Boxing is an established fitness trend many Canadian fitness enthusiasts are already familiar with. But many still perceive the sport as wholly combat-oriented: bruised and beaten fighters, dark and gritty gyms, and early morning running sessions may come to mind. While there are certainly good reasons those stereotypes exist - thanks to movies like Rocky and Million Dollar Baby come to mind - the reality is that boxing can appeal to all different types of people.
Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is home to many boxing gyms and mixed martial arts studios where you can practice and learn boxing and related combat sports. Far from rustic, these gyms offer modern equipment, a motivated fitness community, and a broad perspective of fitness that goes beyond spending hours sparring in a ring. Toronto is also home to many skilled boxing coaches and trainers that can work with you individually to help you get to the next level.
Boxing is a sport that goes back a long time - ancient times, in fact! Historians have found evidence that boxing was practiced in modern day Ethiopia, and was featured in the earliest Greek Olympic Games. The sport was popularized in Europe, particularly in England where many regulations that guide the sport today were developed. In Canada, boxing was a bare knuckle sport in the early days, and modernized into a regulated activity with protective equipment in the 20th century. Today, boxing is a billion dollar industry that attracts spectators all over the world.
This article is all about getting started in boxing in Toronto. Toronto is an amazing city to start boxing for fitness, fun, and competition. Let’s start by discussing the best reasons to get into the sport!
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 Training?
If you’ve never tried boxing training, there is no a better time to start than the present. Boxing and boxing inspired workouts are not only fun but an amazing way to build your cardiovascular fitness and core strength. Here are the top reasons to start boxing training.
Challenge Your Body in New Ways
Those that spend lots of time focused on fitness know how easy it is to get locked into the same old workout routine. One problem of sticking with the same type of workout is that the effects will plateau once the body gets used to it. Starting boxing can get you out of the rut of routine and challenge your body in new ways. You will burn more calories, build and utilize muscles that you may not use regularly in other workouts, and develop your mind by enhancing your reflexes as you practice dodging punches and practicing footwork.
Release Stress and Aggression
Boxing is an excellent way to get rid of any pent up stress or aggression after a long day of work and commuting. We live increasingly stressful lives, between work, family, long days on screens, and sitting in traffic to get from one place to another. It all adds up at the end of the day! The punching, kicking, and physical intensity boxing requires will help you to release anger and put it toward the improvement of your physical and mental well being.
Boxing is a Multi-Faceted Workout
Boxing requires you to use your body and mind at the same time: you need to be conscious of your footwork in a relatively small space, use your upper body and core strategically to land big punches and hits, and react defensively as you spar with an opponent or practice defensive movement. Boxing workouts also integrate cardio, weightlifting, and flexibility exercises, making it one that will keep you firing on all sides.
Be Part of a Fitness Community
In addition to meeting your mental and physical health needs, boxing also will help you to connect with a community of like-minded athletes that have similar fitness goals as you. The boxing community in gyms and in amateur competition circuits is welcoming and always eager to welcome new people to the sport.
Boxing Fitness is Broader than You Think
If going to a ring and sparring with others is not your cup of tea, remember that boxing fitness classes are not just about combat. In fact, there are boxing inspired workouts that enable you to practice all the cardio, offensive and defensive moves without the fighting. You may hit equipment such as a speed bag or punching bag, or practice your moves with a partner who is shielded and ready to receive your punches.
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 Will I Need?
Beginner boxers do not require much to get started: a pair of gloves, a place to train, a punching bag, and instruction for the essentials. Not sure if you want to box long term? Some boxing classes and studios will be happy to lend you some equipment for class time as long as it cleaned and used in a hygienic manner.
If you do enjoy boxing, you might want to install some equipment like a speedbag or punching bag in your basement or garage. This way you can practice your uppercut and jabs even if you are not receiving formal training. You may also want to get boxing shoes and protective gear like a helmet and shield, especially if you want to enter the ring for recreational or amateur fights.
Those that prefer to stick to boxing influenced fitness can probably do with a pair of gloves that are the appropriate weight for your size. While some gyms will lend gloves, it is always nice to have your own, personal pair.
Here is a list of some popular boxing equipment available for purchase:
- 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
When it comes to boxing, many Montrealers 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!
What does a Boxing Coach do?
Boxing coaches are a resource you can hire to to each you the basics of boxing and how to do so safely. They can help you achieve your personal fitness goals, prepare you for competition, and support you when you are fighting. They also play the role of motivator, advisor, and and help you to prepare for a match.
Finding the right boxing coach, like finding a good personal trainer or coach, will take some research and trial and error. You will want someone who will be professional and push you to your limits while also building your confidence and paying attention to your personal needs.
How do you get started in finding the right boxing coach? Look no further than Superprof Canada. Superprof is a website you can use to find boxing coaches, tutors, and private instructors near you. You can use the search tool to find available coaches in you area, and read their professional profiles to see if they will be the right fit for your needs. Message prospective coaches directly through the site, and set up a safe place to meet if you are interested in moving forward.
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.
Are Group Boxing Lessons Worth it?
Group boxing classes can be a great alternative to personal coaching. They are well suited for those who want an introduction to the sport that is efficient and low cost. You will also need to make sure that you have lessons close to your location, and that they happen at a time that works for your schedule.
Aligning availability, location, and your personal goals can sometimes be a challenge. We all have busy lives, and classes may not be as frequent as you’d like even in a highly populated city like Toronto. For this reason, private classes can be a great option to pursue.
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!
Are Private Boxing Lessons Optional Easy to Find?
As we mentioned earlier, Superprof makes organizing your own personal boxing classes and training easy. With a private boxing instructor, you may even be able to create your own class made up of friends or neighbours. Speak with a coach to see what options they can offer.
Find a boxing coach on Superprof today!
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