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Any boxers out there that can give me some starting tips?
So I got a 1.20m, 30kg punching bag, and hung it on the upper floor. I don't have boxing gloves yet but my friend suggested I just use cloth bandages on my hands. I'm looking for a boxing gym near me. I'm open to any striking art but I've done taekwondo before and I'd really like to concentrate on boxing now. I can throw basic punches. I've been watching some videos on boxing basics and I think it's awesome. Anything I could start working on for myself?
I'm already confident in self-defense. I don't have any specific reason to do it other than boxing looks fun. It's something I've been meaning to get into for years.
I'm not in shape at all.
Tips are welcome!
Just make sure you go easy on the bag until you get those gloves. Even with gloves on, I think it's better not to throw everything you have into the bag.
The biggest early lesson for me was how to use my feet in concert with my punches, i.e. stepping as you jab, pivoting as you cross, etc. There's a bunch to learn about footwork and it all lends to keeping you balanced, which is super important in a match. I'm sure there are a million videos on YouTube to demonstrate.
Boxing got me really into jump roping and I haven't found another cardio exercise that comes anywhere close to it in terms of efficiency.
My favorite thing to do was to open up a boxing timer app, head out to the garage, crank up some jams, and do a full set of rounds incorporating jump ropes, calisthenics, shadow boxing, and bag work.
As far as boxing gyms go, the chains like Title are probably as expensive as the legit ones but they don't actually let you do any real sparring (at least in my experience). But, they're better than nothing if you have no other options. I've gotten great workouts at Title and great boxing lessons at legit gyms.
Awesome tips!
Looks like I should really get some gloves soon. Which kind of glove should I get, and what size? What should I look for in a glove? Are boxing gloves any different than Muay thai gloves?
I seem to have a severe lack of coordination and was never able to jump rope. But I'll give it a try.
There are no boxing chains where I am, just individual gyms. It's probably not as expensive as it is in your location. I'll have to look at each one individually to get a notion.
Thanks!
I believe I just bought a pair of Title branded gloves for bag training. For sparring, I snagged a pair of these.
Definitely work on the jump roping. It will be awkward at first and you'll trip over the rope a ton. But it will be very rewarding the first time you are able to do 10, 20, 50, etc. in a row. It really helps out. I need to get back into it, if nothing else, for the amazing cardio workout.
How must rope be in order to making jumping easier? Heavier, lighter...? I can get rope by the foot that the materials store.
I have no clue, actually. I've only ever used the ones I've purchased from the store or that the gym has readily available. My assumption would be to start lighter since your muscles have to do less work.
Definitely avoid full force punches without gloves. And even when you get gloves continue wrapping your hands underneath. Those bones grow brittle with continuous training.
Otherwise just general tips. Boxing is a lot about footwork. Power comes from your legs and hip rotation, not your arms and shoulders. Keep your guard up always. Always be moving your head. Cardio, cardio, cardio.
Oh, my punches are quite weak right now, despite my weight (which is mostly fat).
What kind of glove weight do you use for the heavy bag?
Great tips, thanks!
16oz is best for bag work. It is not only good padding, but training with the weight will improve your hand speed.
Awesome :)
And yeah, I'm pretty tall and heavy too. About 209 lbs at the moment. So every online resource seems to agree I should get a 16oz. I don't really like the idea of getting the heavier one, I still wanna "feel" the bag if that makes any sense? :P But it's for the best.
Thanks ;)
I developed a hairline fracture in my finger at one point and when I went to get my hand x-ray the tech asked me if I work construction because he couldn’t figure out why I had so many microfractures all throughout my hand. He assumed I must be handling a jackhammer all day and was going to suggest I take a break from it.
The moral of the story is wrap your hands!
Absolutely! Wrapping and gloves are a must!
And I was going to get a good protective glove anyway, my doubt was only between the 14oz and 16oz. Maybe the 14oz gives some agility while remaining equally protective?
IDK.
Maybe think of it this way, and somebody correct me if this is a poor analogy:
When you're on deck in baseball, you intentionally choose to add weight to your bat to slow you down and work on your form. When you're up to bat, you remove the weight and swing for the fences.
I'd stick with a more protective glove and focus on form. If you develop agility with a 16oz, that means you're only going to have more agility when you don something lighter.
But also, shrug. To each their own. The threat of damaging your hands is a real one though.
I actually ordered the 16oz yours and others recommendations :)
I may disagree, but when a bunch of more experienced people tell me otherwise, well, I'm not stupid to ignore them!
Proper wraps acquired at the sports store, 5 USD for the pair, 5m each. Following this guide, my wrists feel really secure when I punch. I can see how that might prevent a lot of injuries, without it I can feel in my wrist when I punch sloppily.
Now I'm seeing talk about "athletic tape"? Is that something I need as well?
I also got a mouthguard. I won't need it any time soon, but it was cheap. And a pump for my basketball (unrelated :P).
I've used athletic tape before. I noticed no benefit but felt the predictable sting that my fellow hirsute comrades will know well. I'm either too unathletic to receive the benefits or my body is so far gone that they can't help.
I liked that word!
I would get a coach first, otherwise I guarantee you will spend more time unlearning things than learning.
Being around people is not easy for me. In fact, you may call me socio-phobic. I intend to look for a class, but if I limit my practice to a class, there's a high likelihood I won't practice at all. Also, it will cost.
I'd rather do something now, just to get things started. If anything, it's good cardio and beats doing jumping-jacks (so boring). I have done some martial arts before, so there are things I can do based on that alone. My best friend is a pretty good kickboxer, and he can give me instructions from time to time. And thanks ;)