How to Measure a Boxer's Arm Length

There are several things that go into making a great boxer. Strength, cardiovascular health, endurance, technique and footwork are all things you can work on at your gym. Some factors, however, cannot be changed or improved in the gym. The length of your arms is something that you can't change. A boxer with longer arms is at an advantage since he can punch his opponent while remaining out of reach for counterpunches. Even though it can't be improved, you can certainly measure your arm length to know where you stand.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the fighter without any clothing on the upper body (with the exception of a sport's bra if it is a female).

    • 2

      Take the traditional measurement of "reach" by measuring from one fingertip to the other across the back of the fighter. Then position the boxer so that he is standing with one arm out perpendicular to his body. Measure from the armpit out to the end of his clenched fist. This measures the arm length and it is more commonly used today than reach because it eliminates the possibility of a boxer with a large back having a distorted reach measurement.

    • 3

      Run the tape measure along the contours of the arm, shoulders and back. If the wingspan is longer than the tape measure, carefully mark the end and start the measuring over from that point.