Did you know that boxing burns fat, tones your abs and builds-up your self esteem?

Boxing and boxing variations have become the new stars of indoor fitness in gyms all around the world. People like you have put on boxing gloves to train, enjoy themselves, and release stress in the gym.

Competitive boxing is a sport with a very long history. There is evidence that people have been boxing since 4,000 BC. It has always been a popular sport. The idea is not to be the strongest, but to push yourself. In fact the smallest competitor can win a boxing match.

Boxing fitness, fitbox and body-combat are basic training activities for boxing and some martial arts. This is functional workout, which not only improves movements, tones most muscle groups, but also improves your strength and technique.

This type of exercise can be done in a group, because the basic movements are taught in classes. These are put together to create choreographed routines accompanied by music, for a fun, yet demanding exercise routine.

Why box?

1. It tones the body

While traditional boxing only works on one side, and the strong punches are held back (for greater strength and stroke), boxing fitness and body-combat uses both sides of the body equally.

You’ll get a whole-body workout, arms, abdomen, chest and buttocks.

2. Shed fat

This is highly demanding aerobic exercise, which gets rid of fat and works the deep muscles. Unlike spinning or running, which are good for losing weight, it will give you firm arms and legs.

Boxing fitness classes involve doing 1,000 abdominal exercises and can burn between 700 and 1,000 calories. This is because of the many twists, contractions and exercises, which are speeded up and slowed down.

3. Strengthens the abs

It focuses on the buttocks, abs and waist, where all the movements begin. Every time you punch, you keep your legs tight as you move and thrust.

4. Boost your motivation

Choreographed to rock, dance or electronic music, students have to make a massive effort not to fall behind. This means that everyone works hard to keep up and release stress.

Moving releases endorphins, making you feel good. Hitting and kicking the area strengthens the mind and raises self esteem.

5. No blows, no injuries

Suitable for everyone, there’s no risk of getting hit like a professional boxer. There’s no punch bag, so your wrists won’t suffer if your boxing guard is wrong. Choreographed shadow boxing causes less injury. However, don’t punch too hard, to avoid straining the limbs.

6. Improves cardiovascular health.

This is highly strenuous exercise, which raises the heart rate. Physical exercise raises good cholesterol and reduces triglycerides (a marker for coronary disease).

7. Boosts confidence

When you do boxing fitness, you become aware of how much energy you expend in each punch. You can focus on performing the movements correctly without being afraid of hurting someone by mistake. It makes you feel confident and you learn some notions of self defence. You may not get the mindset of a professional boxer, but it will teach you to deal with stressful situations without freezing.

Boxing fans say that this sport puts everything in its place. It also improves agility, teaches you to react quickly (hones your reflexes) and works on coordination and strength. The result? A tougher, healthier body.

Life is like boxing. It isn’t the one who falls down who loses. It’s the one who doesn’t get up again.

This post is also available in: Spanish