Boxing is one of the hottest international sports and is followed by millions around the world. Some of the world’s most legendary athletes are boxers: Muhammad Ali, Joe Fraser, Manny Pacquiao, and Sugar Ray Leonard, just to name a few.
The sport of boxing is hardly a modern phenomenon. Boxing was introduced as a sport in Greece in 686 BC, though it has prehistoric origins in what is now known as Ethiopia. Boxing was historically a hand-to-hand combat sport, and it is only in relatively modern times that it was played with gloves. Boxing in Canada started out as a bare knuckle fight, though gloves were introduced in the 1900s to protect the hands of fighters. Today, professional boxing matches take place in a ring surrounded by spectators and are viewed on cable television, streamed on specialty networks, or pay-per-view channels around the world.
While the history and current state of boxing might suggest that it is not a sport for most people, the truth is that boxing is a fantastic genre of fitness. While you could certainly fight and spar with others, you can engage in boxing activities without being punched (though if you did want to compete you certainly have the option).
Why start boxing training? This article is all about the benefits of boxing training and how you can get started. Let’s start by exploring all the reasons to get into boxing activities.
What are the Benefits of Boxing Training?
Boxing has a lot of great benefits that go beyond learning how to pack a punch. Here are some of the benefits.
Relieve Stress
We all experience stress in our lives: work, family, friends, school and daily life can make us feel the need to release some aggression. Boxing is a great way to release pent up anger, stress, and take it all out in a safe and positive manner. Boxing is, after all, a fighting sport. Through boxing, you can punch, hit, and kick a fellow opponent or competitor in an organized manner, or take it all out on a punching bag. Get the proper equipment, learn the safety guidelines of the sport, and get started!
Develop Your Upper Body Strength
It’s no secret that boxers have powerful upper body strength that comes from using your arms and torso to punch, dodge, move in a ring. Dreaming of toned arms? A strong core? Defined abdominal muscles? Boxing workouts and regular training will give you the upper body physique you have been striving for while also helping you to be stronger and more fit.'
Get a Great Overall Workout
Boxing is a great way to enhance your cardiovascular fitness and strength. Boxing training requires athletes to be agile and move constantly in a small space, so activities like running and aerobic workouts will be part of your exercise regimen. Boxing classes will also require you to build your arms, back, and core muscles so you can give and take a punch.
Become Part of a Fun Fitness Community
Boxers undergo some or most of their training in boxing gyms, where you will find plenty of like-minded individuals that are interested in the sport. You will be part of a supportive fitness community that not only trains together, but fights together.
What are Typical Boxing Lessons Like?
The boxing lessons you take will vary according to your purpose and goals. Many people who engage in boxing fitness prefer to engage in boxing inspired workouts at boxing gyms. This is a totally great way to participate in boxing without stepping into the ring. A boxing inspired workout will involve:
- A warm-up to raise the heart rate and get your body moving
- Guided exercises in punching, dodging, and footwork
- Structured sparring with partners, involving gloves, a shield, and other protective gear
- Group boxing classes are a great supplement to a regular fitness program that may involve running, lifting weights, and stretching.
If your goal is to compete in an amateur boxing circuit, your classes may be more focused on developing the strategies and strength to fight others in your weight class. Your training will involve not only fitness activities but time in the ring with a partner who likely has similar goals and wants to practice sparring. You will likely need more sophisticated protective gear, gloves, and a nutrition plan to help you stay within a specific weight class.
Boxing classes can look a bit different as well. Boxing gyms in Toronto or Vancouver or for instance can have their own class types/styles. While it is possible to train independently, you will likely want to have a coach who will assist you with developing your strategy and keep you on track with your training. We will discuss how you can find a private boxing coach in this article.
Is Boxing Equipment Expensive?
Boxing equipment can get expensive, making you second guess whether or not it is worth it, especially if you are new to the sport. Luckily, there are many options for newcomers to boxing in gyms, secondhand stores, and virtual marketplaces for private sellers.
What are the things you might consider purchasing for a boxing home gym? Here is a quick list:
- Boxing Gloves
- 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
While much of this equipment is best suited for serious or experienced boxing athletes, novice boxing trainers and fitness enthusiasts will probably do well with a basic pair of gloves, free weights, and a punching bag.
If you are looking to buy used, check out private seller platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji, and be sure to organize meeting points for pick up safely. There are also secondhand sporting stores that may have a good selection of gently used gear.
In some gyms or workout studios, you may even be able to borrow gear temporarily until you decide whether or not to get your own. Some boxing fitness classes provide gloves, though you may need to wear a second thin glove inside to ensure that the gloves stay clean and fresh.'
Where Can I Find Boxing Classes in Ottawa?
Ottawa is a significant city in Canada, with many residents working in the federal government or any of Ottawa’s major postsecondary schools and universities. Boxing classes for groups can typically be found in boxing gyms or boutique fitness studios.
You may find in your searching that boxing gyms and studios are not convenient for you to get to by car or public transit. Although Boxing is becoming more popular. Even places like Calgary and Montreal have boxing gyms. Another issue that often comes up are that classes are not available when you are. For this reason, it can be worthwhile to find a private boxing coach.
Is it Worth it to Hire a Private Boxing Coach?
Hiring a private boxing coach or personal trainer can seem like an extravagant expense. However, it is important to keep in mind that your health and well-being is critical, especially if you are so busy that making it to a gym or carving out time for fitness is hard. A personal trainer can make a big difference to your overall fitness and health.
With a private boxing coach, you can work toward achieving your personal fitness goals, whether you are a novice looking to learn some sparring moves or an experienced boxer on a competitive circuit. They can tailor a program that is perfect for your needs, and meet with you at times that make sense for your lifestyle.
Are Private Boxing Classes Optional at Gyms?
Depending on the gym you go to, you may be able to find private or group boxing classes that are optional or an additional cost with your membership. You may find, however, that there is little availability or that there aren’t any trainers that have a background in boxing. For this reason, it is a good idea to find a private boxing coach.
Finding a private boxing coach is easy with Superprof. Superprof is a site that connects anyone looking for a private teacher, coach, instructor or educator in a range of different fields, including boxing and fitness. To find a private boxing coach near you in Ottawa, simply use the search tool on the site. You can type in “boxing coach Ottawa,” for example. Then, you can view the profiles of available boxing coaches near you. Contact only those that interest you directly through the site, and set up a time to meet or chat to discuss further details.
Find a private boxing coach on Superprof today!
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