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I started with fitness boxing almost 2 years ago and it became my favorite work out. I'!I take classes as much as I can and where ever I can. Since I started, I have way more energy, feel healthier, and see the definition in my body.
When you think of boxing, you may picture greats like Muhammad Ali or Rocky Marciano.
But boxing isn't just a sport anymore. It's also a popular way to stay fit, through a version known as fitness boxing. There's no getting into a ring or taking any punches.
Instead fitness boxing has adapted the movements of the sport into exercise routines.
"This kind of boxing has many health benefits, because it constantly requires you to think,
change your position and change your posture."
Fitness classes
Unlike traditional boxing that requires you to spar with a partner, fitness boxing involves throwing punches at the air or at a punching bag. There are two main types of these exercise classes. In one, you follow a leader and do a series of boxing moves all choreographed to bouncy music.
The moves include a combination of large, sweeping punches (crosses, hooks,uppercuts),
smaller punches (jabs), squats (ducks) and short, quick steps forward and back. The other type of exercise class involves strength training, stretching and hitting a punching bag.
Benefits
Boxing has a lot of health benefits. One is strength.
You are swinging your arms, moving the muscles of your arms and shoulders, increasing your upper-body strength. When you are in the boxer crouch with a wide stance, with your knees slightly bent, you're strengthening your core muscles, back and legs. Fitness boxing is also a great aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise gets your heart pumping and helps lower the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It can strengthen bones and muscles, burn more calories and lift mood. Boxing in particular is well known for improving eye-hand coordination, especially if you're sparring on a bag, hitting padded targets or just shadow boxing. And one last benefit of fitness boxing, if you stand while doing it: better balance. You're changing your position and challenging your balance.
The more you do that, the better your balance reaction becomes.
Key benefits of boxing
- Improves balance
- Helps posture
- Strengthens upper body and core
- Boosts endurance
- May increase alertness
- Enhances mood
- Improves hand-eye coordination
Where to go
I took many classes across america and also in Europe. I need to admit, the fitness classes in america are more powerful and intense. Usually you burn between 600-1000 calories in one class and of course you will be in sore if you are a first timer.
Here are some of my favorite boxing gyms:
- The Box Miami, USA
- Overthrow New York, USA
- Rumble Boxing New York, USA
- Title Boxing Club Chicago, Los Angeles, USA
- Sweat Boxing Paris, France
- BXR London, United Kingdom
Photos by Andres Hernandez