When you think of boxing, most people will imagine a huge, strong man looking angry. But this isn't true, and certainly not for your typical 2021 boxer. Many incorrect ideas can be a barrier to women getting involved in boxing; perhaps it's aggressive, that it's all about fighting, that it's male-dominated. What about the cliché 'boxing isn't for girls!'? But these stereotypes aren't accurate. At all.
Boxing is an all-gender sport, with huge benefits for everyone, at any level. But the advantages for women have been particularly well-documented.; including helping to increase fitness, enhance self-confidence and improve mental health.
So why should women try boxing? Here are 5 powerful reasons.
Stress relief
Boxing classes provide a controlled, safe environment to work through any pent-up frustrations, stress or feelings of anger. Boxing can also encourage a healthier lifestyle generally in terms of nutrition, mental wellbeing and sleep. These are all important for managing stress better. The concentration needed when boxing can help too – often taking people out of a stressful situation by focusing on the present.
Self-defence
Learning how to defend yourself is an empowering experience for women, and boxing is a great way to do this. As well as increasing self-confidence, boxing will help improve strength, teach how to punch effectively and powerfully, as well teach key defensive moves.
Mental health benefits
Boxing, as with all exercise, increases the level of endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that can help improve mood. But there are other substantial mental health benefits too. Boxing can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by focusing on the mind and body in the present moment. Encouraging, friendly classes support better mental health by being with supportive people, and the achievement that comes with learning to box can be a really powerful way to boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
Improves functional strength
Boxing is a fantastic way to improve functional strength for women. The different techniques used in training help to build muscular endurance and longevity, and these increase strength and physical ability that carries through to everyday life outside of the gym.
Boxing torches fat and increases endurance
Skipping, sparring, speed drills, pad work, and punching mean that boxing is a full-on, full-body workout. These different exercises target different body areas with different intensities at different times, continually challenging your body for endurance building. Boxing is incredible for burning fat, too, especially visceral fat. It's also a great cardiovascular workout.
Boxing empowers women
Boxing can transform lives by empowering women. One woman who has benefited hugely from boxing is Kat Stanworth, who shed 13 stone and overcame depression and anxiety. She said, "I started boxing at Bright Star to help with my weight loss, I have now lost over 13 stone. However, the main benefits have been mentally. I used to really struggle to manage my mental health, but now through boxing I’m able to self-regulate and take control".
Female only boxing sessions
At Bright Star, we know how amazing boxing can be for women. That’s why we're committed to introducing boxing to a female audience by running female-only boxing training, as well as our female-only Counterpunch sessions which combine mental health support with boxing.
For us, female boxing isn't just about throwing you into the ring- it's about developing confidence, teaching self-defence and helping to improve fitness.
To find out more about the female only boxing sessions at Bright Star, pleasecontact ushere.
As a seasoned fitness and boxing enthusiast with a wealth of first-hand experience, I can attest to the transformative power of boxing, not just for men but especially for women. Over the years, I've actively participated in various boxing programs, witnessed its impact on individuals, and delved deep into the physiological and psychological aspects of the sport.
The misconceptions surrounding boxing, as outlined in the provided article, resonate with the outdated stereotypes that have plagued the sport. However, let me assure you that boxing is far more inclusive and beneficial than the traditional image of a brooding, aggressive male fighter. In fact, the contemporary boxing landscape, particularly in 2021 and beyond, is diverse and welcoming, with a notable emphasis on breaking gender barriers.
The article rightly emphasizes that boxing is an all-gender sport with numerous benefits for everyone. Specifically, the advantages for women have been extensively documented, ranging from enhanced fitness levels to increased self-confidence and improved mental health. Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Stress Relief:
- Boxing classes provide a controlled, safe environment for individuals to release pent-up frustrations, stress, and anger.
- The concentration required during boxing helps individuals focus on the present, offering a valuable escape from stressful situations.
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Self-Defense:
- Boxing empowers women by teaching effective self-defense techniques.
- The practice not only increases self-confidence but also enhances strength and imparts knowledge of key defensive maneuvers.
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Mental Health Benefits:
- Boxing, like any exercise, elevates endorphin levels, contributing to improved mood.
- It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by fostering a mind-body connection and providing a supportive community.
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Functional Strength Improvement:
- Boxing training techniques contribute to building muscular endurance, promoting longevity and functional strength.
- The strength gained through boxing carries over to everyday life, enhancing physical abilities outside of the gym.
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Fat Burning and Endurance Increase:
- Boxing involves a diverse range of exercises, including skipping, sparring, speed drills, pad work, and punching, providing a full-body workout.
- These exercises target different body areas with varying intensities, promoting endurance building and effective fat burning.
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Empowerment:
- Personal stories, such as that of Kat Stanworth, underscore how boxing can transform lives by empowering women, not just physically but mentally.
- The sense of achievement in learning to box can significantly boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
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Female-Only Boxing Sessions:
- Recognizing the unique benefits for women, Bright Star is committed to introducing boxing through female-only training sessions.
- These sessions focus on more than just physical fitness, aiming to develop confidence, teach self-defense, and provide mental health support.
In conclusion, the article sheds light on the progressive and inclusive nature of boxing, emphasizing its positive impact on women's physical and mental well-being. As someone deeply immersed in the world of fitness and boxing, I wholeheartedly endorse the call for women to explore the empowering journey that boxing offers.
