Characteristics of the Sport

Boxing is a competative combat sport, where two people fight each other in a boxing ring. As a combat sport, boxing can lead to injury when fighting. For fitness purposes, boxing classes can be used as a workout, and it is a great for building and toning muscle. Boxing classes provide a good cardiovascular workout - increasing aerobic strength.

Boxing classes may include a selection of skipping, body conditioning, targetted pad work, partner drills and work using a punch bag. Reflexes and eye to hand coordination should improve with this type of workout, as should aerobic fitness, stamina and muscle definition (particularly upper body).

To become a successful boxer, you must meet the following criteria:

• Intensity. It must challenge both the aerobic and anaerobic systems.
• Strength gain. It must improve overall body strength.
• Injury free. It must provide intensity without battering muscles and joints.
• Calorie burn. It must help burn off any extra fat to help increase/maintain leanness.
• Variety. It must be challenging and non-boring.
• Mental toughness. It must help the athlete or fitness devotee learn to cope with difficult challenges in their primary activity.