Health Benefits Of Boxing

Many times, I’ve encouraged people to participate in Boxing/Boxfit and I am met with the response  ‘Oh my goodness, I don’t have the co-ordination for that’.

Just like anything in life, practice, practice, and practice, and guess what? If you muck up, who cares, it’s all about moving the body and having fun whilst doing it….you’d be surprised at how quickly time flies when you’re having a good time and a sweat session. 

Yes, there is some technique involved, but it is easy to learn and I will assist with boxing safely and steer clear of injuries. 

Why Is Boxing Good?

There are plenty of reasons why Boxing is an excellent form of exercise but these are my top 5! 

1. Cardiovascular Health

whether you are dishing out the combo’s or on the receiving end, holding the mitts, it’s a workout for both and it can be high intensity especially when you incorporate exercises such as burpees, sprints and the good ol’ skipping rope to the mix. However, don’t feel intimidated by the sound of hard work, at anytime you feel that you need to scale it down a notch, too easy!! Take extra rest time, catch your breath and then get back into it.  Over a period of time, the more you practice the fundamentals of boxing, your heart health will improve and your stamina will increase!

2. Boxing Is A Full Body Workout

Boxing engages multiple muscle groups, and involves a wide range of physical activities that collectively provide overall conditioning, for example; The upper body engagement goes beyond just the arms. The shoulders, chest and back muscles are actively involved in delivering power and maintaining proper form.  Core muscles assist in stabilising and generating force. The legs and hips are used in the footwork, pivoting and stance building strong leg muscles, where the hips are key to generating power for the punches through rotational movement. If there is an exercise movement you are not confident in performing, a great trainer will be able to regress the exercises to suit you. 

3. Burn Baby Burn

If you ever wanted to burn calories and lots of them, Boxing is the way to go! You can burn up to 300-500 calories in 30 minutes in a class. However bear in mind this number will vary depending on intensity level, body weight, age, overall fitness, but don’t get too fussed over the numbers, if you leave the class, sweating and huffy puffy, and you’re enjoying it, that’s the aim!!

4. Improved Coordination And Balance

Boxing requires precise movements and quick reflexes, enhancing hand-eye coordination, balance, and overall agility. Why is this important, I hear you ask?  Well, having improved balance and coordination can significantly reduce the risk of falls, which is a major cause of injury and loss of independence in our over ‘s 50.

Good balance is essential so that we can continue to perform our daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of vehicles, reaching for items on the floor. This helps older adults to maintain their independence and quality of life. 

5. Stress Relief And Mental Health 

The physical exertion involved in boxing helps alleviate tension and stress stored in the body, which is awesome to assist in releasing endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Even though at the time of boxing, you do require a level of concentration and presence, it can distract from stressors and help clear the mind. The focus on technique, movement, and coordination can act as a form of mindfulness, reducing anxiety and improving mental clarity.

So there you have it, Boxing/Boxfit is fantastic, regardless of age or your fitness levels, boxing programs can be adapted to suit individual needs and goals, making it inclusive and effective form of exercise. 

I hope to see you in a class soon.