THE ARTICLE
It is known as the “manly art of self-defence.” Back in the nineteenth century, when it originated, it was known as pugilism in an era when great fighters such as James J. Jeffries and John Sullivan squared off in hundred-bout events with no gloves on.
It has evolved into a sport that has produced hall of fame-bound fighters such as Manny Pacquiao, Bernard Hopkins and Antonio Margarito—considered by many to be some of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
Yes, boxing has produced some of the finest fighters who dominate the ring year in and year out. Today, it is no longer just for those who do it for a living. Many people who are into fitness are trying boxing to bring their fitness centre regimens to the next level.
Check out some of the benefits it offers you:
1. Boxing is an overall workout—boxing is one of the true all-around workouts available. It focuses and strengthens numerous muscle groups simultaneously as opposed to spot training, which focuses on only one body area.
What’s good about boxing is that it works your core muscles by using strength and balance, the leg muscles through various kicks and stances and the arm muscles through punching and jabbing. A boxing workout also includes your back muscles, shoulder muscles and your glutes through by way of perpetual skipping and dodging movements.
2. It offers variety—repetitive workouts are detrimental to peak fitness. Boxing offers a more effective constant up shift and down shift of cardiovascular and strength training along with sudden burst training. An hour of boxing can produce more sweat and calorie burn than a continuous one-hour jog.
3. Boxing assists weight loss - a total body workout, when done for roughly 30 minutes a day, is enough to keep a minimum level of fitness and fight obesity. Boxing fits that bill perfectly.
4. Boxing is fun—your boxing program at the gym can be tweaked in more ways than one. You can pounce on a heavy punching bag by yourself to the tune of your favourite music. You can also choose to spar with one of your mates. By offering so much, boxing keeps you engaged and helps you steer clear of boredom which will spell doom for any workout routine.
5. Mental benefits—boxing is a sport which develops one’s mental attributes. After all, they don’t call it the “Sweet Science” for nothing.
It develops confidence, determination, patience and focus. Whenever you spar or box for real, you and your trainer must develop a strategy. Beating an opponent is not about throwing all the punches available in your arsenal. You also must include ring-savvy tactics such as defence, parrying, weaving and backpeddling. In some ways, it is like a chess match wherein you try to gain an advantage over the opponent by analysing his weaknesses and tendencies.
6. Self-defence—granted, you may be involved in boxing for the sole purpose of staying fit. But along the way, you also develop your self-defence techniques because quite simply, boxing is a combat sport. This works even more to your advantage if you are a woman. Nobody can take advantage of you anymore!
Boxing Gear
Before getting into a boxing regimen at your fitness centre, make sure to have these with you:
1. Wraps—these are long cloth wraps that cover your knuckles, to prevent scrapes and bruises during heavy bag work. They also support the wrists whilst hitting the bag.
2. Bag gloves—these are not the usual boxing gloves you are familiar with. Boxing gloves just have enough padding to protect your hands as you hit the heavy bag. They come in various weights and styles.
3. Jump rope—jump rope is a good way to burn some calories. You will need this for warming up and cooling down.
4. Headgear—if you intend to do some sparring in the ring, better purchase headgear for maximum protection. Leave the regular boxing matches to the professionals.
5. Mouthpiece—getting into a sparring session is not worth losing your teeth over.
6. Abdominal guards—accidents happen in any sport, and boxing is no exception. Take extra heed especially if you’re a man. You don’t want a punch hitting you below the hip area, do you?
Conclusion
If you want to try a workout that incorporates tonnes of discipline, offers you fun and variety and trains your self-defence techniques, boxing is definitely the way to go. Years down the line, you will find yourself more disciplined and fit than you ever were before.
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