Why is boxing a good workout

To the common gym-goer, that translates into one simple idea: there are a lot people looking for ways to get in better shape, and there are even more methodologies being sold promising people the best way of accomplishing said goal. We humbly suggest that you come in and try out a Gloveworx training session to test this out for yourself! Not sure which location to book? Subscribe today for unlimited at-home streaming and discounted live Virtual Training!

Boxing Will Help You Burn A Ton Of Fat Regardless of what the latest fitness trend or dietary fad might tell you, the scientific community almost unanimously agrees that weight loss -- and fat loss, as a byproduct -- occurs when we create a caloric deficit through diet and exercise. Boxing Can Improve Your Abilities In Other Sports There are countless stories of collegiate and professional athletes taking up boxing during the offseason of their respective sports, to improve their technique and overall abilities when their sport is in season.

Boxing Can Improve Mental Health Many of us often overlook the common denominator among goals like losing weight, improving our fitness, and improving our appearance: we want to feel better about ourselves.

While activities like cycling or running rely on rhythmic, repetitive motions that allow heart rate to stay stable, boxing is a ceaseless sequence of ballistic, full-body movements. You jab, cross, duck, and weave, and your heart rate spikes — then you shuffle away from your opponent just long enough for your breathing to recover, and punch again.

All of that takes work, and it can come with a steep learning curve. The actor has boxing coach Darrell Foster to thank for it. My workout history generally consisted of freestyle cardio in the form of outdoor jogging and centering, calming workouts like hot yoga. Boxing had always been filed away into the "too intense" box and wasn't something I ever thought would interest me — until it did. A friend of mine invited me to test out a class at BoxUnion , a boxing workout studio chain in Los Angeles.

Although reluctant, I agreed for two reasons: The classes are only 45 minutes in entirety and it would be something I could say I tried and never do again. I also made sure to express my desire to be positioned toward the back of the class as I assumed I would look like a lost puppy with boxing gloves for the entire session. In a nutshell, my above apprehensions and preconceived notions were not only wrong, but left me pleasantly surprised to say the very least.

What proceeded was one of the most enjoyable workouts I'd experienced in a while — here's why. As soon as I entered the studio, I was welcomed warmly and provided gloves and hand wraps. No, everyone came in all shapes and sizes, which I was naively surprised by. I truly envisioned a studio filled with bulked-up, super-athletic-looking boxers, which I was relieved to see wasn't the case at all. I instantly felt more at ease to see that everyone attending the class was just like me. My fears were settled even more once I stepped into the studio itself, a dimly lit room filled with individual hanging boxing bags and booming music.

I literally felt like I walked into a mid-day dance party, and my dance partner was a punching bag. Now, to be clear, "doable" doesn't equate to "easy.

Essentially, they are right- and left-arm variations of jab, hook, and uppercut punches. Although kick movements are not included kickboxing is not involved in the technique , proper leg stances are demonstrated to ensure each punch is executed correctly and to avoid injury.

Whatever's got you ready to snap, boxing will help you calm down. Not only is hitting something a healthy and productive way to help you let go of tension, the rush of endorphins may make you happier too. A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that people who engaged in high-intensity workouts for an hour released significantly more endorphins than those who spent an hour on moderate exercise.

ICYDK, boxing definitely falls into the high-intensity category. The mental perks of boxing don't stop there: "Boxing builds confidence and discipline at another level," Gonzalez says.

Try this boxing yoga mash-up for a fierce body and calm mind. Hand-eye coordination is key for boxing. Punching a bag or sparring requires focused movements and amazing recall, challenging your muscles and your mind, says former championship boxer Michael Olajide Jr.

Learn how to throw a punch like a pro before you even hit the gym.