Box your way to a fitter body
You might think that boxing sounds like a sport for burly men rather than women hoping to get fit, but you may be surprised to know that it could offer significant benefits to your body and doesn't have to result in causing any pain!.
Spurred on by the fact that not everyone likes activities such as yoga or aerobics, a number of gyms are now offering classes where women can take up boxing for fitness and as a hobby.
You can either do boxercise - a mixture of cardio and sparring set to a choreographed routine - or standard boxing, but you are sure to feel the positive impact on your muscles either way.
Speaking to the Guardian recently, personal trainer Gemma Ridley said boxing is one way to get an all-over workout while also having fun.
“You want to know what muscle groups are worked? All of them - and especially the ones girls want to work most - the waist, the abs, the bum. If you want weight to drop off you - box, ” she commented.
In what might be good news for those who have previously been a bit scared to try it, Gemma added: “Boxing isn't about hurting someone. It's about getting the stance and footwork right to optimise the fitness benefits. ”
And with former European boxing champion Clinton McKenzie insisting that the sport is for anyone, no matter what their size, now could be the perfect time to try it!
To get started, all you need are some comfortable, close-fitting but non-restricting clothes and a class to guide you.
It should be quite easy to find one, as most gyms now offer combat-based classes which can be block-booked or simply attended every so often.
Alternatively, check out the nationwide Fight Fit website, which offers information about gyms and available courses all over the UK. There is even information about personal trainers should you want to give it a go one-to-one before you get out those boxing gloves in public.
You may not be rivaling Muhammad Ali any time soon, but with boxing burning anything upwards of 400 calories an hour, this could be a great way to get fit!
Spurred on by the fact that not everyone likes activities such as yoga or aerobics, a number of gyms are now offering classes where women can take up boxing for fitness and as a hobby.
You can either do boxercise - a mixture of cardio and sparring set to a choreographed routine - or standard boxing, but you are sure to feel the positive impact on your muscles either way.
Speaking to the Guardian recently, personal trainer Gemma Ridley said boxing is one way to get an all-over workout while also having fun.
“You want to know what muscle groups are worked? All of them - and especially the ones girls want to work most - the waist, the abs, the bum. If you want weight to drop off you - box, ” she commented.
In what might be good news for those who have previously been a bit scared to try it, Gemma added: “Boxing isn't about hurting someone. It's about getting the stance and footwork right to optimise the fitness benefits. ”
And with former European boxing champion Clinton McKenzie insisting that the sport is for anyone, no matter what their size, now could be the perfect time to try it!
To get started, all you need are some comfortable, close-fitting but non-restricting clothes and a class to guide you.
It should be quite easy to find one, as most gyms now offer combat-based classes which can be block-booked or simply attended every so often.
Alternatively, check out the nationwide Fight Fit website, which offers information about gyms and available courses all over the UK. There is even information about personal trainers should you want to give it a go one-to-one before you get out those boxing gloves in public.
You may not be rivaling Muhammad Ali any time soon, but with boxing burning anything upwards of 400 calories an hour, this could be a great way to get fit!
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