Ever felt like you needed to punch away the stress of the day? Well, boxing might just be the perfect workout for you.
It’s not just for professional fighters; people of all ages and fitness levels are stepping into the ring (or at least the gym) to reap the many benefits of this dynamic sport.
Meet Simon “Silverback” Domingos, a top name in South Africa’s boxing scene. Known for his prowess in the ring, Domingos is also a dedicated trainer who helps many kickstart their boxing journeys.
He firmly believes that boxing is a sport anyone can benefit from, no matter their fitness level.
Domingos shared five compelling reasons you should consider lacing up your gloves and stepping into the ring.
Boxing isn’t just for professional fighters or those looking to compete in the ring. It’s a fantastic way to get fit, relieve stress, and have fun! Imagine feeling like Rocky Balboa as you jab, cross, and hook your way to better health.
Why boxing?
Boxing is a full-body workout. It combines cardio, strength training, and agility exercises all in one. When you throw punches, you engage your arms, shoulders, and core.
When you move around the ring or a boxing bag, your legs are constantly at work. It’s a high-energy workout that burns tons of calories and keeps your heart pumping.
1. It’s a total body workout
Boxing is a full-body workout that engages virtually every muscle in your body. A mixture of pad work, bag work, partnered drills, and sparring, newcomers will learn various techniques including punching, footwork and defence.
These techniques require the use of your arms, shoulders, core, and legs, all working together. This comprehensive workout helps improve strength, agility and endurance, burning serious calories and shredding fat.
“Boxing isn’t just about throwing punches. It’s about using your whole body efficiently and effectively. You’ll feel muscles you never knew you had working hard.”
2. Improved cardiovascular health
Boxing workouts are renowned for their intense cardiovascular benefits. Training sessions often involve high-intensity training that pushes your heart rate to the max.
The constant movement in boxing builds a strong heart and an efficient circulatory system. Over time, your endurance and lung capacity will improve, reducing the risk of heart complications.
“Boxing keeps your heart healthy. It’s a fun way to improve your cardiovascular fitness and stamina,” Domingos explained.
3. Stress reliever
Boxing is not just a physical workout; it’s an incredible stress reliever. The combination of intense physical activity and mental focus helps reduce stress and release endorphins, leading to an improved mood and mental well-being.
After a long day, there is nothing better than taking your frustration out on the pads. “Boxing is a great way to blow off steam. The minute you step into the gym, your worries stay outside. It’s therapeutic.”
4. Teaches you important self-defence skills.
Boxing isn’t just about throwing punches in the ring; it teaches valuable self-defence skills that can be life-saving. While the sport doesn’t promote unnecessary violence, it gives you the confidence and ability to protect yourself in tough situations.
Knowing how to throw a proper punch, move effectively, and defend against potential threats can make all the difference.
“Learning to box is about empowerment,” added Domingos. “It’s about being prepared and confident in your ability to defend yourself if needed.”
Whether you’re aiming to boost your fitness, relieve stress, or learn self-defence, boxing has something to offer everyone. No matter your current fitness level, boxing is a powerful way to enhance your overall health and well-being.
