Boxing – First steps to success

Round 1 – Why learn boxing?

Boxing is an activity that requires a diverse set of skills. It is not just about muscle strength but about agility, speed, stamina, concentration, balance, timing... truly a full body and mind workout. People choose to box not because they want to hit someone, but because they want the challenge of outwitting an opponent in a physical context. Boxing is like a game of chess that involves fitness as much as strategic thinking.

Boxing is fun. There is a lot to learn and you are always on your toes, so to speak, so your mind and body are always improving.

Round 2 – What type of Boxing is right for me?

Non-contact boxing and kickboxing have become very popular as fitness programs. They are fun and you can start immediately without special training or equipment.

Traditional Western style boxing involves carefully wearing out your opponent using your gloves and your mind, while not becoming exhausted in the process.

Kickboxing is becoming more popular, because it offers a wide range of full-body attack and defense exercises. Some kickboxing classes are ‘light-contact’, for those who want the strategic thinking of kickboxing but without the heavy contact of normal kickboxing. Usually a touch on certain parts of the body scores a hit, so the ability to defend is as important as the skill to attack your kickboxing opponent.

Round 3 – How fit do I have to be?

Boxing is about skill as well as fitness and there are opportunities for everyone to get experience in the ring or in the gym. The variety of skills required to learn boxing means that a new boxer is seldom bored learning just one technique.

You can start boxing even if you’re completely out of shape, but it is recommended that you do a variety of activities to improve your stamina and strength. If you choose contact boxing then strength is required to take hits as well as make them.

 Round 4 – Will I be injured boxing?

A lot of fitness centers offer boxing training programs that center around fitness, rather than around purely contact boxing. Safety is a prime concern to boxing instructors and those who choose contact boxing must be made aware of exactly what will happen to their bodies in a boxing match or during a practice bout. It is unlikely that you will be injured as a beginner and your trainer should bring you up to speed and strength and teach you how to box with other beginners. There are strict rules for contact boxing that must be obeyed to avoid injury. However boxing is a contact sport and like any other contact sport injury may occur. Your trainer will teach you how to roll with the punches to minimize any boxing-related injuries.

Round 5 – What is Cross Training?

Boxing gives your body’s core strength a great boost. You can apply this strength in any other activity or sport improving your overall performance. Cross training means that the skills you acquire in one activity can be used or expanded in another activity, synergizing your workout and exercise programs.