Are you thinking of joining boxing classes or doing an at-home boxing workout? Boxing training is considered one of the most strenuous sports one can take up.
That’s why when imagining boxers, we think about bulked-up powerful men. However, little do you know that anyone can include boxing in their regular fitness regime to build up more endurance.
This is made possible by fitness boxing, which older individuals can even practise to keep themselves healthy. But don’t worry, as your gym won’t have a boxing ring or fierce opponents. Instead, the movements of boxing training have been adapted into exercise regimes.
Sounds interesting? Therefore, we have created this guide to let you know a bit more about this boxing training technique and how it can make a change in your life.
So, let’s dive into fitness boxing and how it can improve physical fitness!
What Is Fitness Boxing All About?
To begin with, fitness boxing is an adapted form of a well-known sport. In contrast to boxing rings, you train in a fitness studio or a gym. You won’t need to spar with a partner but rather have to spend time carrying out some of the popular moves of boxing.
On top of that, fitness boxing is usually divided into two classes. One is a more choreographed version, where an instructor will guide you through moves like sweeping, short punches and squats. This is mixed with short forward and backward movements to build energy and is the same method as shadow boxing and is often high intensity interval training.
In the other class type, you focus on strength training to build your core. These exercises can be a bit more intense and may include using a punching bag. Plus, mixed classes or seated training sessions are available to those interested.
Naturally, fitness boxing has gained quite a bit of traction, especially as an alternative to cardio exercises as it is great for cardiovascular health. So, finding a gym with a trainer who practices fitness boxing shouldn’t be too hard. And it’s highly recommended to take help from trainers to get started with the right moves of fitness boxing.
Health Benefits Of Fitness Boxing
Well, it’s needless to say that fitness boxing also comes with many benefits like any other physical activity. It might not be as challenging as boxing, but you can build up your endurance by following a routine. So, let us look at some health benefits of fitness boxing.
1. Strengthened Core
Fitness boxing comprises moves where you need to use your core muscles. You may not see abs in the first few months, but the core muscles will improve your health. That’s why practising fitness boxing alleviates back pain as it strengthens the lumbar spinal area.
Additionally, with proper use of kicks and footwork, you will be able to see changes in your leg muscles.
2. Better Heart Health
One of the surprising things is that fitness boxing is quite popular among the elderly. As this aerobic exercise gets your heart pumping, you can truly feel a change in your heart health.
It helps lower high blood pressure, which has become a chronic problem, irrespective of age. We also believe that following a regular fitness boxing regime may reduce one’s chances of having a heart attack or other cardiac issues.
3. Improved Hand-Eye Coordination
Like traditional boxing, hand-eye coordination is extremely important. You will seldom see boxers miss their targets because, with regular practice, hand-eye coordination and body movements become easier. After some time, you’re bound to feel that your punches or squats are far more synchronised than ever.
Some changes can be seen immediately as you get used to maintaining better body positions, especially if you have previously lived a sedentary life. So, even though fitness boxing doesn’t include sparring with an opponent, it can still transform your posture.
4. Better Joint And Bone Health
Do you suffer from painful joints? If yes, you may try boxing training, which reduces pain significantly due to using arms and legs while exercising.
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main reasons behind debilitating joint pains. Hence, the bones adapt to your daily activities once you start moving your body.
However, it’s essential to consult your health practitioner before starting with fitness boxing. On top of that, most trainers will start you off with less strenuous exercises to slowly build your endurance. So, there’s no need to worry about the boxing exercises putting too much pressure on your bones.
5. Burn Calories
Fitness boxing is an excellent alternative to the usual exercises done by people to lose calories. A trainer can suggest a particular routine that helps burn calories depending on your endurance level.
Therefore, boxing automatically becomes an exercise choice for those on their weight loss journey. At the same time, it’s also great for those with a primarily sedentary lifestyle, like office goers or the elderly, to keep them active. And the best part is that it attacks the extra calories taken through food.
6. Get Your Cardio
Those who have been to the doctor must have been suggested to include cardiovascular exercises in their daily routines. The benefits of cardio are endless as it helps to build overall good health and decrease the potential of diabetes or heart ailments.
Usually, it’s done by completing several steps or walking around a block. However, these can be time-consuming, and you are just left with a sore body at the end of the day. But opting for a fun and energetic exercise routine like fitness boxing can help you reap cardio benefits and enhance your cardio endurance.
7. Better Mood And Less Stress
That’s right, partaking in fitness boxing classes also has mental benefits! It is essential to refresh the mind and the body, which can be done by exercising like fitness boxing. Along with increasing your productivity, boxing reduces stress and alleviates your mood.
Besides, when you exercise, endorphins are released by your brain, making you feel more happy and more content. So, if you’re tired of leading a stagnant and sedentary lifestyle, joining a fitness boxing course may change things. You can also improve your mental health with a training session for the entire body and weight loss!
Should You Start Boxing?
That’s everything we had to tell you about the health and physical benefits of fitness boxing.
We know it can be intimidating to approach a high-endurance exercise like boxing. But rest assured, the exercises grow on you, and you will start having fun after a few days.
It’s best to include fitness boxing into your usual exercise schedule gradually. With the growth of your endurance, you will get more confidence to try out new moves. And, if you suffer from bone or muscle issues, do remember to consult a doctor before joining a class.
Being consistent is necessary to get the varied health and physical benefits of fitness boxing. We hope you’ll have fun adopting this new form of exercise in your journey to better health. You can also try using a punching bag for a different workout. You can get a boxing bag in many different types, so research which punching bag is right for you.
Please contact MMA Factory’s team if you need assistance purchasing boxing gloves or equipment. We are happy to help!
Good luck with your new sport!
