Are you ready to start your boxing journey? Well, first of all, congratulations! You are about to experience a world of sweat, fitness, self-discovery and overcoming fears. For this very special new stage in your life, we have decided to share with you what you need to know before your first boxing class. Keep reading!
So, it’s your first boxing class, what to expect? You need to be ready for a total body workout. This is why we recommend that you take a rest day the day before your first boxing class. You need to feel recovered so don’t go out for a run, go to a yoga class or something else. Whatever you do, stay at home and rest. You will need it. Also, stay properly hydrated and eat healthily.
Another thing you will be expecting on your first day of boxing class is a cardio workout. Training can be fast-paced and your heart rate will be surely going up. You will also probably be corrected a lot. But, hey, that’s the idea, right? To be better at something you need to fix the mistakes and listen to your coach.
Your boxing stance will be one of those things you need to get down. Read about the different boxing stances on our post about how to get on a boxing stance. Don’t forget to engage your core at all times too!
We understand you might get excited about the moment and get a rush when you are punching away, however, don’t go all out. If you are just starting with boxing classes, your technique is not fully mastered and you could get hurt. There are some things you should consider to avoid getting your wrists injured in boxing. Read all about it before your first day!
Additionally, be ready to mess up. It’s a lot of information, combinations and movements to take in all at once and excel at it. You will also feel awkward and forget what you were supposed to do. It’s ok, don’t get discouraged and keep on going!
Finally, if you enjoyed your first day, and your second and your third and would like to speed up the process of improving your technique, consider signing up for a private training session or practice at home. You could even set up your own boxing gym!
What type of boxing classes can you choose from?
There are several types of boxing classes out there that vary in how much, what and who you hit, according to Self. The one you decide to sign up for will depend on your fitness goals and also the environment you are interested in.
A regular boxing class will have a conditioning stage where you do different drills or circuits and some bag work or sparring if you are ready for it. “Some studios blast playlists to give you a more familiar group class feel, while others put more focus on technical training and there is hardly any music at all,” you can read in Self.
Despite what boxing class you sign up to, you will be sweating at the end and you will learn the basics, such as footwork, and how to do a jab, cross, hook and uppercut, as well as heavy bag training.
If you are unsure about what boxing gym you want to be a part of, here are some tips that will help you make this decision.
What do you need to bring to boxing classes?
Besides a great attitude and willingness to learn, you should bring a water bottle, and perhaps some healthy snacks. Check out our post about how to eat like a boxer for some tips. Many gyms have boxing gloves you can use (although they may be a bit stinky from overuse and you will probably want to buy your own someday), and you will need to get some hand wraps to protect your knuckles and hands when using the heavy bag.
Boxing shoes are also recommended. You can use your regular tennis shoes, but they are not the most appropriate, especially if you are looking to improve your footwork. Boxing shoes are thinner than regular training shoes that are more fit for running, walking or the gym. Thinner shoes will allow you to feel the ground and transfer the energy through your body for powerful punches.
What to wear to boxing class?
Whatever you feel comfortable in will work for boxing training. Remember, you will be moving around a lot and you will also be sweating within the first five minutes. Keep in mind that you will need a full range of motion so that your body works out comfortably.
For women, a sports bra is recommended since there is going to be a lot of bouncing involved in boxing. A medium or high-impact sports bra will be the best for this sport.
As for the top, you can wear anything you like. Many men like to wear a shirt or sweatshirt with the sleeves cut off so that they can move their shoulders unrestrictedly and also so that they can take the top off even if they are wearing gloves.
As for the bottom, mobility is not as crucial, as kicking does not happen in boxing. Anything that allows you to move forward, backward, laterally, up and downy will be perfect. Women can wear leggings if they want to. However, if you like to wear shorts, you may want to wear compression shorts underneath to avoid an uncomfortable situation.
Finally, for those that have long hair, a ponytail will be recommended, you do not want the hair getting on your face. Oh, and do not forget to bring a towel if you tend to sweat a lot.
Tips for your first boxing class
Apart from everything we just mentioned, here are some other tips you should consider for your first boxing class:
1. Show up 20 minutes early
Don’t be late on your first day, try to show up at least 20 minutes early so that you have enough time to sign in, wrap your hands and get your gloves on. Wrapping your hands can take a few minutes so give yourself enough time to do it.
2. Be present
Once you are in boxing class, focus on the present moment and what you are doing. You will need to remember combinations and try not to get hit. You need to pay attention and forget about all the things you have going on outside of the gym. You can worry about what to cook for dinner later.
3. Don’t be intimidated
Even if there are pros in your boxing gym, everyone started just like you at some point, so do not feel intimidated. In training, everyone is working together, and at the same time, they are fighting their own fights.
4. You don’t have to punch anyone if you don’t want to
Not all boxing classes involve sparring with another human being. You can stick to shadow boxing or bag and pad work only. You can even choose to focus on punches, footwork and defensive movements instead of real fighting sessions.
5. Use the right gear
You need to invest at least on good hand and wrist wraps and also if you can, your own pair of boxing gloves. Here are some tips about how to take care of them properly so that they last for a long time. Check out what the best boxing gloves for men 2020 are right here!
6. Have fun!
Yes, have fun! Do not stress because you are not getting the combinations right or there are some words you do not understand yet. Boxing can be therapeutic and also fun. Many people even use it as a way to meditate and release anxiety. You will also see that boxing is also a community. “There’s a silent bond that links all those who box”, Greatist says.
For me, as I had written in one of our first blogs, I basically found a second home at RSD Boxing in the San Diego area. I was desperately in search of a boxing gym that would give me the opportunity to learn and I found it there. From the owner, Alan to my friend and trainer Terry guiding me through the process, stepping into RSD Boxing was one of the best decisions of my life. For those of you in the San Diego area, GO TO RSD BOXING and try a class out with my friend Terry! You will not regret it.
What was your first boxing experience like and what tips can you give others that are considering signing up for classes? Let us know in the comments below!
