Benefits of Boxing Training

A lot of people think of push-ups, sit-ups, and pumping a bit of iron as the best way to get in shape. Those are effective methods but there are other ways of increasing and maintaining your level of fitness. Boxing training has many benefits that go above and beyond the physical side of things. Now, you might be a little intimidated at the mere thought of stepping into a boxing ring and that is understandable. After all, boxing is seen as a pretty violent sport and boxers do get injured. 

However, you can maintain a boxing training program without ever having to risk being the recipient of a concussion related injury. There are many reasons you should consider boxing training.

Getting In Shape

One of the most obvious benefits of boxing training is increased athleticism. Aside from skills, boxing takes a lot of strength, speed, and endurance along with power and agility. You might not be very strong or agile at the moment but that will all change if you adhere to a regular training regimen. Over time, you will become a lot stronger, quicker, and you will possess noticeably higher levels of endurance and agility. Those who are already athletic can also benefit from boxing training.

Build Defensive Skills

Many people have felt a little apprehensive when they have wandered through unfamiliar and dark streets at night. There are many threats that loom large in such a situation. Boxing training equips you with the skills to defend yourself which gives you a lot more confidence when you are not in the safest of environments. Of course, honing your self-defense skills will involve sparring as a part of your boxing training but having a good sparring partner and a good coach will ensure that you won’t get hurt. You will learn how to attack and deliver a good blow but you will also learn how to defend yourself and take a blow. A big part of boxing is technique.

Mental Toughness and Confidence

There’s no doubt that physical strength is a key component in boxing but one’s mindset also plays a pivotal role. As you develop more physical strength, speed, agility, and stamina, you will also build a lot of confidence. You might dread getting into the ring and sparring for the first time but it gets easier each time you do it. Eventually, the jitters disappear and sparring becomes just another part of the training routine. You will have taken a few punches during your boxing training regime which will make you less afraid of a bit of physical pain. This completely alters your mindset and boosts your self-esteem and confidence.

Build Muscle Mass

Boxers use a wide range of muscles. Delivering a solid punch involves a lot more than just using your shoulders and arms. Your legs, hips, and back are also needed. Many more muscles are involved when you are defending yourself and throwing punches. If you are out of shape, it is likely that you would be quickly gas out within a few minutes into a fight or double up in pain if you were punched in the stomach. 

Starting out with a few sit-ups leads to being able to build your core and eventually those stomach muscles will develop and help you withstand a punch to the midsection. It’s the same thing with other exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and pumping weights. Boxing training will help you develop and maintain muscles that you never even knew you had.

Burn Off Fat and Stress at the Same Time

There are many ways to burn fat but boxing is one of the best ways to do it. You can burn over 1,000 calories in a single session. Unlike hitting the treadmill, high-intensity boxing training burns calories even after the session is over. Speaking of cardio, boxing training gives your heart and lungs an excellent workout. It is also a well-known fact that hitting things is a great way to relieve stress. A good session with a heavy bag or a little sparring can go a long way toward putting a bad day behind you.

Finding A Good Boxing Gym

It isn’t too difficult to find a boxing gym but like restaurants, finding a good one can take a bit of searching. One of the first things you should ask yourself when you want to start training is “What do I want to get out of it?” If you want to take up boxing training just to get in shape without having any desire to compete, then you might want to take a look at a commercial fitness gym. These establishments usually focus on the cardiovascular and aerobic aspects of boxing training. Generally speaking, the trainers don’t have the boxing pedigree of those who you would find training fighters at professional boxing gyms. Still, it is a good option to get in shape and learn some basic boxing techniques.

If you are interested in competing, then you probably want to avoid commercial fitness gyms and find a professional boxing gym. Yes, these places tend to be a little more difficult to find than commercial gyms and they can be quite intimidating for beginners but they offer a well-rounded training experience. Look for a professional boxing gym that has a good reputation as well as certified and experienced trainers. 

Take a look around and see how the trainers are interacting with the fighters. If there is sparring going on, then see if trainers are teaching the fighters technique and not just looking on as they pound the stuffing out of each other. You can also find out if the facility has produced any notable boxers. Boxing gyms are usually all too willing to boast about successful fighters that train there and they will almost always proudly display any hardware or other awards.

Finding A Good Trainer

Finding a good trainer is perhaps the most important component of boxing training. Great boxers don’t necessarily make great trainers just as great trainers aren’t always great fighters. You might be talking to a trainer that had a very successful professional boxing career but you need to be more concerned about his ability to teach and bring out the best in you. You want your trainer to be experienced, analytical, and driven by success. A good trainer will also understand your needs and make you feel comfortable.

When you first visit a boxing gym, sit back and observe the trainers and watch how they communicate with the fighters. Do they give off positive energy and give a lot of feedback? Do they appear to be paying attention to detail and safety? Do they seem to be in control? Find out if they have ever trained other successful boxers. You probably won’t find a trainer like Cus D’Amato or Freddie Roach at your local gym but you should be able to find one that will work well with you and keep you motivated and confident as you work toward your goal.

Conclusion

Boxing training can be very rewarding. You learn helpful new skills, meet like-minded people, and give yourself a sense of empowerment. The experience can be even more rewarding if you find the right boxing gym and a good trainer. There is a very good chance that there is a boxing gym near you so why not visit it?