Protect Your Hands
Muay Thai Gloves
Arguably the most important gear. There are plenty to choose from, so what's right for you?
Everything You Need To Know About Muay Thai Gloves
Features to look for, brands, guides, and SHOP (scroll down)!
This section will be controversial as everyone has an opinion on Muay Thai gloves and there are plenty of brands to choose from.
Please, keep in mind my goal is to make sure you are purchasing the right gloves for you.
NOT hype, not to make me money, not for any reason other than to be a guide for you.
How to Choose Muay Thai Gloves
This article will guide you through choosing the suitable Muay Thai gloves that meet your needs.
Understand the Different Types of Muay Thai Gloves
Before choosing Muay Thai gloves, it is essential to understand the different types available. There are three primary types: training gloves, sparring gloves, and competition gloves. Training gloves are typically used during practice sessions, while sparring gloves are for training sessions where fighters engage in controlled contact with their opponents. Competition gloves are worn during actual fights and are the smallest of the three types.
Determine the Right Size of Gloves for You
Choosing the right size of gloves is crucial in ensuring they provide the proper protection and support. Sizes typically range from 6 oz to 18 oz. A general rule of thumb is to choose gloves that weigh 10-ounce if you weigh less than 120 lbs, 12-ounce if you weigh between 120 and 150 lbs., 14-ounce if you weigh between 150 and 180 lbs., and 16-ounce if you weigh more than 180 lbs.
However, this is only sometimes true. Most gyms will only let you spar with 16oz. Talk to your coach before purchasing your gloves.
Consider the Type of Padding
Muay Thai gloves come with different types of padding. The most common types are foam and gel padding. Foam padding is often lighter, whereas gel padding provides more protection. Gel padding is ideal for heavy bag training, while foam padding is better for speedbag and shadow boxing training. Remember, these are guides, as padding is a preference.
Look for Durable Materials
Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing Muay Thai gloves. Leather gloves tend to be more durable than synthetic gloves, but they are also more expensive. Synthetic gloves are less costly and still provide adequate protection, but they may not last as long as leather gloves. As synthetic gets more popular, the quality is increasing too. The longevity also depends on your cleaning and care habits!
Check for Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation prevents the build-up of sweat and odors. Gloves with adequate ventilation will keep your hands dry, comfortable, and free from unpleasant odors. Look for gloves with breathable materials, such as mesh or perforated leather on the palm, if your hands sweat more.
Decide on the Closure System
Muay Thai gloves have different closure systems, including hook and loop, lace-up, and elastic. Hook and loop closures are the most common and offer a secure fit. Lace-up gloves provide a more traditional look but can be time-consuming to put on and take off. Elastic closure systems are easy to use but may not provide as secure of a fit as hook and loop or lace-up.
Consider Your Budget
Muay Thai gloves come at different price points, depending on the type of gloves and the quality of materials used. Therefore, consider your budget first when choosing gloves. While it may be tempting to go for the least expensive option, investing in a high-quality pair of gloves can save you money in the long run by reducing the likelihood of injury and the need to replace gloves frequently.
Thank you for checking out this general guide on choosing Muay Thai gloves. If you are starting out, I wrote a guide on Muay Thai gear for beginners.
Shop
Before you go on Amazon and search "muay thai gloves" please look below. There are gloves on there for $25 and 7k ratings, but they are random brands and I wouldn't trust em. Below are some of my pics in various price ranges. I added little notes to em to based on why I chose them.
I own these and love them. Also, I try not use leather, so personal choice. They have a longer break in time.
Leather version of mine. My coach uses them and they feel just fine when I get hit in the face.
Might be my favorite all arounder right now. Happily get hit by this by my sparring bud regularly.
Cheap, I like the velcro wrist support for beginners. Good beginner gloves or extra if ya want 10oz.
Sanabul is solid overall. I have shorter forearms, so the cuff was big on me, but a sparring partner has no problem.
These were my 2nd gloves. They were big for me, but the quality for $50 was great. Good for bigger hands.
Icy Mike Recommends these. You can check his video here: https://youtu.be/bMSShjI3Hf0
Only listing cause csquaredboxing recommends them for beginners: https://youtu.be/Rhe-REeG2Uo
I wanted to throw an RDX glove on here because they are popular. Cheap, first gloves for a medium hand size.
Yokkao is a high-end brand, and you can't go wrong with them. Funky colors! Channel you inner Saenchai!!!.
Windy is a very respected brand. I have never tried the, but many YT reviewers suggest them.
Jayefo are cheap and popular. I don't like their quality as much as I do Elite but your preference here.
Learn More About Muay Thai Gloves Below
Voice Search Optimization: Harnessing the Power of Spoken Queries
Voice Search Optimization: Harnessing the Power of Spoken Queries
What is Voice Search Optimization?
Voice Search Optimization (VSO) is the process of enhancing online content to appear in the results of searches performed using voice commands. As voice recognition technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, optimizing for voice search is not just an option but a necessity for businesses aiming to capture the attention of users who prefer speaking over typing. Our NJ SEO agency specializes in local SEO, so we love this type of content!
The Benefits of Voice Search Optimization
Optimizing for voice search extends beyond the reach of traditional SEO, offering a unique opportunity to connect with users on a more personal level. By tailoring content to the conversational nature of voice queries, businesses can improve their online presence, build trust with their audience, and deliver an enhanced user experience. This proactive approach ensures that brands are more likely to be featured in voice search results, thereby increasing brand awareness and establishing a competitive edge.
Demand Sage has an incredible list of Statistics in their article "67 Voice Search Statistics For 2023 (Fresh Data)" and some of the top being:
There are 4.2 billion voice assistants in use as of 2023. This number will reach 8.4 billion by 2024.
Voice search assistants answer 93.7% of search queries on average.
More than 1 billion voice searches take place every month.
More than 50% of the adults reported that they use voice search daily.
27% of people use voice search on mobile as of 2023.
More than 40% of the voice search results are from the featured snippets.
An average voice search SERP requires 4.6 seconds to load.
More than 20% of the searches in the Google App are done using voice search.
Voice search is used by approximately 58% of consumers to find a local business.
41% of the adults in the US use voice search daily.
More than 30,000 smart home devices are supported by Google Assistant.
45.1% of the voice assistants reported that they prefer Apple’s Siri for voice search.
Voice search shopping is expected to cross $40 billion.
Understanding Voice Searches
Voice searches are transforming the way information is sought online, with a significant portion of queries now being made through spoken commands. This shift necessitates a deeper understanding of the types of voice searches to effectively target relevant keywords and craft content that aligns with user intent.
We hope they update this soon: https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/marketing-strategies/app-and-mobile/voice-search-statistics/
Types of Voice Searches
Voice searches vary from seeking local business information to asking for step-by-step instructions. Recognizing the different types of voice searches is crucial for creating content that addresses the specific needs and questions of users, thereby improving the chances of being the chosen answer by voice assistants.
Targeting Long-Tail Keywords and Question Keywords
Long-tail and question-based keywords are the cornerstone of voice search optimization. These keywords mirror the natural language used in spoken queries and are essential for capturing traffic from users who ask detailed questions. Finding these keywords involves leveraging tools and analyzing search engine features like "related searches" and "people also ask."
Schema Markup and Quick Answers for Voice Searches
Schema markup plays a pivotal role in helping search engines understand and display page content for voice searches. With the advent of "speakable" Schema, webmasters can now mark up sections of text specifically for voice search, enhancing the chances of being featured in voice responses.
Understanding the Differences Between Mobile and Desktop Voice Searches
The nuances between mobile and desktop voice searches are significant, with each platform exhibiting distinct user behaviors and preferences. Optimizing for both platforms requires an understanding of the search engines and devices preferred by users, as well as the nature of their queries.
Google Featured Snippets
Featured snippets have become a key target for voice search optimization, as they are often the source of answers provided by voice assistants. These concise pieces of information can significantly boost traffic and visibility, making them a coveted position for any content strategy.
Devices That Use Voice Search
A myriad of devices now come equipped with voice search capabilities, each utilizing different search engines and responding to various command styles. From smartphones to smart speakers, understanding the landscape of voice search devices is essential for comprehensive optimization.
Optimizing Your Business Listing for Voice Searches
A well-optimized Google Business Profile is instrumental for local businesses to be discovered via voice search. Regular updates and accurate information are key to increasing visibility in voice search results, making it easier for users to find and engage with businesses.
Keeping Your Business Listing Up to Date and Accurate
Maintaining an up-to-date and accurate business listing is critical for voice search success. This includes claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing and ensuring all details, such as contact information and business hours, are current.
Ensuring Your Website's Mobile-Friendliness for Maximum Visibility
With the majority of voice searches conducted on mobile devices, a mobile-friendly website is imperative. It must pass Google's Mobile-Friendliness Test and provide a seamless experience to rank favorably in voice search results.
Making Sure Your Webpages are Easily Accessible from Search Engines
Accessible webpages are a must for voice search optimization. This involves a clear website structure, optimized meta tags, and XML sitemaps that facilitate easy crawling and indexing by search engines.
Developing Content for Voice Search Results
Creating content that is likely to rank well in voice search results means focusing on quality and relevance. It should directly answer user queries and be structured in a way that aligns with the conversational nature of voice searches.
Utilizing Conversational Language in Content for Better User Experience
Content for voice search should be conversational and user-friendly, reflecting the way people naturally speak. This includes using everyday language, avoiding jargon, and potentially incorporating humor to engage users.
Build An FAQ Section
An FAQ section is invaluable for voice search optimization. It should address common questions, provide clear answers, and be written in a conversational tone to align with voice search queries.
The Benefits of Multilingual Content
Multilingual content can significantly enhance voice search optimization by catering to a broader audience. Accurate translations and adherence to Google's guidelines are essential for building trust and authority when content is read by voice assistants.
Examples of Voice Search Optimization
This is a lot of information, so let's see it in some hypothetical practice.
Local Bakery Optimizes for Voice Search Queries:
Example: "Sweet Treats Bakery" noticed an increase in voice search queries for "best birthday cakes near me." They updated their website content to include conversational phrases and structured their product descriptions to answer common questions. They also created a featured snippet by writing a blog post titled "How to Choose the Perfect Birthday Cake," which led to a 30% increase in voice search-driven store visits.
Law Firm Targets Long-Tail Keywords:
Example: The law firm "Justice Advocates" incorporated long-tail, question-based keywords into their content strategy. They developed an FAQ section on their website addressing common legal queries such as "What to do after a car accident?" This resulted in their firm appearing more frequently in voice search results for legal advice, leading to a higher engagement rate on their consultation booking page.
Tourism Board Uses Multilingual Content for Global Visitors:
Example: The "Explore the World" tourism board created multilingual content for their top attractions, recognizing the diversity of their visitors. They included phrases commonly used in voice searches in multiple languages, which improved the user experience for international tourists and positioned their website as a go-to resource for travel planning via voice assistants.
Fitness App Incorporates Conversational Language:
Example: A popular fitness app, "FitLife," redesigned their workout guides with a conversational tone to match the way users interact with their voice-enabled devices. They included commands like "Tell me today's workout routine" and "What are some easy warm-up exercises?" This made their content more accessible through voice search and increased user engagement with their app.
Home Improvement Store Develops Voice Search-Friendly DIY Guides:
Example: "DIY Masters," a home improvement store, created a series of DIY project guides optimized for voice search. They used schema markup to highlight materials needed for projects like "How to install kitchen cabinets" and structured the content to answer step-by-step queries. This led to an increase in voice search traffic and positioned "DIY Masters" as an authoritative source for home project advice.
FAQ
How does voice search work?
Voice search works by using voice recognition technology to understand spoken commands. The device processes the spoken words, converts them into text, and then uses search algorithms to find the most relevant results, which are then spoken back to the user.
Why is voice search becoming so popular?
Voice search is becoming popular due to the convenience it offers. It's faster than typing, allows for multitasking, and provides an intuitive way of interacting with devices. The improvement in voice recognition accuracy has also contributed to its increased use.
What devices can be used for voice search?
Voice search can be used on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart speakers (like Amazon Echo and Google Home), smart TVs, and even some desktop and laptop computers.
How can I optimize my website for voice search?
To optimize for voice search, focus on conversational keywords and phrases, structure content with questions and answers, ensure your site is mobile-friendly, use schema markup to help search engines understand your content, and aim to appear in featured snippets.
What impact does voice search have on SEO?
Voice search affects SEO by emphasizing the need for conversational content, local search optimization, and faster, more direct answers to queries. It also prioritizes mobile-friendly websites and those that load quickly.
Can voice search be used for shopping?
Yes, many smart devices with voice search capabilities allow users to shop online by finding products, comparing prices, and even making purchases through voice commands.
How do I make my business appear in voice search results?
To appear in voice search results, claim and optimize your Google My Business listing, ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) consistency across the web, collect positive reviews, and provide clear, concise, and updated information about your business.
What languages are supported by voice search?
Most major voice search platforms support multiple languages and dialects. However, the range of languages depends on the device and voice search service provider.
How can voice search be used for local businesses?
Local businesses can benefit from voice search by optimizing for local keywords, maintaining accurate and comprehensive Google My Business listings, and ensuring their website content answers common questions related to their business and location.
Embracing the Future with Voice Search Optimization
As we stand on the cusp of a digital revolution where voice commands are becoming as commonplace as touchscreens, the importance of Voice Search Optimization (VSO) cannot be overstated. The journey through the world of VSO is not just about staying ahead of the curve; it's about embracing a future where every spoken word opens up a realm of possibilities.
From local bakeries to multinational corporations, the power of voice search is reshaping the landscape of online interaction, making it more personal, immediate, and accessible. By optimizing for voice search, businesses unlock the door to enhanced visibility, deeper customer connections, and an enriched online presence that resonates with the voice of today's user.
At Next Step Connect, we understand that the path to voice search excellence is continuous and ever-evolving. Our commitment to innovation and our expertise in the nuances of digital marketing ensure that your business doesn't just find its voice, but amplifies it to reach the ears of those who matter most—your customers.
Whether you're looking to refine your content for the conversational demands of voice search, aiming to capture the essence of multilingual diversity, or seeking to optimize your digital footprint for the era of spoken queries, Next Step Connect is your partner in this vocal journey.
Don't let your business be just another whisper in the wind. Let's make it resonate. Contact Next Step Connect today, and let's elevate your voice to be heard loud and clear in the symphony of the digital age.
Gloves
Possibly the most subjective piece of gear you will own. Here you will find what to look for in muay thai gloves. Beginners save money now and start your research for your upgrades!
Shin Guards
Conditioning your shins will come in time, but protect them now and don't feel as bad kicking your friends when sparring. PLUS, some extras to help you avoid ripping your achilles skin.
Headgear
Not every gym requires you to get your own headgear. But, we suggest you do. You don't know if the last person cleaned them properly, and that is NOT a problem you want.
Shorts
Traditional Muay Thai shorts are a popular design but now there are more options. From material to features, we will explain the pros and cons.
Mouth Guards
It is way more expensive to fix a chipped tooth than to have a mouth guard...or two...or maybe even 20 or more. Get the point?
Hand Wraps
Seems basic, right? A wrap around your hand. What about size, elastic vs non, slip-ons (with gel!)...get the idea?
Foot/Ankle Wraps
Much like hand wraps but for the opposite end of your body. After a few kicks, you'll see why we recommend them.
Elbow Pads
When the time comes and your gym allows you to spar with elbows, you will need pads. Your partner doesn't want a split eyebrow.
Knee Pads
Another buffer that allows you to throw a little harder but not hurt your partner. Plus, protect your joints as you get older.
"Thai" Pads
These are the most popular pads at your gym. However, sometimes the gyms are destroyed, so own a pair.
Focus Mitts
Great for increasing accuracy and speed. These little pads have huge benefits and can be used anywhere.
Belly Pads
Conditioning your abs in the beginning is great! As you level up, the teeps get tougher!
Strike Shield
This is a very versatile pad and there are slight features that matter quite a bit. You will love this for training with strong kickers.
Thigh Pads
Dead legs hurt! Believe us, we will get to a great story in here of a week long dead leg. These also help you flex into kicks.
Shirts/Tops
What's more important than a cool graphic? Discord why we choose certain materials, length, and brands.
Gym Bags
A big duffel works and so does a backpack. But, what if you ride a motorcycle - where are the waterproof bags? See our suggestions.
BRANDS
