence for success. Physiological responses and energy cost during a simulation of a Muay Thai boxing match. The aerobic energy expenditure and the recruitment of anaerobic metabolism were assessed in 10 male athletes during a simulation match of Muay Thai. These data suggest that Muay Thai is a physically demanding activity with great involvement of both the aerobic metabolism and anaerobic glycolysis. In particular, it appears that, after an initial burst of anaerobic glycolysis, there was a progressive increase in the aerobic energy supply. Thus, training protocols should include exercises that train both aerobic and anaerobic energetic pathways.

Muay Thai kickboxing, cardiovascular training is key. It’s just as important as working on your techniques like punching or kicking. You’ll Need Both Aerobic & Anaerobic Energy Systems If You Plan On Winning! If you plan to be pretty good at Muay Thai then you’ll need to have both aerobic and anaerobic conditioning. During a Muay Thai match or intense practice if you lack these areas of fitness it’s going to make things very un-fun fast. Most Muay Thai fights require 6 to 90 seconds of all-out, short burst of energy repeatedly during a fight. Recovery from anaerobic exercise happens through aerobic system. Which is why all Muay Thai martial artist need both energy producing systems… Unless you want to gas out in the first round of your debut Muay Thai fight (that’s bad!).