How to Get Started with Boxing Training
27th Jan 20
Boxing is an awesome form of exercise, no matter how you look at it. It serves a purpose for just about every fitness goal you could have, and using it well is one of the best things you could ever do for your body. That’s just a fact. You get it right, and you’re onto a winner. One of the biggest drawbacks to such an awesome activity, however, is learning how to get the ball rolling. Getting started with boxing is just the first step.
We get it too. Starting any new fitness activity is daunting. There are tonnes of reasons not to try, or to give up before you even start, but if it’s something that you actively want to do, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. What’s to lose after all?
To help you get things moving smoothly though, we’ve put together this little guide to help you think of everything you need to know before you need it in the gym.
Let’s do it!
Want to move fast? Jump to the right section below.
Basic Bodyweight Workouts & Fitness
The first place you need to look at when it comes to getting started with boxing is yourself. What is your current fitness level, where are your strengths and weaknesses, and what is going to be the best way to get you fighting fit (even if you don’t want to fight and you’re just here for the fitness)?
That usually comes from looking at some of the most iconic forms of boxing training there are, and giving them a try for yourself. Then you know where you stand. It’s never a bad idea, and boxing is famous for using some of the most iconic exercises out there.
Push-Ups
These aren’t boxing specific, but if you’re new to fitness or even not used to losing weight, push-ups are awesome strength building upper body exercises that you can do anywhere any time. On top of that, they use all of the different muscles that you’ll need to use in your boxing training, too. They’re a great place to start.
If you’re already familiar with push-ups, there are tonnes of different ways to do them too, so make sure you explore your options and find the best type to suit your needs.
Skipping
One that is really boxing famous has to be skipping. If you’ve seen any boxing film ever, this is probably one of the most common things you see. There’s a good reason for it again too.
Skipping is one of the best cardio exercises out there, even if it’s not something you’ve done since you were in school. It is an amazing way to build your cardio and burn some serious calories in the process. If you’re new to boxing, it ticks a lot of boxes, that’s for sure.
(Here’s a workout to get you started).
Bag Work
Finally, you can’t start boxing training off on the right foot without a bit of boxing. Whether you take to it like a duck to water or you need a few weeks to get used to things, bag work will have the answers that you need to really make the most of your training. It makes more sense to start with any free-standing or hanging bag but use what you can. It’s always a good call.
The technique is what you’re looking for here, so just spend the first time getting used to how the bag moves and feels so that you can adjust your body to the butt-kicking you’re going to give it when things get serious. Boxing is a hardcore full-body exercise, after all.
Boxing Equipment
Once you have some of the basics down in your training, the next logical place for you to look is some of the equipment. It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but there’s more to boxing than just grabbing some gloves and a punching bag you know. To really make the most of it, especially if you’re going to start your boxing training at home, you need to get the perfect kit for you.
Bags
The first place to look at boxing equipment is the kind of bag you want to use. There are a few different types, but don’t worry. All of them do what you need them to do, and when you’re just starting out, as long as you can hit them, they’ll be good enough. Do think long term though.
We’ve already written a full article on which boxing bag is going to be the best for what you need it to do, so check that out if you need to. If you really don’t have the time to do that, a good rule to remember is that it’s hard to go wrong with a heavy bag. That’s just our advice.
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Gloves
Once you have a bag, you need something to hit it with. Using your bare hands is not going to cut it, and it’s a pretty silly idea unless you’re feeling a trip to A&E. It will hurt. We promise. We’ve tried it. That’s why you always need to wear boxing gloves, and there are no excuses. Just do it.
Like with the boxing bags, finding the best boxing gloves when you’re just starting out may be a little daunting too. You are seriously spoiled for choice after all, and that’s never good. The good thing is, they’re all probably pretty good. Like with bags again, we do have a guide to getting the right stuff, so check that out if you need it. Always remember you need the right size and thickness above all else.
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Wraps
Lastly, before you go and give the punch bag the beating of a lifetime, make sure that you have the hand wraps on that you need underneath your gloves. The gloves alone may not be the stopping force you need to save you. Hand wraps are the barebones protection that can really save you from a long term injury.
They seem a little confusing to use if you don’t know how to, but once you do know, they look amazing and really do help minimise the impact damage. If you’re going to be boxing a few times per week, all of that stress on your hands and wrists really adds up. Be safe.
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Starting Boxing
Finally, let’s look at boxing techniques. Since you’re just starting out, you probably don’t need to know every single thing you possibly can about how to punch or what the best workouts are, but here are a couple of things that are worth a quick mention.
Stances
Picking the right boxing stance can be a little complicated, but between southpaw and orthodox, you can spot which is the best for you pretty quickly. Always keep that dominant hand where it needs to be for the best punching power!
Punches
Finally, while we’re looking at punches, make sure you know the different types. Jabs alone aren’t going to be much of a workout, or they may get boring if that’s all you sue. Utilise hooks, jabs, swings, and crosses; they’re all great to use.
Once you have all of those things wrapped up, you should be good to go. Do what you can to give it your best shot, and you should be making some awesome progress in no time. Lace-up and get going!
Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, consult your physician, doctor or other professional. This is especially important for individuals over the age of 35 or persons with pre-existing health problems. Exercise.co.uk assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property damage sustained using our advice.
If you experience dizziness, nausea, chest pain, or any other abnormal symptoms, stop the workout at once and consult a physician or doctor immediately.
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