My "Get Fit" Journey Continues........My First Boxing Class!!!!!

So today my husband and I took our VERY FIRST boxing class!!! We decided that we wanted to TURN UP our workouts and wanted to experience boxing TOGETHER!!! This class was REAL!! Thankfully, my cardio was pretty good......and I have to give credit to the spin classes that I have been taking for over a year!!! However, this class was still challenging as I am a beginner when it comes to the techniques of boxing! The hubby and I decided that we will take these boxing classes at least twice per week......and I FULLY EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE! Not only will I learn how to BOX......but I will also be able to shed some more lbs (pounds) and may FINALLY be able to get the flat stomach and  back that I have ALWAYS wanted lol!!!!! 

I REALLY LOVE the fact that my husband and I are doing this TOGETHER! I am a firm believer that couples should engage in physical activity together (in addition to sex) as a way to bond and reach goals as a UNIT! Before I end this blog post, I wanted to share some of the TEXTBOOK benefits to boxing....for those out there who may be considering this as hobby/form of exercise!!! 

Top 10 Benefits to Boxing

1. Fat Burning
Boxing can easily burn as much as 500 calories per session. Boxing however, has an additional benefit thanks to the fact that it is high intensity training. You see, when performing high intensity training, you not only burn heaps of calories during the session, but for hours after the training session has ended. Typical cardio activities do not have this post training calorie burning effect. Hence, boxing is your best friend when it comes to losing weight.

2. Increased Muscle Tone
A typical boxer's physique is toned and defined without a lot of bulk and that's why it's perfect if you really want to tone up. This is because punching is a fast repetitive action that produces toned taut muscles, in contrast to the slow, controlled, very heavy movements involved in body-building or weight lifting that produce size or bulk.

3. Build Strong Bones and Ligaments
Resistance training strengthens your bones and reduces the progression of osteoporosis. In boxing, focus pads and punching bags provide resistance as does your own bodyweight when you perform pushups, pull ups, lunges, burpees and various other exercises. Your joints, tendons and ligaments will also get stronger in response to working against resistance.
Using your bodyweight as can also help you maintain or increase your lean muscle mass which is absolutely critical to keeping your metabolic rate burning at maximum capacity. This is of utmost importance if you are trying to lose body fat.

4. Increased Cardiovascular Fitness
Boxing is a full body movement so when you throw punches a huge number of your body’s muscles are contracting at the same time. This makes your heart and lungs work overtime to pump blood containing oxygen all around your body.
Boxing will test your cardiovascular system to the max, forcing your body to adapt by making your heart and lungs better at delivering oxygen. This means that you can train at a higher intensity, giving an even greater fat burning effect.

5. Improved Muscular Endurance
Boxing requires your muscles to contract repeatedly causing the muscles involved to fatigue. With training, your muscles can keep contracting for longer durations without getting tired, allowing you to train harder for longer and ultimately burn more calories.

6. Improved Core Stability
Anything that causes your body to become unstable requires your core muscles to work harder to keep you balanced. Boxing requires lots of fast rotational movements and these core muscles will develop to allow you to punch hard without losing your balance.

7. Improved Strength and Power
Boxing is the ultimate full body workout. Correctly thrown punches use your legs, hips, glutes, core, obliques, back, shoulders, chest and arms. Punching against resistance causes all of these muscles to contract with more force and speed, developing further your strength and power.

8. Stress Relief
Sure, boxing is a fantastic physical activity that can help you get in shape, but it has psychological benefits too. Hitting stuff can make you feel really good! Take out the stresses of your normal life in a safe, controlled environment. It will leave you calm and relaxed and ready to tackle whatever curveball life throws at you next!

9. Improved Co-ordination and Body Awareness
Moving lots of parts at the same time requires a good connection between your brain and your body. With patience and practice, focus and discipline can transfer over to other sports and activities.

10. Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem
Mastering the techniques involved in boxing often make people feel pretty good! The better your technique, the more force you can put into your punch. The noise you hear when you land a strong, accurate punch right on the sweet spot of the focus pad is so satisfying!

​This information was sourced from dynamicboxingfitness@blogspot.com.

Would you ever consider boxing as a fitness regimen? Lets get RIPPED together!!!!