S.tarting boxing? 3 things to be aware of when you do.

When people take up boxing, especially if it's just for exercise, they tend to think that the best asset that they can develop is power.

I know this, I'm a pretty good example. I started boxing when I was still very heavy, weighed about 80kilograms (176 pounds) and I really thought, "Boxing, huh? I have to punch hard". The following week, wasn't able to workout at the gym because I sprained my right hand.

My coaches told me that power is easy to add or acquire, versus having proper form, upping their speed, footwork and getting the right timing for your punches.

Here are 3 things to take note when you start boxing.

1. Cardio

Before you start boxing, it's better that you've already been doing some form of exercise, be it another sport, or jogging. At Red Gloves, even the warm up can make it hard to breathe. Then follows the usual routine (heavy bags, mitts, double end and speedball- followed by jump rope and ab workout).

Start building up your cardio by jogging early in the morning or evening, just put a quick 30 minute jog in your village or do 10 minutes or more of jump. Refer to my blog about the benefits of jumping rope.

2. Proper Form

Just like anything that you are starting to learn, be it a new game, a new hobby or a new sport, it's alright to start slow. You learn the proper form, and technique when throwing a punch, doing head slips and the proper footwork when moving around the ring or your opponent.

Learn the proper form, then slowly add the speed and timing and then when you have those down, smack the bags with all you got (all out power!!!).

3. Diet

You will notice that most of my posts (about eating rice, encountering my speedbumps) include "diet" in them. If you really are serious about boxing, boxing will also be serious towards you. Boxing will help you but if you can't control you appetite, even if you work out for 2-3 hours (shed a few tears while training), then you let yourself go during dinner- it would have all been for nothing. When you can't control your appetite and your choice for food to consume, every time you step in the gym, you start at square one all over again.

So guys, boxing isn't all about power. Okay, it sure sounds cool when you hit the bags/mitts hard enough, that you make loud sounds. But you still have a lot of things to take note of.

Build your cardio so you can last longer through the routine and learn from the coaching instead of gasping for air in the corner.

Learn the proper form to be able to protect yourself from injuries and apply the techniques that your coaches tell you.

Control your appetite and stick to your diet (lots of vegetables, protein and avoid junk/fast food).

Lastly, enjoy the experience and let boxing help you improve, not only your physical ability but also help you improve as a person all together.

In all things, persevere,

Anthony Verrick Dones

email: anthonyverrickdones@gmail.com

mobile: 09175481201

P.S. Do you want to learn how to lose 13 pounds in 3 weeks?

"Yes Anthony, I want to know how to do that."