This is one of the most common questions people ask before joining a class:
“Do I need to get fit first?”

The short answer is no.
And for many people, trying to “get fit first” is the exact reason they never start.

At Iron Skull Gym, most people who join our Krav Maga or Thai Boxing classes in Glasgow are not coming from a fitness background. They’re normal people with busy lives who want to feel stronger, more confident and more capable.

Here’s what you actually need to know.

Fitness Is a Result of Training, Not a Requirement

You don’t get fit and then start training.
You start training, and fitness improves as a result.

Both Krav Maga and Thai Boxing are designed to:

• Improve strength and conditioning

• Build coordination and balance

• Increase stamina gradually

• Develop confidence through movement

Classes are structured so people can start at their current level and progress safely over time.

What “Being Fit” Actually Means

When people say they want to get fit first, they usually mean:

• Lose weight

• Improve cardio

• Feel less self-conscious

• Avoid feeling out of place

None of these require pre-training.

Fitness looks different for everyone, and good coaching accounts for that. You don’t need to match anyone else’s level to begin.

How Beginner Classes Are Structured

Beginner-friendly training isn’t just a label. It’s a coaching approach.

At Iron Skull Gym, beginner sessions focus on:

• Learning techniques step by step

• Controlled drills

• Regular rest when needed

• Clear explanations

• Scalable intensity

You’re encouraged to work at a pace that feels manageable. No one expects you to push beyond your limits.

Krav Maga vs Thai Boxing: Fitness Expectations

Both styles welcome beginners, but they feel slightly different.

Krav Maga

Krav Maga focuses on:

• Practical self-defence

• Awareness and decision-making

• Simple, effective movements

• Realistic scenarios

Fitness improves naturally through movement and repetition. There’s no expectation of high-level conditioning at the start.

Thai Boxing

Thai Boxing includes:

• Pad work

• Technique drills

• Coordination and timing

• Gradual conditioning

While it is physically demanding over time, beginners are introduced progressively. You’re not expected to have prior fitness or striking experience.

Training Adapts to You, Not the Other Way Around

Good gyms don’t expect beginners to adapt instantly.

At Iron Skull Gym in Glasgow, coaching is designed so:

• Intensity can be adjusted

• Breaks are normal

• Techniques are scaled

• Progress happens gradually

Your starting point is not a problem. It’s simply where you begin.

Why Waiting Often Backfires

Many people plan to:
“I’ll get fit first, then I’ll join.”

In reality, that usually leads to:

• Delaying indefinitely

• Losing motivation

• Feeling more anxious about starting

Training in a structured environment with coaching support is far more effective than trying to prepare on your own.

What You Actually Need to Start

You don’t need:

• A fitness base

• Previous martial arts experience

• Confidence

• Special equipment

You need:

• Comfortable clothing

• A willingness to try

• An open mindset

Everything else is built through training.

How We Support Beginners at Iron Skull Gym

At Iron Skull Gym, beginners are expected and welcomed.

Whether you choose Krav Maga or Thai Boxing, sessions are coached to:

• Be supportive

• Avoid unnecessary pressure

• Focus on learning

• Build fitness naturally

You’re not judged on where you start. You’re supported as you progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be fit before starting Krav Maga?

No. Krav Maga classes are designed to help you build fitness gradually through training.

Is Thai Boxing too intense for beginners?

No. Thai Boxing is introduced progressively, with intensity adjusted to experience and fitness level.

What if I can’t keep up?

That’s normal. You’re encouraged to work at your own pace and take breaks when needed.

Will I feel out of place if I’m unfit?

No. Most beginners start at different fitness levels, and classes are structured to accommodate that.

How often should I train as a beginner?

One to two sessions per week is ideal for most beginners.

Start Where You Are

You don’t need to be fit to start Krav Maga or Thai Boxing.
You start where you are, and fitness develops along the way.

If you’re looking for beginner-friendly Krav Maga or Thai Boxing training in Glasgow, Iron Skull Gym offers structured, supportive classes designed to help people start confidently and progress safely.