When you think of boxing, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Do you think of massive men throwing punch after grueling punch back to back in the ring? Or what about some of the greats like Muhammad Ali or Mike Tyson? Believe it or not, boxing has been around for centuries and is one of the oldest sports to date, but only as of recently has it been making a splash in the world of fitness.

The earliest evidence of boxing dates back to Egypt around 3000 BC later to be introduced to the ancient Olympic Games by the Greeks in the late 7th century BC. Boxing is a sport of fighting with fists however ancient boxing barely resembles the sport you know and love today!

To protect their wrists and hands, boxers used thin soft leather straps that they used to braid around their fists and sometimes even two-thirds of their forearms! By the 4th century BC, the straps were then made of tough leather that didn’t just protect their hands but turned them into an assault weapon. Later, in the Roman Empire, the leather straps were enhanced with iron brackets and special copper used in gladiator fights which typically resulted in the death of one of the fighters.

As society grew and religion began to spread, the fistfights came to an end as a form of entertainment and actually disappeared for several centuries. It wasn’t until 1681 in England when scheduled boxing matches made a comeback and champions all around the world came looking for fame and glory. As time went on, boxing became more and more popular with James Figg becoming an all-time favorite in 1719 winning the Champion of England belt holding the title for fifteen years. Boxing is now super popular in the United States and is a common activity in Salt Lake City (SLC).

As we mentioned, boxing has come a long way since then with rules put in place to keep the sport fun and safe. As it grew more and more in popularity over time, people began to realize one thing in common amongst fighters – their health. If you look at a boxer, you will notice toned arms, strong legs and abs of steel that can make anyone drool! You will notice a sense of confidence that radiates from each boxer as they walk with their heads held high. This realization is what started the birth of boxing classes all around the world making it no longer a sport for just the strong and mighty but making it a great workout for everyone of all fitness levels. ‍

What to Expect From Your First Boxing Class!

So, you have made the decision to better your overall health or learn self-defense and decided to sign up for a boxing class- congratulations! You are about to enter into an exciting world of fitness that is like none other as it is so different from traditional fitness gyms. If you are nervous then take a deep breath and just know that everyone started exactly where you are at one point or another and it is extremely normal to have some newbie jitters. Boxing is an incredible new daily workout because it is fun, challenging, and stimulating, keeping you coming back for more, helping you to stay on track with your fitness journey! Keep reading because we are going to tell you exactly what to expect and some tips for your first boxing class. Rev up your engine’s ladies and gentlemen because here we go!

Hand wraps, gloves, and shoes.

It wouldn’t be boxing without the hand wraps and gloves! At most boxing gyms, you will need to purchase hand wraps and gloves to protect yourself when you start throwing punches. In fact, gloves are usually mandatory and are typically required to join a class because they help to keep your wrists and hands inline to avoid injury. If you are new to boxing, it is always a good idea to rent the gloves first because they can be a little pricey. Once you take a few classes and find how addicting and fun boxing is, invest in your own pair.

Many people will not even think twice about their shoes when heading out to their first boxing class so we are here to tell you that you should be thinking about what you wear on your feet and consider getting a supportive sneaker. Sure, running shoes are great, but they are not ideal for a boxing workout because you will endure a lot of movement that will require you to jump, bob and weave. Avoid foot pain and reach for sneakers like training shoes that can help support your feet during a class.

First-class walk-through

When you sign up for your first class, it is really important to arrive early to meet the instructor for your first class walk-through! The instructor will help you to shake any nerves that you might have and welcome you into the gym. Like with all fitness clubs, expect to fill out some paperwork and liability forms prior to being able to join the class. Next, the instructor will want to take you on a little tour of the gym to help make you feel more comfortable. They will also teach you how to properly wrap your hands and show you some of the real USA boxing techniques that you will use in the class such as throwing a proper jab and hook. There are also different classes like step boxing fitness classes that you can sign up for as well.

Expect a total-body workout

It is so important to keep in mind that boxing works every single muscle in your body making it one of the best full-body workouts that you can do for your health! Many people think boxing gyms like Legends Boxing require you to punch a bag consistently for 60 minutes but that couldn’t be further from the truth! When you take a boxing class, you will feel every muscle in your body ignite as you punch, kick, squat, and lung.

It’s GO time!

Once you have completed the paperwork, took the tour, and wrapped your hands it is GO time! Make sure you have plenty of water and stretch. Again, you will work out every muscle, so it is important to get in a good stretch to warm up your body. Each class usually will begin with the instructor going over the workout for the day to help get you going! If you ever feel lost or confused, never hesitate to ask for help! The instructors are always there to guide you as they truly want to see you have fun and reach your fitness goals!

Most Common Punches Used in Boxing

Although the instructors will teach you, it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the terms and punches that will be most commonly used throughout your workout. There are four main punches used in boxing:

Hook – typically one of the most effective punches found in boxing is the hook. It is performed by turning the core and back muscles thereby swinging the arm which is bent in a 90-degree angle. A hook is typically aimed at the jaw leaving a devastating blow to the opponent, but it can also be used for body shots.
Jab – The most popular of the punches is known as a jab. This is a sudden punch that is short, quick and effective. It is a fast, overhand punch at the moment of impact making a jab a common punch that you will use throughout your boxing class!
Cross – simply put, a cross is a straight punch delivered across the opponent’s body. Since the cross is more of a power shot, it tends to be slower than a jab, but proves to be extremely effective when taking down your opponent.
Uppercut – a punch used in boxing that travels along a vertical line at the opponent’s chin is known as an uppercut. Just like the cross, the uppercut is a power punch that can knock out your opponent instantly.

What is a boxer’s stance?

Great question! A boxer’s stance will help to give you good reach with both hands without making you reach to land your punches or leave you vulnerable to getting pushed off balance. This powerful stance will also help you to stay steady keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground. Having proper footwork cannot be stressed enough as it will provide you the ability to stay balanced which is a key to both defensive and offensive techniques.

During your first boxing class, the instructor will teach you how to obtain a perfect boxer stance. Sometimes, it can take a little bit of repetition to always remember to get back into a good stance after throwing a punch, but once you have it down, you will immediately understand why it is so important!

If you are someone that is looking to spice up your workout routine, then we highly suggested giving boxing a try! These fun conditioning exercises are fast-paced and full of energy with an amazing community cheering you on every step of the way! We know once you start, you will never go back to your boring gym routine again!

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2024