3 Reasons to try Boxing

How many of us hit the gym really hard with weights and cardio at the beginning of January, only to grow tired and bored about 6 weeks into this routine? I think the problem with fitness resolutions is that much of the time the expectation of them is in a gym type of setting.

But does this have to be the only choice for activity? No, of course not. One of the reasons I love the app ClassPass (do you have this in your City also?) is because you get the opportunity to try different sorts of workouts and experience them in various ways: Pilates, yoga, barre, boot camps, spinning, boxing, etc!

I tried a new boxing class this weekend and I’m still on a natural high. It is the one exercise that somewhat intimidates me and because of that, I challenge myself to continue to do it.

Here are my 3 Reasons to try a Boxing class:

1. It’s a true sport. It requires a higher level of speed, agility, focus, and hand eye coordination than a lot of the basic moves you’d do in a gym. I feel strong and empowered and like I can do anything. Working on your reflexes and reactions to the speed bag or sparring with your instructor can really a beneficial tactic as we age. You can better catch yourself if you fall due to those heightened reflexes; overall your balance is better as well.
2. It’s a great stress reliever. When I woke up Sunday morning, I was feeling anxious and tired and just not in the mood to be around people. By the time I finished my boxing class at BoxUnion, I was on a cloud. I could have skipped my way through the rest of the day. That serotonin though!! It felt so good to punch something and get out my aggression. It also felt good to kick, and get my heart rate up. If for nothing more than wanting to feel better about yourself, give it a try.
3. Your body composition does change. Imagine combining all the cardio you probably do with body weight training or strength/resistance training. That’s where boxing truly gets the upper hand on most other forms of exercise. It is that perfect combination of strength training and cardiovascular movement. Your feet never stop moving in boxing class and your bag and mitt training is a terrific form of resistance training. Add on a solid nutrition game plan and there is no way you won’t get “lean and mean”!

Have you tried boxing before? Are you more open to it now? Find a local boxing studio and give it a try.

XOXo,

Natasha