Getting Started
Want to try boxing to see it its for you? Need some info on the basics?
We're here to help.
First, find a boxing gym and a trainer. Here's a list of NYC boxing gyms to help you. A boxing gym will usually provide most of the equipment that you'll need. A trainer will carefully guide you in building up your skills and push you to build up your stamina. Its possible to start off on your own but you'll improve faster with better skills with a trainer. If there is no boxing gym near you, check out the health clubs in the area as many clubs now offer boxing style exercise classes. These classes can get you started on your conditioning but you probably won't get the technical training you need.
A boxing gym will usually have all the equipment you'll need. Wear flat soled sneakers with lightweight loose fitting clothes and be prepared to sweat. Some gyms will provide gloves and handwraps but likely those will be the first items you'll want to purchase. Ask your trainer for guidance and check out our equipment page. If you start to spar in the ring, you'll need head gear and a mouth guard.
- I've never heard of girls boxing. Are there really female boxers?
- Yes, there really are women boxers. The goal of this website is to introduce the sport of boxing to younger girls. If they enjoy the challenge of the sport, girls will start on the path of a healthy, fit life. If girls want to compete in the sport, this website offers information about amateur, Olympic and professional competitions. Although the Olympic committee did not approve female boxing for the 2008 Olympics, we're hoping they will approve it for 2012. There are many women around the world who are devoted to their boxing training and all its benefits.
- What are the benefits of boxing?
- The adrenalin rush and the satisfaction of meeting a tough physical challenge creates devoted fans of the sport. You increase your physical stamina and endurance, improve your conditioning, lose weight, slim down, sculpt muscles, gain a flatter stomach and increase your muscle strength. You'll see an increase your self-confidence, have a better self-image and have pride in yourself for meeting the physical challenge. Successful boxers know that they have the discipline and focus to tackle what might appear to be an impossible task. That confidence changes their outlook on the other parts of their life. The stress relief and chance to work out anger or aggression on a punching bags also provides a great release for many boxers.
- I've heard that boxing is a great workout but I don't want to get hit. Should I still try it?
- Yes. Start with the basic boxing training. Actually throwing punches at an opponent is called sparring. It will take you quite a while till you're in good enough shape to even be considered for sparring. Talk to your trainer about how you feel regarding full contact boxing. Many trainers will have to be convinced that you really want to get into the ring before they let a girl get in the ring.
- Is boxing safe? What type of injuries could happen?
- Boxing is safe in part because of the intense training required before you get anywhere close to contact in a ring. The strength training required helps build up your muscles which protect your bones. The skills training you receive teaches you positioning for your best protection. You always wear head gear and a mouth guard in the ring, at least until you turn pro, and remember that both fighters wear thick padded gloves. The head gear covers most of your head and the only likely injury you might get could be a bloody nose. Even that injury is unusual and many serious boxers will train for years without that happening. The percentage of boxers injured in amateur boxing varies by study, but the percentage of athletes injured in basketball, softball, volleyball, gymnastics and equestrian sports all top boxing injuries by a wide margin.
- If this site is focused on girls, why do you have coverage of men's boxing?
- We believe that girls should strive to be the best and we don't believe there should be any lesser standard in skills or conditioning for girls. For this reason, girls need to see the best fighters in the world so they have a goal to strive towards. We're not advocating for mixed matches (men vs. women). However, every person improves their skills when they get to see and workout with a better boxer.
|
Youth News
Life lessons in the boxing ring
Local boxing gym gives abused, neglected kids a positive alternative
Gym Where Kids Straighten Out Their Lives
When other fighters call her pretty, they learn to duck (NY)
More Girls are Picking Fights in the Boxing Ring
Albuquerque girls jump into the ring
BBC News: Boxing future for Indian Women
Girls Get in the Ring [Honolulu]
Parents hiring trainers to get their kids into shape
Hitting the speed bag between hitting the textbooks
Youth Programs
GGE Boxing - Brooklyn, NY
[Submit your program to us for inclusion here]
Other Resources
PBS Kids Review of the Sport of Boxing
|
