NOTE: This article was edited on 2/18/19 to include more information about Velocity Based Training (VBT) and common devices used to measure movement speed for use with VBT.
If you’ve been following this blog for a while then you know that boxing training constitutes more than just physical strength. We’ve discussed speed, movement, endurance, and mental preparation.
Now, we’re going to take a look at the science that supports the training that goes into boxing. If you understand the physical principles involved, then you will be able to better identify ways to maximize strength, speed, and your overall boxing prowess every time you put on your headgear and step into the ring.
GUEST POST: To talk to you this week, we reached out to a local expert on the topic of using foam rollers and massage balls to recover after a fight or workout. Foam rolling and other forms of trigger point therapy are growing in popularity throughout the sports world. As Dr. Love shows, they are incredibly effective for treating some of the unique stresses of boxing and mma. You can reach Dr. Love at Love Chiropractic, the practice she shares with her husband, Dr. Adam Love.
When you’re in the ring or shadowboxing, maintaining a proper fighting stance keeps you ready to react, allows for fluidity of movement, and maximizes proper transference of force. However, holding that body position can also lead to fatigue and tightness in muscles throughout the body, especially in the legs and shoulders. After a hard workout or an intense competition, this tightness and fatigue can turn to pain or reduced mobility if left un-addressed.
To help reverse these issues, athletes in many sports have turned to foam-rolling and other forms self-myofascial release. In fact, focusing on release of trigger points or adhesions (small areas of tension in the muscle or fascia surrounding the muscle that impede smooth movement) has been shown to be incredibly important to reducing muscle soreness, improving flexibility and enhancing range of motion following exercise—especially high intensity workouts. An October 2018 study just showed that self-myofascial release is beneficial in reducing fatigue-induced losses of power and velocity.
Read on to learn about two of the main types of self-myofascial release exercises: foam rolling and massage ball releases. I’ve highlighted three exercises in each category that will work the most common areas of tightness in boxers and MMA fighters. Continue reading “Foam Rolling for Boxers – Improving Post-Fight Recovery”
To say the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has skyrocketed since UFC’s first event in November of 1993 would be an understatement. The UFC was valued at about $4 billion in 2016. It now consistently draws more pay-per-view buys than boxing and a comparable number to the WWE.
The popularity of the sport has inspired many people to start learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in hopes of one day stepping into the Octagon. But before you set your sights on becoming a great MMA fighter like Conor McGregor or Demetrious Johnson, let’s consider what it takes to get there. Follow these eight tips to becoming a successful MMA fighter to give yourself a shot at the glory. Be warned though—you will need to put in a LOT of hard work. Continue reading “8 Tips to Help you Succeed as an MMA Fighter”
“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” – Muhammad Ali
Don’t let countless hours of work and the money you spent on great boxing gear go to waste because you failed to take care of said gear by not cleaning it. By following our guide to cleaning your equipment, you can place most of your focus on the the journey from boxing training, that behind the lines work, to dancing under the lights on fight night.
“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” – Muhammad Ali
It never hurts to consult a guy called “The Greatest” for advice in his area of expertise. Of course, in the quote above, Ali was referring to the work he did training his body day in and day out, training his mind to be able to out-think his opponents in the ring, and developing tactics and strategies suited to each opponent he faced. But there’s another aspect of behind the scenes preparation that should be top-of-mind for boxers of all skill levels: cleaning your boxing gear. Continue reading “A Guide to Cleaning Your Boxing Gear”
While so much of what makes a great boxer or MMA fighter is technique, speed, and mental toughness, it doesn’t hurt to have a powerful punch. No matter how the fight is going, it can turn decidedly in your favor if you can land one devastating punch.
Speed bags are often associated with professional boxers, but the truth is that anyone can use them to improve their speed, timing, and endurance. Not only are these small, swivel-mounted punching bags fun to hit, they can also provide immense fitness benefits to beginners and skilled practitioners alike. As such, it’s not surprising that speed bags are a common addition to many commercial gyms and in-home gyms. If you’re currently searching for a speed bag, here is what you should be looking for: Continue reading “What to Look For When Purchasing Speed Bags”
Your child’s first boxing competition is always an exciting time. Kids from all over the country congregate in one city to put their skills to the test inside the ring. After logging hours of training, your children will get their chance to shine and become true champions. However, before they can step into the ring, it’s critical that they have the right boxing gear. Making sure that your children are equipped with the right gear is essential. Not only is it required by every well-known youth boxing organization, but it’s also vital to their safety. Continue reading “What Boxing Gear Is Essential for a Child’s First Competition?”
So, you’ve finally made the decision to add a punching bag to your home gym. Smart choice! Now you can reap the many benefits of boxing fitness in the comfort of your own home. Before you run out and buy the first punching bag you see, there are a few things you should consider first. For instance, how large is your space? What do you want to achieve from your boxing workouts? If you don’t do your research, you’re likely to end up with a punching bag that doesn’t meet your specific needs. To save yourself both time and money, keep the following in mind: Continue reading “Finding the Right Punching Bag for Your In-Home Gym”
Boxers know that their cardio workouts are essential to winning fights. You can have the best technique in the world and still lose if you’re feeling fatigued by the second round. Becoming a better boxer, will require incorporating a comprehensive cardio routine into your training regimen. Cardio work can help improve not only your speed and endurance but also your agility, balance, and stability. But which cardio machines are best for boxers? To get the most out of your workouts and start outlasting your opponents, here are the some of the best cardio machines that you should be using: Continue reading “5 of the Best Cardio Machines for Boxers”
If you’re considering opening up a boxing gym or hosting boxing classes at your fitness facility, you’ll need to choose the right boxing ring and training equipment. Building a viable training facility requires a substantial investment, so you want to make every dollar count. Choosing an established, high-quality brand that you can trust is a great idea. You don’t want to gamble on these types of products, especially if it’s an area where you lack experience.
Before deciding what to buy, it’s best to do a bit of research on what to look for in each of your boxing training equipment purchases. Fortunately, we’ve done a lot of that research for you already. We’ve taken years of boxing training experience and working with various brands of equipment to figure out what works best. Let’s go through several staples in boxing gyms and see how to pick the right products.
Continue reading “The Science Behind your Coach’s Training Regime”
If you’re considering opening up a boxing gym or hosting boxing classes at your fitness facility, you’ll need to choose the right