Boxing training.

StrongLife

I have done a variety of routines, including P90X a few years ago. I now just want more cut and am not looking to bulk up on purpose. Both my daughter and I saw some show that people were using boxing as their training. If anyone out there has done this for a bit I'm curious what they thought of it and what part of their bodies were affected most. Also were there any surprise benefits or negatives? The other motivating factor is that I have a hard time doing cardio and was hoping this could replace that.

Thanks.

Spikesfx

Hi. I have been doing some sort of combat training for the last 20 years; the last 15 just boxing. I teach and have competed. So needless to say, I'm biased. I love it!!! There is absolutely nothing like it! It's not for everyone. You have to push yourself. Boxing is done in timed "rounds" so you have 2 to 3 minutes of work, then a 30 second or 1 minute rest. So your heart rate goes WAY up and then comes down during the break. Great benefits! It gives you muscles if you hit bags. You're muscles have to absorb the shock of the the hit, good for shoulders and chest. It feels great to hit something HARD! Great stress release. If you go somewhere GOOD or have a GOOD trainer, you learn a skill. Boxing is a science and to me it's really beautiful; like a dance. Unfortunately most places are gonna run you through like rats in a maze. Seems like no one wants to take the time and learn the skill, they just want the quick sweat and gyms are responding. The prettiest places aren't the best. The grungy places teach the real art; or so my experience has shown. Negatives....dumb *kitten* trainers that don't know **** about body mechanics or safe training practices. I have a degree in Exercise science as well so I can vary the activity for every level. If something doesn't feel right or hurts DON'T DO IT. Don't let anyone take along too fast. If you focus on the skill and learning to do the movements and basics right....A.) you get a workout and it's not boring, B.) it's fricken' fun, C.) people will be afraid of you (even though they are just being ignorant, but let them!) D.) you will get leaner. But diet is like 85 to 90% of losing weight and it's extra important when you start taxing your body in a high intensity activity.
Was that too much? LOL!! Hope that helps.

groomchick

I'm very interested in this as well. Have been doing a little at the gym... enough to know I wanted a heavy bag and just finally got it hung today! Have a Karate place close by that supposedly teaches boxing as well... If nothing else it's a great workout & very empowering!!

StrongLife

Thanks for the input! I will be on guard on trainers that don't know the art. I think I'll give it a try. Boxers have the body shape I want to emulate.