Martial Arts Q & A's - What is better to do for higher kicks, abductor or adduction work?
Posted: April 15, 2023
Great question. The fact that you asked means that you have some idea of how your muscles work together to do the things it does. In this case, get your kicks higher.
When someone starts training everything works. You make great improvements, but then you can hit plateaus. That is because your body adapts and gets used to the training. When this happens, we must train the right thing to get the best results. And knowing what muscles are for what is a good start.
Your question is a little more complicated than it might seem. Remember everyone is different and what you are struggling with might not be what others are. For example, you might have tight hamstrings, weak hip flexors, or the exact opposite. So, it is important to do your research and keep an open mind. Let's answer this question.
What is better to do for higher kicks, abductors, or adduction work?
Both abductor and adductor muscles play an important role in achieving higher kicks, as they provide stability and control to the legs during the kicking motion. However, the specific type of training that will be most beneficial for you depends on your individual needs and goals.
If you find that your kicks are limited by your ability to lift your leg to the side (i.e., hip abduction), then focusing on abductor strengthening exercises such as lateral leg raises and clamshells can be beneficial. On the other hand, if you have difficulty with the forward or roundhouse kicks (i.e., hip adduction), then adductor strengthening exercises like inner thigh squeezes and lateral lunges can help.
In general, a well-rounded training program that includes both abductor and adductor exercises can help improve your overall leg strength and mobility, which can lead to higher kicks. Additionally, stretching and flexibility work can also be beneficial in improving your range of motion and kicking height.
When an athlete has a specific area that is weak, it can hold you back from doing what you need to do. But if you know that, you can easily fix it and be the best you can be in a short period of time.