QuikSilver210 Posted January 21, 2005 Posted January 21, 2005 I have been boxing for 2 weeks now. I am wondering what boxing builds. Does it build back muscle? Chest muscle? Arm muscle? An is it possible that eating healthy and boxing and weight training could turn fat into muscle? Im basically just punching and jumping around the bag for 45mins-1hr, then doing weight training and crunches and stuff. Does that routine sound like that could help turn fat into muscle? Iv been drinking protein drinks and eating salad and meat and very few carbs.
poister Posted January 21, 2005 Posted January 21, 2005 Boxing builds your upper back and chest, your shoulders, and your core (abs, lower back, muscles around your spine). Depending on exactly what you're doing, footwork can improve dexterity, balance, and strength in the thighs and calves... The boxing gym I go to works basically on a system that emulates boxing rounds - that is, after three minutes, a buzzer rings, and you rest. A minute later, it rings again, and you're back at it. In my opinion, if you're able to continue what you're doing for 45 to 60 minutes, you're not working hard enough - especially if you're trying to burn fat. Perhaps try the round system - do a few to warm up, including skipping rope (yes, you have to do this! It sucks, but it does wonders for your calves and footwork), and then do a round of punching as hard as you can, then one of 60% power, 80% power, and back to 100%. (This should be exhausting.) For variety, do speed in the same gradations. Also, include core strength moves (e.g., Supermans, crunches...) - they will increase your power. A point of caution: boxers tend to injure something (don't know what it's called) below the rotator cuff due to the repetive motion of punching. My solution is to do preventative physio. Align the back of the shoulder of your dominant arm (if your stance is left foot forward, this is your right arm) with the bag, arm facing down and inside of your wrist facing the bag. Rotate your arm upwards so that your elbow is bent, and your hand is at the same level of your shoulder (the back of your hand will hit the bag). Your elbow should be approximately level with the bottom of your rib cage. Important: don't use momentum - do this slowly. You should feel a pulling sensation (slight) between your shoulder blade and your spine. Note that you don't need to do this with your non-dominant arm unless you train in your opposite stance (and if you don't, do - great for balance and technique). That said, insert the usual disclaimer here - I'm not a doctor and do not garantee that this will prevent injury - it works for me though.
Author QuikSilver210 Posted January 21, 2005 Author Posted January 21, 2005 Thanks for all those tips and suggestions. I do box for 40-60 mins but when i get tired from jumping around, I stgand in one spot and just punch the bag until i regain my breath and im ready to start again. How long have u been boxing for poister? I want to know how long it will take for me to see results. I plan on doing this the whole year for an hour a day with 15 minutes of weight lifting. I rest Saturday and then i do a half hour of boxing on sunday with just minor weightlifting. And then im back to my normal routine. I just hope this works iv been eating healthy no fried foods, not eating alot of carbs, eating more protein and veggies and fruits. I stopped drinking soda all together and im pretty much drinking water and milk. Some people tell me that they see my face looking thinner already and its only been 2 and a half weeks. and mone more thing poister could you tell me what other workouts you do besides boxing. It seems you know what you are talking about. How long do you do it for in a day? and do consider 1 hour a day enough?
poister Posted January 24, 2005 Posted January 24, 2005 Sorry for taking so long to answer - I was out of town for the weekend. An hour a day of anything will certainly provide results, but you might be better off changing things up a bit - for example, box one day, weight train the next. You asked how long I've been at it - three years, approximately. I also rock climb and do distance cycling and kayaking in the summer. In winter I skate and snowshoe. Boxing is my only indoor sport. Good luck with it!
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