To ensure success, you want to enrol in a boxing class. What you should do to get ready for a boxing lesson can be one of the thoughts running through your head. Do you have any options at all?
Your lungs are filled with the humid, heavy air as you see leather bombs launch instinctual combinations as hungry, savage eyes scan the armour for weaknesses. A boxing gym can be intimidating to enter for the first time because of all the killers around. But if you begin to immerse yourself in the wonderful science of the sport, the leap is usually worthwhile.
The number of boxing lessons is surging. People who had never thought about boxing exercises are now getting to try them thanks to the specialised studios and gyms springing up from coast to coast. However, because most individuals don't learn to box as they would other sports like jogging and cycling, boxing can be a more difficult (and daunting) exercise for beginners.
According to many, the greatest method to get in shape is to dive in headfirst and enrol in a boxing class. Building up a certain level of strength and cardiovascular fitness in advance, though, can be a good idea if it has been a while since you've engaged in much moderate to hard activity.
The good news is that if you have some essential knowledge before entering a boxing gym or studio, you can ensure that your first class goes smoothly and that you like the workout.
Is Boxing Hard For Beginners?
Boxing is one of the easier to learn but also one of the hardest to master. However, some people have natural skills that benefit them more than others.
Are our Boxing Classes Hard?
"Boxing is challenging mentally and physically," Workouts often consist of various combinations of punches and other movements that need to be remembered throughout the class, and it's not always easy to keep what you're supposed to be doing (and in what order) straight.
Will Boxing 3 Times A Week Get Me In Shape?
Protect your hands with strapping (from good sports shops). It's addictive: Instructors often report over-training by boxing fans because they enjoy it so much, so keep it in perspective and build up slowly. Three or four times a week is quite enough.
Do Boxers Have To Be Shirtless?
Boxers fight without shirts because a shirt impedes several functional aspects of boxing throughout the match. These include boxer comfort, avoidance of clinching and wound care. Additionally, shirtless boxers make a match easier to score.
What Should I Eat Before Boxing Class?
We recommend a light (200-300 calorie) snack consisting of complex carbs and lean protein about 45-60 minutes before your class. Doing so will aid in muscle development. In addition, research shows that if you work out on an empty stomach, about 10% of the calories burned will come from protein, including lost muscle.
FAQs
Everything You Need To Start Boxing
Fitting the "tough guy" stereotype created by action movies with unrealistic combat sequences is one of the many reasons people start boxing. In actuality, boxing will enable you to enter the calm before the storm. It's fundamentally a test of your mental toughness and primal instinct, with the objective being to win by using smart strategy rather than physical force.
And if you persevere, you'll examine your unvarnished self while deflating your flimsy ego and building unshakeable confidence. Of course, we don't anticipate you to do the Ali shuffle and punch like a piston after reading this article. However, you will learn the fundamentals of the sport. We'll go through the basic skills, ideas, and equipment you'll need to get started in one of the hardest, most gratifying sports in the world.
By using these techniques, you can stop worrying about what people might think of your technique. Fighting lessons are typically quite encouraging since they understand that starting someplace takes courage. But ultimately, you're there to improve, which is the exact reason you came. Therefore, don't worry about how your technique may be; it won't be perfect, and that is okay.
You don't have to punch anyone
Know this if you're a lover rather than a fighter: Boxing lessons don't often include actual human sparring. Many new boxing gyms are opening up across the nation, like Shadowbox and Rumble, where you can practise shadowboxing, hit the heavy bag, and perform conditioning drills like burpees and ab work. Before enrolling, consider what you hope to gain from the course: Are you looking for a fresh, enjoyable method to exercise? Find a class that includes additional workouts. Are you attempting to hone your boxing techniques? Consider taking classes that emphasise punches, footwork, and defensive manoeuvres.
Get to the class early
It's a good idea to arrive at your boxing lesson a bit early. This will make it easier for you to get comfortable in the gym and your surroundings. In order to ease into things, you can also have a little conversation with other people or even your instructor. During this period, you can also wrap your hands. You'd want to take the extra time to make sure your hands are correctly wrapped because this can take some time, especially for novices. You might regret it if you arrive just in time and rush the procedure.
Get the appropriate equipment
We're not advocating that you spend a fortune on new gear, but there are a few things to consider when buying boxing equipment. You'll need gloves, wrist wraps, and knuckle guards (like these from Sanabul). Even when you show up for class, some studios sell wraps.
Check to see if the gym you're going to has gloves available for rent because gloves aren't the most portable gear to lug about town. And don't allow the idea of sharing boxing gloves with people to put you off too much; studios usually clean them very thoroughly, just like cycling shoes. Of course, you can purchase your own for a reasonable price on Amazon if they make you feel badass.
Choose supportive training sneakers that will allow you to move and pivot easily during the session as far as footwear is concerned. You can spend money on a pair of boxing shoes if you decide to get more serious about the sport; they are comfortable and offer superb ankle support.
Prior to your boxing lessons, be well-rested
It can be highly physically taxing to take a boxing class. Along with your cardio, you exercise several body parts. Prior to attending class, you should have a good night's sleep to ensure that you arrive with the necessary vigour.
Defy intimidation
Most importantly, resist being afraid. Everyone in the class is there to gain knowledge and improve themselves. We try to foster a supportive, energising, and disciplined environment among boxers.
Make sure you have enough time
You will take longer to get ready at first. So arrive at the gym 15 to 20 minutes before class begins. In this manner, you will have enough time to wrap your hands before the training session to ensure comfort. You might also ask a teacher or a more seasoned coworker to demonstrate how to accomplish this correctly for you.
Get ready to release everything
In addition to increasing metabolism, developing muscle, enhancing hand-eye coordination, and stabilising the core, boxing also helps its practitioners' minds stay clear, manage stress, and instil confidence.
You will not keep up
Even the fundamental drills will take more time from you because you might be executing them for the first time. There are certain terminology you may not be familiar with, so you will need to research to find out what they imply. Don't give up, though; as your skills and understanding advance, you will eventually join the ranks of the gym's veterans.
Remember that boxing is not for the timid, especially if you go to a facility where people take their training seriously. But if you keep working out, it won't be long before you're sparring with more skilled boxers.
Avoid eating a substantial meal before class
Unfortunately, what goes down occasionally comes back up, so many people overlook this one! Boxing is intense and entertaining at the same time since each punch uses your complete body, from your toes to your brain.
It's normal for beginners to eat a big breakfast or lunch before coming to class, but trust us when we say that this usually has a negative outcome. You can have something light like a granola bar or a banana if you happen to be coming to class right after work and are ravenous, but keep dinner until after class.
Don't go all out with your punches
When you're first learning how to box, being overly enthusiastic might result in a serious injury if you don't have the appropriate technique down. The two most crucial things to remember when punching are maintaining a straight wrist and making contact with your two strongest knuckles, which are your middle and index fingers. It is advised to start by punching lightly and build up to force because you can strike a hefty bag that weighs twice as much.
Be prepared for a lot of repetitions
When you first enter the boxing gym, you will be introduced to fundamental boxing techniques, including crosses, hooks, and jabs. Then it's up to you to really study them till they're as strong as they can be.
You will eventually add other defensive training exercises and combinations to your repertoire, all of which will undergo the same repetition-based learning. Don't undervalue the significance of repeating the same move during the sparring sessions if you want to have a chance.
You must adopt a stable position
Learning how to establish a solid boxing stance is one of the key things to concentrate on during your first class.
Finding a steady fighting position becomes much simpler when you stand in a proper stance, thanks to a number of minute adjustments. Your punches, for instance, are more powerful without requiring you to overextend your lead foot, which could leave it exposed. When you have to react quickly and pivot away from an opponent's attack or extend onto your toes during a one-two combo, you're also less likely to lose your balance. A solid posture enables you to use a larger range of blows without being overly exposed.
Once you discover your posture, you'll have better strength, flexibility, and balance. Therefore, it's a good idea to learn this method right away.
Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and advance quickly with your weaker foot. Next, bend your knees and lift your back heel just a little bit off the floor while pointing your toes towards roughly two o'clock. In order to maintain control during quick punches, you'll also want to make sure your core is working. Additionally, you should feel as though your weight is equally distributed between both legs, allowing you to move around with ease and speed.
Your cardio will disappoint you
Prepare for a reality check even if you believe you are in excellent form, and the exercise won't put your cardio to the test. You will require a break and a change of clothes after the first 10 minutes of vigorous training.
Some frequently underrate boxing because it simply involves the hands. Boxing, however, is more complex than it first appears. Every time you throw a punch, you should also contract your hips, abdomen, and lower back.
The first shock of boxing
You might think that holding your hands up for two or three minutes is not a particularly strenuous physical activity. However, once your initial training sessions are over, you will find maintaining the guard's position challenging.
This activity will get simpler as you practise in the boxing gym, and you won't have any trouble going through the skills covered in a training session. You can also laugh whenever a non-boxer boasts about their great cardio.
Your First Class In Boxing
It might occasionally be scary to enter an exercise that you aren't very familiar with, just as with any new class. The good news is that going into a boxing gym for the first time can be intimidating, but by arming yourself with some essential knowledge beforehand, you can make sure your experience is positive and enjoyable.
What To Wear
Due to the fact that boxing training is a full-body aerobic workout, you will first start to perspire. And if you're not perspiring, you should enrol in a different class! So bear that in mind when selecting your boxing class attire. Be aware that a large portion of your body will need a full range of motion to exercise comfortably, especially if you plan to undertake kickboxing.
What to wear (for women):
- Put on tightly fitting, non-baggy athletic gear.
- Pick clothing made of sweat-absorbing materials that wick moisture.
- If you're exercising in public, you might wish to wear darker colours because light colours will probably reveal stains and perspiration.
BOXING CLOTHES YOU NEED:
Sports Bra
You'll be moving about and throwing punches, so choose a sports bra that won't slide around, is supportive (medium or high impact), and can wick away sweat.
Compression Leggings
Look for compression and moisture-wicking materials in your boxing leggings, and make sure they will remain on your body. The last thing you want to do when throwing a boxing combination is to have to stop, take off your gloves, and straighten your slacks. Additionally, check to see if they are see-through and squat-proof! Perform a few jump squats and lunges to assess how well they maintain their position. This is why I prefer to box while wearing high-waisted leggings. If you want to wear shorts, go for it and make your selections using the same criteria.
Top: Athletic Tank, T-Shirt, or Crop Top
For a boxing or kickboxing session, wear an athletic top.
A top that is large or baggy should be avoided. Inconvenient while training, baggy clothing can grab or get in the way of your striking. Instead, choose a crop top that is more fitting or a sweat-wicking, breathable athletic tank or tee. Or just wear a sports bra and forego the top altogether! I typically go for that for kickboxing and boxing. Then, worrying about slicing through the wash is reduced by one.
What to wear (for men):
Wearing a top tank or a tight sports tech T-shirt will be best. A compression top will help if you feel like you perspire a lot. Women who play boxing should wear a sports bra because the sport involves a lot of upper-body mobility. Another excellent choice is a sports tech top.
To allow the shoulders to move freely and make removing the top easier if they are still wearing gloves, some boxers prefer to wear shirts or sweatshirts with short sleeves.
What do you put on the lower half of your body to box? Remember that throughout boxing training, you won't only be throwing punches; you'll also be doing a lot of fitness exercises like burpees, sprinting, and jumping rope. You must therefore feel comfortable.
Additionally, you won't want to humiliate yourself in front of everyone by having your shorts fall off while squatting, am I right? Therefore, it is advised that males wear loose-fitting sports shorts and leggings or compression shorts below to help with sweat and in case the shorts start to come undone. Workout shorts or leggings are excellent choices for female boxers.