How to Be a Good All-Around Boxer

Walking into a boxing gym for the first time can be a shock to the system. The smells, the sounds and the sights combine to overwhelm the senses. But it's within those walls that champions can be made. Becoming a good all-around boxer requires dedication to the sport, including making time for non-boxing-related workouts, working with a trainer, sparring with other boxers and cultivating overall good health.

Instructions

    • 1

      Join a boxing gym -- not a gym that offers boxing, but an actual boxing gym that focuses only on boxing (and possibly mixed martial arts). Find a gym that has all the necessary equipment, such as heavy bags, speed bags, double-end bags, punch mitts and at least one boxing ring.

    • 2

      Get all of the necessary gear; if you look like a boxer, you will feel like a boxer. Get protective headgear that fits your head properly, boxing trunks, boxing shoes, hand wraps, tape, gauze and boxing gloves. Use the right gloves for your body size: 10-ounce gloves if you weigh between 106 and 152 pounds and 12-ounce gloves if you weigh more than 152 pounds.

    • 3

      Work with a boxing trainer or coach. Find one at the gym you are attending or ask other boxers for recommendations. Work with a trainer who suits your style, whether you just need some guidance and technical help with your boxing or you need someone to push you to your limits. Follow the trainer's instructions for non-boxing training such as weight lifting and cardiovascular exercises, and all of your boxing-related training.

    • 4

      Strengthen your legs. Develop stamina by running, riding a stationary bike, jumping rope and doing leg weight lifts. Follow guidelines set forth by your trainer or coach.

    • 5

      Develop your skills. Work on your hand quickness by punching the speed bag. Develop power in your punches by hitting the heavy bag and working with your trainer in the ring with the punch mitt. Work on your footwork, keeping your legs moving all the time. Learn to punch with your body, not your arms.

    • 6

      Spar with other boxers. Do as much ring work outside of an actual bout as possible. Work on aspects of your boxing routine. Identify your strengths and make them stronger; learn your weaknesses and work on them even harder.

    • 7

      Maintain your health. Have periodic checkups with your physician, especially if you develop nagging injuries. Eat a sound diet high in carbohydrates and protein and low in refined sugars and saturated fats. Eat several meals every day, up to six, to keep your insulin levels high. Get plenty of rest -- at least seven hours per night and maybe as much as 10 hours.