Lifestyle
Boxing Babes
Boxing is one of this year’s big buzzwords on the fitness circuit, but you can forget about black eyes and broken noses as this approach is all about training like a boxer, not the fight. Here’s why you should pick up a pair of boxing gloves.
An impressive full-body workout, boxing is a great way to switch up your gym routine or start a new challenge. It’s also become more and more popular among women who want a workout they can either do in a small gym, online or with a trainer at home. Half a dozen reasons to try …
- It’s the ultimate high-intensity workout and a proper sweat session … boxing training blitzes fat.
- It reduces stress and can balance your hormone levels.
- Toning, endurance and core strength improve dramatically.
- It’s a great way to develop self-defence skills.
- According to Lusanda Komanisi, a former IBO World Champion, hitting the punching bag also keeps you focused and alert as your body and mind are constantly in sync, so you really have to be in the moment.
- There’s no age limit. Lusanda, who is also a boxing trainer, says 95 per cent of his clients are women, and some of are in their 70s. So age isn’t an excuse not to try this exercise.
Does it hurt?
There’s little doubt your arms and legs will feel like jelly after the first few boxing workouts, but an Epson Salts bath does wonders for stiff muscles and you’ll soon be itching to get your gloves back on.
What you need:
- Boxing gloves, which start at about R500, and wraps, R90, are available from most sports shops. These can be rented at specialised boxing gyms, but we recommend you invest in your own pair for hygiene safety.
- Women need a good sports bra
- Cross trainers
- A mat (you will be doing stomach and core)
- A large water bottle … you’ll be drinking lots of water
- Cleaning up … wraps go into the washing machine after each session and gloves air outside.
* Pics: sourced from unsplashed.com – Girl in red gloves credit: David Suarez.
