Forum

Ever wondered what it takes to be a professional boxer? Apart from having the heart to step into the ring within the first place, it takes years of preparation, dedication, training and willpower to succeed.  
  
Many fighters follow the ''old school'' approach to training that has been passed down from trainer to fighter to trainer etc... These follow the basic principles of strength, flexibility, speed, endurance and explosive power.  
  
Let's start with endurance. Many say that boxers require the endurance of a marathon runner to keep going for a doable maximum of 12 rounds. This is achieved by way of punishing roadwork (running), often within the early hours of the morning when the air is evident and there's no-one around. There are totally different accounts of how far boxers really run. Some prefer shorter, faster runs (four-5miles at tempo), whilst others will run for longer distances (10 miles or more). I think a mix of the two is finest for your preparation - lengthy runs initially with hill work to build up stamina then shortening the runs and growing the tempo closer to fight night finishing off with dash periods for speed.  
  
Speed, strength and explosive power are achieved by means of hours of gym work. A typical session will follow the essential ideas of a normal fitness routine - warm up, stretch, cardio, resistance work, cool down, stretch:  
  
Warm up: This will contain four-6 rounds of 3 minute period of shadow-boxing with a 1 minute rest in between rounds. The purpose of this is to engage your neuro-muscular pathways (rehearsing the activity to comply with in order that your mind and body are switched on) and to increase blood flow and heart rate so that the body is ready for the intense training to follow.  
  
Stretch: An excellent stretch is important to assist decrease the risk of injury.  
  
Cardio: This will take the form of pad work with your trainer and will truly embrace an element of speed, reaction time, hand-eye co-ordination and resistance work. (6 rounds +). This is then adopted by bag work utilizing a combination of heavy bags (if available in the gym). Speed balls and floor-to-ceiling bags are additionally used to help speed and reactions. This is then adopted by skipping with a speed rope.  
  
Resistance Work: This should vary and workouts must be altered in order that the athlete can continue to improve by being "shocked" into doing things in several orders and intensities. Often made up of ground work (circuits), weights, medicine ball workouts and partner work.  
  
Cool Down: A few rounds to "shake loose" in the ring with some light shadow-boxing followed by a longer stretch interval to help improve flexibility.  
When a struggle is approaching it can be crucial to get some quality sparring as the pads and bag work cannot simulate dealing with an opponent in the ring. This will assist focus the mind on avoiding punches and also train the body in taking just a few punches. It also offers you the ultimate polish on your technique and sharpness before battle night.  
  
This is just a basic guide and will fluctuate relying on the battle ahead, injuries and whether or not or not the boxer has a full-time job as is the case for a lot of boxers on the long road to success.  
  
In case you loved this information and you would like to receive much more information regarding sporting events i implore you to visit our own web site.