Boxing - The New Dancing?
Article written by Daniel Healy.
Last time we talked dancing. This week we shall talk dance of a different style...BOXING! Boxing doesn’t exactly have the romance of the tango or the grace of a waltz but it will get you burning fat faster than my dad burns a steak, and that’s pretty quick.
Boxing has for years been a male dominated sport. But not any longer. These days it’s almost uncommon to go to a city park and not see a boxercise class going on that is filled with young and old male and female. So why should you do it? Below are some good reasons to roll up your sleeves, suck up your courage and join a boxercise class today!
Burn serious calories!
You remember that study they did at the University of New South Wales, Australia where they found interval training (short sharp bursts of effort spread out over time) burnt four times as much fat as continual running? Well boxing delivers the same results. And wait for it…with no running! Well okay, maybe some running but it will be very short 20 meter bursts at the very most. The way it works is through short sharp upper body efforts, that is - punching! Note - it’s important that you’re trained by a qualified instructor so you’re safe and so your punches are as calorie intensive as possible.
Doing it outdoors is fun!
A lot of indoor boxing gyms are a bit more “hard core” than outdoor trainers. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go to a gym as they usually have excellent instructors who are generally very friendly. Outdoor trainers on the other hand are usually a little less technical. This means they’re less focused on making the perfect jab hook combo and more focused on fun and getting an enjoyable workout.
Be engaged!
I’ve found that most people who hate running do so because they are bored or they feel like they look silly. Often a combination of both. Boxing requires continual concentration. Your mind is constantly focused on the job you’re not worried about how you look or bored to death by endless running.
It’s rough!
If you’re looking for a gentle ride you are at the wrong end of the playground. Whilst it’s not dangerous, boxing is only effective when very physical. If you punch like a princess you won’t burn many calories. Mind you, that shouldn’t be your focus. I know, I know it was the first point I talked about (ref “burn serious calories”) but I do want your focus to be on enjoying yourself. Enjoy training with a group and training in the outdoors.
What to do....
Google “Beginners boxing class”. Call em up and look for a rate that suits your budget $10 - $12 is about the average price.
Overall good luck with your boxing, enjoy the experience! I hope you make some great friends pick up some new skills and accelerate your weight loss results!
Last updated 02 July 2009
