How To Get Into… Boxing, According To One Of Coventry’s Top Personal Trainers

In the second part of Lifestyle fitness series, How to get into…, We meet one of Coventrys top female Boxing trainers and personal Trainers Kara Lees for no-nonsense advice about the world of boxing. As one of a crack team of PTs at boxing at Furioso Fight Centre in Coventry, it’s fair to say after 15 competitive bouts Lees is something of a boxing expert. While boxing might seem intimidating in the first instance – after all, you are going to be packing some punches – but it can be life-changing from a wellness perspective.

What are the biggest benefits of boxing for women?

“Boxing will teach you some serious lessons in self-discipline and mental discipline,” explains Lees. On top of this, it’s a brilliant conditioning workout. Boxing drills will get your heart pounding for some cardio, kicks and punches will build strength, and learning sequences will hugely benefit agility and hand-eye coordination. “It’s great for stress relief, too,” adds Lees. “I have seen women from all backgrounds literally go through transformations both physically and mentally due to boxing – it’s a game-changer.”

What should a good boxing class consist of?

Whatever type of class you go to – and however close or far it is from classic boxing – the quality of coaching is key. “Boxing is, underneath it all, a combat art,” says Lees. “As such, it’s the teaching that makes it – it’s a lot more than just punching a bag or some pads.” Good classes should always incorporate boxing skills, and the sign of a good teacher is that they’ll have the expertise to teach these skills.

How many times a week is a good amount to box? Should it be mixed with other training?

“There are different facets to boxing training,” says Lees. “Skill and technique, conditioning, bag and pad work and for the more advanced, sparring. This in itself creates a broad training exposure, which is great as you can work different facets of your profile over the course of a week timeframe.” So, if your classes are varied enough, you’ll be getting a very balanced workout programme from boxing alone. “With this in mind you could work multiple skills in one session once or twice a week, or you could just focus on one facet of boxing in each session, and vary them each day.”

I’ve never done boxing before! What kind of class should I look for?

Boxing has a lot to do with confidence, and building that early confidence is crucial. “If you’re a complete newbie, invest in some one-to-one sessions with a specialist coach,” explains Lees. “That way, you can learn the basics and integrate them into the class environment ongoing.” Once your foundation is in place, the capital is your oyster for boxing classes. Furioso Fight Centre in Coventry offer Boxing Skills classes, which are a great place to start. “Look for a class that doesn’t just make you go hell for leather against a big bag,” says Lees. “Skills work is really important, too.”

The 3 need-to-knows for first-time boxers

  1. 1

    If you want to take part in classes on a regular basis, have a few one-on-one sessions early on. They will be a great investment!
  2. 2

    Slowly increase volume over time. Don’t start with 4 classes a week: allow your body to adapt and reduce the chance of injury!
  3. 3

    Learn how to wrap your hands properly. This is a vital skill whether you are just planning to box in a class environment or one on one.
About the author : Robbie Owen

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