When 2020 began, probably nobody imagined that things were going to occur the way that they did. Who would have thought that we would be facing a pandemic and everyone’s lives will be turned upside down?
During the first half of the year, mostly, it seemed as if the world halted. Businesses closed, schools went into online mode, even large events, such as the Summer Olympics, were canceled. Boxing gyms were closed.
As for boxing, events finally resumed after June, but not without significant changes: No crowd, the fighters’ crew had to respect social distancing and wear facemasks. Even the traditional staredown done in the weight scales had to occur six feet apart.
An article published by Vice said that “Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who began promoting shows in 1966, when he organized Muhammad Ali’s heavyweight championship defense against George Chuvalo, said this is the most difficult challenge he’s faced in all his years in the business”.
In addition to the changes, many fighters have had to step down from fights after testing positive for Covid-19.
How to keep training during Covid-19 times?
A few months ago, we gave you some ideas for training at home, regardless if you had equipment or not. If you are still stuck in your house because of the pandemic, click on that link so you can have some ideas for workouts that you can do at home and stay in boxing shape.
An idea for you is to find a park nearby and get some training there. Some of the benefits of working outside are that you are in the open air, therefore, not at risk of contracting or spreading the virus, you have nature by your side, and there are things that you can use to your advantage.
For example, you can go running and take advantage of the elevation changes. When you go back to the flat canvas floor at the boxing gym after training in more challenging terrain, you will see improvement in your technique.
You can also strap a body protector or piece of foam to a tree and use it as a punching bag. If you have a training buddy, you can do mitt work, and you can always take your jumping rope with you.
Take a look at these circuit workouts you can do, specially designed for boxers. Circuit training is a format that will help you condition yourself physically and focus on specific skills.
They can help you with endurance, speed, or power and combine different exercises to cover many better conditioning skills. You can do circuit training outside, in a yard, or at a park. It will also help your body be prepared to maintain movement under fatigue and improve in a short timeframe.
How to stay safe if training at a boxing gym during the pandemic?
On your own, you can do everything you need to do to train as a boxer, except for sparring. Therefore, you will still need to figure out a way to train in a boxing gym. But, how can you do it with the coronavirus Covid-19 in the air?
Some rules that British fighters have used are wearing protective masks in the ring and eliminating the spit bucket between rounds, as you can read in an article published by the BBC.
Also, referees and trainers in the fighters’ corners must wear protective masks. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), when they reopened events in July, said that only a maximum of five bouts was allowed and no championship contests.
Some other rules included:
- No fans allowed in the shows
- Boxers, referees, and trainers will be transported to the venue wearing personal protective masks
- A fighter may remove their protective mask when inside the ring
- Boxers may not spit in their respective corners
- No ring announcers, ring girls, or TV cameras inside the ring
- All proposed venues must be reviewed by the BBBofC and “cleaned to a medical standard” before the event
- Only “essential” officials, promoters, and broadcasters can attend
- Individuals in high-risk categories such as pregnant women, those “seriously overweight,” or people with diabetes should not attend
- Everyone at an event must be tested for Covid-19 previously
- All boxers, trainers, and referees must be tested for Covid-19 48 hours before fight night and self-isolate at a hotel until their test result is known
If your boxing gym is open for training, perhaps you can implement some of these measures to stay safe and keep others safe too. The World Health Organization, WHO, does not recommend exercising with face masks since they can make breathing more difficult. “Additionally, sweat can make the mask wet, which impacts breathing and promotes the growth of microorganisms,” they say on their website.
Therefore, the ideal situation would be for you to keep social distance anywhere you are exercising. But what do you do about sparring? Boxing is, in the end, a combat sport where people have to be at a short distance from each other.
In India, the athletes are requested to do thorough medical check-ups. Sparring partners are put in quarantine, if needed, before training. This is in case any boxer needs to train for a match.
Tips for wearing masks while exercising or boxing
The following are tips from the World Health Organization as guidance on safe workouts with a mask:
- Keep an eye on symptoms
If you experience side effects such as dizziness, light-headedness, or shortness of breath, stop exercising. If symptoms do not resolve, remove the mask. “People with preexisting health conditions should take extra caution when exercising in a mask,” they recommend.
2. Be careful with exercise intensity
Heart rates are usually higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask. However, face masks may increase perceived effort and decreased performance.
One reason masks can feel uncomfortable during exercise is due to their effect on heart rate and perceived effort.
3. Choose the appropriate face covering
The fit and material of the face-covering can help minimize negative effects. You should avoid surgical or cotton masks in favor of cloth masks made from breathable material. Two layers of cloth will balance mask efficacy while maintaining comfort.
Face shields are another option that will also protect against droplets. The negative side of it is that since they are open at the bottom, droplets are more likely to escape.
Even though a vaccine has already been developed and is being slowly administered throughout the world, everyone needs to be as careful as possible to avoid getting sick or spreading the virus. Stay safe, take the necessary precautions, and leave your house as little as possible.
What are your comments on boxing, exercising, and Covid-19? Please leave us your opinion below!
