Boxing is one of the most popular combat sports out there. What makes it even more amazing is the fact that it’s very easy to start training, even if you’re a beginner. If you are looking to start boxing soon, then here are a few important lessons that you need to know first.
It’s Good For Self-Defense And Losing Weight
Boxing teaches you the proper way to throw a punch. Other than that, it also teaches you important defensive techniques like head movement and footwork, which are all good for self-defense. That’s not all, boxing is also one of the sports that burn the most calories as well.
Research suggests that an hour of boxing burns 800 calories, which is the most for any sport. That is why more and more people are enrolling in boxing schools. What makes boxing an even better workout is that it targets your whole body. Every inch of you is getting the workout it needs.
Since it works the entire body, you can expect to get toned or slim all around.
Whether it’s for self-defense, losing weight, or even for competition, boxing is an excellent choice. It may look intimidating at first, but in reality, it is one of the easiest combat sports to try out. The growing number of people training boxing can attest to its accessibility.
Conditioning Is The Most Important Aspect
Ask any boxer what the most important part of the sport is, and almost every one of them will tell you that it’s conditioning. This refers to your stamina and your endurance while training. Even in the professional leagues, good conditioning beats a strong punch any time of day.
If you are training for boxing, it’s vital that you have the cardio to support you. As this is the most important part of boxing, it’s necessary that you do the right conditioning techniques. These include jogging regularly, using the skipping rope, and many other exercises that push your heart and muscle to the limit.
Truthfully, your first few sessions of boxing are going to feel like a nightmare. Your heart is going to be racing at extreme levels and your muscles are going to feel very sore. That’s all part of the process, though. Eventually, you’ll be able to keep up with your trainer during mitts sessions.
It’s not just about what you do to strengthen your condition, though. Your diet matters too. To have strong cardio, you need to have a healthy heart. This means staying away from fatty food, cigarettes, and other vices that can ruin your heart’s condition.
Buy What You Need First
Looking to start boxing soon? Then you need to buy the necessary gear first. Although basic equipment is available in most gyms, it would still be a lot better if you have gear of your own. It’s more sanitary, and most importantly, it’s more comfortable as well.
The two most important pieces of equipment for beginners are boxing gloves and hand wraps. If you aren’t familiar with it, hand wraps are long strips of cloth that are used to cover your knuckles and wrist to prevent unnecessary injuries.
These are just the basics. If you aren’t looking to take things to competitive levels, you don’t need to buy boxing shoes anymore. If you want to practice your skills at home, then it would be great to invest in a punching bag of your own, as this will let you continue honing your skills and conditioning beyond the gym.
It’s More About The Mind
The common misconception people have with boxing is that it’s a sport that’s purely physical. That can’t be more wrong. In fact, most combat sports are more about mind games and strategic thinking. It’s the reason why Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and many others are considered greats – they have high fight IQ.
As you begin training, you’ll begin to understand the importance of your mind during fights. If you want to become a successful boxer, you need to be able to read through your opponent’s moves and then outwit them.
Aside from this, boxing is all about fighting smart. You need to know how to properly expand your energy for fights that last for over 15 minutes.
Boxing is an exciting sport to get into. It can seem intimidating at first, but that’s just the beginning. As you train, you’ll see that the industry is filled with amazing trainers who are not just good at what they do. They are also good at helping people understand the sport that many refer to as the sweet science.