We have all seen boxing movies. From Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky” to Michael B. Jordan’s “Creed”, these movies have fascinated everyone with their action-packed boxing matches, and the godlike physiques of the cast that have women falling head over heels. Not just that, but the level of skill and confidence boxers have are extremely attractive to women. So with all this hype around the sport, the most obvious question is how to get into boxing.
There is a common misconception that boxing is only done at a professional level. The truth is, you do not have to pursue it professionally to get the benefits of the sport. In fact, some people box as a hobby, as a form of cardio, or to improve overall muscle conditioning.
In this article, we give you all the necessary details you need to know to get started.
How to Get into Boxing: What You Need to Know First
Getting started with boxing is challenging initially, requiring tremendous motivation, discipline, and patience, all of which are desirable qualities in men. You need to follow a proper workout regimen and diet to achieve the physical conditioning suitable for boxing.
On top of that, here are some other things to keep in mind before you try to get into boxing.
It is a physically demanding sport
Boxing is a highly physical sport. It requires strength, agility, endurance, and coordination. Before getting into boxing, you should assess your fitness level to ensure that you're physically prepared for what the training demands.
Regardless of whether or not you decide to do it on a professional level, you should maintain the correct form and not take the sport lightly. Find a reputable trainer who can teach you the right forms, stances, and movements. With proper training and guidance, you will be less likely to sustain any serious injuries.
Runs the risk of injuries
Have you seen professional boxers after a fight? Their faces and bodies are all bruised up. Small bruises take a while to heal, but not all athletes are as lucky. Some encounter severe life-threatening injuries that need serious rehabilitation and therapy to overcome.
You will not likely have to worry about these types of injuries if you do boxing as a regular form of exercise. But it is still a contact sport, so there will always be a higher degree of risk associated with it compared to other exercises.
If you want to learn how to get into professional boxing, you must constantly be aware of what’s going on inside the ring in order to avoid serious harm. Take precautions to protect yourself by wearing the right gear and using the proper techniques.
It requires extreme dedication and consistency
For people who want to pursue it professionally, boxing is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle. To succeed in boxing, you must be disciplined and dedicated to your training regimen. This may involve making sacrifices in other areas of your life, such as no longer eating out with friends and foregoing your favorite snacks.
In order to get the benefits, you will need more than just motivation. The training regimens will be intense, so you will need to clear your schedule to make time for training.
Tracking your progress in the gym is equally important. Your trainer will monitor and push you to your limits to ensure that you are making progress.
It is mentally taxing
Boxing is not just a physical sport, it's also mentally challenging. Developing mental toughness is an integral part of becoming a successful boxer if you want to stick to it long-term. You’ll have to stay focused, remain calm under pressure, and make split-second decisions while in the ring.
The good news here is that this type of mental challenge can make you a more disciplined and resilient man–the type of guy who can handle the modern dating scene and all its pitfalls. With boxing as your sport of choice, you might even end up meeting your ideal partner in one of these dating apps for athletes.
You need to keep your body weight in check
If you plan to compete in boxing, you will need to pay close attention to your weight. This is because many boxing competitions have strict weight categories, so you'll need to ensure you're in the suitable weight class for your height and body type. This may involve following a strict diet and exercise regimen to reach and maintain your desired weight.
However, for those of you who are getting into boxing as a form of casual exercise, you can get away with moderate body weight. Being too heavy will make you slow while being too light will make you susceptible to injuries. Yes, you will not have to keep track of your weight so strictly. But you’ll still need to ensure you have enough muscle to deliver and receive punches.
Boxing is a great stress reliever
In general, exercise has been known to ease anxiety and depression. Boxing is no different. The intense physical exertion that comes with boxing can help release endorphins and improve your mood, while the mental focus required can help you forget about your problems while you focus on the present moment. Once the session is over, you will feel fresher and more relaxed.
How to Start Boxing
With all that in mind, it’s time to look at some tips to help you get started on boxing.
Find a good gym
Knowing which gym to pick is essential if you want to learn how to start boxing. Different gyms offer boxing classes or training, so it's essential to research and find one that suits your needs.
Look for a gym with experienced trainers who can teach you the proper techniques and guide your form. Consider the location, hours of operation, and the variety of classes they offer. Some gyms specialize in one-on-one training, while others focus on group classes or sparring sessions.
One-on-one sessions will give you more attention from your trainer. He will be able to point out your mistakes and correct you in real-time. On the other hand, group classes allow you to socialize and spar with multiple people who have similar goals as you.
You might even come across a prospective date in the class who is also interested in boxing. If you hit it off at the gym, don’t be afraid to take her out on a first date. Who knows? You might end up being sparring partners for a long time.
Purchase the appropriate boxing gear
Before you can start boxing, you must invest in some essential gear. These include gloves, hand wraps, and a mouthguard. The gloves are of utmost importance since they will protect your hands and knuckles from injury. The last thing you need is to show up at work with a broken wrist. So, look for gloves that fit comfortably and provide ample padding.
Hand wraps are another essential piece of equipment, as they help support your wrists and protect your hands from injury. Make sure to wrap your hands properly before each training session.
Finally, a mouthguard protects your teeth and jaw during sparring and training. A good mouthguard will mold to your teeth and provide a comfortable fit. So even if you get punched hard, your teeth and jaw will be safe.
Start with the basics
We have to learn to walk first before we can run. Master the basics of boxing first before advancing to a higher level. The basics include footwork, punches, and defensive techniques.
Your trainer will likely start by teaching you the basic boxing stance. This involves keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. From there, you will learn footwork drills to help you move around the ring and avoid your opponent's punches.
Punching techniques are another essential part of boxing. Your trainer will help you perfect your form for jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts. Learning defensive techniques, such as slipping, bobbing, and weaving is also important to help you avoid your opponent's punches and protect yourself during a match.
Work on your fitness
Boxing is a physically demanding sport, so it's important to develop your fitness so you can perform at your best. Your trainer will likely incorporate conditioning drills into your training sessions, including cardio exercises, weightlifting, and core workouts. This will help you build strength, endurance, and agility, which are all essential for boxing.
Maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough rest is important to keep your body in shape.
Eat plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid processed foods and sugary drinks. Knowing your maintenance calories and tracking your macros is an excellent way you can maintain a healthy diet. Additionally, drink plenty of water and aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night to help your body recover from training.
Find a sparring partner
Once you've developed your skills and techniques, it's time to start sparring with other boxers. This is a crucial part of training, as it allows you to practice the techniques you've learned and to develop your strategy for different opponents.
Challenge yourself by sparring with boxers of different skill levels and styles. This is a great way to learn from others. Your trainer will likely supervise your sparring sessions and provide feedback on your form and strategy.
Avoid overtraining
Overtraining is a common concern for boxers and other athletes. It occurs when an athlete pushes his body too hard, too often, without giving it enough time to rest and recover. This can lead to various physical and mental health problems, including fatigue, injury, illness, and burnout.
In boxing, overtraining can be especially concerning because of the physical demands of the sport. Boxing training often involves high-intensity workouts, sparring sessions, and weight training, which can put a lot of stress on the body.
To avoid overtraining, it's important to listen to your body, give yourself enough time to rest and recover between workouts, and work with a knowledgeable trainer who can help you develop a balanced training program.
Symptoms of overtraining can include fatigue, decreased performance, increased risk of injury, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and decreased immune function. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's vital to scale back your training and give your body time to recover.
Rest and recovery are essential to a successful boxing training program. Neglecting them will lead to more harm than good. As a beginner, aim to train around three to four days a week. One or two days of these can be high-intensity days. Then you can rest on the remaining days.
Having a combination of physical, mental, and emotional preparation is instrumental to learning how to get into boxing. By being aware of the challenges and rewards of the sport and by finding the right gym and training environment, you can set yourself up for success and even learn how to get into professional boxing.
On the other hand, if you're only looking to box casually, you can train at a local gym with a proper trainer. Purchase the right equipment, get plenty of rest, and maintain a healthy diet to see noticeable results in your fitness. We hope our guide helped get you started in boxing.
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