If fitness and therapy had a baby it would be boxing. There is nothing like a high-intensity sweat sesh – in gloves – to get us feeling fierce, empowered and the best kind of sore.
This summer, BoxUnion, a gorgeous new boxing studio in Santa Monica opened not to far from our HQ. We’ve been taking full advantage of their day-to-night group class schedule and hitting the bag as often as we can.
Founded by business execs turned fitness-obsessees, Todd Wadler and Felicia Alexander, BoxUnion promises to be the next big boom in group fitness studios and we asked Felicia to tell us why she thinks boxing is having such a moment right now. Here she is on all the mind-body benefits of boxing. Head over to Instagram today to get a glimpse inside the class we’re hosting there today, then enter to win a pair of your very own gloves…
6 Benefits of Boxing
Relieve Stress:
No matter what you bring into the room, as you hit the bag, your brain increases production of endorphins – neurotransmitters that create feel-good thoughts. Punching can also relieve muscle tension that is built-up throughout the day.
Build Confidence:
There is something incredibly empowering about hitting something. After a class, you leave feeling stronger and energized.
Improve Mental Focus:
As you work key punches and defensive moves, you will find your focus is improved, increasing your concentration. Some boxing programs (like BoxUnion, for example) call out the names of the punches, executed in unison by everyone in the class, to reinforce memory recall and keep you present in the moment.
Get a Total Body Workout:
It is a common misconception that boxing only works out your arms. Throwing a punch is a total body movement – the power in your punch actually comes from the ground up from your legs through your core and ultimately your arms.
Work out Efficiently:
Boxing does what you want a workout to do. It is a fun and engaging way to tone and sculpt muscle while burning calories and fat. A boxing workout increases metabolism and improves mobility, strength, hand-eye coordination and core stability.
Learn a Skill:
Whether you are putting on gloves for the first time or the thousandth time, there is always room to grow. There is no such thing as the perfect punch; part of the addiction is building your skills — getting faster and more powerful every day.
Get into the benefits of boxing with a few of our favorite at-home boxing workouts here!
