Your kickboxing gym bag needs six things: a towel, a large water bottle, a mouthguard, boxing gloves and shin guards, hand wraps and clean clothes for after class. Flip-flops are handy for walking to the mat. You do not need shoes, because kickboxing is trained barefoot.
You are about to head to the gym. You are dressed, you are motivated, and then the doubt kicks in. Do I have everything? Nothing is more annoying than finding out in the changing room that you forgot your towel. Or gasping for water halfway through class while your bottle is still on the kitchen counter.
At Spallys in Amsterdam East we like good preparation. Whether you are coming for your first trial class or have been training for years, this checklist makes sure you never miss a thing.
Kickboxing Equipment List: What Do You Need for Kickboxing?
- Towel
- Water bottle of at least 0.75 litres
- Mouthguard (for technique classes and sparring)
- Boxing gloves and shin guards
- Hand wraps
- Clean clothes and flip-flops
1. A Towel (Mandatory)
This is not optional. Kickboxing is an intense sport and you will sweat. A lot. Hygiene comes first at Spallys. You use the towel to wipe the sweat off your face, but also to keep the mat or the heavy bag clean for the next person.
Tip: skip the tiny guest towel and bring one big enough to actually wipe off your sweat.
2. Water, and Lots of It
A small 330 ml bottle will not cut it. During an hour of kickboxing or heavy bag training you lose a lot of fluid. Drinking enough keeps your energy up and helps prevent cramps.
Tip: bring a large bottle of at least 0.75 litres. You can refill it at Spallys, but during class you do not want to keep walking to the tap.
3. The Mouthguard
This often confuses beginners. Do you always need one?
- Heavy bag training: no. You are not hitting each other, so a mouthguard is not needed.
- Technique classes and sparring: yes, strongly recommended.
We train in a controlled way, but accidents happen. A punch can slip through. A mouthguard protects your teeth, but also your lips and tongue.
4. Gloves and Shin Guards
These are your weapons and your protection.
- For beginners: no gear of your own yet? No stress. For your trial class we have loan gear at the front desk that you can use for free.
- For members: if you train regularly, we recommend your own set. It is more hygienic and the gloves shape to your hands.
5. Hand Wraps
An extra tip from the trainer: do not forget your hand wraps. You wrap them around your hands before putting on your gloves. They support your wrists, which matters when you punch hard, and they absorb the first sweat. That keeps your gloves fresh for longer.
6. Clean Clothes for After Class
Bring something dry for the way home. Cycling through Amsterdam East in a wet shirt is the fastest way to catch a cold. And the people around you will appreciate it if you smell fresh after training.
Which Kickboxing Gym Bag Should You Get?
You do not need a special kickboxing bag. A regular sports bag works fine, as long as it ticks a few boxes:
- Enough space: gloves and shin guards take up a lot of room. A bag of 30 to 40 litres is enough for most people.
- A separate compartment for wet gear: it keeps your clean clothes dry and stops your bag from smelling.
- Ventilation: a mesh pocket or a separate net bag lets your gloves and wraps air out.
- Backpack or duffle bag: if you cycle to the gym, a kickboxing backpack is the most practical. A duffle bag holds more and is easier to pack.
Tip: take your gloves and wraps out of your bag right after training and let them dry. It saves you a lot of bad smells.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kickboxing Gear
What do I need for my first kickboxing class?
Sports clothes, a towel, a water bottle and flip-flops. Gloves and shin guards are available on loan for your trial class, so you do not need to buy anything up front. Read more in our blog on what to wear to your first kickboxing class.
What size boxing gloves do I need?
That depends on your body weight. For most women 12 or 14 oz is common, for men 14 or 16 oz. If you spar, go one size up (16 oz) for your partner’s safety.
Do I need an expensive custom mouthguard?
For beginners a boil and bite mouthguard is fine. You buy it at a sports shop, put it in hot water and bite into it so it shapes to your teeth.
Do I need shoes for kickboxing?
No. Kickboxing is trained barefoot. You only need flip-flops to walk from the changing room to the mat. Shoes are not allowed on the mat itself.
Do you sell gear at Spallys?
We often have the basics, or we can tell you where to get good gear nearby. Just ask the trainer before or after class.
Ready to pack your bag? Book a trial class at our kickboxing gym in Amsterdam East.
