5 Big Benefits of Boxing Training
When you think of boxing names like Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and George Foreman likely come to mind.
The greats.
Back when these legends of the sport duked it out in the ring boxing was watched by many but practiced by few, how the times have changed.
It genuinely seems like every other week a new boxing gym or franchise is opening up in my town.
The benefits of boxing are massive and people are starting to realise that you don't need to be a hardcore athlete to wrap your hands and throw some punches, boxing itself can be used as a tool by essentially anyone to transform their physical and mental fitness.
Having spent years performing various combat oriented sports (boxing/muay thai/karate) I've personally found boxing to be the best in terms of practicality, fitness gained and longevity (muay thai is all about testing your toughness and clashing shins, in my opinion this is not the type of thing you want to be doing for too long!).
1 - Boxing Builds Fantastic Cardio Endurance
If you've boxed before I'm sure this is the first benefit you thought of, as until you've done it the amount of energy expended to pepper a heavy bag with shots for multiple 3 minute rounds is absurd, the same can be said about hitting the speed bag or performing focus mitt drills for periods of time.
The cardiovascular endurance built via boxing will bleed over to your other endeavors too - this is why many athletes, be they NBA players or runners utilize boxing training in the off-season to improve and maintain their conditioning.
Because boxing is so engaging unlike many others forms of cardio (take treadmill running for example) it's easy to perform endurance based workouts with becoming bored and wanting to cut your training short.
2 - Boxing Relieves Tons of Stress
Frustrating day in the office? Boss hounding you all day to submit that paperwork?
Don't bottle up that stress. Box it out.
Unloading a barrage of right hands, left hooks and body shots on a heavy bag has got to be one of the quickest and most effective ways to eliminate stress.
Most importantly this is a healthy, sustainable method for reducing stress - unlike comfort eating, drinking alcohol or smoking.
Grab a pair of 16oz gloves, wrap your hands (never box without wraps!) and perform 5 or 6 rounds of 2 minute power shots on your heavy bag.
3 - Boxing Training Will Assist Burning a Large Number of Calories
Your heart rate is through the roof and your lungs are burning while you engage your core, hips, shoulders and arms with each punch you throw.
To the uninformed they may think boxing doesn't burn many calories because our arms are the only thing we're really engaging.
That isn't the case at all.
An untrained individual will likely throw 'arm punches' once you've learnt how to throw a punch correctly you'll soon see that true punching power comes through the pivot of the hips, the extension of the shoulder and the turning of the wrist.
If burning calories and losing fat is your goal you honestly cannot go beyond boxing.
Sure you could jump on a spin bike or go for a run but you'll but you'll find you burn more calories boxing while also reaping other amazing benefits such as the improved coordination and confidence I'm about to discuss below.
4 - Boxing Vastly Improves Your Hand-Eye Coordination
You may be fast, explosive and athletic (all of these help with boxing, no doubt) but you'll likely find your coordination isn't exactly to the level you thought it may be.
Everyone is humbled the first time they attempt to strike a speed bag.
You'll hit it once, possibly twice and then it'll become a ghost - seemingly impossible to hit.
Don't become discouraged - regular practice on the speed bag will do wonders for your hand eye coordination and this will quickly become an addictive exercise.
5 - Learning To Box Will Increase Your Confidence
When we're talking about boxing and boosting confidence I'm not talking about confidence to win a street fight (deescalate situations, don't strike). Instead, I'm talking about the confidence knowing you can slip, roll and utilize your footwork to avoid potential threats.
The more you box the more your measure of distance, coordination and ability to see punches and strikes coming.
You will not get hit if you're not there to be hit.
"SJ, the benefits of boxing are amazing, where do I start?"
If you can I recommend hitting up your local boxing gym, if this isn't an option I've written up a number of guides to punches including...
As well as these drills...
4 Focus Mitt Drills For Power And Speed
4 Focus Mitt Drills For Killer Cardio & Conditioning
5 Boxing Combos For Killer Cardio Conditioning
Pick Up The Best Pair Of Boxing Gloves Here!
The Cleto Reyes goatskin leather boxing gloves are made by hand, these are without a doubt the toughest most durable gloves I've ever seen and used, they'll last you forever while protecting your hands.
Pick up a pair here.
