By Annette Campbell
There is an exciting trend in action right now in the world of fitness. But it's not a brilliant, new and shiny gym machine. Nor is it a cleverly choreographed, revolutionary aerobics class.
It is good old-fashioned, tried and true ... boxing. And women are leading the way!
"Ladies' boxing classes are extremely popular and are growing all the time," explains Wayne Dart, 38 — a fitness instructor, THUMP Boxing Instructor, and the Director of Everybody Fitness Solutions.
"Since we opened six months ago, the ladies' boxing classes have by far been the fastest growing part of the business.
"The biggest interest in particular has come from mums in their late 20s and up to 40s, who are looking to get into doing regular exercise after having a few years off while bringing up the kids. We even had two sisters — one 69 and one 71 years old — who love coming in each week for a hit out."
The physical benefits
"Boxing for fitness classes utilise every part of your body. In particular they have great core strength benefits," says Wayne. "A session with correct technique burns oodles of calories, as all the major muscle groups are being stressed. The results are toned arms, stomach and legs."
Wayne adds that boxing for fitness is ideal for weight loss because of the number or calories burned in a session.
"While the boxing action is a physical challenge in itself, add in some drills where you knock out a few standard exercises such as push-ups, dips, crunches and squats, and your body really burns some fuel," Wayne enthuses.
"And there's something about boxing that no matter how fit you are you always draw on your aggression and push yourself to exhaustion. I often hear 'I'm tired tonight. I'm going to take it easy...' and then 10 minutes into the session that same person has drawn on some stressful incident through the day and is hitting harder than ever!"
Perfect punching
Always punch with the first two knuckles (if you are tearing the skin or feeling pain down towards your ring finger or pinky you are not punching correctly).
Always have your fists clenched as tight as they can go and are cocked downward slightly, as this will lock the wrist. Also make sure that when hand is connecting with the pad, the palm is facing downward (ie: not angled inward).
Always use your abs, glutes and legs when throwing a punch. Most people just use the arm and, as a result, are not mustering their full power potential.
Make sure that punches start and finish at the chin. Most untrained guys will swing too wide, while untrained girls will throw overhead "cat" punches.
Make sure that gloves provide adequate support for your hands/wrists and even strap the wrist if you have existing problems.
Remember to breathe!
"Breathing is extremely important," Wayne stresses. "As with any sport, you must avoid holding your breath through the exercise. Breathe deeply and maintain control — in through the nose and out through the mouth! It also helps in the power department to exhale when landing a punch."
The mental benefits
"The whole notion of hitting something is fantastic for de-stressing," says Wayne. "The girls obviously get a great workout, and have a chance to release frustrations, stress and tension by hitting the pads.
"You have no idea how many have said that they never would have pictured themselves as being 'boxing types', or have said 'I'm not aggressive enough to get into boxing'. Those same ladies, once they let go, often really put their all into the punching and after a few sessions can't get enough of it. They go home buzzing!"
"One of our regular lady boxers, a mother of two, came in a few weeks ago and told how her husband won't talk to her mid-week until she has her weekly bash at boxing. She said, 'He told me that I was much happier and more relaxed after I've done the class. He almost pushes me out the door!'"
Wayne Dart is the Director of Everybody Fitness Solutions. For more information, visit
www.everybodyfitness.com.au
* Remember, exercise will only get you half-way there! You'll need to stick to a healthy diet as well.
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