BOXING! Not just for men and fun to boot…!

Yo Max,

I work out about 4 times per week. I do cardio and lift weights. But my girlfriend does boxing and swears that it’s really improved her body plus she loves it! Am I missing out on something?

Jessica, Fort Washington

Yo Jessica,

Yes, you are! Boxing training provides many benefits. This includes intense cardiovascular demand, agility training, increases in flexibility, improved balance, speed, timing, and even strength! Once you’ve mastered the basic skills it also becomes a real sport and can provide you with years of fun and enjoyment. I have found that women, in particular, are drawn to this type of training because it gives them a sense of empowerment. When you’re taught proper technique and mechanics, you come to realize that ‘Punching’ is a skill that doesn’t require size or great strength but rather practice – not unlike learning to strike a tennis ball. Also, I think women feel more confident and generally safer knowing that they could better defend themselves if there was ever a need. There are two distinctly different ways to begin boxing training.

The first is to join a boxing or kick boxing class at your local gym. We have one such class at The Conshohocken Health and Fitness Club taught by an outstanding trainer named, Meredith. The class setting provides group instruction in the basic skills of punching, kicking and defensive maneuvers, and will also kick your butt aerobically.

The second is to work with a trainer or boxing instructor privately. In this environment you will likely be striking actual objects like punching bags and punch mitts, and possibly your teachers body! You’ll develop more advanced defensive skills and actually learn to spar in an authentic setting. I’ve been teaching boxing for many years and have found that my clients really love it! Often I’ll use boxing drills as a form of warm up for strength training or as a cardio interval between weight lifting circuits. Whatever form you decide to pursue – I can almost guarantee that you’ll get yourself in great shape and have fun doing it!

Yo Max,

I hear a lot of professional athletes do Yoga. I’m a 38-year-old basketball player and wonder if doing Yoga will help my game. What do you think?

Don B. Plymouth Meeting

Yo Don B.

My first memory of professional athletes practicing Yoga was with Football players sometime in the 1970’s. At that time, most people were ignorant about Yoga and its many benefits and they laughed at the idea. Today, that opinion has changed dramatically and rightfully so. Yoga, in its many forms, provides its practitioners with great increases in strength and flexibility. Also, as a athlete, you will benefit from increased joint stability in your knees and back, for example, meaning you’re less likely to suffer a serious injury due to sudden twisting, torquing and even impact, when colliding with other players on the court. Basketball is a highly physical and demanding sport and, honestly, I can’t think of a better way to both improve your skills and protect yourself from injury than learning and practicing Yoga!

Keep in mind, that like any other physical pursuit, to reap rewards you must be consistent with your efforts. To gain real benefits from Yoga I would recommend that you do at least two classes a week and find a quality instructor who is patient, experienced, and that you feel comfortable with.

I should mention that for many people who practice Yoga, the physical benefits represent only a fraction of what they claim to gain. For many, Yoga provides a greater sense of spiritual development – they feel calmer, more centered and relaxed and experience a feeling of inner peace after each class. Different teachers conduct their classes in different ways - depending on the style or discipline of the Yoga there may be more or less meditation involved, breathing exercises, soothing music and even guided imagery. Whatever the style, the benefits both physically and psychologically are immeasurable. Give it a try!

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