What comes to mind when you think of boxing? Many Canadians probably automatically think of sweaty fighters in a ring surrounded by bright lights, loud music, and a raucous crowd. Perhaps even a dark, serious gym, or a gritty weight room with bruised and beaten athletes. Outside of the movies or pay-per-view, however, nothing could be further from the truth!
Often seen as a highly aggressive, combat sport, boxing does not often come to mind as an activity to support mental and physical health. If you are enthusiastic about fitness, however, you might want to reconsider boxing as a potential activity to add to your fitness repertoire. Boxing and boxing related workouts are among the best options for improving cardiovascular health, building core strength, and relieving any pent up stress or anger you may have.
Boxing is not a new phenomenon - in fact, it has been popular since ancient times! Historians cite evidence that boxing was practiced in ancient times in what is now known as modern day Ethiopia, and was played as a spectator sport in ancient Greece as well. In Canada, boxing was originally practiced as a bare knuckle sport until the turn of the century, at which point gloves were introduced.
The sport of boxing has been popularized in Canada, thanks to big name Canadian boxers like Lennox Lewis and George Chuvalo. Along with Mixed Martial Arts sports, or MMA, it appears that fighting sports are bigger than ever.
Boxing for Fitness?
Don’t see yourself fighting in a ring? It’s all good, because boxing isn’t all about duking it out in a ring. Boxing is also about being fit, and exiting your comfort zone to take your physical activity to the next level.
This article is all about enjoying boxing as a fitness pursuit. Let’s explore the top reasons for taking boxing lessons.
While boxing in Canada has endured much scrutiny and criticism as a remnant of a "less-civilized" past, the sport continued to enjoy widespread popularity and profitability. Today, boxing is a billion dollar industry with professional and amateur leagues, specialized gyms, gear, equipment, and training.
What are the Best Reasons to Start Boxing Lessons?
1. Challenge your Body
Fitness enthusiasts know how important it is to change your workout routine on a regular basis. It is all to easy to stick with the same, comfortable regimen, whether it is walking, running, lifting free weights, or attending the occasional yoga class. Adding a new style of training to your routine like boxing can help you to build more core strength, burn more calories, and transform your body in new ways.
2. Boxing is a Great Way to Relieve Stress
If you have a stressful job or situation, boxing is one of the healthiest ways to release aggression and stress. There are fewer things that release tension more than taking out all of your anger on a speed bag, or taking on a shielded partner in the ring. A solid workout of training and fighting can help you to de-stress, helping you to get a good night’s sleep and back to work refreshed and calm.
3. Get a Well-Rounded Workout
Whether you have lots of anger to release or you are generally calm and even-keeled, boxing workouts are incredibly balanced and well-rounded, combining agility, cardiovascular fitness, and strength training. Boxing workouts typically involve high intensity training, mitt work, sparring, strength and conditioning, and drills. With time, you will become stronger overall with the enhanced reflexes that come with practice fighting in and out of the ring.
4. Be Part of an Exciting Fitness Community
Getting into boxing means becoming part of an amazing fitness community. Boxing matches and events do not just happen in large arenas, but community gyms and parks where boxing athletes train. You will join a like-minded group of fitness enthusiasts that are happy to share their experience, advice, and expertise with each other.
While many people believe that boxing is a violent sport best practiced by professionals or amateur fighters, boxing has become a favourite style of workout for fitness enthusiasts of all backgrounds in Calgary.
What Kind of Boxing Equipment Should I Purchase to Start Boxing?
Aspiring boxers will need equipment for classes, especially if you are reluctant to share gloves with others. You can find boxing equipment both new and used at a number of virtual and in-person shopping options.
For gloves, we recommend shopping in person so you can get the right consultation to determine the size, brand, and price that will work for you. You can shop at a specialty boxing store, or visit a general sports store to find gloves. It is possible to also find a gently used pair at a secondhand shop or online from a private seller: this is a great option if you are on a budget.
Besides gloves, here is a list of other equipment you may consider purchasing for yourself.
- Punching Bag
- Resistance bands or tubes
- Push up/pull up bars
- Weighted vest
- Hand Weights
- Suspension trainer
- Kettlebells
- Medicine Ball
- Workout Gloves
- Speed bag
- Boxing shoes
- Strike Shield
- Head Gear
- Sparring and Hook and Loop Protector
- Target Mitts
If you are unsure of whether or not boxing equipment will be a worthwhile investment, try taking group classes at a gym where they loan equipment. In many cases, they will provide hand gloves that get washed regularly and can be inserted in to the boxing glove to maintain cleanliness.
Boxing is one of the most effective ways to get fit in Vancouver. It combines cardiovascular movement, strength building, agility, and sports all into one. Find out all the reasons to start boxing in Vancouver.
Where Can I Find Group Boxing Classes in Montreal?
Group boxing classes are a fun, budget friendly way to get into the sport of boxing. Like any other group fitness class, boxing classes will typically occur on a weekly schedule depending on demand and class sizes. They can typically be found in boxing gyms but may also be found in specialty fitness studios.
There are some limitations to group classes. First of all, if you have a busy work schedule, you may find it difficult to make classes regularly. Secondly, they may not be as readily available in your neighbourhood as classes such as yoga or general aerobics classes. For this reason, if you are interested in getting into boxing quickly, you may want to consider alternatives like private classes.
While the history of boxing might suggest that it is not a sport for most people, the truth is that boxing is a fantastic fitness option in Ottawa. While you could certainly fight and spar with others, you can engage in boxing activities without being punched!
How does a Boxing Coach differ from a Personal Trainer?
As we mentioned earlier, finding group classes may not be a feasible option for you. Private instruction may work better: and you might be surprised that a private boxing coach or trainer is not as expensive as you’d think.
A boxing coach differs from a personal trainer in that they will have a background in the boxing world and will better understand the kind of training and movement it takes to box. Personal trainers typically specialize more in general fitness and nutrition, though it is certainly possible to find someone who can combine both roles if you want to start boxing as a fitness activity rather than fighting competitively.
In either case, private coaching or training is an optimal choice for those who have very specific fitness goals, have difficulty making it to the gym or classes on a consistent basis, or simply prefer a more personalized experience. A private boxing coach can meet you in a convenient location based on your scheduling needs, and tailor a program based on your unique goals and profile.
Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is home to many boxing gyms and mixed martial arts studios where you can practice and learn boxing and combat sports. These gyms offer modern equipment, a motivated fitness community, and a broad perspective of fitness that goes beyond spending hours sparring in a ring.
Is it Easy to Find Private Boxing Classes Optional in Montreal?
Yes - it is easy to find private boxing coaches or trainers in Montreal. To find someone who will train you or a small group of your friends privately, look no further than Superprof Canada. Superprof connects anyone looking to learn a new skill with people that have the ability to teach them. You can find not only boxing coaches, but personal trainers, life coaches, and tutors in a full range of subjects and languages. To find a private boxing coach near you in Montreal, use the search tool. You will be able to browse profiles of boxing coaches near you, and read their background and credentials. You can contact them directly through the site to meet with them safely for a trial session or to discuss options.
Find a private boxing coach on Superprof today!
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