Most of us think of boxing as athletic, sure, but it’s not really our go-to activity for when we’re trying to get lean. After all, isn’t it better to maximise our cardio when we’re looking to shave off some extra weight?

Well, no. Boxing is a great way to get lean quickly. That’s because there’s something unique about the training necessary for boxing. It offers a combination of muscle-building, cardio, and even flexibility that will bring you to a level of athleticism that you might not have expected. Plus, this sport requires a fair share of focus and mental agility that will prevent you from getting bored and wanting to switch up your exercise routine.

Is boxing a great way to get lean? Well let’s break this down a little bit.

 The Strength Training

Once you’ve tried a single boxing class, you’ll learn pretty quickly that there are a lot of different ways to gain muscle with the practice. In fact, boxing requires a variety of different types of strength, from speed strength (the strength needed to throw quick punches and respond quickly to punches being thrown your way) to endurance strength (it’s not easy to stay poised and alert for long periods of time) to explosive strength (when you’re really giving it your all.)

Over time, and honestly not that much time, your body is going start looking like you’ve hired a personal trainer.

The Cardio

There aren’t too many activities that you can do that will keep you on your feet and moving dynamically for the entire workout. Whereas exercises like jogging or cycling requires the same repetitive movement for the entirety of your workout, boxing invites you to change your pace constantly, sometimes moving slowly, sometimes picking up the pace, and frequently changing direction.

That unpredictable flow is an awesome cardio workout, and you can expect to burn somewhere between 300 and 800 calories each time you strap on your gloves.

Other Ways To Boost Your Workout

 If you’re really looking to get lean while following a boxing training routine, there are a few other things that will really help you make the most of your workouts.

• Increase your flexibility - Boxing is a high-impact sport, which means that you should keep your ever-growing muscles happy with plenty of stretching before and after your workout. Throwing in some yoga on your recovery days is also a great idea.

• Fuel your body - A common mistake by new boxers is that they feel that they’re getting such a good workout, they can eat whatever they want afterwards. To get lean quickly and keep off the weight, the best thing you can do for your body is to pair your workout routine with a healthy diet.

Step Into the Ring!

Here at KULA Athletic, we’re big fans of boxing and excited to hear about how boxing has helped you live a healthier life! Check out our the KULA Blog for other fitness tips.