Maybe you’re not the fighting type,
but here are some facts that will get you in the ring: Boxing blasts up to 600
calories an hour while sculpting your arms, shoulders, core, and legs.
Boxing
blasts up to 600 calories an hour while sculpting your arms, shoulders, core,
and legs.
1. Suit Up
Wear moisture-wicking clothes that don’t
restrict your movement and cross-training shoes, which are specifically
designed to support your feet during side-to-side movements and cushion them to
absorb shock.
2. Be Hands-On
If you’ll be hitting a punching bag or
sparring with a partner, you’ll need gloves. Borrow a pair from the gym for
your first class, but if you think you’re going to continue, buy your own— they
get sweaty, so sharing isn’t ideal. Either way, bring along hand wraps (from
$7; dickssportinggoods.com) for extra protection; ask your instructor to show
you how to put them on, making sure to cover your knuckles, thumbs, and wrists.
If
you’ll be hitting a punching bag or sparring with a partner, you’ll need
gloves.
3. Assume the Position
Most punches begin in a boxer’s stance. To
do it: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and staggered, one foot in
front of the other with knees slightly bent. Pull your shoulders back and abs
in tight, look straight ahead with your chin tilted down, and hold your hands
in fists on either side of your chin.
4. Throw Some Punches
Boxing classes introduce the basic moves
first (see ‘Boxing Speak, right) and add on to them, so don’t worry about
jumping into combos. Whichever move you’re doing, though, lead with your torso
rather than your arms.
Whichever
move you’re doing, though, lead with your torso rather than your arms.
