How to Choose The Right Boxing Camp
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Boxing has been one of the world’s most popular forms of sports and martial arts for decades. Hence, it’s no surprise that there’s an abundance of gyms that offer boxing training in every major city around the globe. With so many options to consider, it can be a daunting challenge to whittle down a short list of choices on your own. But fret not – we are here to help!
Whether you want to fight like Rocky and wish to take part in boxing competitions, or you simply want to stay fit, we want to provide you with useful insights that will help you find a boxing gym that best suits your needs and preferences.
In this post, we are sharing a list of the top five factors that you ought to look out for and carefully consider before making your selection. Here we go!
1. Training Group Size
Image credit: Saigon Sports Club
The size of the training group is especially relevant for beginner-level boxers. If you happen to be just starting out in boxing, Meaghan recommends for you to really look into the gym’s trainer and student ratio.
Similar to what you would find with conventional schools and educational institutions, it’s important to keep in mind that you would typically get more personalized attention, instruction, and supervision. When the group is relatively small, compared to if you were to sign up with a larger-sized training group.
Regardless of your training level, she strongly advises staying away from establishments where there are so many trainees that the instructor has little chance to keep an eye on each and every individual’s forms and techniques during training sessions.
Remember that boxing is a ‘brutal’ sport that emphasizes hitting and not getting hit, so it’s imperative to have a trainer who is able to keep an eye on you. Improper execution of boxing moves could definitely lead to an increased risk of serious injuries.
2. Trainer Requirements
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Having a great coach to train you is one of the most important factors you should be paying close attention to when it comes to selecting a boxing gym. According to CommandoBoxing.com, your trainer should have a recognized certification to teach boxing in your area.
This certification would at least provide you with the reassurance that they have legitimate skills and knowledge to be able to teach you the fundamentals of boxing.
Whether your goal is to increase your level of fitness, prepare for amateur competition, or to fight professionally, the rule of thumb is that the trainer should also be able to tailor your workout depending on your goals & abilities and be able to break down the details of proper boxing techniques in a way that you would understand and implement it well.
It’s also important that you gauge the personality of the trainer you will be learning from. Ideally, he/ she should be a coach who is able to both push and encourage you to improve with each session.
Do take notes of the number of trainers that the gym has: the more available trainers they have, the better. To gain a clear understanding as to how each trainer will be teaching you, take the time to watch a couple of sparring sessions and see how the trainers coach their current students.
3. Class Atmosphere
Image credit: The Club by George Foreman
If you already started looking into boxing gym options, you probably noticed that all gyms are different - whether we’re talking about their decor, ‘vibe’, philosophies, and/or the methods they use to teach trainees.
Some people may prefer gyms that are trendy and sleek; while some would opt for the old-school and ‘gritty’ options. When it comes to atmosphere, Meaghan recommends that you evaluate your choices based on your own needs and preferences.
Before making a snap judgment, we suggest that you take the time to ask around about the gyms you’re looking into. If you don’t have anyone within your network that you can get a direct reference from, seek out and carefully read as many reviews about the gym as possible before trying it out.
This way, you get an overview as to what to look out for when you do decide to give it a test run. When you have a list of a couple of gyms to consider, don’t be tempted to settle with the first one you walk into. It’s crucial to find a place where you would feel most comfortable and confident when you train. So, take your time to find the right gym - do not feel pressured to make a quick decision.
If you happen to be thinking of going for a boxing training camp out of town or overseas, where you wouldn’t necessarily get a chance to give each gym a trial session or two, we recommend for you spend even more time doing your ‘homework’ and read what others who have experienced the camp have said about it on the web.
From there, you can create a list of pros and cons that will help you narrow down your selection. You can always make calls to the gyms you’re considering and speak directly with the gym’s owner, representative, or instructor.
Once you have them on the phone, we encourage you to ask as many questions as possible. Don’t worry about being too inquisitive and obtain as much information as necessary – as they say, “it’s better to be safe than sorry”.
4. Equipment
Image credit: Church Street Boxing Gym via MikeTysonLive.com
The equipment found at each gym usually depends on the type of gym (local sports club, pure boxing gym, etc.) and the fitness programs it offers. When sizing up the types and quality of equipment, Meaghan insists that you tailor it to your own fitness/ training program too.
Aside from the traditional boxing and kickboxing equipment, she ideally would look out for boxing gyms that would also have an area for strength training and stretching. Any successful fitness program needs to be comprehensive and holistic - meaning in addition to the amazing strength and cardio from boxing, it's ideal to also have the opportunity to round out your workout with some weights and stretching.
That said, a high-quality boxing gym should at least have the following basic equipment:
- Heavy bags
- Speed bags
- Double-end bags
- Ring
- Timer
- Free Weights
5. Price
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Like everything else, the price can be a determining factor when deciding on a boxing gym. Depending on the type and quality of gyms that you are looking into, prices can vary greatly. If you’re new to boxing, signing up for a pure boxing gym may not be necessary.
Instead, you can start by signing up for a boxing fitness class at a local sports club to ‘test’ your interest in boxing. When it comes to pure boxing gyms, in addition to the quality of equipment, prices usually depend on the level of skill of the trainers as well as their experience.
In any case, we recommend you take advantage of trial periods that some gyms offer - or get a day/week pass if they do not. These passes would allow you to have the experience of being a member without having to sign up for a membership.
Carefully weigh out the fees with what you will be getting (expertise of trainers, equipment, atmosphere, etc.) to determine whether the membership would be ‘worth’ it. Before signing a contract, be sure to read the fine print and inquire about any new student specials.
If you prefer to test out the gym for a longer period of time, Meaghan suggests asking whether they have discounted packages for visitors - it really never hurts to ask!
We hope the points mentioned above will help you to choose the right boxing camp with more ease and confidence. Once you made your choice, to reduce the risk of beginner ‘shock’, we recommend for you to do your due diligence and do what you can to prepare for your first training.
As boxing workouts can often be incredibly demanding, Meaghan highly suggests that beginners mentally and physically prepare for intensity ahead. For her, that means ensuring that you are properly fueled and hydrated and that you are not currently healing from any injuries.
When it comes to what to bring to your first class, in addition to bringing your own water bottle as well as wraps and gloves, we strongly advise bringing your passion with you. No matter what gym you decide to choose, at the end of the day, it’s your passion that will aid you most in becoming a truly great boxer!
Once you choose your ideal boxing camp, you may be interested in these seven tips to build stamina and be well-prepared for your camp:
1. Jumping Rope
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Jumping rope is a great cardio exercise that gets your heart pumping and helps increase your oxygen intake. It also helps build endurance in your breathing and in your legs, while helping to improve coordination and balance.
Jumping rope is also a lot of fun, and it helps keep your mind sharp. If you want to get in perfect fighting shape, skipping rope will help you learn how to relax while still performing difficult footwork maneuvers. As a cardio workout, it is a lot more challenging and effective than running.
Start by skipping lightly for 15 minutes, and then increase the pace for thirty seconds. There are many skipping techniques, and you can make the training harder by alternating your legs. You can also try double-unders, which involve passing the rope twice under your feet in a single jump.
2. Heavy Bag Workout
If you have access to the gym, you should take advantage of their heavy-bag workout equipment. Set up boxing rounds that vary in strength and speed, and hit the heavy bag for at least ten minutes. Take a one-minute rest and start again.
Another heavy bag workout routine involves hitting fast during the last thirty seconds. Start at a steady pace, and set an alarm that indicates when you have 30 seconds left to the end of your workout. At this point, start punching the heavy bag non-stop with straight and fast punches.
The purpose is to move your hands and feet very fast during these last 30 seconds. Focus on speed, and aim your punches at eye level. This exercise routine will quickly improve your arm endurance and cardio.
Hitting a heavy bag helps to improve your cardio while working on your upper body flexibility and muscle groups. Make sure you are within a good range of the heavy bag, as extending your arms when punching can damage your joints.
3. Punch a Speed Bag
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This equipment you can find in most boxing gyms, or you can get one for your own home gym. Working the speed bag helps increase arm endurance and stamina. On your workout days, aim to do at least three hitting rounds.
The focus here is not on speed, so don't get carried away. Hit slowly but steadily without any breaks, as this makes a bigger difference.
4. Focus On Gloves
Get a partner or a trainer to spar with for this endurance routine. The partner wears focus gloves to provide you with a target to hit. Sparring for several minutes helps build your arm endurance and enhance your boxing skills, while the focus gloves improve flexibility and speed.
5. Interval Running
Running can help you improve your overall stamina. It also helps increase endurance in your legs and breathing. To get the most out of this training exercise, look for an open place outside, preferably at a park where the air is clear.
Start by jogging at a steady pace for about two minutes. Increase your speed for about thirty seconds. Repeat the interval training for about 20 minutes.
7. Cardio Moves
Cardio exercises such as the mountain climber, fast feet, and heel tap can help build stamina. For the mountain climber routine, start in a high plank position with your wrists under your shoulders. Bring your knee towards your chest, almost like you are doing a high knee but in a horizontal position. Alternate your legs.
For the fast feet routine, start while standing with your feet about hip-width apart. Ensure your fists are at your jaw in guard. Bend your knees slightly, and shift your weight back and forth between each foot. Stay on the balls of your feet for increased speed and agility. Keep your upper body as still as possible. The quicker you move, the harder it is.
For the heel tap, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend your right knee to bring your right heel towards your butt. Switch legs to do the same with your left foot. Alternate as quickly as possible to get your heart rate up. Reach your fingertips back to touch the heel each time. The idea is to bring your heel as close as possible to your butt to strengthen and stretch your hamstrings.
Conclusion
To enjoy increased stamina and endurance while boxing, make sure you try out these training techniques at least three times a week.
The training requires a lot of effort and dedication, and know that every boxing professional had to put in the work in order to build and maintain their formidable strength and stamina!
Ready to hone your skills but are unwilling to burn a deep hole in your wallet? Why not opt for a budget martial arts training camp?