The top 5 benefits of boxing

20 Jun The top 5 benefits of boxing

If there is one type of training that all my clients seem to love is boxing. It is suitable for all fitness levels, males and females, it is simple, is low impact (so great for those who have knee issues) and is really a complete body workout.

If I still haven’t convinced you, here are my top 5 benefits of getting on your boxing gloves:

1. A great fat burner

Boxing can burn up to as many as 500 calories per session. Boxing however, has an additional benefit thanks to the fact that it is based on high intensity training.

Interval training is when you work really really hard (say for 45 to 90 seconds in a round), recover, and then work even harder the next time. It is one of the most effective and safest ways to train. It is great for getting strong and fit, fast.

When performing high intensity training, you not only burn heaps of calories during the session, but for hours after the training has ended.

2. Great for strength and endurance

You don’t need to sit in front of a weight rack or use dumbbells to build strength. Boxing is one way to get strong without the monotony of traditional weight routines. Hitting a heavy bag or pads is a terrific strength workout that builds up your arm and shoulder muscles plus it strengthens the muscles around your core too.

3. Stress relief

Boxing is a fantastic physical activity that helps you get in shape but it has psychological benefits too. Hitting stuff can make you feel really good (or maybe people just like hitting me)! Take out the stresses of your life in a safe, controlled environment. To top it off, intense exercise releases endorphins that make you feel wonderful afterwards. After a couple of rounds, you’ll be in a better mood and will have forgotten all about whatever was troubling you and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you!

4. Great for agility and movement

Remember that classic Mohammad Ali line – “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” – well we know about the sting in the punches but what about the butterfly? Ali had brilliant foot work and danced around the rim on his toes moving from left to right, light and nimble on the feet and graceful in his moves (but watch out for that sting in the punch).

Watch any boxing match and the boxers are always moving – it is like they are dancing around each other. Footwork is so important and when you are moving, you are always improving.

5. It is not just physical but mental too

Remembering a combination, thinking on your feet, watching your opponent and using proper technique are just some of the things happening at the same time in a boxing workout. Boxing requires skill and mental proficiency as well as physical fitness. There are many things you have to remember at once, but that’s what makes it so effective. Rather than going through the motions of weight lifting or mindlessly walking on a treadmill, this workout engages your brain and causes you to think, and think fast. It’s a great way to build a skill while you break a sweat. Plus you gain a heap of confidence and self-asteem in the process.