When you mention boxing, most people envision two strong athletes in a ring, pumped up on adrenaline and trying to defeat one another using their fists. Fitness boxing, however, is altogether different from that image. Many different types and classes of people enjoy an effective workout from a non-contact boxing version. Boxing as a way to stay fit is becoming increasingly popular and rightfully so considering its many benefits. Boxing increases strength, coordination, endurance, speed, and dexterity. You will learn the proper way to control your feet and the basic boxing stance. You will learn basic punches such as the hook, the jab, the upper cut, and how to effectively combine them as you develop your boxing skills. Boxing is not necessarily for self-defence, but you will learn how to throw a punch. And it will increase your self-confidence knowing that if anything goes awry you should be able to hold your own.
So how did I get in to boxing? I was already going to the gym three or four times each week, but I was only working on weight training. I was not doing any cardio, and even though I was becoming stronger and building my muscle strength, my midsection was still pretty soft. I dreaded the thought of going for a run so there was no way I was going to get on a treadmill. I considered accompanying my girlfriend to one of her group fitness classes but I was a little put off because there were never many guys in attendance. One day at lunch I was talking with my boss, and he made a suggestion that I attend a boxing session with him. He is an incredibly fit man in his 40s. The guy is absolutely ripped, six-pack and everything, so when he talks about getting fit I listen. He offered to let me borrow a pair of boxing gloves, and told me all I needed to bring was a bottle of water and a towel.
It was a little daunting as I had never tried boxing before. The man who would soon become my sparring partner informed me boxing is something anybody can do. So off I went to the gym to give boxing a go. First we went through a 15 minute warm up session, then 30 minutes of sparring, and then a 15 minute cool down. I experienced a whole new level of pain! It was not a result of being hit in the ring; remember this is a non-contact form of boxing. It was my muscles that were burning like they had never burned before. Even muscles that I didn't imagine I would be using hurt. My shoulders, my legs, my core...everything was on fire. I thought that would be the end of my boxing activity, but I gave myself a couple days to recover and then I returned to the ring to give it another go. Knowing the moves gave me a better work out, and I was more prepared mentally this time. I kept going week after week and began to notice that I was starting to trim up a little and that spare tyre around my midsection was fading away. Because boxing is a workout with high repetition, you will see more body toning than muscle building. That combined with a nutritious diet will show you results very quickly.
If I've learnt anything from the experience it is not to be afraid to try something new. No matter what your skill or fitness level is, boxing is good for you because it can be modified to increase or decrease intensity and complexity of the workout. You have no excuse not to try it. Not only is boxing a great way to workout, it gives you the opportunity to destress and vent your frustrations on the boxing pads. It is a high intensity workout that targets a number of the larger muscle groups guaranteeing that you will tone up while getting fitter and stronger. The gym is a great place to hang out with a mate and get a little competitive if necessary, but try and keep it above the belt.
We have all been in a rut, locked in a pattern of circumstances that we can't seem to get out of. Sometimes, those circumstances change by themselves, but more often we need to take action to ensure that we don't become stuck in a rut. We aim to help you get out of a rut knowing they can affect any facet of life.
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