The Benefits of Boxing + Reflection of 3+ Months of Title Boxing
If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I’ve finally found a regular cardio workout I can stick with. It’s boxing. While I’ve tried various forms of boxing-based workouts before, Title Boxing’s variation has been the first one I’ve followed though with. I find myself making time, getting in my car, wrapping up, and waiting for class to start. This is sort of a big deal for someone who kind of hates cardio. Before I get into the benefits of boxing workouts, here’s a little bit about why I’m loving it:
I’ve found that the 45-minute or 60-minute boxing classes fly by and I usually leave with more energy than when I came. There’s no hand-to-hand combat, unless you want to practice with an instructor with mitts (aka “mitt training”). That’s much less intimidating to me. There are men and women of all levels in the classes. You can zone out with your own bag the entire class and not look up. It reminds me of cycling classes that similarly fly by, often in the dark, with loud music taking over. By the end, your’e covered in sweat and barely noticed it happen.
Now, let’s get into the good stuff. Here are a few of the benefits of boxing based on articles I’ve read and instructors I’ve chatted with:
The cardio game is strong
This is exactly the type of workout that challenges your cardiovascular system the way trainers preach about. During each round, you’re “on” and then you have an active recovery moment. This rhythm increases your heart rate and demand for oxygen, which helps you increase endurance and help you shed fat. You could burn up to 900 calories during an intense half hour workout like this. Imagine if you go hard for the full 60-minute class?
You feel bad ass
I’m taking this benefit right from instructor Morgan’s mouth. When you leave a Title boxing class, your confidence and self-esteem are definitely higher than when you came. It’s a truly empowering workout. Increased confidence and self-esteem help move you forward in life in many ways. You are more willing to be yourself, take criticism, explore new horizons, take care of yourself, and maintain positive mindsets. Boxing doesn’t do it all for you, but I’m here to say it will help more than most workouts. I’ve tried a lot.
Stress reduction
Ever want to just hit something at work? Yeah. We all do. Since you can’t do that, this is a pretty close second. During boxing, I feel like the activity literally transforms stress into power and strength. I can feel stress coming right out of my fists and onto the bag. Studies show that physical activity can reduce stress levels. That’s because it triggers the release of dopamine. Released in a constructive and guided environment, you have yourself a really focused way to bring that dopamine out.
You keep learning
One of the reasons I love yoga is because every time you practice, you improve a little bit more. It’s the same with boxing. You repeat a lot of motions again and again. Somehow, though, with every class, they are different. You never stop learning and building on the skill of boxing. It’s not only rewarding to get getter, but it’s distracting. You forget you’re working out because you’re focused on improving.
It’s a whole body work out
From your feet, to your core, to your biceps to your shoulders, this workout is a complete assault on your system. As you throw crosses and uppercuts onto a 100-pound heavy bag, you’re bending your legs, twisting your torso, and flexing your traps. When paired with the cardio, there’s really not much this workout misses.
Increased arm definition
I mean, this stuff matters! I personally think shoulders are the sexiest areas on both men and women. Those jabs and crosses force your shoulder muscles to react quickly. Whether you’re throwing power hits or speed hits, the motions works those specific muscles very single time. Come tank top season, you won’t have any jiggle up there to worry about. You’ll be strong and sculpted in your shoulders.
