4 Reasons Why You Need To Start Boxing ASAP

The most valuable thing in life is good health and wellness. There’s not much to argue against that, and it’s become increasingly clear to everyone today that feeling good on the inside equates to looking great on the outside.

A lot of people have understandably turned to martial arts training to get in shape, and there are so many options. One of the best ways to start your journey is to step into a boxing gym.

You might have been sitting on the fence for a while now, thinking whether or not boxing is the right martial arts discipline for you to try. There are so many great reasons why you should start boxing and why you need to start soon.

From shedding unwanted pounds to giving you an extra boost of energy and confidence that you need on the daily, boxing is undoubtedly one of the most suitable martial arts disciplines for you to take up. In no time, your future self will be thanking you for signing up for a boxing class, and soon, you’ll reap boxing’s many impactful rewards.

Need an extra push in your decision to start training? Today, Evolve Daily shares four reasons why you need to start boxing ASAP.

1. The first step to fitness is starting

There’s a common saying that just by showing up, half the battle is won. As a beginner in boxing, that’s all you really need to do your first day. Step into the boxing gym and show up to class.

Our mind comes up with so many excuses to not show up, put off, or even cancel that first day. But by showing up for class and simply starting, you have already made the decision to show your commitment to better health and fitness.

We promise, as soon as you feel the excitement of training, you’ll instantly be hooked. Boxing has a special way of getting you hooked on training. Throwing your first punch, feeling the contact as your glove hits that mitt, it’s a tactile response you’ll want to experience over and over again.

Commitment and consistency go hand-in-hand when it comes to boxing training. But we feel as though that, once you start, you won’t be able to stop. And really, that’s all that it takes to jumpstart your fitness.

Give it some time, and if you try to commit to hard training regularly, you will soon realize how great you feel after every class. With regularity, you’ll soon discover the different and holistic benefits boxing training brings.

But you have to show up on the first day.

2. Boxing is an enjoyable use of your time

As adults, we’re often complaining about the lack of time for anything. We feel like we’re always busy with work and with life. But if you take a step back, you’ll realise you actually do have time to allot for your health and fitness.

Better yet, make time. Because health is wealth, and you’ll thank yourself for it.

Boxing training is an incredibly enjoyable use of your time. Instead of scrolling through your social media feed for hours on end, or binge-watching TV series in the wee hours of the night, use your time more wisely.

Hitting the heavy bag, nailing combinations on the focus mitts, sparring with your gym mates — these are all activities boxing practitioners rave about. With boxing, you’re training and having fun at the same time.

Boxing is also a great way for you to relieve stress. It takes out the stress and anxieties of day-to-day life in a safe, supportive, and controlled environment.

Since boxing is a form of physical exercise, the brain releases “happy hormones” or endorphins that can leave you feeling calm and centred and also proud after each session. It is scientifically proven that physical exercise, like boxing, has a multitude of physiological benefits. It reduces cortisol (stress hormones), improves body image, and increases energy.

3. Empower yourself with the knowledge of self-defence

Self-defence skills are a basic human right. Everyone should have access to this knowledge, from women and children, mothers, and fathers.

There’s a sense of security that envelops you when you know you can take care of yourself and the people around you, if faced with imminent danger. The ability to defend yourself and the people you love against an attack, you can’t put a price on that level of comfort.

Equip yourself with the necessary skills and self-defence foundation to escape danger and diffuse tricky situations.

Boxing is one of the best martial arts for self-defence. It teaches and trains your mind to think and react quickly, giving you the athletic reflexes of a real fighter.

Boxing training will train both your body and mind in the science of combat. It will empower you with a heightened sense of awareness, making you ready to defend yourself at all times. It kicks your survival instinct into fifth gear.

Having the confidence that you can face an assailant in combat gives you peace of mind wherever you are.

4. Get in shape fast

Last but certainly not least, and everybody will love this one — boxing can get you in shape quickly and effectively.

Everybody wants to lose weight and shed that belly fat. Boxing is the perfect martial art to help you achieve your fitness goals.

It’s a total body workout that easily burns more than 700 calories every one-hour session. Not only that, but your body continuously burns calories even hours after training has ended. It’s intense, engaging, and effective. Typical cardiovascular exercises such as running and swimming simply don’t have a similar effect.

Have you ever envied the toned and chiseled physique of an athlete? Boxing training will help you achieve this level of fitness and more. Fast repetitive movements will tone down muscles.

And it goes beyond just losing weight. You’ll get the total package of having a body that’s strong, athletic, energetic, and lean. Your bones become stronger and sturdier. Tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues will also get stronger as a consequence of regular training.

If you want to focus on getting strong lean muscles, improve your core stability and cardiovascular fitness, and just feel more energised every day, then boxing is the best option for you. All you have to do is step into a boxing gym and sign up for a boxing class.

This article, “4 Reasons Why You Need To Start Boxing ASAP”, originally appeared on Evolve MMA, Asia’s No. 1 martial arts organisation.