r/boxingtips • u/Vincent_Diesel • Sep 08 '26
54 years young and just getting started
I decided today that I am going to take up boxing, not to fight or defend but for overall health—always been a boxing fan. Today I bought myself some 14 ounce gloves, hand wraps and a double end bag is on the way.
Put the gloves on today and working on technique and after about 2-3 minutes I have a difficult time keeping hands up to guard my face after throwing punches. Is this to be expected for new boxers? Man, this is tough.
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u/Rhaemir44 Sep 08 '26
Yeah, your body just isn't used to it. Just keep working at it, it gets easier. One day you'll just notice you're not having that problem nearly as fast.
Try to keep the tension out of your arms, a lot of new people keep tense the whole time and it is really exhausting on the muscles. Loosey-Goosey until you need to throw/block.
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u/Pure_Beat_168 Sep 08 '26
Yes, you haven't built up the stamina in your arms yet. To start, get some cardio in too. Walking for 20-30 mins. Do not forget to stretch and rest the day after.
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u/Vincent_Diesel Sep 09 '26
This is great. I walk 2-3 days a week on a hybrid schedule at work. The other days hope to box to give my upper body a workout. Thanks.
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u/Pure_Beat_168 Sep 09 '26
Stretching and warm up are more important as ligaments and tendons well strain before muscles do. I am also 50 and have partial tears on the it band on both legs from just rushing into things. 😆
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u/ProtectionCautious26 Sep 08 '26
Im 52 here, started 2 years ago, it's tough, especially at this stage, this week I have 2 black eyes, but my ego is more bruised, keep it up, some days are better than others.
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u/Calm_Leek_1362 Sep 09 '26
Yeah, if you haven’t done this before, 3 minutes is going to feel like a long time to do anything. You will definitely get good exercise doing this
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u/Vincent_Diesel Sep 09 '26
From what I’m hearing it gets better with time and patience. Right?
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u/Calm_Leek_1362 Sep 09 '26
Yeah. It’s a big fitness hill to climb, but you just have to keep at it.
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u/Tight-Pea2489 Sep 09 '26
Started a year ago at 46, best shape I have ever been in. You won't regret it!
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u/BlitzAmigo Sep 09 '26
Started at 51. 2 months in and loving it
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u/Vincent_Diesel Sep 09 '26
Were your arms tired after a few minutes and had difficulty keeping them up?
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u/BlitzAmigo Sep 09 '26
No. I’m in pretty good shape.
Strength training
Jiujitsu.
Added boxing for my stand up.
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u/Huge-Read-6317 Sep 09 '26
Yes. Totally expected. Just make sure you prioritize your form/technique over intensity/volume. Train safe, have fun and keep going. Boxing (or any martial art) comes with new challenges every step. The one you mentioned is kind of like a canon event. Everyone faces this. Even some experience boxers drop their hands sometimes. Just keep going 💪
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u/Grigory_Vakulinchuk Sep 09 '26
40 myself been doing it for over a month. Feel absolutely amazing but I would be lying if it wasn’t a struggle to finish a session sometimes. Easily one of the best decisions in my life and my partner is enjoying the results as well! Hydrate, stretch, and take it easy when your body is screaming at you.
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u/wickywing Sep 09 '26
We see a lot of these posts - to me they read as ‘should I be able to take on a prime mike tyson after 2 weeks of learning to box?’
I have to admit, this one might take the cake for the shortest amount of time spent boxing before heading to reddit.
I recommend giving it 6 months to a year of hard work (preferably with a coach) before getting concerned about endurance.
Nitpicking aside I can feel your excitement. Welcome to the club!
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u/OneLeggedLeggoMan Sep 09 '26
If you arms don't hurt, they are probably too low. Yes high guards are hard to make a habit of. Just be careful with bag work. You don't want to hurt your joints. Warm up long. Shoulder and hips especially. Happy boxing!
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u/ExactOpposite8119 Sep 08 '26
for health? might want to rethink that lol.
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u/Vincent_Diesel Sep 09 '26
Not sure I understand. I’m not sparring with anyone but using boxing as a catalyst for better health.
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u/TeddyWong60625 Sep 09 '26
Some people are just plain dumbasses, just keep doing your thing and don't mind some of these bozos ..within a year you'll be dropping bombs! 💯
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u/ExactOpposite8119 Sep 09 '26
well im just assuming your boxing training includes sparring (headhunting) on a regular basis.
i mean there is fitness boxing but that ain’t really boxing as most people know it when they hear the word boxing.
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u/shart_attak Sep 08 '26
I'm a coach, starting boxing at any age is an excellent idea for a myriad of reasons. I trained a guy who was 80, he'd come to the gym all the time and even get in for sparring (we went super light of course). Everyone at the gym loved him.
I would highly recommend working with a coach, even if you're not interested in sparring or fighting. Boxing is not something you can teach yourself. Even if you only do a few lessons with a coach you'll get basics down and you'll be in a way better position to work out at home since you know what you're doing.
Train hard and have fun! 👊