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5 Mental and Physical Benefits of Boxing

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The sport of boxing is a real test of tests. When you get hit or knocked down, how do you react?

Boxing teaches people to be strong physically and mentally; how to “take a punch” and not turn and run. Fight or flight? You must fight, it’s your only option. We’ve taught you about boxing for beginners and boxing workouts at home. Now, check out these five benefits of boxing can be useful in improving your life.

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Stress Relief

Physical activity is a known stress reducer; runners experience the phenomenon of a “runner’s high” following a session, and boxing is no different. When you box, you reduce stress by hitting your zone and focusing on the technique required to throw a perfect punch. Outside stresses are put to the side when you step inside the ring and in the hours after a tough workout.

When you are doing something you enjoy that’s challenging and fulfilling, you become naturally happier. This is amplified whan participating in an activity like boxing that you can continually improve upon.

Ellen Billet of Nottingham Trent University studied the levels of phenylethylamine, a chemical found in chocolate, in 20 young men before and after exercising on a treadmill at 70 percent maximum heart-rate capacity. The men were asked to rate the exercise level they felt, and then were tested for this chemical. The level had risen around 77 percent. Why is this important? Phenylethylamine has been found to boost moods as quickly as amphetamines, but without side effects or creating a tolerance to the chemical.

Finally, boxing will get you excited about learning something new and having fun each time you go to the gym. Boxing is an intricate sport where there is always something new to learn or refine to perfect your form. This sport offers excitement whether you’re stepping into the ring for the first or hundredth time.

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Learn Humility

Boxing can be a very humbling experience. To step into a boxing gym for the first time and not know how to throw a punch takes a lot of guts by itself. To admit that you don’t know how to do something and have the courage to learn shows great humility. You will continue to build this humility as you face more experienced opponents and gain wisdom from seasoned trainers. And this boxing benefit will help you in surprising ways.

Humility is the beginning of knowledge. A poll of 55 company executives by the University of Buffalo and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee showed that bosses who exercised humility in leadership were seen as being more effective in their leadership because they appeared to be more human. According to Bradley Owens, Ph.D., assistant professor of organization and human resources at the University of Buffalo School of Management, employees with humble bosses are more engaged in their work, which in turn, causes less turnover.

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Self Assured/Improved Self Image

Your strength as a self-assured man comes from self-esteem. One of the primary benefits of boxing is that it’s one of those sports that really make you feel empowered. The sport allows you to be aware of your positive qualities and abilities, as well as recognizing your faults, mistakes and shortcomings. You will understand the need to change things and maneuver through difficult fighting situations without becoming defensive. This carries into your everyday life, your relationships and career. Self-assured means confident, not cocky. Your presence is how you are initially perceived and perception becomes reality.

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Mental Fortitude

Strength comes from overcoming resistance and adversity. In boxing, you will find resistance in your learning process, your fitness level and, of course, your opponent. It is one of the toughest sports to learn, according to an ESPN study, and you must be mentally strong to continue learning when it seems like you will never “get it.” The fitness level of a boxer is unsurpassed by most athletes and to push yourself in that manner takes strength. Once you gain enough skill to be in the ring with an opponent, that is where the real strength comes into play. Boxing teaches you how to be calm and focused on your goal in the midst of chaos. Life is chaotic and boxing will help you look it straight in the eye and say, “bring it on.”

5 Practical Ways Boxing Can Improve Your Life

Become a Better Athlete

The physical benefits of boxing will soon to come to light when you’re competing in other sports. Whether you play on a recreational level team or are a professional athlete, boxing will make you more explosive with your movements and build endurance. Boxing requires your core to work constantly. You will become faster with your hands and on your feet, and you can take those newly honed skills to every other sport you play.

Basketball player Carmelo Anthony developed an interest in boxing and uses the skills he’s developed to enhance his basketball skills. Carmelo says that boxing helps his focus, hand-eye coordination and stamina. He also says that boxing is one of the best workouts you can possibly have. Coming from one of the best basketball players in the world, you might want to take note. Boxing is the sport that can make you a better athlete in any sport.

We all want to live our lives to the fullest and boxing can help you do that. Being a happier person, reducing stress, creating great relationships, excelling at your career and becoming better at your recreational activity can all be derived from the beautiful sport we call boxing. Now hit the gym and reap the rewards of these boxing benefits.

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