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Why Boxing Is the Workout You Didn't Know You Needed

If you’re wanting a great all-body workout, which also burns a lot of calories, then boxing may be just what you’re looking for. In recent years, boxing has become increasingly popular as a fitness activity (so you can get the workout without taking a punch) and it can get you into great shape.

There are a number of health benefits associated with boxing, including the fact that it’s a combination of resistance training and cardio workout. According to Shape, when you do boxing you will work on every muscle, but also learn to improve your balance and strength, and boost your reaction times, coordination and agility. Livestrong reports that boxing provides a good full-body workout and when training your routine will include an intense cardiovascular workout, as well as weights and bag drills that will help build muscle and strength.

Another major benefit of boxing is that you burn a lot of calories, and according to FitFluential, the 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, found that the average adult male will burn around 700 to 1500 calories per hour.

Boxing can also help you in real-life defense situations, and according to Irish Examiner, many females take up the activity to feel more confident.

If you hate your job, had a really bad day, or an ugly fight with your partner, then boxing could be just what you need to help with stress. Punching the punching bag can release a lot of tension, and it could be just what you need to rid yourself of frustration.

Another mental health benefit, as reported by the Irish Examiner, is mindfulness, and boxing is a way to calm the mind and just switch off from the problems of everyday life. Not only this, but there will also be a release of endorphins, as Olu Adepitan, head of fitness at BXR London, told the publication that boxing has been proven to have a positive effect on anxiety and depression.

[Image via iStock/Getty]

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