Archive for the ‘Boxing Articles’ category

High Top Boxing Shoes – A Few Benefits

August 28th, 2010


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As all kick boxers will know, high top boxing shoes are a MUST when it comes to preparing for a kick boxing workout or event. Kick boxing is a sport that needs lots of support in the ankles and legs. They are made from a soft leather material that is light weight and comfortable. It is important that these shoes fit so perfectly that it feels as if there are not any shoes on at all. This makes it so much easier to execute the kicks necessary for a good work out or to win a kick boxing event.

Something else that helps with providing the added support that high top boxing shoes offer to the wearer is the laces that tie up the shin. This makes the high tops more supportive and enables the boxer to confidently execute those strong high kicks that win events. There is never a worry or concern that your kick will not hit its intended mark.

Another aspect of the high top shoes is that they tend to have a better traction system. These usually have rubber soles or non-slip patterns that will allow the boxer to grip the floor of the ring before moving into the winning kick. This effective combination allows for just the right amount of support and traction that does the most for the sport of kick boxing.

This is not to say that you cannot win a kick boxing event with another type of boxing shoes, but it has just been shown many times that the high tops with better traction on the soles have been a part of many wins. The more successful workouts also seem to use this type of shoes to avoid any slipping, falling, or twisting an ankle. It is just something to keep in mind when shopping for your kick boxing shoes.

Dave Toub is a strong believer in high quality boxing shoes. Please check out one of my favorite HiTop boxing shoes and see the Punching Bags Pro homepage if you are interested in other gear as well.

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Boxing Bootcamp Workout

July 30th, 2010


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Boxing bootcamps are one of the many ways to add variety and change to your bootcamps. I like boxing with my clients for several reasons; a few of which are:

You only need a small amount of space.
It’s great for those who are obese and struggle with high intensity lower body exercise.
It gets clients working together and training each other.

To get you started, here is a great boxing bootcamp workout to add to your current bootcamp. This workout is geared towards beginner boxers.

Warm Up

Start off with some mobility work and then a small jog (300m-500m). Pick 3 exercises to warm up the core. A twist, a crunch and a posterior chain exercise.

Conditioning

Start off by warming up with some basic punches and technique work. Watch for feet, hands defending face and pads being stabalised.

Line up the clients in two rows facing each other, boxers on one side and pad holders on the other side. Pad holders start by holding pads high for high jab/cross. Have boxers perform 20 punches and then move to their right. When they reach the end, boxers should run around to the far left person. Once the pairs line up again, pad holders should change pad position to middle jab/cross, then on the next round hooks, then upper cuts and then low jab/cross. Swap gloves and repeat
This one is similar to the above drill except each pad holder is in a different position. Boxers move along the line and perform 20 punches which each pad holder. Have clients go through this 3-4 times. Swap gloves and repeat.
Spread out pad holders in a big circle facing outwards. Boxer must perform 20 punches and then do a lap around the circle back to their partner. Then the boxer does 40 punches, next time 60 and then 80 and 100. Swap gloves and repeat.

Add in pushups and squats in between drills if your group is small or is moving through the drills quickly.

Cool down

Pick 3 core exercises: one ‘lower’ ab exercise (like reverse crunch), one sideline exercise (like side plank), one prone isometric (like plank).

Stretch

So if you’re not qualified to run boxing sessions, book in for a course at your local training today. Your clients will really like the change of pace and variety boxing can bring.

Kyle is an Australian Certified Personal Trainer. He runs a free site helping trainers come up with new bootcamp ideas and workouts for their clients. Check him out for boxing bootcamp workouts and more.

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Your Boxing Questions Answered

July 20th, 2010


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Boxing is a sport that some argue vehemently over. It may be considered a violent outlet of aggression that is rigged and the winner is known before the bout begins.

But for other individuals, it is a sport that involves true skills and a testament to the fighting spirit of the human soul. Humanity has been fighting since our first steps began on the evolutionary ladder and will likely to continue.

The sport has fully integrated itself into the world of sports and even has its own celebrities that titillate our urge to gossip and watch their lives like a hawk.

Hopefully the information in this article will address some of the basics of this great sport and will help you make up your mind about the sport.

When did boxing begin?

Boxing dates back to the Ancient Greeks but was initially called Pugilism. There were many forms of the fighting style, some of which were deadly and many of which has made its way into Greek literature. It was the Greeks that first introduced the sport into the Olympic Games but later also removed them.

Other cultures, such as the Chinese and the Europeans, took up the sport as a way to entertain the masses. It has also been used in pubs and bars throughout the world as a means to settle disagreements though that type of bare-knuckle fighting is more akin to street fighting than it is to the sport of boxing.

In 1908 amateur and collegiate boxing was once gain admitted entry as an official event in the Olympic Games.

What are the rules in boxing?

The rules of this sport can be pretty complex and differ according to which organization the boxer is a member of. Some of the standard rules are no hitting below the belt, no biting, no kicking and not using gloves that contain metal or weight.

How long does a boxing round go?

A typical round lasts for three minutes at the professional level. Amateurs fight in two minute rounds.

Can anyone learn how to box?

Anyone can learn to box provided they have some mobility. Boxing is a very rigorous sport and there is a lot of stress put onto the joints and bones in the arms and legs. Many people have turned to this sport as a way to exercise since it works all parts of the body.

Before beginning boxing it is important to consult your physician to make sure there is nothing that would hinder your decision to learn how to box. The next step is finding a good gym or trainer and beginning your program.

Is boxing considered self-defense?

Yes, in some ways it could be considered self-defense but would not be advisable since it is a hand-to-hand combat that is of no use to someone who is armed.

It has been used many times in school yard brawls and bar fights but would not typically be used as a primary self-defense.

What are the dangers of boxing?

Boxing can result in brain damage and fatalities. It is common for life-long fighters to develop brain damage after a long period of competing.

Why? Because you are taking repeated hits to the face and even with gloves, the impact is severe. There is also damage taken to the stomach and the ribs as well.

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Boxing Training Guide

June 27th, 2010


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When Muhammad Ali was in his prime, boxing was the sport to watch, to go see, and to emulate. There are countless thousands of boxers who credit Ali with being their inspiration to become a boxer, regardless of the class of boxer. Ali’s prowess in the ring was legendary, leading up to “The Rumble in the Jungle”. Even today, decades later, his feats as a boxer still inspire boxers who wish to turn into professional boxers during their career. He has even inspired his own daughter, Layla, to pursue a career in boxing as well. Evander Holyfield is another boxer who is an inspiration to boxers who are training to become professionals as well. His notorious boxing match with Mike Tyson would become a match talked about for years afterwards, mainly because of Tyson’s brutality and Holyfield’s lack of retaliation. He is held up among boxers as the way to react when an opponent is acting unsportsmanlike.

Unfortunately, this sport has been marred with allegations of boxers using drugs to enhance their muscles and their performance. Because several boxers have been tested positive for drugs of many kinds, random drug testing is done in the weeks and days leading up to a fight. However, a boxer can refuse, which one did recently, canceling a long awaited rival match and disappointing hundreds of thousands of fans, along with losing millions of dollars in revenue. This leads a boxing fan to wonder what the boxer who refused to submit to the drug test was hiding, if anything. Regardless of the scandals that have rocked the boxing world, it is still a sport which is worth training for and participating in.

While training for a boxing match, there are specific things that the boxer needs to do to keep their body in shape and ready for the fight. When training for a match that could last for 10 to 12 rounds, one would need to have their body trained with enough cardio to last at least 40 minutes of hard physical activity that only allows short breaks in between rounds. These round last 3 minutes each and involve punching, walking, running, dodging, and shuffling one’s feet.

To get one’s body healthy enough for this type of punishment, one needs to run every day for at least two miles, and not exceed five miles. A few days before the fight, this can be scaled back, but it is imperative that the boxer keep his energy level and breathing regulated during the match and this training will do that. To learn how to control the speed of the punch the boxer will throw and dodging blows from the other boxer, the use of a speed bag should be used often, nearly every day, if possible. Another piece of equipment to use while training is the heavy bag. This helps boxers learn how much of their body weight they need to use when throwing certain punches. It also helps them perfect their punches in which they use all of their body weight to try and knock out the other boxer. Sparring with a partner is one of the best ways to gauge how a boxer will react to a live person. It will also help them get used to the human aspect of boxing, including the physical aspect of harming someone.

Ethan has been an online writer for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in sports, finance, and product reviews, you can also check out his latest website on Hoover U5140-900 which reviews and lists the best Hoover U5140900 Vacuum to make your carpet cleaning fun and easy.

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Boxing Techniques For Beginners

June 9th, 2010


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If you are a beginner to the sport of boxing, there are some tips that can help you to get started correctly. It is important to learn the correct posture, body positioning and stance early on so that you do not develop bad habits that can be much harder to break down the road.

The position of ones’ body is an important first step in learning boxing techniques. One should stand fully upright with legs apart approximately shoulder width with the rear foot a half step behind the lead (or front) foot. The proper lead foot for you will depend on whether you are right handed or left handed. Right handed boxers will have their left foot as the lead foot and left handed boxers will have their right foot in front. Toes should be pointed very slightly inward with the bulk of ones’ weight on the lead foot. Arms are raised with the lead fist at eye level about 6-8″ away from the face. The other fist should be at chin level with elbows close to the body. Chin should be down and close to the chest. This body positioning allows for the quick, forceful movements that are inherent to the sport of boxing and offer the greatest protection. Getting into this body stance should be practiced repeatedly until it feels completely natural to the beginning boxer. One should practice the various punches that are most effective in wearing down the opponent.

The “jab” is a common punch used by all boxers. It is a very quick, straight ahead punch in which your body rotates slightly. When the jabbing arm is fully extended toward the target it leaves the shoulder in a position to protect the chin area. The other fist is in a guard position near the chin as well.

The “cross” is another powerful strike that comes from the rear hand. It is also a quick. forceful and straight across movement which again results in slight body rotation. In a similar manner to the jab, the alternate hand (the lead hand) is protecting the face from counter punches.

The “hook” is performed as a semi-circular punch from the lead hand. The arm swings in a horizontal arc toward the opponent. Most hook shots aim for the chin but there can be other target areas as well. In this punch, the lead foot pivots as the rear heel turns outwardly.

The “uppercut” is performed with the rear hand as it rises in an upward arc toward its’ intended target. The knees are slightly bent at the beginning of this punch but with the upward motion of the arm, the knees also push upward. This movement adds additional power to the punch.

Training for boxing is essential if one desires to gain competence. Punching bags or punching dummies are a great way to help one become proficient at this sport.

Nancy Smith is one of the owners of RobbinsSports.com, an online retailer specializing in basketball backboards and punching dummies.

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Boxing For the Fighter’s Body

June 7th, 2010


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If you have decided to take up boxing because you like the lean, sculpted fighter’s body that most boxers have, the road ahead may not be as easy as you think. First of all, his body is not a machine driven one. Working with training machines is essential to his training program, but the fighter’s goal is not the buildup of body muscle mass like a weight lifter, but more to building inner strength in the organs, ligaments, and tissues.

Next you need specific boxing training equipment, with a heavy bag and speed bag leading the list. Both are essential for hitting power, speed, agility, and coordination. There must be a coming together of mind and body. There are no short cuts for fast tracks in the body building process.

Going to the gym for training may thrust you among some pretty serious, career aspiring boxers, so be prepared for heavy workouts and long hours. The good part is that you will learn first-hand from a trainer, not only the boxing game, but also the discipline that goes along with that training. Without the discipline to maintain the newly acquired competitive edge, your fighter’s body will quickly disappear.

Many prefer to avoid the exposure and rigors of training in a gym, opting to workout at home. This can be beneficial in that you get to work at your own pace without the scrutiny of onlookers. However, it is imperative that you set a training schedule you can stick with. We often tend to let things slip by when nobody is looking. You definitely need at least an hour of uninterrupted training time, in addition to an adequate warm up period and then a slow cool down before returning to your normal activities.

If you set up your workout room at home, begin by seeking out a means to hang your heavy bag. If this presents a problem, not to worry, there are always ways to work around the issue. A free-standing bag can deliver much the same driven body workout.

In general, the heavier bag is the best choice for strength training, while the lighter bag is more suited for training in speed, agility and coordination. A double end bag, designed to simulate the reactionary moves of a sparring partner, forces more focus on defensive moves. The speed bag is the ultimate training bag device for speed and coordination.

A thorough investigation of the various types of training bags is essential to the success of your boxing training workout program.

Bill Clayton is an avid sports enthusiast, having spent most of his life in athletic competition. He also became interested in boxing at an early age, improvised his training equipment, and later patented several of his better ideas. He holds several athletic equipment patents. Bill believes boxing should share a more prominent role as a general exercise for overall health and fitness, and as a vehicle for weight control. See one of his ideas at work at http://www.klakoenterprises.com.

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Boxing Craze

June 5th, 2010


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Boxing is such a sports that it is bound to keep you nailed to your seat until the game is over. Every punch or every swipe at the contender makes you wince in pain or yell with joy and before you know, you have become vicarious audience. It is such a game that you either hate it or love it. Around the boxing ring, you will witness either an euphoric crowd or avenging crowd. The game is full of passion and energy and takes the crowd on a different world altogether.

Many famous movies have been made based on boxing. For instance, the movie Cinderella Man was a famous boxing movie, where Russell Crowe has essayed the role of a boxer. This movie was based on the real life-story of a famous boxer Jim Braddock, who was forced to retire due to series of losses. His struggle, his comeback to the boxing scene, and his fight with an infamous heavyweight boxer was beautifully portrayed in the movie.

There have been passionate boxers like Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Nigel Benn, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman, Joe Louis, and Roberto Duran who have hogged the spotlight and have been the cynosure of the audience. The crowd used to go into frenzy when these legends appeared in the ring! These legends continued to be heroes even after their retirement.

For example, Muhammad Ali was recognized wherever he went, even after he had quit the game. After his retirement, Laila Ali carried forward her father ’s vocation. Her debut show was even more made eventful and added to the crowd’s elation by her father’s grand appearance.

Crazy Boxing Boxing Craze

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Amino Acid Products For a Boxing Training Program

May 29th, 2010


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Amino acid products are becoming a very popular component of a boxing training program. Athletes of all shapes and sizes can make use of amino acids because they provide a huge range of benefits. They are of course natural compounds, and your body utilizes them in a near infinite amount of ways. Take a look at how you can benefit from them as a piece of your boxing training program.

When most people think about amino acid products they think about building muscle and strength, and this is true. Aminos are the building blocks of proteins, which are the building blocks of muscles. They are necessary for muscle repair, growth and recovery, and if you want to build new muscle mass you need to be ingesting enough amino acids.

As mentioned, most people realize that but what most people don’t necessary think about is that they make for excellent muscle recovery supplements. They will help your body repair your muscle mass in less time, allowing you to get back in the gym and back to training. You will also be able to prevent injuries from reoccurring, and you’ll notice less pain and nagging strains as well.

In addition to serving as muscle recovery supplements, they can also help to improve the strength of your entire frame. They target the bones, joints, ligaments and cartilage, providing an all-over boost to your strength and fitness. You will immediately notice the difference in your performance and what you’re capable of.

With amino acid products this is still really just the beginning. They can be used for just about anything. Some can actually serve as a natural energy booster, while other products and supplements can help your focus and concentration. You can find both complete amino acid products and those that offer or specialize in just one key amino acid. The most popular of these products are those focusing on L-Glutamine and L-Arginine.

It’s also important to realize that many of these are actually essential for your diet, which means that your body can’t produce them and therefore needs to ingest through through diet and supplementation. Therefore, using some of these products will enable you to meet all of your dietary needs, which can have a wide range of health benefits as well.

For a boxing training program, your body and your performance can reach entirely new levels as you take advantage of amino acid products. As muscle recovery supplements and in many other ways, they will increase the results that you see and keep you in action for more of the time with less pain and aggravation.

When you’re looking for a way to improve your boxing training program, consider turning to amino acid supplements. They can boost your performance, keep you healthier and ultimately have you feeling better and enjoying increased success. At Boxing Equipment 24/7 you’ll find a complete array of sports nutrition supplements and you’ll find them at all at fantastic, cheap prices.

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Essential Muay Thai Boxing Equipment

May 21st, 2010


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When you starting out in Muay Thai, there is other essential Thai boxing equipment that you need apart from Thai boxing shorts. Getting your own equipment should not be necessary as the gym should provide some gloves, shin guards and body protection. Although in my experience, one session of putting your hands and legs in cold, wet and smelly communal equipment will give you the push to get your own.

The first protective wear you should consider getting is thai boxing gloves as these will be the things you will use the most. There are many designs, colours and makes out there, so it is down to personal choice and how much money you wish to spend. The main makes of Muay Thai gloves are Twins, Kings, Raja and Windy.

You may need to purchase some hand wraps, as these will help support your wrist and hand when you begin to punch hard. If you are confused on how to put these on your hands, then there are lots of great videos on the Internet that will teach you. Somebody in your gym will be willing to show you too, so do not be shy to ask.

Shin guards will be the next piece of thai boxing equipment that you may wish to invest in as you will be using these quite a bit. Just like the gloves, these range in price and quality, so it just depends on your budget and needs. The main makes are Twins, Kings, Raja and Windy, these have different thicknesses and sizes. For sparring and general use I would advise to to get the thickest ones to begin with.

Last on your list to get is a gum shield. It is advisable that you order one of these quite quickly though as you will soon be holding pads for other people, so it is rather to be safe than knocked out. There are many options to choose from, but I would advise to spend some money on this as the more expensive ones are better quality.

IF you are interested in Muay Thai, Then visit my site on Muay thai with more great information on thai boxing equipment, reviews, where to get the equipment etc.

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High Top Boxing Shoes From Everlast

May 15th, 2010


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Everlast is a brand to reckon with in the segment of boxing gear and apparel. And the high top boxing shoes from Everlast only reiterate the good name the brand has created for itself in the boxing supplies arena. High top boxing shoes are indeed a basic necessity if you are an ardent kick boxer. As there is a high probability to hurt your ankle and calf regions while practicing or playing the kick boxing matches, it becomes mandatory that you provide the much needed protection to the leg region in the form of going in for high top boxing shoes.

The high top boxing shoes not only protect the ankle and calf areas but also facilitate brisk movement in the ring because they come in Michelin HydroLast advanced technology. This technology keeps the feet steady and facilitates swift movement along with providing security and stability. They come with an utmost flexible HydroLast technology as far as the sole is concerned and hence one can be assured that they can have a firm footing on smooth surfaces and the same technology stops slipping of the feet owing to endless perspiration. And the double mesh panels enhance the breathability and ensure that there is proper circulation of air and the feet are kept cool throughout the length of the workout how much ever duration it might run into.

The upper part of the high top boxing shoes conforms very much to the natural curve the calf takes and hence gives a perfect fit and a perfect look too making moving around very light and easy on the boxing platform. Check out for the prices, and also availability of colors so that you may make your choicest pick and benefit from all the good things the high top boxing shoes bring in.

Dave Toub is a strong believer in high quality boxing shoes. Please check out one of my favorite HiTop boxing shoes and see the Punching Bags Pro homepage if you are interested in other gear as well.

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