Boxing is about strengthening your body and mind. It requires constant training and technical exercises, as well as strategies and tactics in winning competitions. Courage and the right kind of aggression are crucial to winning this kind of sport.

The first boxing Olympic game was held during the late 7th century BC. It was reintroduced in the Olympic arena in 1904, where the USA claimed victory. As years went on, the US continued to dominate the sport until Andre Ward’s last win in 2004.

In the Olympics, boxing is usually done during the summer. Some people may ask if the sport can be practiced during winter. The quick answer is yes. Boxing is generally done indoors, and fans can still enjoy the sport. However, boxing training is another matter.

Training Requirements

As boxing is a physical sport, rigorous training is required. This is necessary for an individual to last several rounds during a match. Hence, building endurance and physical strength is needed. Mental toughness is also crucial in boxing, like in other kinds of sport.

Training activities

To fully perform in boxing, a boxer follows a strict training schedule. Strength training is usually done two to three times a week. To work on speed, a boxer practices on a speed bag at the same frequency as strength training. This frequency is also similar for punching bag work.

To improve stamina and endurance, the athlete must also focus on running. Running is also an essential part of training as boxing is a cardio-intensive sport.

Diet

Food is essential as it nourishes and replenishes the body’s nutrients lost during intensive training. A boxer’s diet commonly includes complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Complex carbohydrates help supply a boxer’s energy for an extended period. Protein helps build muscles and helps repair body tissues. Fats are also good sources of energy and assists in hormone production.

Typically, a boxer eats proteins such as chicken, fish, lean steak, and eggs. They also have sweet potatoes, brown rice, and whole grains on their grocery list.

Advantages of Training in Winter

Some may be hesitant to train during winter, but it can benefit the body and improve a boxer’s gameplay. Aston University discusses that training in any sport during winter can help a person significantly.

Here are some benefits an individual gains from training during the colder months:

It is excellent cardio training and improves stamina

As mentioned earlier, boxing is a cardio-intensive sport. Hence, having a good cardiovascular workout is required. Training winter can give you that extra push.

During winter, the heart works harder to pump blood to the entire body. Therefore, training during the winter exercises your heart, toughens it, and prepares you for an intensive, long boxing match. At the same time, it also improves your heart’s health and reduces the risk of developing heart disease.

Aside from the heart, training in winter can also help your lungs and the entire body. Training in the cold can help train your body to utilize oxygen more efficiently. At the same time, training during winter can increase a person’s running speed up to 29%.

It boosts the immune system

Just like the heart, the immune system is immensely improved when training during winter. Letting your body work hard during the cold season helps you prepare your body and protect it from common diseases during winters like colds and flu.

If you’re scared of acquiring these diseases while training, don’t be. You can still train, but it is essential to dress the part. Wear the proper clothes to keep you warm during training. For instance, an Obermeyer women’s jackets sale can help you find something to keep you warm during your training session out in the cold.

Also, stay hydrated when training. The winter’s dry air can dehydrate a person in addition to sweating due to training. To avoid dehydration, always remember to drink water.

It helps burn more calories

Usually, we think we burn more calories during the summer because we always sweat. But winter can sometimes help you burn more calories, especially when you work out. As the body fights the cold, it uses up calories to keep your body temperature regulated.

At the same time, your metabolism gets faster because the body needs more fats to protect itself from the cold.

It improves your mood

Lastly, working out during the winter helps a person beat the winter blues. It is a well-known fact that more people get depressed during winter than in the summer months. This is because people are less exposed to sunlight during the cold season.

Training outdoors can prevent depression from happening. Whether it be summer or winter, just staying active immensely improves a person’s mood and secret feel-good hormones.