Coaches are rarely interested in why a person decided to start attending a boxing section. In addition, most often newbies will not tell the truth. But there are several main motivations that encourage people to start visiting a boxing gym:
- The first of them is a tribute to fashion. This motivation is relevant for all types of martial arts, but no one realizes it. The main problem here is that a person who decides to start training simply has no idea what he will face. Most often, such people have enough patience for a couple of weeks and no more. After the first couple of sparring sessions, they decide to stop boxing and, at best, switch to fitness.
- The second no less popular reason is the desire to learn how to fight. As a rule, such beginners are a pleasant find for trainers, as they diligently study and follow all instructions. But in most cases, they study for about six months, after which they decide that they are ready for the practical application of the acquired skills. After this, two scenarios for the development of events are possible. In the first case, the beginner demands that he be invited to participate in tournaments and experienced coaches, for obvious reasons, refuse to fulfill this requirement. As a result, the person gets offended and leaves the sport. But even if he is allowed into the ring, in almost one hundred percent of cases he loses his first fight and also leaves the gym. The second scenario is the worst for sports, since a person goes to look for use of his skills on the street. Most often, he ends up in the hospital quite quickly, after which he simply will not be accepted back.
- The third reason that motivates people to start boxing is the desire to improve their physical fitness. Of course, if you have never played sports before, your level of physical fitness will increase. However, you need to be aware of what awaits you in the future. Most people have no idea what kind of stress boxers face.
Neglect of one's own health among beginners
Often a person is forced to stop boxing due to health problems. In this situation, two categories of athletes can be distinguished. The first category should include those who do not think at all about the state of their health. They can continue to exercise with untreated injuries, fever, high blood pressure, etc.
Of course, if the coach notices this, he will immediately send the person home for treatment, but this cannot always be considered. In a favorable situation, the athlete may lose consciousness or fall from severe pain. In severe cases, very serious consequences are possible, ranging from problems with the ligamentous-articular apparatus and ending with a heart attack.
The second group includes those who try to solve any problem with their health with the help of medications or increase athletic performance through the use of sports pharmaceuticals. It is no secret that many amateurs use doping even to participate in minor tournaments in order to get higher. There is probably no professional boxer who has not used sportpharma at least once. But now the conversation is about amateurs who take steroids on their own and make serious mistakes.
Wrong choice of boxing trainer or gym
This may sound funny to some, but situations often arise when a person leaves boxing only because he could not find a common language with the coach or made a mistake when choosing a gym. For your sports activities to be successful, it is very important to take a responsible approach to choosing a trainer and gym. Whatever you think, each room has its own atmosphere or, if you like, aura. It is impossible to change it, just like the coach’s vision of the training process.
Most coaches do everything possible to adapt as much as possible to their players and especially beginners. He can explain the same thing to you several dozen times in the hope that you will correct the mistakes, but if he is used to accompanying recommendations with obscenities or slaps on the head, then you will not be able to avoid this. If during the first couple of lessons you do not like the trainer’s approach to training and you personally, then it is better to immediately start looking for a new mentor.
Lack of progress and results in boxing
This is also a very common reason that applies to all sports, not just boxing. There may be many reasons, but often a person wants to get everything at once and instantly. However, it should be understood that everyone is capable of progressing at a certain speed.
Someone will be able to become a master of sports in a couple of years, while others will not be able to win even the neighborhood championship in a similar period of time. The point here may be both in the physical characteristics of the boxer and in his attitude to the sport. There can only be one way out of this situation - a conversation with a coach.
In conclusion, I can give some advice to beginners. First of all, when you decide to engage in martial arts, you must really want it yourself. It is very important to learn to listen to your body as quickly as possible. It is often worth skipping a couple of classes to avoid future health problems. Do not under any circumstances start using sportspharma. This is the lot of professionals and you have absolutely no need for it. You just have to love boxing or the sport you decide to do.
Watch a motivational video for beginner boxers:
It is always worth playing sports, including sports like boxing. After all, boxing is not only sparring and fighting. This is, first of all, good physical fitness, endurance and, of course, a beautiful body, which is important for both men and women (women's boxing is gaining more and more popularity). In addition, boxing gives you the confidence and skills, if necessary, to protect yourself and your loved ones from intruders.
What can you achieve in boxing?
If you decided to take up boxing at the age of 30 solely for the sake of great boxing glory, unfortunately, you will have to be disappointed - time has been lost. Of course, one could remember the same Tony Thompson, who started boxing at the age of 27, entered the professional ring for the first time at the age of 29 and is now one of the top boxers. But this is an exception, which only confirms the obvious: 30 years is not a suitable age for, having abandoned what has already been achieved in life, to suddenly start trying to make a career in big boxing.
- And yet, boxing is not only a great sport, it is also physical education, as has already been written about above, and here the arguments in favor of boxing, if there are no medical contraindications, are more than obvious.
Well, actually, where can you go boxing in Moscow?
If you still decide in favor of boxing, the MOSCOWBOXING boxing club is waiting for you. On the territory of Moscow
Many people plan to regularly go to the gym for years, but time flies, and at the age of 30-40 a person comes to the conclusion that it is too late. Such conclusions are fundamentally wrong. The trainers of the Fighting Gloves club are ready to prove in practice that boxing can be practiced with health benefits at any age. And for both men and women.
Why you should take up boxing as an adult
Usually people after 30 go to the sports section in order to get their body in good physical shape. If we are talking about boxing, then there is another motive here - to learn self-defense techniques. Those who decide to take such a step are doing absolutely the right thing.
Under the guidance of an experienced trainer, classes will only bring benefits. And if you have enough persistence, all your goals will undoubtedly be achieved: the body will acquire athletic shape, and the person will learn self-defense skills. But there is another very important advantage that many beginners are not aware of. The fact is that along with good physical shape and boxing skills, new personal qualities and character traits are developed. But first things first.
Physical fitness and fighting skills
Boxing is, first and foremost, a martial art. Therefore, special attention in training is paid to the development of boxing skills. Basic techniques are studied, striking is performed, defense is practiced, and sparring is conducted. With regular attendance at training, these skills are gradually acquired.
No less attention is paid to the general physical fitness of the novice athlete. The priority is the development of quick reaction, endurance, and coordination. The training combines aerobic and strength exercises. Therefore, this is an excellent replacement for fitness for women. With fighting abilities, girls also get a slender, athletic figure.
The benefits of exercise for emotional health
Over time, during training, good physical shape and new boxing skills are acquired. At the same time, the psychological state of the athlete changes. Gradually, more and more confidence in your abilities will appear. A novice athlete will turn into a real fighter in spirit and ability. Stress resistance and the ability to withstand not only physical, but also emotional blows will sharply increase.
Regular boxing classes will help strengthen character and develop strong-willed traits, develop self-discipline, and reveal internal reserves. In sparring you can learn to manage your emotions and control your fear. For adults, attending boxing training is also an opportunity to relieve accumulated stress. In general, such training develops psychological stability.
The best conditions for training at the “Combat Gloves” sports club
Our sports club has equipment that allows you to train with maximum effect. The hall has two rings for sparring and competitions. There are also new punching bags and exercise equipment for strength and aerobic exercise. The club's infrastructure includes locker rooms, showers, and a massage room.
The coaching work is carried out by international level athletes. They developed a unique system of individual training taking into account the age and physical capabilities of beginning athletes. Such classes will be especially useful for beginners who come to the gym for the first time.
The “Fighting Gloves” sports club invites everyone, regardless of age, to join the great culture of boxing art. Our trainers will be happy to help you with this.
Many of those who decided to take up boxing, but are already far from adolescence, wonder: is it too late? And is it worth starting at all, since no sporting results are expected?
Well, let's try to figure it out.
Thirty years and three years
The ancient Greeks said: “A good beginning is half the battle.” But if you never start, then nothing will happen. And you can lie on the stove all your life - in the modern version, on the sofa in front of the TV with a bottle of beer. Here the famous epic about Ilya Muromets comes to mind, who lay on that very stove for thirty and three years, but then rose from it and became a hero. Apparently, a thousand years ago, man faced the same problems and tasks - to overcome himself, get up and move forward.
On one of the forums I read the following (I quote almost verbatim): “Tell me, is it not too late at 32 years old (almost like Ilya Muromets!) to take up boxing? Because I’m already old and lead a sedentary lifestyle. True, I’ve been going to the gym for the last six months. I try not to drink, but it doesn’t work very well. And now I want to try boxing. Isn’t it a little late?”
We answer: no, it’s not too late!
Life is such a thing that you have to constantly push yourself to achieve something! Only overcoming oneself leads a person to a successful lifestyle. Regime, diet, regular training are the components of success, athletic figure and excellent physical shape.
And it’s better to start practicing now, because tomorrow you will regret that you didn’t start today, and in a year you will regret it even more.
Success comes late
As for sports results, there are many examples when people came to boxing at a fairly mature age (for the sport) and reached the top.
The legendary Rocky Marciano. Twice world heavyweight champion in 1952 and 1956. The only heavyweight boxer who has never been defeated in 49 fights. He started boxing at the age of 24.
Another example is James Smith, who came to boxing after 25 years. At 28 he turned professional. World heavyweight champion 1985-1987 according to WBA.
At the age of 27, Tony Thompson began boxing. He became a top fighter and met, among others, Vladimir Clicquot.
And this is not the limit. Martin Rogan started boxing at the age of 29! And before that, and at the beginning of his boxing career, he worked as a simple taxi driver in the city of Belfast. The laurels of champion of England and the British Commonwealth awaited him ahead.
And finally (we won’t go far for examples) - our fellow countryman and compatriot - Nikolai Valuev. He also came to boxing not very young - at the age of 20.
Take the first step
You are still thinking. And the main thoughts - am I capable, will I be able to, will I have enough physical strength?
We answer: physical strength, especially for amateur activities, is far from the main thing. The main thing is fortitude, the ability to overcome oneself, courage and self-confidence. And in adulthood, these qualities are no less important than in youth. You come to the gym and know that you will be beaten, albeit sparingly. But, anyway, you come and train. You defend and attack. This is the very ability to take a punch that is necessary in everyday life. Physical activity, if controlled, has never harmed anyone. You are an office worker who has become fat... You are trying to make an effort on yourself. Go to the gym, fitness club. But it's of little use. Although you seem to be doing it. The thing is that most people, even if it sounds trite, are lazy by nature. And even though they seem to have made an effort, they continue to be lazy. They go to the gym and do something listlessly, thinking that they are athletes. No, they need to be “driven.” So that there is someone who “drives”. To have those you can look up to. This is especially important for those who are already aged, because with age a person becomes even more lazy. And the energy is no longer the same if we compare 15-20 and 35-40 years.
A boxing gym or ring is perhaps the best comprehensive sports equipment that provides unique physical activity. It is uniform for the whole body. This is also a workout for the cardiovascular system. An excellent technique for comprehensive muscle development. All this, like nothing else, keeps the body in good shape.
This is also a solution to the problem of excess weight. And it hits especially after forty or even close to this age threshold, when the body’s metabolism slows down. You gain noticeable weight and you have to either strictly limit yourself in food or radically change your lifestyle. Increase physical activity. But it’s unlikely that anyone will want to exchange a cozy office chair, especially with a leadership position, for a loader’s uniform or a lumberjack suit.
And here boxing comes to the rescue. You don't come to boxing school with the goal of becoming a champion. And experienced trainers know how to “lead” you.
Don't be afraid that you will appear in front of your colleagues at work with a broken face or a black eye. Everything's under control. Plus modern means of protection.
In the first lessons, the beginner simply practices the technique and correctness of the strikes. He is not yet allowed to participate in doubles classes. But even in the ring, an amateur athlete’s chance of getting grass is close to zero.
And yet, all sorts of far-fetched fears prevent you from crossing the threshold of the boxing school.
So, they say, you will come to the section, and there the muscular jocks will make a cutlet or chop out of me. In general, all the insides will be beaten off. Maybe it will come to fractures.
So what is it really like?
The answer is given by the newcomers themselves. Here's what they write roughly on different forums (we summarize and edit the answers, but leave the essence unchanged):
No one will make a cutlet out of you. Boxers and the boxing team are a special world where everything is built on respect for the opponent. There can be no talk of any humiliation. Go and study without any fear. There are a lot of pot-bellied guys and frail young men in my group, and everyone is happy. Training, yes, at first you will be very exhausted. The boxing school has an adult group for people from 18 to 50 years old. Different techniques. The training begins with general physical preparation, that is, warm-up. Then development of technology. With every training there is something new: first with myself, then with a partner on the paws, then on apparatus, then sparring. And no one looks at your appearance in the sense of being “fat,” and no one has a complex about it.
Modern active people are truly incredibly lucky, since now there are so many sports. Everyone decides which one to choose independently and always gives preference to what helps in achieving certain goals. One such sport is boxing. He has always been popular.
It is interesting that there are those who associate such popularity of this sport with the animal origin of the stronger sex and the fact that over all these years the basic instincts have remained the same. However, today not only men, but also representatives of the fair sex are interested in boxing. But be that as it may, one thing is obvious - boxing will always be popular and in demand.
How important is boxing in life?
Constant boxing exercises have a significant impact on a person, making him many times stronger both physically and mentally. It is important to note that all boxers, without exception, are self-confident people who are not afraid of anything in their lives and at the same time always believe in their own strength.
It is worth noting that boxing has a beneficial effect not only on the respiratory system, but also on the cardiovascular system. In addition, such training allows you to develop endurance, become faster and master difficult striking techniques, which allow you to stand up for yourself or your family in unpleasant life situations.
How is boxing beneficial for the development of the human body?
Almost all athletes involved in this sport look muscular and fit. At the same time, they must have a wide back and strong, trained arms. In general, these athletes look very impressive.
During sparring with an opponent, a boxer uses all muscle groups, and he himself never stands in one place. So at this time the body functions, the legs are involved, and most importantly, the head works.
A professional athlete thinks tactically and always thinks through what the enemy will do in advance. In this case, it will be possible to confidently defend against attacks and at the same time quickly finish the round with a knockout.
So, the advantages of such activities:
- The body is in good shape and has a strong immune system.
- Constant training helps to effectively fight extra pounds.
- Boxing improves lung and heart function.
- This sport helps you develop a good reaction to a blow and at the same time learn to sense the distance.
- Confidence in yourself and your own abilities is strengthened.
When is the best time to start training?
Experienced boxers assure that there is no ideal age for boxing. Special schools can accommodate everyone from an early age. Thanks to such training, already in early childhood it will be possible to develop a strong character, willpower and, of course, self-confidence in a boy.
Initially, it will be very convenient to work individually with a trainer. This way you can learn how to place a punch, avoid direct attacks and confidently confront any opponent. However, his physique and experience will not be so important.
In fact, boxing is a physical activity, constant training that can have a positive effect on the human body, strengthen muscles, develop strength, endurance, and the ability to take a punch. Thanks to this sport, coordination of movements develops, the functioning of the heart and breathing is normalized.
When can boxing harm a person?
Before enrolling in the section, you should undergo a comprehensive medical examination. So there are a number of contraindications to training, and even more so when there are problems with:
- vestibular apparatus;
- musculoskeletal system;
- heart diseases;
- kidney diseases;
- congenital or acquired pathologies.
To avoid injury, it is best to engage in this sport with an experienced trainer and be sure to follow a sports regimen. In this case, training will be able to give the desired result and progress will be obvious.
To sum it up, we can say that boxing really has a lot of advantages. Without exaggeration, we can say that he may well become ideal for every boy whose parents dream of raising their son to be a real man. In addition, this sport can become a favorite even for girls and over time develop into something more than just a hobby.
However, we should not forget about the possible harm of physical activity to the body. After weighing all the pros and cons, you can make the only right decision - to engage in this sport or is it better to give it up.