Tips for Boxers: How to Train and Think Like a Champion
Ever asked yourself what it takes to be a champion in boxing? Aside from manning up to step into the ring, it requires years of being dedicated, prepared, trained, and determined to win. A title boxing match has 12 rounds, with 3 minutes per round; that’s a whopping 36 minutes of receiving hits from an opponent. Initially, a match was made of 15 rounds, but it gradually phased away as boxing became more popular.
There’s something special about the way champions train and think that has been attracting people for decades. Making a training montage of your own, dragging sleds, chopping off logs of wood, and running in the early hours of the morning just seems intriguing. Here are tips for boxers to train and think like champions.
1. Roadwork
Roadwork, a term used by boxers for running, is the main focus of endurance training. Famous heavyweight champions would start their morning with roadwork of 7 miles. This particular training has been aerobic and straight, as you imagine. You run through the miles at a consistent pace and make it to the end. As easy as it is, roadwork has been a norm for many boxing champions. Don’t make the mistake of thinking about skipping the road work part for HIIT sessions.
2 Remain Focused And Motivated
One thing about boxing champions is their commitment, passion, and overall view of life. They are all conditioned for boxing and can barely wait to wake up the next morning to tackle a new challenge. They know what is expected of them and dedicate their lives to the goal. Boxing champions are happy to willingly train, fight, and exceed limits.
Boxing champions are not concerned about failing, they are just willing to give it a shot, and that’s how champions hustle; they take advantage of every opportunity they come across. Champions sign up for challenges even with no experience, and they compete with folks at the gym who are way out of their league. Champions are willing to talk to anyone, and they grind, push, and look for opportunities in their lives.
3. Bodyweight Training
Strength training for boxing is mainly focused on bodyweight exercises. However, weights were initially sidelined in boxing as they were thought to slow down the boxers. Presently, you can find several people arguing that strength training for boxers should be based on high rep workouts, so they can maintain their speed. Weigh the advantages of both weight and bodyweight training, but it’s a known fact that boxing champions have at least one high rep workout in their training.
4. Unloading The Heavy Bag
If a part of a boxer’s training is based on HIIT, it’ll probably be working the heavy bag. Many boxing champions spend enough time punching the heavy bag during training.
With heavy bag work, your moves will gradually become automatic. And the swing of the bag helps to improve your timing and footwork. It also helps in making a boxer get used to throwing perfect and clean punches even while tired.
5. Skipping
For boxers to be able to dodge an opponent, they need to be light on their feet. Skipping can help improve quick steps, and it’s a norm in every champion’s routine. Skipping helps boxers improve their speed and agility, and it’s a recommended way to maintain body fitness.
6. Sit-Ups
This training can be a basic yet necessary exercise that can be included in a daily routine. Core strength is the priority of all boxing training, and sit-ups are among the best ways to develop core strength. Whether you want to throw a clean punch or defend a right hook, it’s the responsibility of core strength to firmly hold the body, and sit-ups are an excellent way of ensuring that boxers remain at the top.
7. Squats
Squats are a perfect way to maintain lower body strength. Boxers should always be on their toes, always ready to dodge incoming hits from an opponent at any time, and squats improve agility. Parts of the body, including the quadriceps and calves, are among the areas that benefit from squats.
8. Chin-Ups
It’s crucial to have enough upper body strength to become a boxing champion. The shoulder, arm, back, and chest are all developed with chin-ups. Many boxers go to the extent of installing bars in their homes and garage to include this as part of their daily training. If it seems to be a bit difficult while starting, be realistic in your target and gradually increase. Boxers need enough stamina, and chin-ups can help develop the main areas that are vital in the ring.
Maximum fitness is required by all boxers who aim to one day become champions. Training should always be taken seriously, and any boxer who wishes to become a champion should consider sticking with the above training tips. Power, strength, agility, and balance are essential in the ring, and all boxers who aim to be champions should have all these to reach their set goals.
