Are you interested in getting involved in boxing? If the answer is yes, you need to get prepared ahead of time. You cannot excel in boxing without the right training equipment.
In order to improve your punching power, speed, and defense, you need to invest in the right type of equipment. So, what equipment is vital for newbie boxers? This guide will provide you with insight into the equipment that is necessary for anyone getting involved in the sport of boxing.
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Heavy Bag
First and foremost, you should go ahead and buy yourself a heavy bag. This is really the most common equipment used by boxers. A heavy bag is going to be immensely important for boxers and mixed material artists. Heavy bags can provide the user with a very intense workout. Simultaneously, they’ll give you the ability to enhance your striking techniques. Punching a heavy bag is an excellent way to lose weight too. This is why a lot of weight loss workout routines include hitting the heavy bag for thirty minutes or longer a day.
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Remember that there are two types of heavy bag. While they’re very similar, there are some pros and cons associated with both. The hanging heavy bag is just that. It will hang from a ceiling or another strong support. This type of heavy bag is going to swing back and forth when it is struck. This ensures that it is able to replicate the movement of your opponent to some degree. Unfortunately, not everyone is going to be able to find suitable support for this type of heavy bag. Thankfully, there is an alternative. The free-standing heavy bag is worth checking out.
This is a type of heavy bag that is attached to a frame. The frame can be weighed down using water or sand. Freestanding bags are great, but they’re not perfect. The frame might slide around a bit with repeated use. It might even fall over when struck with enough force. Either option is great. With that being said, you should consider your options and choose the one that you prefer the most.
Boxing Gloves
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Hitting the heavy bag without any protection is a bad idea. This is going to put a lot of pressure on your wrist and knuckles. You need to make sure that your hands are protected. At the same time, you should attempt to make the training experience as realistic as possible. So, you might as well go ahead and strap on some heavy bag gloves. Buying a pair of boxing gloves is not going to be easy. You’ll need to take your time, consider all of your options and do plenty of research. You’ll also need to take the weight into consideration. Most heavy bag gloves come in a variety of different weights.
Finally, you should put some effort into ensuring that the boxing gloves are actually going to fit!
Boxing Body Protector
There is a pretty good chance that you’re going to be sparing with friends and gym comrades at some point or another. It is in your best interest to protect yourself to the fullest. You can only do so much with your gloves and arms.
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Fortunately, there is boxing gear that is going to provide you with the extra protection that you need. This is where the boxing body protector comes in. As the name suggests, boxing body protectors protect the body from hard punches and kicks thrown at the body. Again, remember, fit is very important. Make sure that your boxing body protector fits tightly and securely. It should not slide up and down or shift from side to side.
You’ll also want to make sure that your boxing body protector is actually going to provide plenty of protection. Otherwise, you might take a serious body blow that leaves you on your knees. You do not want to get hurt during training so make sure that you are protected with a good body protector.
Speed Bag
If you know anything about boxing, there is a good chance that you’ve seen a speed bag at some point or another. Speed bags are commonly featured in hype videos for upcoming fights and Hollywood films. Some believe that speed bags are outdated and inefficient. This couldn’t be further from the truth. They offer a handful of benefits that aren’t available with heavy bags. For instance, the speed bag is going to provide you with the ability to develop your coordination, reflexes, and timing. Once you’ve hit the bag, it is going to jolt back towards you. If you’re able to time it right, you’ll be able to hit the bag again.
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You’ll need to get your rhythm right to ensure that you’re able to hit the bag every single time. It is best to hit the bag in rounds. One or three minute rounds will definitely do the trick. This will help you build up your arms, shoulders, and endurance. Plus, you’ll enhance your eye and hand coordination. Suffice to say, if you’re intent on getting into boxing, you’ll definitely want to train using a speed bag.
Double End Bag
The double end bag is a unique piece of equipment that will be very beneficial for boxers. These bags are sometimes referred to as floor to ceiling bags. They’re designed to help the user improve their movement, speed, and accuracy. Since the bag is going to be strapped to the floor and ceiling using elastic straps, it will be able to bounce back and forth. It can be used to simulate a real fight. You will have the ability to move around the bag just like you would a real opponent. The bag is going to rebound lower too and this will make it possible for you to learn how to slip punches.
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This combination ensures that the double end bag is going to replicate a real bout. On top of that, the double end bag will push you to your limits. You’ll be required to move, punch, move, and repeat. This will wear you out and help boost your cardio.
Jump Rope
You’re never going to be a good boxer unless you work on your cardio. Otherwise, you’re going to get winded within the first few minutes of swinging at your opponent. There are plenty of ways to boost your cardio, but nothing works better than the old jump rope. It won’t break the bank and it’ll provide you with an excellent workout. Plus, the jump rope can help you improve your rhythm and footwork. If you really want a good workout, you’ll want to buy yourself a speed rope. These are thinner so they can be swung at a much faster pace.
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If you’re new to the game, you should consider buying a thicker rope. This will keep things slower but it will work your forearms much better. Either way, jumping rope is essential for anyone who wishes to improve their cardio for boxing or MMA purposes.
Mouthpiece
Before going any further, you’ll want to take steps to ensure that you are protected to the fullest. In order to do that, you should focus on your teeth and gums. Boxers are going to get hit in the mouth a lot. If you do not have protection, you’re going to get your teeth knocked out. This is why you should buy yourself a good mouthpiece. It’ll make a big difference in the long run.
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If you’re serious about boxing, you should go the extra mile to buy a customized MMA or boxing mouthpiece. This means that the mouthpiece has been customized to fit the shape and size of your teeth.
Try to stay away from those universal mouthpieces. They’re usually uncomfortable and they will not offer the same level of protection that you’re going to get with the alternatives. Regardless, every boxer on the planet should be using a mouthpiece. If you do not, you’re going to be taking permanent damage and that is something that you will want to avoid at all costs.
Boxing Headgear
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At the end of the day, boxers are going to receive a lot of headshots. This can create a lot of problems in the future. Repeated blows to the head can cause irreparable damage and serious cuts. Thankfully, there are ways that you can minimize the damage. This is why you should buy yourself some good headgear. You’re going to be sparing a lot in the gym and you need that extra protection. After all, it would be a terrible shame to get a nasty cut above your eye right before your big exhibition. Buying a boxing head guard can be a little tough. After all, you have to make sure that you get the side right. You’ll also need to choose one of the specific types.
Finally, be sure to check out the certifications. If you’re going to be using your headgear for boxing or MMA competitions, you’ll need to make sure that it has been approved by USA Boxing. Otherwise, you might not be able to use it for competition purposes. Do not leave home without your boxing headgear or you may very well regret it in the near future.
