Training in combat sports is one of the best ways to get a great workout while developing self-confidence and valuable self-defense skills. It provides children and adults alike a place to vent their frustrations in a healthy and productive fashion. Only one in three children are physically active on a daily basis, a disturbing trend that is adding to the obesity epidemic that America is already facing.

Whether you’re interested in karate, boxing, MMA, kickboxing, or any other combat sport, you need the best sparring gear possible to avoid injury and stay on the mat. Sports equipment has seen tremendous advances in the past decade and training in combat sports is now safer than ever before. Here are just three of the many benefits to investing in great sparring gear and starting your combat training:

Strength training. You can find great boxing gear online like gloves and head protection to start your training and develop your strength. One of the best things to invest in for strength training is a heavy punching bag. Over 90% of combat athletes spend copious amounts of time striking a vertically hung back by throwing straight or hook punches, which work the back muscles as well as your shoulders.

Great cardio workout. Having big muscles is great, but a healthy body isn’t complete without some cardio training. About half of people who participate in cardio kickboxing also use a treadmill, which you can also find in an online store. Keeping up with your cardio will enable you to put your new moves to use while looking and feeling better than you ever have before.

Learn self-defense and improve your confidence. If you’re looking to learn how to defend yourself in case trouble ever comes your way, mixed martial arts, or MMA, is one of the most burgeoning combat sports in the world and a great way to learn self-defense. An MMA online store will have everything you need to get started, from sparring gear to custom-made shorts. It’s important to invest in the right MMA equipment to execute moves and maneuvers properly while limiting injuries to both you and the person you’re training with.

There’s tons of places to find sparring gear online, so make sure you find the best one for whatever combat sport you’re looking to take up. A great combat sports online store has product reviews and suggestions for beginners to experts, so there something for everybody. Stay safe and happy sparring!