How to Measure Your Arm Reach

If you are a boxing fan, you may have noticed right-handed boxers stretching out their left hand and hitting with their right. The boxer is actually measuring the distance between himself and his opponent, using his left-handed reach. The technique is the opposite for left-handed boxers or southpaws. Every boxer has a reach--often measured with his arms stretched out to his sides. You can measure your reach on your own or with the help of a trusted friend.

Instructions

  1. Measuring Reach with Help from a Friend

    • 1

      Stretch your arms out to your sides, hands outstretched. Make sure your arms are even with your shoulders and that your elbows are straight.

    • 2

      Ask a friend to measure the distance between the fingertips on one of your hands, to the fingertips on your other hand. The tape measure should stretch across your chest, from one hand to the other. Divide the measurement by two.

    • 3

      Document the measurement for future reference. Very young boxers in training will notice that this reach may change as they grow.

    Measuring Your Own Reach

    • 4

      Turn towards a wall and stretch one of your arms out in front of you. Make sure that your arm is even with your shoulder and your elbow locked.

    • 5

      Keep your fingertips stretched out towards the wall and walk forward. Stop when your fingertips touch the wall.

    • 6

      Measure the distance between your chest and the wall. The result is the measurement of your reach.