So you’re thinking of taking up boxing. Boxing is an extremely popular sport, but it is also one of the most physically demanding sports that will put your lungs, heart, and muscles to the test. There are a number of physical and mental health benefits that come from boxing, including more muscle and less stress.

If you’re ready to become a boxing beginner, check out these 5 tips from the pros.

 

Come Prepared

You need to be prepared to maximize your performance. If you’re serious about becoming a boxer, you’ll need to come mentally and physically prepared.

Mentally, you’ll have to be willing to push through tough times and be willing to do all that it takes to improve your technique. Physically, you’ll have to follow a good diet and regularly workout to improve your form.

 

Before you can begin working out, you’ll need to buy the proper equipment. You’ll want to invest in a good pair of boxing gloves. To continue your training at home, you’ll also want to invest in a punching bag and speed bag. Check out some of the reviews on MMA Warfare to find the best punching bag for you.

Having the right equipment at home allows you to workout even when you’re not at the gym, which allows you to push yourself to be the best boxer that you can be.

 

Practice Your Punches and Know How to Stand

Boxing isn’t about randomly throwing punches in an attempt to knock out your opponent. You’ll want to know where to punch and how to pack power into your punch.

For example, you might assume that going right for the head is the best way to take out your opponents. While there are ways to deliver a great punch to the temple, a good body shot can pack a punch while also preventing your opponent from hitting you.

You’ll also need to focus on proper footwork. You won’t stand around in one spot, so you’ll have to know how to be agile on your feet in order to change your speed and direction to get the right shot at your opponent.

If you can master your punches and footwork, you’re one step closer to being a pro boxer.

 

Breathe Properly

If you’re tiring out easily in the ring, you might not be breathing properly.

Mastering the art of breathing while in the ring is vital. Faster moves require faster bursts of breath, while slower and deeper moves require slow breathing.

Practice your breathing before you even step foot in the ring. While you’re working out with punching or speed bags, practice inhaling and exhaling in ways that match the speed of your punches. You’ll also want to practice breathing through your nose. Breathing through your nose allows you to pull air into your stomach for more oxygen. Breathing through your mouth only pulls air into your chest, which can make it hard to catch your breath.

 

Find a Good Gym

Check out some of the boxing gyms around you. Have any of them produced a top boxer? Even if they haven’t, a good boxing gym will prepare you more than if you were to train on your own.

Not only do most boxing gyms have good quality punching bags and other boxing equipment, but they also have trainers and other fighters.

A trainer will help you learn proper technique and other fighters will give you opponents.

While going to the gym can be intimidating, it’ll give you the environment you need to meet your fitness goals. Most gyms also offer classes. There are a number of classes that you can take — many classes will focus on a mix of floor work, ring work, and partner work. You’ll likely be sore after your first class, but it’ll get easier the more you go.

 

Practice Self-Care

While it can be tempting to train as much as you can, you don’t want to overtrain yourself. Overtraining will leave you feeling defeated and burned out. If you push yourself too hard, you’ll tire out more easily and develop bad training habits.

You’ll want to be slow and consistent with your training so that you have time to build up your endurance. While it’s okay to push yourself when you’re growing tired, you don’t want to push yourself to fatigue. Make sure you take the time to rest when you need to.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re staying hydrated. Boxers sweat a lot, which can lead to dehydration if you don’t remember to drink sufficient water. Dehydration can lead to health and performance issues, include fatigue, joint pain, and injuries. Proper hydration will keep your joints lubricated and supply your body with proper nutrients.