Female boxing has grown in popularity in recent years (more than two million people tuned in to watch the Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall fight at The O2 in October 2022). But even if you never set foot in the ring, it’s a great idea to include some boxing moves in your workouts.
The KBPT team loves mixing in a few hooks, jabs and crosses when working with our clients and we know from their feedback that it’s often a highlight of their training sessions. We provide gloves, pads and lots of advice to help complete beginners box safely, including how to stand, how to breathe and how to punch correctly.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the health benefits of boxing and the female boxers who have inspired us.
Three benefits of boxing
It’s a full body workout
Boxing is a combination of cardiovascular and strength work and, although it seems like an upper body workout, it also uses muscles in your legs, hips, glutes, core and obliques. It also keeps your heart rate up, burns calories, lowers blood pressure, increases stamina and helps to make your bones and joints stronger.
2. It improves balance and co-ordination
When you’re boxing, you keep shifting your weight and changing position, which is a really good way to challenge and improve your balance. Boxing also helps you to speed up your reflexes and reaction times so you can “float like a butterfly” – this kind of hand-eye
co-ordination is important for everyday tasks, such as cooking and driving.
3. It boosts mental wellbeing
Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health. By including boxing moves in your workout, you’ll get a rush of feel-good endorphins that help to relieve stress and boost your self-esteem. Yes, it really is quite cathartic to take out your frustrations on a punch bag or boxing pad.
Three inspirational female boxers
1. Nicola Adams OBE
One of Team GB’s standout stars in London 2012, Nicola was the first woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal. She went on to win gold at the Commonwealth Games, European Games and World Championships before successfully defending her Olympic title in Rio. The Leeds-born boxer turned professional in 2017 but announced her retirement in 2019.
2. Savannah Marshall
Having joined her local boxing club in Hartlepool at the age of 12, Savannah became the first British female world boxing champion in 2012 and also took gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Now a professional boxer, her fight against Claressa Shields in October 2022 was the most-watched women’s professional boxing event in history.
3. Lauren Price MBE
Former kickboxer and footballer Lauren took the podium at the Commonwealth Games, European Games and World Championships before going on to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Born in Wales, she made her debut as a professional boxer last year and has recently kicked off her 2023 campaign.
Email kate@kbpersonaltraining.co.uk to find out more about KBPT’s personal training programme that can include boxing exercises.
