Boxing Training
From sun up to sun down, whether it's the off season or fight season, professional boxers are doing something to help improve their performance in the ring. Amateurs hoping to turn professional will need to take part in some form of boxing training, usually with the assistance of a professional trainer or coach. For professionals who want to reach a new weight class or who feel their routine isn't giving them enough, a new training method can often give them what it takes to go from being a great boxer to a championship prize fighter.
Boxing is a high energy sport that involves a combination of anaerobic and aerobic exercise. Anaerobic activities are those in which the body is deprived of oxygen while engaging in short intervals of rapid action, such as while punching an opponent during a three minute boxing round. During aerobic activities the body draws on oxygen, fats and glucose in the blood to boost cardiovascular endurance. Boxers engage in aerobic action when dodging around the ring to avoid an opponent. Any complete boxing training program will include both anaerobic and aerobic exercise as part of its training regime. The ability to stay standing in the ring round after round, even when you're tired or hurting, takes mental as well as physical stamina so training will also prepare boxers mentally for upcoming fights. It also includes developing healthy eating habits and an understanding of how nutritional supplements can help increase performance.
Those seeking training can find it in a number of places. Professional boxing trainers may be available at local gyms or recreation centres in your area or through a local boxing club. There are a number of training programs available online, through illustrated books and manuals, or on video and DVD. Many successful boxers and trainers have an official website where they offer their own training programs and other valuable information about the sport. When selecting a form of online training always ask about free demos or sample lessons. These can give you an idea of the quality of training and the teaching methods used.
A typical boxing training program will incorporate a number of different activities. Many boxers start their day with road work, which involves running over various terrain. They then move on to skill training and conditioning by working out in a gym or sparring with a partner in the ring. Training programs incorporate these aspects through numerous exercises such as strength training, bag work, core training, plyometrics and hand speed drills. Plyometrics refers to using equipment such as medicine balls, weights or jump ropes to strengthen a particular muscle group.
If you're new to the boxing world, you will have to invest in some supplies along with your training program. Boxers typically need a pair of competitions gloves, training gloves and bag gloves. Professional trainers and online equipment guides can provide explanations of how the gloves differ and how to choose the ones that are right for you. Boxers also need access to punching bags, speed bags, weights, medicine balls and jump ropes either at home or in the gym. Hand wraps, head gear, a mouth guard, a no-foul protector, and boxing shoes should also be used to prevent unnecessary injury during sparring and competition.