First off, let’s get into the physical side of boxing fitness.
You may initially assume that throwing punches will only target your arms but boxing workouts are high-intensity and incorporate a variety of movements that target multiple muscle groups.
The two major muscles in your arms are your biceps and triceps. Your triceps are the main muscle that is worked when you throw a punch, pulling all the power up from the floor and driving that power into the punchbag or the air.
You use your biceps when you throw hooks or uppercuts, they bring the power from along the top of your arm and out to your fists. They also help you to quickly retract your arm after you’ve thrown a jab.
Boxing also targets your deltoids; the muscles that cover the top of your shoulders. Whenever you throw an uppercut or pull back after a jab, your deltoids help you to extend and retract your arms with each punch.
Further down the body, your abs get to work every time you twist with a punch. As you push through a punch, you’ll twist from the waist to fully extend your punching arm and then recoil back to your defensive stance. The more you train with this movement, the more you will develop your ab muscles and increase the strength and reach of your punches.
Boxing fitness also works your lower body. At the beginning of every punch, you’ll use your calves to gather strength from the ground to release through your fists and when you pivot in your punches, you’ll use power from your glutes.
Boxing doesn’t just work your muscles, it also works on a pretty vital organ- the heart. Boxing workouts typically involve high-intensity exercises that can improve your heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. This leads to an increase in cardiovascular endurance, allowing you to perform physical activities for longer periods without feeling tired or out of breath. These high intensity workouts also help to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve blood sugar control reducing your risk of developing heart disease.
Physical aside, boxing fitness also has a few psychological benefits.
The intensity of the workouts can provide a sense of accomplishment and improve mental toughness. The focus required during a boxing workout can also help to reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
Boxing fitness is a highly effective form of exercise that can improve health, overall fitness, and mental toughness. If you’re looking for a new form of exercise to incorporate into your fitness routine, consider trying boxing. We know that we’re bias but it really is a great form of exercise. Give it a go IRL in our East London studio or online via our app.
