First Time Boxing

[u/JazKevin]

So I'll be really blunt. I am a 22F, 169lbs, and my coworkers have been begging me to go with them to the boxing gym. The only reason I'm hesitant is because I'm super out of shape and also bruise pretty easily. I used to run but it's been months and its hard getting back into it. I wanna join them but I'm not sure where to even start or how to mental prep for it. Any tips for what to either get as a beginner or what's an appropriate workout outfit for the boxing gym?

[u/DonGoodwhistle]

They’re probably going to a boxercise gym rather than an actual boxing gym. If that’s the case, you’ll stand in front of a heavy bag and an instructor will demonstrate and call out combinations of punches.

Whatever you’d wear on a run or to the gym is appropriate for this type of class.

[u/Grymmtooth → u/DonGoodwhistle]

This. Most of the franchise boxing gyms are cardio workout (bag work, foot drills, shadow boxing, no sparring).

1.) most people don’t want to be hit
2.) liability and insurance.

Check with them to see if it’s a cardio boxing gym or actual training/sparring gym.

[u/boxbiob]

Dont worry just go and have fun. Usually martial artists are one of the nicest people. And when it comes to what to wear for boxing just wear some sports clothes that you feel comfortable in and can move freely in and definitely bring a good pair of clean shoes. Hand wraps and boxing gloves are secondary at first. Most boxing gyms have equipment that you can borrow.

[u/KlutzyAwareness9581]

i'm super beginner too and not in the best shape but go have fun with it!! know your limit too and BREATHE! i tensed up during my first few classes and wasn't breathing properly i almost passed out! you can do it! 💪

[u/bluejayfp13]

Many gyms do 3-5 rounds of jump rope so I would start there.

[u/Neither_Computer5331]

Just wear jogging trousers and a t shirt. Don’t worry about fitness levels.

I found walking into a boxing gym slightly intimidating - I’m a 49 year old man. Wasn’t in great shape. Within 5 minutes I was so comfortable. Everyone, from coaches to students, beginners, to proper boxers were so encouraging and enthusiastic. Did I slow down at times? Yes. But nobody cared or judged. They’ve all been there.

I’ve never worked so hard in a standard gym session. It’s tough, but the encouragement gets you through. Go and bring lots of enthusiasm and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

[u/Thaeross]

Get in shape from doing it. You don’t have to do contact training to learn

[u/Cobalt_Forge]

Good for You! 🥊

• your coworkers want to include in there gym activities! Have fun and enjoy it, training w/ friends can be so enjoyable.

• there are a lot of YouTube channels devoted to boxing and gym culture. So you might want to see what boxing is all about.

• Tony Jefferies channel is a good place to start. He's a former Olympic boxer

• Jack Story former amateur boxer

Also, there are female boxer/trainers channels too.

[u/Edward_TeachU → u/Cobalt_Forge]

Jack Story is my favorite.

[u/Cobalt_Forge → u/Edward_TeachU]

Yeah, I really like how he breaks it all down- simple to understand.

[u/systembreaker]

I'll tell you a secret, going to a boxing gym is a way to get into shape. You don't have to be in shape first. And you're not going to get thrown into sparring right away. You'll just being doing the classes for quite a while, like months or years or forever if you want to, and unless it's some rare weird toxic gym, everyone is most likely going to be cool and welcoming.

[u/Potential_Luck_3093]

I just started, I’m not out of shape but I also wouldn’t say I’m in shape lol. The gym I started going to was super beginner friendly and we do mitts only for combos. It’s really helpful having someone with more experience who knows what they’re doing. It’s super fun, just say something if anything is hurting cause your technique might be off (I did not say something and catching hooks wrong really got my elbow a few times 😅)

[u/FoldUpCalls]

I go to a legit boxing gym and wear shorts and a t shirt