I’m a big advocate for boxing as a form of exercise and especially for women. There are loads of reasons why I love it and I’d like to outline what I believe to be some of the benefits it can give you.
Firstly due to the historic nature of boxing, it is often seen as mans sport, violent and aggressive. Type boxing into google and you’ll most likely get that infamous picture of Muhammed Ali standing over his opponent after a knock down looking pretty angry.
But in truth, boxing is a very technical and beautiful expression of movement. And should be enjoyed by everyone. I have not much of a aggressive bone in my body and I’m a pretty chilled person, but I love the feeling of using my body as a force of nature and a way to express my power. It doesn’t have the nickname ‘The Sweet Science’ for no reason.
Boxing gyms of the pasta re scary, male dominated places with a boxing ring and sparring on tap. Sorry but, no thanks. I’m not here to get hit. But I still want to enjoy the benefits boxing has to offer. Agility, power, strength, endurance, balance, focus, cardiovascular benefits and not to mention the mental health benefits.
All these benefits are exactly what women need, especially as due to their hormones they are susceptible to more bone density loss as they age and more muscle atrophy. Strength training and boxing can all help with keeping as much muscle and bone density as possible and age with power.
Another reason I love it for women is that it is pretty low impact, sure there is a bit of impact on your hand, but it’s not too great and there is minimal impact on pelvic floor so lends itself as a great workout for those both pregnant and post-partum.
Due to the nature of having to think a bit, it’s also great for cognitive ability, and also gives you something to focus on, meaning you often don’t realise how hard you’re working. Cardio without the long boring run, just pounding the pavement.
Do a bit of boxing and see how it makes you feel. You’ll walk a bit taller, find a new sense of confidence and feel generally fitter. Trust me when I say boxers are some of the fittest athletes out there.
Nothing brings me more pleasure than imagining a client of mine walking down the street in their civilian clothing, or sitting at their desk in the office, of on a night out or picking up the kids from school, and knowing that secretly there’s a boxing super power just waiting to be unleashed. Not that we’re here to use our boxing skills on real people, but it’s a bit like being a superhero, but saving it for the gym.
Couple boxing with strength work and you’ll be pretty unstoppable.
Boxing is a beautiful sport that should be enjoyed by all, regardless of whether you wish to spar, compete, shadow box or hit the bags, there should be a place that everyone can go and feel comfortable.
Lawrence x
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