People may assume you only work your arms when you’re boxing. But to punch like a boxer, you need to use your ‘whole’ body to generate speed, power, and accuracy.
Boxing works your legs, strengthens your core, and builds lean arms and shoulders. Whether you’re throwing punches or ducking pads – boxing engages muscles you didn’t know you had.
Here are some reasons why boxing’s one of the best full-body workouts.
Boxing builds upper-body strength and endurance
Every punch – whether a jab, cross, hook, or uppercut engages your shoulders, arms and back muscles. The repetitive movement helps to tone your muscles and build endurance.
Muscular endurance can help you in everyday activities. Whether climbing stairs or doing DIY, you’ll have more energy to move.
Boxing builds a solid core
A strong core’s essential in boxing. Every punch starts from the torso which engages your abs and obliques. Even defensive movements like slips and rolls can strengthen your core and improve stability.
Having a strong core can also prevent injuries and lower back pain.
Boxing shapes and strengthens your lower body
The constant movement and pivoting in boxing strengthens your legs, glutes and calves.
Ducking pads is a great way to sneak squats into boxing sessions too. You become so focused on ducking punches, that you may forget you’ve just done 20 squats!
Boxing’s an amazing cardio workout
Boxing pushes your cardiovascular system to the max which improves stamina and heart health. There’s nothing like a few boxing rounds to get your heart pumping. Boxing rounds tend to be 2-3 minutes long due to their intensity.
You may be able to pound the treadmill for an hour continuously. Attempt this on the pads and you’ll likely regret it!
Boxing torches hundreds of calories
A one-hour boxing session can burn between 400 and 800 calories, depending on intensity.
The high-intense bursts of punching, footwork, and body-weight training make boxing an effective way to burn fat. Plus, it’s fun and interactive and never feels like a ‘chore’ unlike some workouts.
Boxing builds strength without bulk
If you want to build strength without packing on muscle mass, boxing’s ideal. Boxing tends to use explosive, fast-twitch muscle fibres.
This means you build lean muscle which gives you a toned and athletic look.
Boxing improves coordination and reflexes
Boxing helps you develop quick reactions. Rolling the pads, slipping, and counterpunching improves hand-eye coordination and reflexes.
Over time, these skills can make everyday activities easier and reduce your risk of injuries and falls.
Boxing’s suitable for all abilities
Boxing’s an effective, full-body workout that’s suitable for all ages and abilities. And the great thing about one-to-one sessions is they can be tailored to your current fitness level.
If you’d like to give boxing a shot, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
