A real boxing workout is very different from box aerobics. In an aerobics-style class/DVD, you punch through the air. With boxing training you achieve 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 gives 5 tips to get you started.
Tip 1: Look at the lens, not the screen.
If you’re following a boxing workout on a TV or computer screen, there’s a higher chance of missing the target. When you hit a target, such as a punching bag or a boxing glove, you must be focused on that goalnot a screen. One reason is the safety factor. The angle of your fist against the target is critical. Anyone who has ever missed a hook or an uppercut knows what I’m talking about. Oh.
Tip 2: Learn the moves visually, 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’s going to be hard to learn 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 trainer (not a personal trainer, unless you really know boxing), or from a video. Then switch to audio only.
Tip 3 – Train authentically.
Find a boxing training routine that has authentic punches and combos. In other words, not box aerobics. If you are going to do physical boxing training, you can also learn how to punch properly. After all, someone is going to want to see your uppercut one day, so you better be able to rock the part! Also, from my point of view, the “timed pace” approach to aerobics doesn’t work for boxing. How can you keep up for 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 through boxing training in her class. She recently went on vacation and wanted to keep up the good work. She was able to load an audio boxing workout onto her iPod and work out while she was away. Her partner knew how to hold boxing gloves, so she prepared a pair to take with them. That’s the other great thing about an audio workout: it travels well.
Tip 5 – Make sure your audio training is compatible with your boxing equipment.
What kind of boxing equipment do you have? Punch gloves (also called focus pads)? Boxing bag? Speed bag? If your audio or DVD routine is designed to work with shadow boxing (punching in the air), it may not work as well with partner punching gloves, which have their own timing, technique, and safety factors. Here are some quick tips for matching your gear to your delivery method for your routine.
If you’re training with a partner indoors using hitting gloves = use a CD-based routine so you can both hear.
If you are training with a partner outdoors = use an Mp3, where one listens, then the other sends.
If you are training in a speedbag (aka speedball) = normal combos like jab, cross, hook will not work.
If you are training alone on a punching bag = use CD or Mp3.