This blog makes a big deal about exercise and getting fit. Not only is exercise vitally important for the body, it is also great for the brain. I think one of the best sports to do for exercise is boxing. A panel of experts ranked boxing as the sport requiring the most athleticism. However, don’t let that scare you. Boxing is something you can get really good at with time and effort. And for some people, boxing is primarily used as a tool to work out, and nothing more.
Why Train Boxing?
I have been boxing for over a year now and I can say it has done a tremendous amount of good for me. Along with building great endurance, it has built a lot of upper body muscles from the drills we do. But more than that, it has improved my hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness; boxing has made me better at all the other sports I play. But I think the most important thing boxing has done for me is it has built mental toughness and adversity. Although you don’t have to spar when you train at a boxing gym, sparring is highly encouraged as it simulates what a real boxing match (or fight) is like. Before boxing, I was fearful of getting hit, especially in the face. But by sparring, I am able to take the pain of being hit, and take being hit without flinching. That in essence is the most valuable thing you can learn from boxing—being mentally tough and calm in the face of physical adversity. The mental toughness built by training how to box is more beneficial than any of the physical benefits I have gotten from boxing.
What You Need to Get Started Boxing
Getting started boxing doesn’t have to be expensive. You don’t need fancy equipment, but here are the few basics you do need to get started:
Boxing Gloves
- Country of origin: China
- The package height of the product is 5.35 inches
- The package length of the product is 14.05 inches
This is the most essential thing you can have for boxing class. Do not get bag gloves. Bag gloves are for punching the bag, but not really good for anything else. Instead you should get training gloves. Training gloves are great for bag work, mitt work, and live sparring. Training gloves usually range from 10oz to 16oz. Here is a boxing glove size guide according to your weight:
| Your Weight | Glove Weight |
| 175 lbs or heavier | 16 oz |
| 147 lbs to 175 lbs | 14 oz |
| 147 lbs or lighter | 12 oz |
| Youth ages 6-12, 147 lbs or lighter | 8 oz |
With that said, you should be wearing 16oz gloves when sparring, regardless of your weight.
For gloves, I use both Everlast and Title. Everlast is cheap whereas Title is durable.
Pro Tip: Be sure to air out your gloves after each use. It will smell really bad if you don’t.
Boxing Hand Wraps
- 1 Package/Set contains (2) hand wraps one for each hand 180 inches long. Just What You Need: When...
- Tested by Pros, Created For You: From pro boxers like NABO Champion Mike Lee, to MMA Legends like...
- Hitting The Sweet Spot: Your boxing hand wrapping style is personal, so we measured our wraps at 180...
Hand wraps are important to your the safety of your wrists. They keep your wrists from spraining, or worse, breaking. For hand wraps, I use the Everlast Evergel hand wraps—primarily because I don’t have to wrap them. Just slip them on and you’re good to go.
Sparring Head Gear
- Speed bag made of rugged and resilient Everhide
- Cheek protectors provide optimal safety and excellent visibility
- Adustable chin strap for secure fit
Head gear is essential if you are doing live sparring. Everlast makes some decent head gear for a good price.
Mouth Guard
- AERO MOUTHGUARD - Designed with athletes in mind, SISU Aero starts flat and is custom-molded to the...
- MORE PROTECTION - The Aero is made from a high-tech thermoplastic material that is 30% stronger and...
- STILL LESS MOUTHGUARD - Featuring a super-slim, ultra-light design, the Aero is 50% thinner than...
The mouth guard is the last essential piece of equipment you need in order to start boxing. Even if you are not sparring, you should get a mouth guard even when you are doing drills, especially if you are drilling with a beginner; their punches not to be as accurate. Shock Doctor makes some decent mouth guards. Be sure to get a mouth guard case too while you are at it.
Boxing Equipment for Your Home
If you are really serious about getting into boxing and want to practice at home, here are a couple more things you can buy:
Punch Mitts
- Confused about which boxing punch mitts to buy? Spend less time searching and more time training....
- The Perfect Fit: Don’t spend months breaking in your boxing pads. Sananbul essential punch mitts...
- Feel the Impact, Not the Pain: Our focus pads are infused with Santec Ultra Light Foam so you can...
Punch mitts are an excellent tool to work on your punching speed and accuracy. There are some great drills you can do with them—search on Youtube, you will find plenty. Title has some really nice punch mitts that will last awhile.
Boxing Body Protector
- The Contender Fight Sports Heavy Hitter Body Protector allows the coach to seamlessly incorporate...
- Made of durable and easy to clean synthetic leather and heavy nylon straps with quick-release...
- This training chest shield and rib guard has dense shock-absorbing foam protection built to uphold...
Every beginner in boxing tries to go for the face, without fail. But a shot to the body is just as dangerous. That is what a boxing body protector is for. Boxing body protectors are excellent tools for working on body shots. However, the drawback is that you have to have someone who is willing to wear the body protector and take the body shots. If you are interested, Title or Contender has some great options.
Heavy Bag
- Kit includes 70-Pound heavy bag, heavy bag gloves, 108-Inch hand wraps and bungee cord
- Heavy bag stuffed with a custom filling of natural and synthetic fibers blended with sifted sand
- Heavy Bag gloves and wraps for protecting your hands against the abrasion of the bag
A heavy bag is nice to have at home if you want to practice outside of the gym. You do not need anyone to drill or practice. All you need is you, your gloves, and your heavy bag. Heavy bag practice is an important component of getting better at boxing. It is better to get a heavier heavy bag than a light one as a light one can swing a bit too much once your punches pack more power. Everlast has some nice and cheap options for heavy bags.
Last update on 2023-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I would have to agree with you on the mental benefits of boxing outweighing the physical. Sure, boxing will get your body into the best shape you’ve ever been in, but that change is temporary and you’ll lose it if you don’t keep at it. Whereas once you challenge yourself in the ring – whether in an actual fight or sparring – the benefits last a lifetime.
Thanks for the comment Jamie. Nice site. I’ve linked to it :). Have a good day.
Hi Tri,
Thanks very much for the link. Really appreciated!
Jamie