Boxing has been an American pastime for a long time. If you take time to watch it, you’ll see that it’s an art and the contestants are really quite graceful. Boxing is also a great way to get into shape. In fact, many gyms are beginning to offer boxing classes as a way to get into shape without requiring you to compete. But before you go out and sign up for a class, you must have the proper clothing and gear. Here is a list of the basics that you should have before beginning your workout.
First of all, you need boxing gloves, a mouthpiece, and headgear. You may not wear it for every workout, but you will definitely need them when you begin sparring. Many gyms will be able to order them for you, but if you want to try them on first, go to a local store such as Academy Sports. This gear comes in a variety of sizes, but is pretty much gender neutral. That means that a couple taking lessons together can order the same kind brand of headgear and boxing gloves. One of the most popular and most enduring brands of protective gear is Everlast. Everlast has been making boxing and sparring equipment for a long time, so they know what they are doing. Additionally, Everlast gear is affordable and made to last.
Next you will need the proper undergarments. For men, this is going to mean a protective cup. These range in price from six dollars to fifty dollars depending on the brand and how it’s designed. While groin shots are not condoned in boxing, accidents do happen when people are moving quickly and close together. The Title Boxing website has several brands available for various prices.
For women, you will need a good sports bra. In any sport, a woman is going to want a decent sports bra that supports, but does not chafe. There are a few options here. Nike and Adidas both have lines of sports bras as does Under Armour. Surprisingly, Victoria’s Secret also produces a very effective sports bra for around twenty dollars. In spite of the cost being low, it has no seams, comes in white or pink, and does a great job of keeping things where they are supposed to be. It is most definitely worth the investment. You will get good quality at a low price.
In most sports, you will need a good sock. Boxing is not an exception to this. In fact, your feet are crucial to success in this sport. I recommend Under Armour’s Heat Gear socks. They come in a knee high version and an ankle version. These socks are great for physical activity because they wick sweat away and they also are vented in certain areas to allow heat to escape. If you are going to get into competitive boxing, you will need to invest in boxing shoes, but tennis shoes will be sufficient until you are ready to commit.
Next you will need shorts. There are shorts for practice and shorts for competing. The shorts you get should be loose fitting, but not to the point where they will fall down. You also need to be sure that they will not chafe. There is nothing more unpleasant than realizing that your shorts chafe when you are in the middle of a workout. Adidas gym shorts are perfect for this. They have a variety of shorts designed specifically for moving in all directions. Adidas offers shorts online and in just about every athletic store you can walk into. Their prices are also very reasonable.
If you decide to compete, you will need to get some official boxing shorts. However, the decision of the brand and color are best left to you and your coach. You may be able to choose your own colors or your gym may have specific colors that they prefer.
Finally, you will need a shirt. Sleeveless shirts and tank tops are the best type of gear for boxing. The best ones I have found so far are the Under Armour shirts. Under Armour shirts are ideal because they offer a variety of shirts that last. Further, they also have anti-odor features built in, and are light weight fabrics. They are very comfortable and worth the investment. My favorite is the women’s Heat Gear sleeveless shirt. The price is reasonable, it’s comfortable, it wicks sweat away from my body, and it’s comfortable. However, you may be more comfortable in a tank top, which is also available from Under Armour.
If you choose to compete, you will need a robe, boxing shorts, and boxing shoes. There are many brands of these available, but these are best ordered to your own tastes. The above are basics that will get you started into the wonderful world of boxing. Best of all, if you participate in more than one sport, most of the above clothing can be used in those sports as well.
