Finding Fitness is more than just about scoping out the latest fitness trends; it’s about finding exciting new ways to focus on the most important subject of any story: you. From extreme sports to strange and, sometimes, uncomfortable classes, this feature is all about finding the best fitness to maximize your health. Stay tuned to find out what new and exciting fitness endeavors are in the area.
What is boxing?
“Boxing is a sweet science, where individuals artfully fight with their fists,” according to Jason Goodall, who has taught boxing for 20 years.
“The name of the game is basically hit and don’t get hit,” he said. “I mean there’s a lot more to it than that, but that’s the essence of it.”
Boxing is primarily a combat sport where two individuals fight one another using gloved fists. The main objective is to weaken your opponent enough so that they are “knocked out,” or unable to continue fighting.
There are different types of classes offered, depending on what aspect of boxing individuals wants to focus on.
“There are classes that are offered that are primarily cardio based and then there are others more geared toward competition,” Goodall explained. “There are even some that are more combat oriented.”
There are a number of items that participants should bring when attending a boxing class. Goodall said that everyone should bring mouth pieces, a good pair of shoes with high ankle support, wrist wraps, a good set of gloves, and the willingness to both take and give a couple of punches.
“Because everyone wants to hit, but no one wants to get hit,” he said.
Goodall believes that boxing is a unique workout due to its artistic elements.
“I think it’s important for people to understand that there is an art to it,” he said. “It’s not just two guys clubbing each other. There’s a lot of skill involved, and you need to have a lot of dedication and practice.”
Boxing is also a more mentally-engaging form of exercise than other workouts.
“It’s, in my opinion, not as monotonous as other workouts, where you’re doing the exact same thing every single day,” Goodall explained. “Because going to the gym can become monotonous and boring, but with boxing it’s not the same thing every day. And, with boxing, there’s no opportunity to be bored, you have to be 100 percent focused on what you’re doing, otherwise you’ll take some punishment.”
What are the benefits?
There a number of health benefits associated with the regular practice of boxing, especially concerning cardiovascular health.
“Obviously the cardiovascular benefits are great,” Goodall said. “The number-one killer in this country is heart disease, so it definitely helps with that quite a bit.”
According to the CDC, heart disease includes structural and vessel problems, as well as blood clots, and is responsible for one in four deaths. Obesity and physical inactivity put individuals at risk for heart disease, but regularly engaging in cardiovascular workouts, such as boxing, can help reduce the risk.
In addition to being a fun cardiovascular workout, boxing also helps build upper body strength and coordination, according to Goodall. Many training routines for boxers include weight and strength training, which can help build muscles in the arms and upper back.
What are the risks?
As with any combat sport, there are a number of health risks that boxers face.
Goodall said “It’s a combat sport, so clearly there’s the risk of concussions, which I have personally suffered more than a few.”
According to the CDC, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. They can be caused by any trauma to the head, such as a bump or jolt, which causes the brain to move around within the skull. Approximately 90 percent of boxers will experience some form of head trauma during their career, according to The American Association of Neurological Surgeons, which is why it is incredibly important that beginners are properly trained and supervised.
In addition to concussions and other forms of head injuries, broken bones and other injuries are prevalent in boxing.
“[Boxers] can break bones in their face or they can break their hands hitting someone else,” Goodall said. “And, there are a lot of other health risks.”
Although there are numerous health risks associated with boxing, Goodall says that each individual should take the time to decide if boxing is right for them.
“You just have to weigh the pros and cons for your personal goals,” said Goodall.
