Boxing Workouts on Your MP3 Or iPod – Why They Work Better Than Boxing DVDs, and How to Get Started
An authentic boxing workout is very different from box-aerobics. In an aerobic style class/DVD you punch into the air. With a boxing workout you hit targets – punching bags or punch mitts. But you still need a routine to call the shots and push you through your workout. This article explains why an audio / Mp3 routine works better than a DVD for boxing, and gives 5 tips for getting started.
Tip 1 – Watch the target, not the screen.
If you are following a boxing workout on a TV or computer screen, there is a higher chance of miss-hitting the target. When you hit a target such as a punching bag or punch mitt you need to be focused on that target, not a screen. One reason is the safety factor. The angle of your fist against the target is critical. Anyone who has miss-hit a hook or uppercut knows what I’m talking about. Ouch.
Tip 2 – Learn the moves visually, then switch to audio.
Audio works best, but only once you have learned the moves. If I say throw a double jab, cross, hook, cross but you don’t know how to throw a proper jab or even what it looks like, it’s going to be difficult to learn that from audio only. It is possible, but only if the audio track contains very clear technique tips. So the main point is – learn your good technique from a proper boxing trainer (not a personal trainer, unless they really know boxing), or from video. Then switch to audio only.
Tip 3 – Train the Authentic way.
Find a boxing workout routine that has authentic punches and combos. In other words, not box-aerobics. If you are going to do a fitness boxing workout, you may as well learn to punch correctly. After all, someone is going to want to see your uppercut one day – so you’d better be able to look the part! Also, in my view the “beat timed” aerobics approach does not work for boxing. How can you keep a beat for a jab, cross, slip cross, hook, cross combo? Especially on the punch mitts!
Tip 4 – Take the workout with you.
One of my students, Louise, 46, and from the UK had lost a lot of weight with her class boxing workouts. She went on holidays recently and wanted to keep up the good work. She was able to load an audio boxing workout to her iPod and work out while she was away. Her partner knew how to hold punch mitts, so they packed a pair to take with them. That’s the other great thing about an audio workout – it travels well.
Tip 5 – Make sure your audio workout is compatible with your boxing equipment.
What sort of boxing equipment have you got? Punch mitts (also called focus pads)? Punching Bag? Speedbag? If your audio or DVD routine is designed to work with shadow boxing (air punching) it may not work so well on the punch mitts with a partner, which has its’ own timing, technique and safety factors. Here’s a few quick tips to match up your equipment with your delivery method for your routine.
If you are training with a partner indoors using punch mitts = use a CD based routine so you both can hear.
If you are training with a partner outdoors = use an Mp3, where one hears, then calls the shots to the other.
If you are training on a speedbag (a.k.a speedball) = normal combos like jab,cross,hook will not work.
If you are training on a punching bag by yourself = use either CD or Mp3.