Boxing is a tried and true sport and fitness activity that has been popular with humans since ancient times. Records of boxing go back thousands of years, and boxing now flourishes as a multibillion dollar industry that encompasses entertainment, fitness, equipment, and so much more. There is something mesmerizing about two fighters duking it out in the boxing ring, giving all they have to outlast, outwit, and outmaneuver their opponent. And as strange as it may seem to some people to enjoy violence, boxing is actually a sport that enables us to release our aggression in a healthy and controlled way.
This is not to say that boxing is all about fighting and aggression. Boxing is also about sportsmanship, grit, resilience, and athletic excellence. To be a boxer, you must train your body regularly and build cardiovascular and muscular strength. Discipline in your workout routine is essential, especially if your plan is to enter the ring and compete.
While that may sound daunting, it is also important to remember that boxing can be a lot of fun! You will make lots of new connections with others in the boxing community, and if you love movement and exercise you will find that boxing workouts get your heart pumping while also supporting your mental health. Have a bad day? Take it all out on a punching bag, or get moving with a sparring partner.
What if you don't want to box with anyone, but want a boxer's workout? Fitness lovers understand they need to mix up their routines a bit to keep the body feeling challenged, so it's important to try new workouts every day. Boxing is perfect for those of us that want a new fitness routine and to break away from the standard fare of running or apps.
What are the different competition divisions in boxing? The answer may surprise you.
How Do You Get Started in Toronto Boxing?
Toronto residents are in a great city to start boxing training. Canada's largest city has dozens of boxing gyms to choose from, and plenty of great boxing inspired workouts at mainstream gyms and boutique fitness studios. In addition to some amazing fitness amenities, Torontonians can take advantage of long, beautiful lakeside trails for jogging, scores of healthy food grocers and eateries, and the convenience of big city life. Here are just a few boxing gyms you can check out:
- Bloor Street Fitness and Boxing 24/7
- Toronto Boxing Academy and Fitness
- United Boxing Club
- Sully's Boxing Gym
- Midtown Boxing Toronto
- RingFit
- Studio K-O
- Cabbagetown Boxing Club
- 9Round Fitness
Of course, this is just a handful of what you can find in Toronto: you will find plenty of options online!
Do you want to get into boxing in Canada? Learn the basics of professional and amateur boxing in Canada.
Are there Kids Boxing Classes?
Believe it or not, kids can start boxing as young as 6 but typically the sport is taken up by older kids. Find out if your local gym has a boxing class for kids where they can learn some basic moves, make friends, and get fit!
What are Some Basic Boxing Moves?
If you've ever watched a boxing match or even a boxing movie, you have probably noticed that the punches fly so quickly it's hard to distinguish one move from another. Boxers will often use a combination of moves, and must move quickly to challenge their opponent, all while managing complex footwork and defensive strategies. If that sounds arduous it is because it is: it takes a lot of practice and training before you can get to a place where you can actually fight.
In fact, Boxing Canada has regulations that make training mandatory before you start fighting, and you must train in a recognized boxing gym and take the appropriate classes. Unlike many other sports like soccer or basketball, you cannot simply start playing. This is not to say that other sports are easy - but fighting can be dangerous and even life-threatening if you don't know what you are doing when you fight another boxer. If fighting competitively or even recreationally is your goal, make sure you do your research to understand how you can enjoy partaking in the sport safely. Learn defensive moves, which gear to pick, and how boxing leagues or organizations work.
So what are the basic boxing moves? Here is a quick list:
- jab
- cross
- lead hook
- rear hook
- lead uppercut
- rear uppercut
- slip
- roll
- duck
What is the Difference Between Boxing and Kickboxing Classes?
Kickboxing is a version of boxing that will also focus on the use of legs and feet to fight. Muay Thai is one type of kick boxing, but you can find kick boxing classes that combine a range of styles. It is a martial art in its own right, and one of the most exciting ways to get fit today.
Can You Start Boxing at Home?
You can easily get started with boxing at home with a minimum amount of equipment. While you may miss the benefits of sparring with a partner or live instruction with a teacher, there is no reason you cannot learn the basic moves of boxing from the comfort of your home gym.
Start boxing at home by checking out some of the thousands of YouTube videos where you can see all the boxing basics modelled and demonstrated for you. You can even find some great boxing workouts that will get your heart moving. If you really get into it, why not install a punching bag in your basement or gym area? You will love having an object to practice your punches with at any time of the day, and especially when you are feeling stressed or angry. You may also want to consider getting a pair of boxing gloves, free weights, and an exercise mat to enhance all of your at home exercise routines.
How young or old should you be to take up boxing? Find out if boxing is right for you.
Are Boxing Online Classes Worthwhile?
With so many boxing videos posted on sites like Youtube, you may be wondering if it is worth it to sign up for an online class. Depending on your needs and budget, online classes can be the perfect way to accelerate your learning journey and fitness. In an online boxing class, you will work with a live instructor who will get to know you and possibly even observe your form and offer feedback. If the classes are synchronous, an online class can motivate you to work harder and more consistently: when we pay or sign up for something, it is much easier to hold ourselves accountable! Online classes are also incredibly convenient, and save you the trouble of commuting from afar.
Compared to in person lessons, however, online boxing courses can fall short as you will not get to experience the challenge of testing your skills with a fellow classmate, or have the exciting context of a boxing gym. Many boxing gyms will be equipped with tools and resources that can make working out more fun, from rowing machines to punching bags and broad ranges of free weights and kettlebells.
Of course, what ultimately matters are your needs, sense of safety, budget, and accessibility. Weigh the pros and cons, and do what works for you!
Do you have what it takes to become a boxer? Learn all about career pathways in boxing.
Where Can I Find Boxing Lessons Near Me?
Finding boxing lessons is fairly easy if you are in a major city like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg, or Vancouver. All of these cities will have plenty of boxing gyms to choose from, where you will typically find great classes to learn the essentials of the sport. Some gyms will even offer boxing inspired workouts, where the focus will likely be to tone up your upper body and enhance cardiovascular fitness. Try different classes if you can, and enjoy the journey of learning to box with others!
Are Personal Boxing Trainers Expensive?
One great alternative to group boxing classes or self-directed learning is to hire a personal boxing trainer. A personalized trainer is great if you are just starting the sport and want to learn quickly without the burden of aligning your schedule to fit a class, or you have already started boxing and want someone to get you to the next level so you can start competing. While personal fitness training will always cost more than a class or a self-directed study, it can be one of the best investments you make into your health and well-being.
Thinking of jumping into the boxing ring? Make sure you do so safely and following the rules of the sport.
If you are curious to learn the price of a private trainer, take a look at the listings of boxing coaches on Superprof. Superprof is a site that connects teachers and students, and is perfect for anyone seeking out individualized instruction. You can compare dozens of coaches, and select one that is right for you based on other factors such as experience and availability. Once you find a coach or coaches that interest you, you can message them safely through the site and organize a meet up or a virtual trial.
What are you waiting for? Find a boxing coach on Superprof today.
Did you like this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
