How to Lose Weight by Boxing

Learn how to look great by boxing.

Most people are not that interested in becoming boxers.  It’s no wonder considering that the “sweet science” is often considered nothing more than blood-sport.  Between broken noses, cauliflower ears, and bruising high and low, many people looking for a fitness routine wouldn’t select boxing as their top choice.  And yet, it is a fantastic way to lose weight, tone and build muscle, and get in the best shape of your life. 

Fortunately, you never have to get inside a ring and compete in order to get the benefits of a boxing workout.  You can create the same ripped body that you see on boxing champs by simply copying their exercise routine.  Here are a few tips to get you on track with the workout of a lifetime and help you look great in no time.

1. Find a trainer.  This is an important first step, but it may not be as simple as calling up your local boxing gym.  The majority of trainers are also promoters, looking for the next major talent to go pro (and bring acclaim to their facility).  Because of this, they may be unwilling to train anyone who is not serious about getting in the ring.  In this case, you might want to simply find a personal trainer who can offer you the type of workout you’re looking for.  Or you can order a DVD online and do it yourself.  As a fallback, you could always supplement your at-home work with a kick-boxing class, which are easy to find and will at least get you moving with a group (and hopefully help to keep you motivated).
2. Cardio.  If you thought it was all about ducking, weaving, and throwing a great round-house, think again.  Haven’t you seen the iconic Rocky montage where the titular character jumps rope and runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art?  Fighters must often maintain a very strict weight, and they’d rather it was muscle rather than fat, so intense cardio workout is definitely part of the package.
3. Toning.  It’s not just about punching (although that is the main thrust - pardon the pun).  There’s a lot of muscle toning that goes into creating the cut physique that most boxers are sporting.  Although you may not want to get quite that ripped, doing the basics (push-ups, pull-ups, crunches, squats, etc.) is going to help you fight off flab and effectively tone muscles without ever lifting a weight.
4. Drills.  This is what you really need a trainer for.  You’re going to have to learn punching techniques, ducking and weaving, and basic footwork.  But you’re also going to need a partner to wear the mitts and take the hits.  This is what all the other parts of the routine are aimed at: getting you ready to box (whether you’re going under the ropes or not).
5. Home gym.  At some point you’ll probably want to practice and train on your own.  For this reason, it couldn’t hurt to set up a home gym.  You can go all out with a treadmill and other machinery, but all you really need is some basic boxing equipment like a floor-based punching bag and a speed bag to wail on.  A pair of gloves is also a necessity so that you don’t hurt your hands.  With just a few key items, you’ll be on your way to a boxer’s body in no time.  Who knows; you might even get in the ring after all.

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