Boxing Is Good For Overall Health

Boxing is a controversial sport for many reasons, but one aspect is not controversial – boxers are remarkably fit athletes. This is because boxing utilizes all parts of the body in order to obtain maximum performance. Boxing is not just simply about throwing punches, but equally, if not more important, are balance, coordination and stamina. This is why taking boxing lessons in large groups is more popular than ever before.

Doctors are now advising patients to try boxing lessons but not necessarily competitive boxing. In an interview with CNN, orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Johnson claims that boxing exercises combine the best in both weight training and a complete cardiovascular workout. This is especially important for women that often lose bone strength as they age.

The Benefits of Boxing

Group boxing lessons tend to avoid one-on-one sparring bouts and concentrate simply upon the the moves that boxers learn. CNN’s Medical Producer Val Willingham likened these lessons to ‘an aerobics class but with a punch’. After a brief warm up and stretching period, participants often shadow box or utilize a punching bag. Sparring without classmates is not necessary for the purposes of obtaining a strong physical workout.

Unlike other sports, group boxing classes do not require the purchase expensive equipment, although buying boxing gloves are highly recommended. Another advantage of taking group lessons is that people are less likely to quit an exercise routine if they are working out with other people. Boxing can be incorporated into an exercise routine such as weight lifting or biking in order to alleviate boredom.

Boxing has also been widely purported to raise a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem, but this has never been proven. That said, taking out frustrations on a punching bag can certainly be an interesting manner in which to safely and constructively release tensions and worries.

How Dangerous Is Boxing?

After the success of the movie ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004), more women are embracing the sport, indeed taking it to amateur and even competitive levels. Alarmed by boxing deaths in the male version of the sport, the American chapter of the International Boxing Association commissioned a report on safety of women competing in sports under Olympic rules. Women boxers usually have to wear protective headgear. The author of the 2007 report, Charles F. Butler, MD, discovered that there are far more fatalities in horse riding than in women’s boxing.

Dr. Butler also notes that women have a far more flexible spine than men, so they are able to better able to withstand blows because they do not have the bulky neck and shoulders possessed by men. However, in some women’s boxing competitions, women are only allowed to punch an opponent’s arms and not the head. The only restriction for a woman boxer is to never to box while she is pregnant.

Of course, the safest way to box (whether a man or a woman) is to avoid the competitive angle. Group boxing lessons are widely available through local health clubs and gyms. Some martial arts studios will also offer group boxing or kickboxing lessons. Boxing lessons can provide a workout of the body, emotions and self-esteem.

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