Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Should I Expect from Boxing Fitness Classes?

Kerrie Main
Kerrie Main

Boxing is a comprehensive workout that has become very popular. There are many boxing-specific gyms and fitness centers that solely focus on this type of workout. If you are considering taking boxing fitness classes, you can expect to have increased energy and coordination, greater stamina, more muscle tone, more lean muscle mass and enhanced self-confidence.

Your first class in a series of many boxing fitness classes will probably be the most difficult one. Even if you are very fit and maintain a regular exercise routine, you probably will feel a little clumsy during the first session. This is because boxing moves will be foreign to your muscles, and your initial reactions will start off slowly. The typical first class will teach the basics of boxing, including the proper stance, which is how you stand and how you hold your fists. In other early lessons, you usually will learn the types of punches, such as the jab, cross, uppercut, hook and roundhouse.

There are many gyms that focus solely on boxing as an exercise.
There are many gyms that focus solely on boxing as an exercise.

As you build upon the basics in boxing fitness classes, you’ll begin to see your stamina improve, and you'll learn more about the proper stance and punches as well as footwork and defensive moves. For example, you’ll learn how to move from side to side, slip, duck, weave and block. These cardiovascular exercises will improve your core strength, coordination and balance as well as begin to sculpt your lean muscles. Many people often report weight loss from these types of classes because of the constant movement and sweating.

Jumping rope is a common boxing workout warm up.
Jumping rope is a common boxing workout warm up.

Most boxing fitness classes include more than just boxing moves. Some other common exercises include jumping rope, medicine ball drills, footwork drills and plyometric exercises, which involve jumping. Many instructors have students punch targets, such as focus mitts or heavy bags. These types of drills not only increase strength, stamina and aim, they also are great ways to release pent-up stress and emotions. Another common practice in boxing fitness classes is working the speed bag, which builds rhythm and coordination.

Most kickboxing fitness classes include more than just boxing moves.
Most kickboxing fitness classes include more than just boxing moves.

Boxing fitness classes can positively affect your overall confidence and self-esteem. Most people feel stronger after this type of exercise regimen, and they feel confident that they can protect themselves if the need ever arises. Many people also learn how to listen to their bodies and become more self-aware in boxing classes. Boxing classes typically have students set fitness goals. When you learn how to set and achieve personal goals, the skill set can transfer over to other areas of your life.

Discussion Comments

Sporkasia

In addition to the cardio, boxing classes will help with your reflexes, your footwork and your hand-eye coordination. Have you noticed how quick the hands of boxers are? Your hands may not be as quick as a boxer's hands, but your reaction time and speed will improve considerably.

Feryll

I knew a girl who was a professional dancer, and she used boxing and kickboxing fitness classes to stay in shape and work on her balance and footwork. As you can imagine she was in great shape.

As I said, she initially began the fitness classes to help with her dancing. I lost track of her, but someone told me that she had gotten heavily into the boxing, so I looked her up online. Sure enough, she is now a professional boxer. I saw a couple of her fights online, and she recently opened a gym near where she lives.

Sporkasia

@Laotionne - Boxing fitness classes at the YMCA or at your local health center do not include any actual blows, but you can take boxing at some of the gyms that train professional and amateur fighters.

Some of these smaller less known gyms take on extra students to supplement income. Many of the small boxing gyms have a difficult time keeping the doors open simply by training fighters for professional bouts. And these gyms will only put you in the ring against people with similar experience as you have, but you will get a chance to get in the ring if that is what you want to do.

Laotionne

I really would like to learn to box. I think this sport is a good means to learning self defense. Do boxing fitness classes involve any actual inside the ring work? Do you do any sparing?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • There are many gyms that focus solely on boxing as an exercise.
      By: olly
      There are many gyms that focus solely on boxing as an exercise.
    • Jumping rope is a common boxing workout warm up.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Jumping rope is a common boxing workout warm up.
    • Most kickboxing fitness classes include more than just boxing moves.
      By: Mat Hayward
      Most kickboxing fitness classes include more than just boxing moves.