Introduction to Boxing:
Boxing as an activity has received some bad press over the years, but it’s important to know that most of these stigmas are unjustified and that boxing is actually quite beneficial to our health, both mentally and physically. If you’re considering taking up boxing, here are some of the many benefits you can expect.
Workout:
Boxing working out with a punching bag is a great way to build strength, burn calories and tone your muscles. The unpredictable nature of hitting a moving target requires you to continually adjust your stance, balance, and angle so that your punches land on the bag’s surface. This strengthens your core while improving coordination between your brain and body. Working out with punching bags also engages multiple muscle groups at once, giving you an efficient workout in less time than using machines or barbells. You can spend hours lifting weights for arms or legs, but if you want to lose weight effectively and burn fat faster, try putting one on each arm as well as a third in front of you for pushups to work all three areas at once.
Boxing helps your balance:
The very first thing a person learns in their first lesson is how to properly stand up straight. Standing up straight not only keeps you safe but also prevents injury that could result from improper posture. It’s one of those things we never think about until we try to do something like boxing balance on one foot or get out of bed and realize just how bad our posture has become. Improving your posture not only feels good, but it can help improve your overall health by reducing pain and discomfort in certain areas of your body. It’s even been proven to alleviate back problems!
Improves coordination:
One of boxing biggest selling points is that it makes you quick on your feet. Boxing improves coordination, both physically and mentally, says Mario Piè, president and co-founder of Brooklyn Bedding. It teaches a boxer to be completely present at the moment. This translates to improved focus outside of the ring on playing a musical instrument or hitting a tennis ball at key moments, for example. Like anything else worth doing, learning how to fight also requires dedication and mental fortitude: If you want to master any skill set, being willing to work hard at it is paramount.
Boxing prepares you for self-defense:
If you’re looking to defend yourself physically in a worst-case scenario, you need to look no further than martial arts. Boxing, in particular, will teach you how to keep your wits about you and think on your feet. If things get dangerous quickly and unexpectedly (and believe us, they do), being able to respond instantly is absolutely critical. This can mean life or death when it comes to serious physical altercations. Even if it doesn’t come down to that kind of emergency situation you just want to be prepared for crazy-dangerous situations like simple muggings and carjacking boxing can help you both protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim.
Reduces stress:
In recent years, medical researchers have begun to understand what athletes and coaches have long since known: that getting in the ring reduces stress and anxiety levels. Boxing is a form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that helps users develop strength and endurance rapidly. Those who participate in such workouts report not only feeling calmer but less stressed than before their workout. This may be due to endorphins, natural painkillers released by your body when you’re physically exerting yourself. Moreover, exercise has been proven to boost serotonin production, which can improve your mood, decrease anxiety levels and help you sleep better at night.
Lose weight:
Boxing is one of the most intense workouts you can do. The fast-paced movements will leave you short of breath, and between punches. You’ll work your muscles harder than during other high-intensity exercises like kickboxing or swimming. Boxing strengthens your heart and lungs, but it also helps tone your abs and lower body, research shows. And because it works nearly every muscle in your body when done correctly. It doesn’t take long to see a difference in how you look (and feel!) from head to toe. You don’t need to spend hours at a gym with weight machines, says Jane Kisi, an exercise physiologist for Women’s Health magazine.
Boxing builds confidence:
Boxing is a form of exercise that’s been shown to improve people’s self-esteem. If you’re looking for ways to feel better about yourself. Try signing up for some classes at your local gym or community center. You’ll be in great shape and have a feeling of satisfaction you won’t get from simply going for a jog. In fact, studies have even shown that regular exercise can temporarily increase serotonin levels in your brain. Which will give you an added feeling of joy and contentment. Boxing is an excellent activity for anybody, especially those that need a little boost in self-confidence. It allows you to really push yourself, which helps with all sorts of issues that can hold you back from being fully confident.
Boxing improves bone density and strength
One study shows that boxers are five times less likely to suffer hip fractures compared to those who participate in other types of exercise, like running. In addition, boxing has a 25% lower rate of stress fractures than non-boxers. Strong bones may also help you avoid osteoporosis and other conditions later in life. For people with osteoarthritis, weight training and aerobic exercises may also be effective ways to improve joint health and help manage pain. However, if you’re considering starting an exercise program to build stronger bones or fight arthritis, talk to your doctor first. He or she can recommend an appropriate strength-training program for your needs.
