Boxing has long ceased to be a sport exclusively meant for men. In fact, with each passing day, it’s becoming increasingly popular among women.
Despite being one of the most physically demanding and intense sports, its range of benefits for mental and physical health makes it enticing to all individuals. So, if learning boxing has been your dream, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make it a reality.
You need only proceed systematically with discipline, which is essential for learning any sport from scratch. And that’s where we can help you out –- we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on all that you need to know about boxing.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
The Complete Guide To Boxing For Women
Firstly, you should know some basics about this combat sport. So, let’s have a look at the key factors that will determine your performance in boxing:
1. Balance
You’ll need to work on your coordination and balance to maintain the correct stance and facilitate good footwork. And for that, regularly engaging in physical and mindfulness activities can be of great help. It will facilitate your balance and help develop a strong core, ultimately improving your boxing performance.
2. Distance Control
You must learn how to measure your distance from the target and control your punches accordingly to hit it right.
3. Timing
In boxing, you need to master the art of throwing your punches at the right moment. As such, timing is a crucial factor influencing your performance.
To get a grip on this skill, you can either enrol in a beginner-level boxing class right at the start or practice some preliminary boxing workouts at home. Many videos are available online to help you learn basic boxing moves before moving on to cardio workouts for boxing.
Types Of Boxing
Like every other sport, boxing has evolved and is practised in various forms. So, here’s a brief round-up of the ones considered best for females looking to make a mark in the sport.
1. Thai Boxing
Known to most people as “Muay Thai”, this sport utilises all the eight limbs of the body, that is, both upper and lower limbs. Notably, it stresses the use of knees and elbows to strike an attack, in addition to the kicking and punching moves common to other forms. It is a great sport for beginners who want to get into martial arts.
The equipment needed for starting with Muay Thai includes specialised attire known by the same name, a mouthguard, boxing gloves, a shinguard, and ankle and hand wraps.
2. French Boxing
In French, this boxing form is popularly called “Savate,” meaning “old boots or shoes”. And contrary to traditional boxing, Savate allows punching and kicking in the boxing ring.
You’ll need boots, boxing gloves, and protective gear for the groin, mouthparts, and chest to start practising this form.
3. American Boxing
The American form of the sport is by far the most popular and requires the participants to strike attacks only by throwing jabs and punches at their opponents. Speaking of the essential equipment, you’ll need a chest and groin protector, wraps, a mouth guard, and boxing shoes and gloves.
4. Chinese Boxing
Also known as “Sanda,” Chinese boxing is a kickboxing form rooted in Kung Fu and influenced by techniques in modern combat sports. The participants in this sport attack by wrestling, kicking, throwing, and sweeping. Also, they can use their elbows and knees for the moves. Note that you need protectors for the groin, head, and chest, boxing gloves, and a mouthguard to play this sport.
5. Burmese Boxing
Another type of boxing that women may want to try is the Burmese form or “Lethwei,” which has its origins in Malaysia. The speciality of this sport is that it allows headbutts and the use of all eight limbs. Engaging in Lethwei requires wearing mouth and shin guards, boxing gloves, and wraps.
Benefits Of Boxing
To understand boxing in its entirety, you’ll also need to know the different ways in which this sport can develop your quality of life. Here are some reasons why women should try out boxing irrespective of its intensity:
