Here Are The Reasons Why Boxing Is A Good Workout

1. Boxing is one of the best exercises for stress relief

Several studies suggest boxing can help to improve mood, and that this can also make people feel better. The stress-relieving effects are not limited to the brain as punching also relieves muscle tension we tend to collect due to stress.

"When working out on the punching bag, your brain increases the production of endorphins, the neurotransmitters that create feel-good thoughts," said Tanya Morgan, a boxing coach from elite gym BXR London.

2. Boxing can improve your eye-hand coordination/helps people with Parkinson's disease

Boxing requires focus, processing what you see, and responding with your movements accordingly. All of these could get into the different part of the brain to work at the same time. This is mainly the reason why those who have Parkinson's disease take up boxing to manage their symptoms.

"Boxing requires some of the very things Parkinson’s takes away — rotational movement, power, a lot of twisting. Twisting is one of the things that fade away during Parkinson’s," said Patricia Wessels, a physical therapist at Mind Body Physical Therapy & Wellness Center Inc.

3. Boxing is highly effective for burning calories

A research estimates that boxing can burn up to 800 calories an hour. The type of boxing you take up can help determine a more accurate figure of how much you burn. Boxing in a ring for half hour can burn 400 calories, while the same amount of time can burn 200 calories if you use a punching a bag instead. Meanwhile, 30 minutes of sparring with a partner can blast around 300 calories.

4. Boxing makes you use every part of your body

Boxing stands out from a lot of other exercises because it helps you move in different ways.

"If you do it right — once you've learned how to fire everything with proper form — you're getting a full-body workout," explained Hernan Santa Jr., head of the sparring program at EverybodyFights in New York. "You'll also work your back, shoulders, and core," Santa added.