Monday, 21 March 2022
BOOST YOUR PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH WITH THE LATEST FITNESS CRAZE
Fitness trends come in and out of fashion. Often, it’s tricky to know if it’s actually good for you and whether it’s a craze you should avoid. The latest fitness trend is taking our gyms by storm, and the hype isn’t stopping anytime soon.
Celebrities, models and fitness influencers have selected boxing as their workout of choice, but why? Boxing builds strength, encompasses that all-important cardio and is a major stress-reliever.
Just An Upper-Body Workout?
Is boxing just an upper-body workout? Your powerful punches and fighting stance use the whole body. As your arms extend for each punch, the power starts from the hips and legs, then drives through your shoulders and back. Expect your core to work hard as it stabilises you so you can twist, dodge and spin as fast as lightning.
Boxing packs a punch. It increases your strength and cardio, but that’s not all. Jessica Matthews, an exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise, explains, "Boxing improves a number of skill-related parameters of fitness, including balance, coordination, reactivity, and agility.”
This full-body workout burns calories fast. Boxing significantly improves your cardiovascular system, lowering your resting heart rate and increasing stamina. Watch your endurance and performance increase dramatically; it’s especially noticeable if you do any other forms of exercise.
In just one hour of boxing, you can burn up to 800 calories - that’s more than three pieces of chocolate cake! According to new research, boxing is the best way to shed belly fat as it burns more calories than running and gym workouts.
Whether you are KO’ing a punchbag, sparring, or circuit training, you’re exerting strength to complete each exercise. The average training punching bag weighs around 25 kg; during one training session, you could hit hundreds of times, you’ll soon notice how quickly you build strength and agility.
The punchbag target is brilliant for hand-eye coordination and it could possibly make you feel more alert and attentive, an article from Havard states. Also, if you’re standing whilst fitness boxing, you’re challenging your balance. Your body has to adapt and react to remain stable and change your position.
Destress With A Punch
We would never encourage violence, but hitting or side kicking a punchbag increases the production of endorphins, those feel-good hormones. Muhammad Ali didn’t say ‘float like a butterfly’ for no reason.
As you focus on your strong punches, you can forget your worries, empower yourself, and fully concentrate on the present moment.
Discipline and consistency are vital to ensure progress. Boxing can take you out of your comfort zone because it pushes you mentally and physically, making you faster and stronger.
Did you know that regular boxing training can improve your sleep quality? Research has discovered that high-intensity cardiovascular exercise, such as boxing, has a beneficial effect on sleep quality and how quickly people can fall asleep.
Get fit, have fun and feel better. Consider trying boxing today!
But there’s more! Attending a boxing fitness class means you’re supported by a motivating instructor and facing the same challenges from like-minded individuals. You could spark friendships where you encourage each other to keep on track.
So what do you think? Are you ready to take a swing?
Our brand-new Boxing Area is a hit! At Lewsey Sports Park, our new Studio 3 boxing area is home to nine boxing bags and a skipping and core area too! Perfect for freestyle circuits or a fun workout with friends. We also offer Box & Tone and Fight Fit classes on our timetable.
Please note: bring your own gloves or knuckle guards.
What about kids?
We also offer Junior Box Fit, available for ages 8 to 15, at Lewsey Sports Park. These instructor-led sessions will teach the basics of boxing and increase both fitness and energy levels. These sessions are included in our junior membership or pay as you go. Book online, via the app or telephone the centre on 01582604244. Learn more here. All equipment provided.
Use of the boxing area is included in your gym, swim and group fitness membership.