Boxing Equipment

1. The sport of boxing dates back to ancient times, when the basic contest between two fighters was seen as the ultimate test of an athlete. Boxing training programs have yielded some of the strongest, most well-trained athletes in history, and the world has taken notice. Whether your training to fight or training to stay in shape, boxing requires discipline, endurance, and intensity. It also requires a strict attention to safety.

2. Handwraps are of utmost importance when your workout involves hitting of any kind. Injured wrists and knuckles are a quick way to get knocked out of commission, and can occur when training using a partner, a punching bag, or focus mitts. Most handwraps are elasticized and come in a variety of styles to fit your hands.

3. There are two distinctly different kinds of gloves - boxing gloves and boxing training gloves (or bag gloves). Boxing training gloves are smaller, and generally have a flexible place for your thumb. Sometimes they are weighted to enhance training techniques. These gloves are not allowed in competition. Boxing gloves come in different regulated sizes and weights for different levels of competition.

4. You've got the power, but you need to be sure to take it out on the correct target. Boxing heavy bags, speed bags, and punch mitts all play an important role in a boxing fitness routine. For a heavy bag, go for one that is about half your body weight. For a speed bag, consider location and ease of installation - it's going to need to be solidly mounted. The best punch mitts are lightweight and easy to remove.

5. Good boxing training requires discipline, and you need to be able to focus your energy one round at a time. A boxing timer allows you to train the same way you fight, in minute increments with a light and buzzer when the round is up. They are usually equipped with extra loud sounds and easy-to-use controls to maximize usefulness at the gym.

6. Protect, protect, protect. No matter how hard you train, any injury can immediately sideline your efforts and possibly do serious harm to yourself and others. Punch and body shields, groin protectors, and boxing headgear are essential to any home or gym training.

7. Whether your training for Mixed Martial Arts or Boxing, the number one thing you'll need is intensity. Get the right advice, get the right training partners, get the right boxing equipment, but most importantly - get going. Training as a fighter is all about you, and the results don't start until you do.