Did you know boxing can burn a lot of calories in one session? A 70-kilogram person can burn about 422 calories hitting a heavy bag for an hour. Sparring in the ring for an hour burns around 633 calories. Many fitness lovers are choosing boxing for a physical and mental challenge.
Key Takeaways:
- Boxing is a powerful fitness activity that can help you burn a substantial number of calories.
- Regular boxing sessions can improve your strength, endurance, agility, and overall fitness level.
- Proper boxing gear is essential to ensure your safety and enhance your performance.
- Key pieces of boxing gear include boxing gloves, hand wraps, punching bags, and training equipment.
- Choosing the right size and type of gear is crucial for a comfortable and effective boxing experience.
Now that you know about boxing’s fitness benefits, let’s talk about the gear you need. The right gear protects your hands and helps you improve your skills. We’ll cover must-have items like gloves, hand wraps, punching bags, and more. We’ll also give tips on picking the best gear for your goals.
Stay tuned to unleash your inner boxer and take your fitness journey to new heights!
Recommended reading: Beginner’s Guide to Boxing Equipment: 5 Must-Have Gear Items
Why Start Boxing?
Boxing is more than a sport; it’s a fitness journey that changes your body and mind. It’s great for anyone, whether you’re an athlete or just starting. Boxing has many benefits that make it a top choice for fitness lovers.
Boxing burns a lot of calories. Activities like hitting the heavy bag or sparring can burn up to 633 calories in an hour. For someone who weighs 70 kg, an hour of heavy bag work can burn about 422 calories.
But it’s not just about burning calories. Boxing also sharpens your mind. You’ll improve your focus and thinking skills. It challenges you both physically and mentally, helping you grow.
Starting boxing means getting the right gear. Good boxing gloves protect your hands and help you train better. Gloves weigh between 10-18 oz, depending on what you’re doing. For heavy bag work, 10-14 oz gloves are best, while 16-18 oz are better for sparring.
Hand wraps are also key for boxers. They support your wrists and protect your hands. Hayabusa offers 180-inch wraps for the best wrist stability. There are many types of hand wraps available, including cloth, gel, and elastic ones.
Choosing the right punching bag is important too. There are different bags for various training goals. Heavy bags, cobra reflex bags, and double-end bags all help improve your skills.
Other gear like jump ropes, headgear, mouth guards, and gym bags are also crucial. They make your workouts safer and more varied.
| Punch Trackers | Features |
|---|---|
| FightCamp | Real-time punch speed, count, and output displayed during training; in-workout punch goals; post-workout summaries; performance tracking over time; competition against the nationwide FightCamp community |
Don’t forget about boxing clothes that help you move freely. MMA shorts, women’s mid-rise shorts, and t-shirts are made for comfort and mobility during tough workouts.
Starting a boxing fitness journey means getting fit and joining a supportive community. It helps you reach your goals and learn skills that help you beyond boxing.
Customize Your Boxing Workouts at Home
If you like training at home, there are many ways to make your workouts your own. You can find routines and videos on YouTube, hire a coach online, or use apps with workouts for your needs.
So, if you’re looking for a fitness journey that boosts strength, focus, and burns calories, boxing could be perfect for you.
Boxing Equipment for Beginners
Starting in boxing means you need the right gear for safety and good training. Here are the key items you’ll need:
1. Boxing Gloves
Boxing gloves protect your hands and wrists during training and fights. Beginners should use 16oz gloves for sparring. They give enough padding and support.
2. Hand Wraps
Hand wraps protect your wrists, fingers, and knuckles. Use 180 inches or 4m wraps for good support. Brands like Venum, Sanabul, and Hayabusa make quality hand wraps.
3. Punch Bag
A punch bag helps improve your power, accuracy, and conditioning. There are hanging and free-standing types. Hanging bags are good for footwork but take up space. Free-standing bags are easy to move and save money.
4. Headgear, Mouth Guard, and Groin Protector
Protective gear is key in boxing. Headgear cushions impacts, mouth guards protect your teeth and jaw, and groin protectors shield your groin. Choose the right size and fit for each piece.
5. Chest Protector
A chest protector adds safety during sparring by absorbing impacts. Pick one that protects well but lets you move easily.
6. Boxing Shoes
Boxing shoes are vital for your footwork and support. Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoes and Ringside Diablo are great choices. They offer ankle support and quality at different prices.
As a beginner, start with larger boxing gloves for more protection. You can switch to smaller sizes as you get more experienced. Gloves come in different styles for training, like Training Gloves, Bag Gloves, and Sparring Gloves.
Think about the sole thickness of your boxing shoes. Thicker soles are durable, but thinner ones let you move your feet more. Mid-top shoes are flexible, and high-top shoes support your ankles better.
Now you know what boxing gear you need as a beginner. Make smart choices and train safely and confidently. Invest in quality gear to protect yourself and enjoy your training.
| Equipment | Recommended Brands | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Boxing Gloves | Venum Elite, Everlast Pro Style, Sanabul Essential | $20 – $150 |
| Hand Wraps | Venum, Sanabul, Hayabusa | $10 – $30 |
| Punch Bag | N/A | N/A |
| Headgear | N/A | N/A |
| Mouth Guard | N/A | N/A |
| Groin Protector | N/A | N/A |
| Chest Protector | N/A | N/A |
| Boxing Shoes | Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoe, Ringside Diablo, Venum Elite | $60 – $100 |
Types of Boxing Gloves for Beginners
Starting your boxing journey means picking the right gloves is key. You need them for comfort, protection, and to perform well. There are many types of gloves for beginners, each with its own purpose in your training.
Training Gloves
Training gloves, or bag gloves, are the top choice for beginners. They’re made for daily gym use and have a hook-and-loop closure for easy on and off. These gloves protect your hands and knuckles during workouts, bag training, and drills with a partner. They balance padding and flexibility for wrist support and alignment.
Sparring Gloves
Sparring gloves are vital for training with a partner or in controlled boxing. They must weigh 16oz or more to reduce injury risks. Lighter boxers might use 14oz gloves. These gloves have softer padding to focus on safety during training.
Competition Gloves
For competitive boxing, kickboxing, or Muay Thai, competition gloves are the best choice. They weigh 6-10oz and are made for official fights. These gloves give a stiffer feel and more impact for competition. Remember, for sparring, gloves must be 16oz or heavier to keep everyone safe.
| Type of Gloves | Recommended Use | Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| Training Gloves | Everyday Gym Use | 12-14 oz |
| Sparring Gloves | Controlled Boxing Sessions | 14-16 oz |
| Competition Gloves | Official Matches | 6-10 oz |
When picking gloves for beginners, think about weight, padding, and wrist support. For newbies, 12-14oz gloves are best for protection while learning. Good wrist support helps prevent injuries. Microfiber leather gloves are also a good choice for beginners, being affordable, breathable, easy to clean, and fighting bacteria.
Hayabusa is a trusted brand for beginners. Their gloves are known for great knuckle protection, wrist support, and lasting long. They use advanced foam technology for comfort and splinted support for the wrist. Hayabusa offers many models, like the S4 Lace Up and S4 Leather Boxing Gloves, for all training levels and preferences.
Hayabusa gloves are reliable and won’t break the bank. The S4 and H5 models are under $100, making them great for beginners on a budget.
Different Types of Hand Wraps
Hand wraps are key for boxers, offering protection and support for hands and wrists. There are many types to choose from, each with its own benefits. It’s important to pick the right one for your needs.
Traditional Cloth Hand Wraps
Traditional cotton hand wraps are a top choice for many boxers. They are durable and provide solid protection and support. These wraps come in lengths from 180 to 210 inches, allowing you to customize the fit and stability.
Elastic Hand Wraps
Elastic hand wraps stretch more than cotton ones. They fit well during boxing, giving a secure and comfy feel. You can find them in different lengths and widths for a tailored fit. The elastic ‘Mexican-style’ wraps are popular for their stretch, breathability, and fit.
Gel Hand Wraps
Gel hand wraps offer quick glove-like support without covering your fingers. They have soft knuckle coverage, stretch well, and are easy to put on. While they might not protect your wrist as much, they are loved for their fast use and comfort.
Inner Glove Hand Wraps
Inner glove hand wraps combine hand wraps and gloves into one. They have a glove-like structure for great hand and wrist support. These wraps are easy to put on and add extra cushioning for comfort during training.
Quick Wraps
Quick wraps make hand wrapping easy with their slip-on design. Brands like Elite Quick Hand Wraps offer great convenience and a secure fit. They are ideal for those who want a hassle-free hand wrapping process.
When picking hand wraps, think about your hand size, comfort, and protection level. StingSports is a trusted brand that offers many hand wrap options. They control the whole manufacturing process, from design to the final product, in one place.
It’s wise to have several hand wraps for cleanliness, and always wear them with gloves for safety. You can find hand wraps from top brands like Pro Box, Adidas, Ringside, and others. Prices usually start around £5 for a standard wrap with velcro.
With so many choices, you can easily find the right hand wraps for your boxing needs. They offer the support, comfort, and protection you need for your training and fights.
Choosing the Right Punch Bag
A punch bag is key for boxing training, offering benefits for all skill levels. It’s important to think about your training goals and space when picking one. There are many types of punch bags, each with its own purpose in your training.
Training Punch Bags
Training punch bags, or heavy punching bags, are the most common. They can take a lot of hits and help with strength training. You can find them up to 200 pounds heavy. Boxers at all levels use them, from beginners to pros.
Intermediate and advanced boxers often choose 100-pound or 200-pound bags. This helps them train harder and build strength.
Double End Bags
Double end bags are lighter than hanging ones. They hang from the ceiling and floor, moving around to improve speed and accuracy. These bags are great for boxers who want to work on quick reflexes and footwork.
They’re also good for practicing punches and defense.
Angle & Uppercut Bags
Angle and uppercut bags mimic fight movements. They help boxers work on specific punches like angle punches and uppercuts. These bags are great for building power and precision in these punches.
Maize Punch Bags
Maize punch bags, or slip bags, focus on defense and head movement. They’re smaller and lighter, perfect for practicing slipping and weaving. These bags are filled with maize to feel like a real target.
Freestanding Punch Bags
Freestanding punch bags are great for those with little space or trouble with hanging bags. They have a sand or water base for stability. These bags are easy to move and store, and they come in different weights and heights.
Price and Quality
Punch bags vary in price based on quality and features. Hanging bags cost between $100 and $250. Freestanding bags are usually $150 to $500, depending on their quality and how long they last.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right punch bag is key for good boxing training. Think about your goals, space, and budget when picking one. Whether you want a heavy bag, a double end bag, an angle & uppercut bag, a maize punch bag, or a freestanding bag, a quality one will make your training better and help you reach your goals.
Additional Boxing Training Equipment
Boxing training isn’t just about gloves and bags. There are many other tools that can boost your workouts. Options like focus pads, punch paddles, training sticks, and body protectors are perfect for different parts of your training.
Focus pads, or punch mitts, are key for better speed, accuracy, and technique. They let your coach or partner give you feedback as you practice your punches.
For strength and conditioning, try jump ropes, medicine balls, and weighted vests. Jump ropes boost your heart health and improve your footwork and coordination. Medicine balls work on your core strength and power. Weighted vests make bodyweight exercises harder, increasing the challenge.
Whether you’re an experienced boxer or a beginner, using different training gear can help you achieve your goals quicker. With so many options, you can tailor your workouts to focus on what you need. This way, you can improve your boxing skills more effectively.
