How to Stay Motivated in Muay Thai When You Don’t See Immediate Results
You’ve probably heard the saying: “It takes 4 weeks for you to notice changes, 8 weeks for those close to you, and 12 weeks for the rest of the world.”
But let’s be honest here – training for Muay Thai is a long journey, and sometimes, progress feels frustratingly slow. That’s because you’re not just trying to build muscles or abs, you’re learning how to perfect Muay Thai techniques correctly and with precision.
Here’s how you can stay committed, push through the slow times:
1. Remember Why You Started
When you start losing hope, it’s time to take a step back. Why did you start training for Muay Thai? Was it to learn self-defense, get fitter, or gain confidence? Are you stronger now? Do you feel less tired on a day-to-day basis?
Did you struggle to make it through your first session? Are you more comfortable with certain moves now? These little victories matter.
2. Set Smaller, Realistic Goals
There’s a lot to learn in Muay Thai but perseverance is one of the biggest things. While goals keep us motivated and on track, don’t get too hung up on big ones like winning fights or mastering advanced techniques overnight. Start with smaller goals like improving your footwork or landing a clean kick.
3. Track Your Progress
Keep a training journal or app. Write down what you’re working on, how each session went, and any feedback you received from your coach. A lot of improvements in Muay Thai are subtle but when you track progress actively, you’ll notice them easily.
4. Surround Yourself With Positive People
When your circle is made up of people who believe in you, it’s easier to believe in yourself. If you’re training with people who constantly put themselves down or criticize others, you’ll start to do the same. It’s okay to set boundaries.
5. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Instead of being fixated on the end, learn to love the process. Celebrate the effort you’re putting in, the sweat you’re leaving on the mat, and the small improvements you’re making daily. Muay Thai is about the journey, not just the results. You’re growing every day, even if the growth isn’t immediately visible.
6. Mix Up Your Training Routine
If you’re starting to feel stuck, it might be time to mix things up. Try different drills, work with new partners, or focus on the more difficult parts of your training. Sometimes, it’s just a mental plateau that you have to break to see results physically.
7. Accept That Progress Isn’t Linear
Some days you feel unstoppable; other days, you struggle to get anything right. This is completely normal. Understand that bad days don’t define your overall ability. They’re part of the process, and every martial artist experiences them.
8. Visualize Your Success
Is there a drill or technique that you’ve not tried yet? Any complicated move that keeps you from stepping into the ring with confidence? Before you begin training, close your eyes for a couple minutes and create a picture mentally of you doing it finally. It’s more or less like manifestation but for physical training.
9. Take Care of Your Body
If you’re not seeing results, it’s time to go back to the basics. Are you eating well? Getting enough rest? When was the last time you took a day off training? Your body might be burned out and just needs some rest. Eat balanced meals with high protein, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. Instead of Muay Thai training, go for a brisk walk or run. It keeps you active but is much lower in intensity.
Got more questions? We’re here for you!
