Boxing is a sport that we often associate with big marquees, boisterous crowds, and large-muscled fighters ready to fight. Indeed, boxing is a popular international sport with some of the world’s top athletes fighting. Many boxers, like Muhammad Ali are legendary to popular culture. But we don’t always think of boxing when we consider ways of getting fit.
Boxing is one of the most effective ways to get fit. It combines cardiovascular movement, strength building, agility, and sports all into one. Boxing is also fun, exciting, and boxing gyms are among the largest and strongest fitness communities out there. You will not only become more fit, but make lots of new friends along the way. And no, you don’t have to get hit in the process - there are plenty of boxing inspired classes where you can get all of the movement with none of the sparring.
If you happen to live in Vancouver, boxing can truly round out your existing fitness regimen. It’s no secret that Vancouver has some of the most famous and beautiful outdoor spaces in Canada, with hiking, biking, running, beach sports, yoga, basketball, hockey, and golf all widely played. If you are already participating in other fitness activities, why not challenge yourself to try something new?
This article is all about why you should take boxing classes in Vancouver. Let’s take a closer look!
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.
It's becoming increasingly popular across Canada with gyms in places likes Ottawa. Today, boxing is a billion dollar industry with professional and amateur leagues, specialized gyms, gear, equipment, and training.
Boxing is often associated with bright lights, fighters and excited crowds. Source: Pexels.
What are the Best Reasons to Start Taking Boxing Classes?
Challenge your Body
If you have become accustomed to the same workout, changing things up will help to take your body to the next level. Boxing will change your body in unexpected ways, helping you to build muscle and strength in areas your regular workout does not. For example, boxing workouts will require you to use all of your upper body strength to block, punch, and hit, whether you are sparring with a partner or a punching bag.
Boxing also involves a lot of agility training as you boxers make small movements around the ring. Footwork exercises will help you to enhance your cardiovascular fitness while also helping you to develop your reflexes and movement.
De-Stress through Fighting
Stress is an issue that nearly everyone has, whether it is from work, family, or the many other factors that impact our mental health. Whatever the cause of your stress is, one of the best ways to release aggression is to break a good sweat while throwing punches and kicks at a ready opponent or a boxing bag.
With regular practice, you will find yourself not only more fit and calm, but better prepared to cope with stress that comes your way.
Boxing is a Well-Rounded Workout
Boxing is an incredibly well rounded workout, combining cardiovascular fitness with strength training. Boxing requires a lot of agility and stamina, making footwork exercise and running a regular part of a boxer’s workout routine. You will also be amazed at the impact that punching and blocking will have on your upper body and core strength.
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 are Boxing Lessons Like?
The structure and flow of a boxing lesson will largely depend on the focus of the class. Some group classes, for example, are primarily focused on using boxing-inspired movement and highly organized punching with a partner that has a shield. This type of class might include:
- A brief cardio based warm up with some body weight exercises
- Free-weight exercises that involve punching
- Time to take turns practicing punching with a partner holding a shield
Individual boxing training classes will depend on the style and philosophy of the coach. Some may do traditional fitness activities, such as running and weights, or use modern gym equipment to get you into your best shape.
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.
Do I Need Boxing Equipment to Get Started?
Getting started in boxing will not cost you hundreds of dollars in new equipment. In fact, many gyms may even be able to lend you a set of gloves and borrow equipment while you are exercising there. Many boxing inspired workouts do not require equipment at all, since the focus will be on movement above all else.
Of course, you may decide that you actually want equipment once you get started. You may even find that you fall in love with the sport! If you are on a budget, here are some tips for purchasing secondhand.
Buying Secondhand Boxing Gear
You can find plenty of fitness gear for all types of exercise secondhand. There are many people who get excited about new fitness activities, and decide it’s not for them! Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and other platforms will enable you to find private sellers who you can contact personally to purchase used equipment. If you do take this route, make sure you meet sellers in a safe, public place to ensure that any transaction goes smoothly.
Another source for secondhand sporting goods are stores that specialize in refurbishing and cleaning used items. This is a safe and reliable way to save money on sporting goods, whether it is a pair of boxing gloves or a set of hand weights for your home gym.
Wherever you source your items, make sure you check for rips, tears, or other product flaws that could potentially make your purchase unusable. You’ll also want to make sure that you thoroughly clean the gear you purchase secondhand if it hasn’t been done already: the last thing you want is a stinky and dirty set of gloves or punching bag!
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!
Buying Brand New
If it makes sense for you, why not buy gear brand new? It is quite motivating to get new fitness gear, especially if you have specific preferences for colour and fit. Should you make the unfortunate discovery that boxing is not the sport for you, you can always resell privately or to a secondhand store.
Is it Worth it to take Private Boxing Lessons with a Boxing Coach?
Deciding between group classes and private coaching? Many people shy away from personal training because they fear it will be costly or ineffective.
Those that are questioning the quality of personal training may want to reconsider, since private fitness and boxing coaching can be one of the best investments you make in your health. This is particularly true if you do not like working out in a large gym, have a demanding work schedule, or cannot find boxing classes at a time that works for you.
A private boxing instructor can work with you on your personal fitness goals, and tailor a program that is designed for your lifestyle and physique. They can meet with you at times that are conducive to your personal schedule, and pause during times where you may not be able to make sessions. They may even be able to make nutrition recommendations so you can build the body you want to have.
A private boxing coach is even more ideal for those that are already boxing regularly and want someone with a boxing coaching background to take them to the next level physically and mentally.
To find the right private boxing coach, you can visit the Superprof Canada site. Superprof is a site that connects people with trainers, educators, coaches, and teachers who can help you meet your goals. If you are in the Vancouver area, type in “Boxing Coach Vancouver” in the search tool. You will then see available trainers near you who you can contact. Browse their profiles, and only contact those who are interesting to you. You can message them directly through the site, and connect with them directly to see if they will be a good fit.
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.
Are Private Boxing Classes Optional in a Gym?
Depending on your gym, you may be able to find a boxing coach who can help you. However, if your gym is a general fitness facility you may not find people that have that specialization. In addition, you may have to pay extra fees to use the gym facilities for training.
This is why organizing with a private boxing coach on Superprof is ideal. You can choose to work out in a gym, or use a private facility or even the great outdoors that Vancouver is so famous for.
Find a private boxing coach on Superprof today!
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