An authentic boxing workout is very different from box aerobics. In an aerobic / DVD style class, you hit the air. With a boxing training you reach the goals: punching bags or boxing gloves. But you still need a routine to make the decisions and push you through your training. This article explains why an audio / MP3 routine works better than a DVD for boxing and offers 5 tips to get you started.
Tip 1: Look at the target, not the screen.
If you are following a boxing workout on a television or computer screen, there is a greater chance of missing the target. When you hit a target, such as a punching bag or boxing glove, it should be focused on that goal, not a screen. One reason is the safety factor. The angle of your fist against the target is critical. Anyone who has missed a hook or uppercut knows what I’m talking about. Oh.
Tip 2: Learn the movements visually and then switch to audio.
Audio works better but only once you’ve learned the moves. If I say double jab, cross, hook, cross but you don’t know how to throw a proper jab or even what it looks like, it will be difficult to learn that from audio alone. It is possible, but only if the audio track contains very clear technical advice. So the main point is: learn your good technique from a proper boxing coach (not from a personal trainer, unless you really know how to box), or from a video. Then switch to audio only.
Tip 3 – Train the authentic way.
Find a boxing workout routine that has authentic punches and combos. In other words, don’t box aerobics. If you are going to do a fitness boxing workout, you can also learn how to hit properly. After all, someone will want to see your uppercut one day, so you better be able to rock the part! Also, in my opinion, the “timed” aerobic approach doesn’t work for boxing. How can you keep up with a jab, cross, slip cross, hook, cross combo? Especially in boxing gloves!
Tip 4 – Take the training with you.
One of my students, Louise, 46, from the UK, had lost a lot of weight from her class boxing workouts. He recently went on vacation and wanted to keep up the good work. He was able to load a boxing workout with audio onto his iPod and work out while on the go. His partner knew how to hold boxing gloves, so they packed a pair to take with him. That’s the other great advantage of an audio workout: it travels well.
Tip 5: Make sure your audio training is compatible with your boxing gear.
What kind of boxing equipment do you have? Boxing gloves (also called focus pads)? Boxing bag? Speed bag? If your audio or DVD routine is designed to work with shadow boxing (air strikes), it may not work as well in boxing gloves with a partner, which has its own timing, technique, and safety factors. Here are some quick tips to match your equipment to your delivery method for your routine.
If you are training with a partner indoors wearing boxing gloves = use a CD-based routine so both of you can listen.
If you are training with a partner outdoors = use an MP3, where one listens and then sends the other.
If you are training with a speedbag (aka speedball) = normal combos like jab, cross, hook will not work.
If you are training on a punching bag on your own = use CD or MP3.