Boxing for Physical Conditioning

Boxing for Physical Conditioning
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Boxing is a good way to keep yourself in shape -- and to burn off some aggression. Training for a boxing match gets your heart, lungs and muscles in shape and helps you perform at your peak for an extended period of time. The 1-minute break between rounds gives you a chance to catch your breath, but your body has to be in top condition to recover in that short a time.

Cardiovascular Health

A healthy cardiovascular system delivers more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles with fewer beats of your heart. It means that your heart can pump more blood with each contraction. In order to be able to perform at your peak level after a couple of 3-minute rounds, you have to be in great aerobic shape. Boxers undergo aerobic training by jumping rope to learn to stay on their toes, as well as running great distances, to train their heart and lungs.

Strength

If you've ever watched a boxing match on television, you may have been envious of the boxer's arms, shoulders, chest and abs. They get those lean, strong muscles through countless hours in the gym, coupled with hours and hours of sparring with heavy boxing gloves on their hands. Boxers spend hours in the gym lifting free weights, catching and throwing heavy medicine balls and throwing punches against the force of resistance bands.

Lean Body Mass

You rarely see boxers carrying fat around on their bodies. This is because the training for an elite boxing match involves hours and hours of aerobic conditioning. The sport of boxing often involves 12 to 15 minutes of intense activity, and the ability to perform at that level only results from hours and hours of training before the match.

An Overall Healthier Lifestyle

One significant benefit of taking up boxing seriously is that you lose the desire to live an unhealthy lifestyle. Boxers are elite athletes. They treat their bodies like machines that need to be working at their peak at all times. If you get involved with the sport and want to succeed, you'll also be more likely to enjoy good overall health, because you'll eat sensibly, stay away from cigarettes and alcohol, exercise more and get plenty of rest.

References

Article reviewed by Mary Strain Last updated on: Jul 8, 2011

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