BOXER BEAT
Gloves at the ready! Lose fat and build muscle and stamina with boxing – here’s all you need to know to punch up your workout
Hands up who’s bored with their regular HIIT class? Step forward boxing which offers the same intensive cardiovascular and strengthbuilding workout. Pretty much a two-for-one exercise, boxing also improves balance, coordination, agility and reactions. While it’s easy to think it’s all about swinging killer punches, your legs and torso do as much work and, as you complete a routine, you’ll also work your core, back and shoulders, achieving a full body workout. Boxing is also a heavyweight fat burner, burning 13 calories per minute, making it as effective as running and cycling – on average, 30 minutes of punching a bag will burn around 200 calories. An unexpected benefit is that boxing is also a great stress-reliever and, as you throw your jabs, your body will release endorphins, making you feel happier. Whether you spar with a partner using pads or a pair of gloves, use a hanging or floor-weighted punchbag, or simply practise your jabs in the air, a boxing workout will boost your fitness level as you complete swings and kicks. And, if you don’t have gloves, try shadow boxing and use light dumbbells to complete your jabs and crosses. Combine moves with squats, lunges and mountain climbers for a breathtaking workout. There are plenty of online classes or look for a local gym that offers an introduction to boxing with a qualified instructor to help you channel your inner Muhammad Ali and learn to, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!”
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