KOS

Expert Tips from Dr Bryan Wang: Running an Injury-free Marathon

In the realm of sports, we often hear about the intense impacts and injuries that boxers endure, but what might surprise you is that even a seemingly straightforward activity like running isn’t immune to its fair share of potential risks and injuries, especially when it comes to long-distance endeavors like the challenging 42 km marathon. What’s even more intriguing is how many boxing enthusiasts are now crossing into the world of running to enhance their stamina and endurance. If you’re one of them, or simply a running enthusiast seeking to run injury-free, you’re in for a treat.

In this post, we’ve partnered with a respected orthopedic expert, Dr. Bryan Wang, founder of Beacon Orthopaedic Clinic, to bring you invaluable guidance and insights to keep you on the right track, quite literally, as you lace up for your marathon journey. So, let’s lace up and dive into the wisdom shared by a medical expert to make your running experience not only safer but also more enjoyable.

 

How to prepare for the long run

We had a chat with Dr. Bryan Wang, who is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon and an avid marathon runner himself. He aptly categorizes the journey into 3 logical phases – Before (pre-run), During the run, and After (Post run) phase. Each phase will have its own set of planning and precautions to be adhered to so as to keep the body in good shape.

 

1. Before the Run

Prepare for a distance that suits your body. Running a full marathon isn’t for everyone to start with. If you want to build up your endurance, it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to get your body in shape.

If you’re new to running, it’s best to start with leisurely walks and gradually progress to brisk walks before transitioning to running. The key is to increase your mileage by about 10-15% each week to build your body’s endurance and stamina over time. It can take a while to reach the 42 km level, but with consistent effort, it’s achievable.

It is necessary to have a training plan and commit to it if you want to complete a full marathon.

a group of marathon runners racing

2. During the Run

Before going for a run, it’s important to stretch and warm up properly. It’s crucial to make sure that every part of your body is warmed up and ready to go. For example not just calf muscles but also abdomen muscles, shoulder blades, etc. Just like a rubber band that snaps at its weakest spot even though other points can stretch and flex well.

Wear proper footwear. It should be something that fits your foot contours well and provides good padding for the impact that your foot would endure during the run.

During the run hydration every 2 km is recommended (that is how the water stations are also stationed)

Sports drinks or energy bars can be taken after an hour in the run… so that’s only needed after you have covered the halfway mark (20 km onwards), according to Dr. Wang.

After a while, it’s a lot of mind-over-matter that drives you towards the finishing line.

 

3. After the Run

Post run it’s good to replenish your muscle energy and fluids. Sports drinks, bananas, or a protein-rich meal would be ideal. It’s important to keep moving and walk a bit to enable a gradual cool down.

Organized marathon events may have a medical tent if one needs medical attention. Otherwise for the post-run sprains and strains the RICE technique (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) can provide quick relief. However, one must not delay seeking medical help if a knee joint or muscle condition is experienced.

 

Get Set and Go

The journey to conquering a 42 km marathon is often as much a test of your mind as it is of your body. While training hard is a key part of the equation, maintaining a healthy, injury-free body is equally vital. Dr. Bryan Wang’s expert guidance offers a valuable compass for runners seeking to meet both of these crucial goals. It’s not just about going the distance; it’s about doing it with a robust body and a determined mind.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our Schedule + Rates page to kickstart your path to success.

6 Reasons Exercise Is Good For Your Mental Health

How important is your mental well-being to you?

In today’s busy world, we often forget about our mental well-being. Just like we care for our physical health, our mental health deserves attention, too. Life’s ups and downs can sometimes throw us off balance, but there’s a simple solution: exercise. We’ll show you why it matters and share practical insights from our members. Join us on this journey to better mental health through exercise

mental health wellness

 

Sharper memory and thinking

Exercise can boost our memory and thinking by improving sleep and mood and reducing stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas frequently cause or contribute to cognitive impairment.

 

Higher self-esteem

Regular exercise positively influences our self-esteem and how we view ourselves. It can also enhance our mood.

 

Better sleep

Exercise improves sleep quality. It increases the overall amount of time you spend asleep and the amount of time you spend in slow-wave sleep, aka deep sleep. Slow-wave sleep is the most restorative stage of sleep.

 

Help with depression and anxiety

Mood-enhancing chemicals called endorphins are released into your bloodstream during and after being active. These are the body’s natural painkillers and are responsible for the ‘feel good’ factor. They also help to relax muscles and relieve tension in the body. Also, when you’re exercising, your mind focuses on achieving the goals you set out for the workout and not the negative thoughts that are usually lingering.

 

Connecting with people

When you join a group class, doing team activities can help you meet new and like-minded people. It is a great avenue to make new friends.

 

Introduce a feeling of personal achievement

Goal setting is a great way to improve your mental agility by providing a sense of achievement after having accomplished a goal.

 

Some comments made by our trainees:

  • “The gym is my happy place”
  • “Boxing helps relieve my stress”
  • “I am able to express my frustrations through boxing”
  • “The only time my mind is free is when I come to the gym”
  • “Boxing is my coping mechanism”
  • “Good outlet for mental health”
  • “Boxing has helped me so much in terms of confidence and mental health”
Illustration of a person on the floor looking sad with a helping hand reaching down.
Sometimes, all it takes is a helping hand to lift you up.

 

Before we wrap up, we’d like to share some inspiring stories from our community. Two of our KOS members, Vishnu and Priscilla, have embarked on their own journey to support mental well-being. Vishnu’s Trident Therapy and Priscilla’s Range Counselling Services are here to lend a helping hand. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you’re seeking guidance because, as we’ve emphasized throughout this article, your mental health is a priority.

 

Vishnu
Company Name: Trident Therapy
Website: https://tridenttherapy.com
https://tridenttherapy.com/is-therapy-for-me/
Priscilla
Company Name: Range Counselling Services
Website: https://rangecounsellingservices.com
Email: hello@rangecounsellingservices.com

For more information on our rates and how you can join our community, visit our Schedule + Rates page. Together, let’s prioritize our well-being and support one another.

Signing off with a fist bump

Three ways to improve your Boxing Speed

Unleash Your Boxing Speed

Curious about how to amp up your boxing speed? You’re not alone. Coach Krishna here, and I’ve got three killer methods that’ll have you punching like lightning. Say goodbye to sluggish jabs and hello to lightning-fast strikes. Let’s dive in and supercharge your boxing game!

Here are three easy ways:

1. Proper Technique

2. Think about going fast

3. Exercise

 

PROPER TECHNIQUES

Boxing Routine Progression: Step-by-Step Visual Guide to Enhance Your Speed and Technique.

More than having high power or many knock-outs (KOs), you need to execute proper techniques. If your techniques are not proper, it is going to slow the whole process. Common mistake is to pull back and load your punch before releasing it. To work on this, release all punches that will be thrown from your chin with elbows tucked close to your body. This way, speed on the punches will improve.

 

THINK ABOUT SPEED

Mental Focus for Speed: Visualize Going Fast.

Keep telling yourself you want to go fast, punch fast, hit fast, without compromising your techniques. IT STILL COMES DOWN TO THE FIRST POINT. There is no point in throwing fast punches if you are going to be sloppy. Think of it like training with weights. When you train with weights daily, you’ll improve your strength. And with time, you will be able to lift heavier weights.
So, constantly think about speed when you do your training. Be it shadowing, pad work, bags, buddy-drills or even sparring!!! It is about being conscious on what you do and intensively working on it.

 

EXERCISE

 

• Weighted Punches

Enhance Speed with Weighted Punches: Illustration.

One way to increase your speed, is to pick up a light weight to add resistance to your punches. It can be around 1 to 3kg, depending on your fitness level. The idea is to throw punches with weights in each hand, increasing the difficulty and stimulating the muscles involved. Weighted punches are a great way to improve speed and you’ll definitely start to see improvements.
Try the various punches (jabs, straights, hooks, and uppercuts) with speed and power with every rep. Complete a couple of rounds, drop the weights and shadowbox as per usual.

 

• Speed Bag Drills

Mastering Speed Bag Drills: Illustrated Guide.

Speed bag is another way to work your hands and improve speed. It might take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, trust me you’ll be addicted. After getting the rhythm and pace, try to punch the speed bag as fast as you can. These drills improve your hand-eye coordination, momentum, timing and punch accuracy. It is honestly one of the best ways to improve your speed.

 

• Jump Ropes

Boost Speed with Jump Rope: Illustrated Workout.

Jumping rope helps to develop the muscle group for fast punches, particularly the fast-twitch muscle fiber in your upper back and shoulders. Try gradually increasing the speed when you jump. It is important because it trains all the necessary muscles to work faster than normal. To gain speed, you have to think of speed. Jumping rope also improves overall endurance. It is a skill that requires practice, so don’t get discouraged if you do not get the hang of it right away. With constant practice you will be able to improve your speed and develop this skill.

 

These are the ways which helped me and I hope it helps you too. Master lightning speed and impeccable technique. Embrace proper form, mental agility, and strategic exercises to boost your boxing finesse. Ready to enhance your skills? Join us now – check our Schedule and Rates

Signing off with a fist bump,

Coach Krishna (:

Heightened Alert FAQs

KOS Gym Updates: Reopening, Classes, Membership, and More!

Welcome back to KOS Gym, where your fitness journey continues! We’re thrilled to announce that our doors are wide open, and our weights are waiting. Read more to know about the important updates!

Q: Is the gym currently open?

A: Yes, we reopened our gym on 12 AUGUST 2021.

Q: What are the operating hours?

A: You may refer to our class schedule below. If you are not fully vaccinated, please check our website for the “Not Vaccinated” class timings.
*subjected to changes*

Group Training Schedule
Plan your fitness journey with our Group Training Schedule.

Q: Are there classes for those Not Fully Vaccinated/Not Vaccinated (NFV)?

A: Yes, we are offering classes (1 TB and 1 S&C) for those NFV.

You may refer to our website for the “Not Vaccinated” class schedule. *subjected to changes*

Q: Do we need to wear masks during training?

A: If you are Fully Vaccinated (FV) (more than 2 weeks since your second dose), you will not need to wear your mask during training.

If you are NFV, you will be required to wear your masks throughout your session.

Q: Will our membership packages be extended?

A: Yes, we have extended all packages accordingly from when our gym reopened.

Q: What are the packages available?

A: We have several packages for Group Training. Check them out below!

Group Training Package Prices
Affordable options for group training that fit your budget!

Q: Is there a free trial session?

A: Yes, there is a free session for our group classes. You may book a free trial session via our website.

Please take note that there is no free trial for Personal Training.

Q: Do you still have Personal Training sessions?

A: Yes, we do! If you are interested, you may either email us at info@kosboxingym.sg or DM us with your contact details, the goals you would like to achieve, and your availability.

Q: How much are your PT sessions?

A: We have several packages for Personal Training. Check them out below!

 

Personal Training Rates
Invest in personalized fitness with our competitive Personal Training rates.

 

Q: Any team bonding sessions for all KOS members?

A: Once the COVID measures are relaxed, we will plan bonding sessions for our members.

Q: Will KOS be opening another outlet in the future?

A: Yes! We have plans to expand in the coming future!

Q: Do you have any package for NSF?

A: Yes, we do. It is $297 for 3 months, unlimited sessions*. You just need to show your 11B at the counter.

 

Singapore Armed Forces Identity Card (11B)
Attention NSF members! Show your 11B and unlock exclusive deals.

 

Q: What are the different types of classes you provide at KOS?

A: We provide Technical Boxing – which teaches the techniques of pure boxing and Strength and conditioning – which focuses on improving stamina and helps with weight loss and toning of the body.

Q: Do you provide towels?

A: We used to provide towels for our trainees. However, due to the current Covid situation, we will not be distributing them till further notice.

Q: Do you provide gloves?

A: We provide gloves for your free trial. For subsequent classes, you will need your own gloves and hand wraps. If you do not bring your gloves, you may rent them with us at $5.

Q: How much are your hand wraps and gloves?

A: Hand wraps are $20, Gloves are $70.

Q: Are your KOS t-shirts still available?

A: Yes, they are. We are currently having a promotion, grab them at our counter soon as stocks are limited!
KOS T-Shirts and Promotion
Grab our stylish KOS T-shirts at a special promotion. Limited stock available!

 

Q: What is the difference between the beginner and king package?

A: Our beginner package is session-based whereas you are entitled to unlimited sessions* with our king package.

Your well-being matters to us, and we’re here to support your fitness journey every step of the way. If you’re ready to take the next step, head over to our Schedule + Rates page for all the details. Your fitness journey begins here!

*due to the current COVID situation, there is a limitation on the number of trainees per class. So we put a cap of 4 classes per week till the restrictions are relaxed.

Signing off with a fist bump,
Lekha

 

Get Regular Workout Benefits with a Boxing Fitness regime

What is intriguing about Boxers and their regimes?

 

They go through extraordinary extents and rigorous training. Boxing is not about fighting alone. It is a workout that boosts mental agility, improves focus and coordination, and blends aerobic and anaerobic exercise.

 

Boxing training is not only for the ring. It is a real-life skill that can help in numerous aspects of life. Our eating habits, lifestyles, and routines make us lethargic. Twenty minutes on the treadmill, 20 on the cycle and the other 20 with random exercises. You go back exhausted.

 

Forget the boring one-hour workout at the gym. Indulge in these workouts which will make you come back for more.

 

These are basic exercises one and all can do. If workouts in the Martial Arts entice your adrenaline, try Boxing.

 

Boxing includes all your basic workouts and more:

  • Heavy bag
  • Shadow boxing
  • Jumping rope
  • Weight training
  • Speed bag
  • Running
  • Stretching

Heavy Bag.

  • Start fight training and work your physique and weight loss starts gradually.
  • Hitting heavy bags build punching power and increase metabolism. It involves the legs and arms to power up and punches, in turn activating all the parts of your body. Sweat and see those fats burn like butter.
  • Workout: include legs, knees, and elbows to define your thighs and calves. Work in sets. Combination punches and kicks with shadow boxing or squats for 30-60 seconds. Repeat.  

 

KOS

Shadow Boxing.

  • Shadow boxing helps professionals loosen up joints and warm up before actual drills.
  • Basic knowledge of punching techniques and footwork can create a shadow boxing workout to aid weight loss. It is like fighting an imaginary opponent.
  • Workout: Throw combinations, change stance, work on your hip movements. Shadow Boxing is a package deal.

Jumping Rope.

We have all at some point had a jumping rope lying at home. Other than tripping over it multiple times. The benefits are it yields are humongous.

  • It is a conditioning exercise.
  • Continuous jumps and different levels of intensity make it a fantastic workout.
  • It works the entire body, the swinging action works on the forearms hands and wrists
  • The spring and light footwork improves balance, stance, and posture.  
  • Workouts: Shuffle your feet side to side and time yourself. Do a few two-or three-minute rounds, resting 30 to 60 seconds in between. Then proceed to multiple variations like Double-unders or two spins per jump.

 

Weight Training:

  • Weight training improves bone density
  • It builds lean muscles. Strengthens connective tissues and tendons.
  • Its trains your back and gives you posture.
  • It reduces stress and enhances the mood.
  • Workout: Indulge in high and low rep trainings for optimum results.

To build Muscle and Strength lift Lighter Weights and do more sets.

To build strength alone, lift heavy weights for few reps.

Speed Bag:

  • Improves hand-eye coordination, focus and punching speed.
  • It takes immense patience and practice to set a rhythm and work on a speed bag.
  • Workout: Once you are able to beat a speed bag continuously for over 2 minutes, it can become a part of your complex trainings.    

Running:

  • Running is a dynamic exercise. There are several variations. Jogging, slow runs, long & short strides, etc.
  • Running is an intense part of HIIT training program.
  • Workout: 5 minutes of warm-up and stretching. Start running at a regular pace for a minute, increasing the speed to your maximum capacity. Keep at it for a minimum of 20 seconds, gradually reduce the pace and slow down. Repeat. Continue for 15 – 20 minutes. Finish routine with 5 minutes of passive stretching.

So, look around your gym again. Indulging in fight training is easy. All you need is determination, grit, passion for pushing your limits and an excellent coach.

At KOS, coaches are trained and experienced to help you achieve your goals. The destination is not to win in the ring, it is to test your own capabilities and overcome your limitations.

Home Workout Guide: Achieve Gym-Level Results without Leaving Your Doorstep

Home Workout Guide: Achieve Gym-Level Results without Leaving Your Doorstep

When you introduce an extraordinary addition to your life, it has the potential to transform your entire world. It influences your perspective, shifts your priorities, and even molds your daily habits, ultimately affecting how you perceive yourself. So, who is this extraordinary companion? It’s none other than the art of boxing – a combat sport that exudes power and precision, far more than just a physical endeavor.

This article unravels the art of boxing as a means to attain gym-level results right in the comfort of your home. Get ready to explore a practical and down-to-earth guide that will spark your curiosity and leave you eager to continue reading, all while revealing the secrets to achieving your fitness goals without stepping outside your front door.

Boxing Benefits:

Strength:

Physical Strength through endurance testing workouts and mental strength through discipline and focus. It may not make you an absolute lean, mean fighting machine. However, conditioning and body toning will give you the power to deal with nasty bulky wannabes in the world without batting an eyelid. Boxing is a sport where size does not matter, a powerful punch is enough to put down a 7-foot-tall gangster or an animal in self-defense.

Punching Prowess:

Boxing is a stand-up strike style sport. It focuses on building potentially fatal punches. Channeling energy from the entire body to the fist. It is indeed a challenging sport. It works the whole body to perform that one killer move to defeat the opponent.

Burn Calories and Stress:

A person weighing in at 80 kgs may burn 250 calories in 30 minutes by punching a heavy bag. Gradually burning close to 500 calories at the same time as they progress in training. Boxing training is both aerobic and anaerobic in nature, making it an excellent stress reliever.

 

Boxing class participants perfecting their punches.
Boxing enthusiasts in a class, honing their punching skills.

 

Hectic schedules, time constraints, budget limitations, travel plans, and well many other interruptions lead to missing a workout session at the gym. Buy essential Boxing Wear and Equipment and get started at home instead.

Boxing Gear:

Investing in the right Boxing gear and preparing for your Boxing journey requires a few essentials.

1. Hand Wraps and Training Gloves

  • Hand wraps protect small bones in the hands from breaking.
  • It secures the wrists from sprains.
  • It keeps the skin on the knuckles from tearing
  • Training gloves or sparring gloves are designed to provide extra protection.
  • They are heavily padded, compared to professional boxing gloves.

2. Footwear:

  • Boxing footwear is permeable, allowing sweat to evaporate.
  • The traction allows you to stand firmly on training surfaces.
  • They are lighter allowing flexibility of movement.

3. Bodywear:

  • Intense workouts may lead to skin rashes. It is advised to buy breathable athletic wear.
  • Women, also, should invest in good sports bras and breast pads for protection.

4. Mouth guard:

  • Protects the soft tissues in the jawline.
  • Secures from bone displacement.

5. Jumping rope:

  • Improves stamina in the forearms, shoulders and leg muscles.
  • Builds speed-endurance    

6. Heavy bag:

  • Boxing bags range from less than 10 kgs for beginners to 80 kgs for heavy hitters.
  • It helps you develop power, timing, and rhythm.

 

Boxer delivering a powerful punch to a heavy bag.
A dedicated boxer giving their all during a bag workout.

We compiled a list of exercises that will make you feel no less than going through an intense gym workout without stepping out of your door.

How to exercise at home

Warm-up: Prepare your body for what is to come. 5-10 minutes of slow-paced exercises to avoid sore muscles and chances of injury. Warm-up exercises can get intense once you start training harder.

Beginner – Intermediate – Advanced Training.

 

Follow a workout routine. No boxing equipment is required. (heavy bags, gloves).

Follow Youtube Home Boxing videos , Boxer Beginner Videos and get started!

 

  • Jog in place to pump up your blood to your muscles.
  • Jump rope improves heart rate and blood pressure. Strengthens shoulders and arms.
  • Burpees help work muscles in the entire body.
  • Mountain climbers raise the heart rate. Build strength and endurance in the core.
  • Squat Jumps enhance the intensity of your workout, aids in power and mobility.
  • Use a staircase if possible. In your house or building.
  • Practice leg swings, arms circling, and torso twists.

 

Moving forward. Once your body is ready to take on more. Try these Workouts without the heavy bag.

  • Start with straight punches including back and forth strides.
  • Switch with hops and jumps.
  • Build a rhythm, duck, and punch.
  • Run on the spot with quick big steps.
  • Work on different Combination punches.
  • Immerse yourself in intense Shadow boxing.

Finish off your home routine with a conditioning set (low-intensity exercises).

  • Push-up planks.
  • Bicycle kicks.
  • Walking lunges.
  • V sits & V ups.

Relax. Hydrate.

Hope that was fun.

Student receiving expert guidance from a KOS coach during punch practice.
A student diligently training with the guidance of a knowledgeable KOS coach.

 

In the end, remember that you don’t require a room filled with boxing gear to embark on your fitness journey at home. While gloves, heavy bags, and punch mitts can certainly add excitement to your routine, it’s the training, the camaraderie of sparring, and the motivation you get from a workout partner that truly keeps your spirits high. So why not take that first step towards a healthier, more empowered you?

Whether you decide to join a local boxing gym or opt for personalized boxing training in Singapore, you’ll discover routines tailored to your unique needs. The beauty of boxing is that it lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve left the gym. If you’re ready to make that leap, check out our Schedule + Rates page to find the perfect fit for your journey. Your boxing adventure awaits!

Empowering Female Boxers: Breaking Barriers & Shaping Champions!

Bet you didn’t expect to see this title, right? Ladies, I have a hunch you’re intrigued (probably more than the gents, haha!). Today, we’re delving into the world of female boxers – their passion, their skills, and the myths we’re about to shatter. Can girls really throw punches? The answer is a resounding YES! In fact, some of them excel even beyond their male counterparts. Get ready to uncover the untold truth about the incredible prowess of female boxers. Let’s lace up and journey through a world of power and technique that knows no gender bounds.

 

Focused Female Boxer Following Instructions in Class

 

1) Girls follow instructions 100% 

Girls are generally great when they have to follow a set of instructions. Even in a classroom, the girls are usually the monitors/prefects obeying to rules and ‘following’ the set of rules. For males, we are abit more curious and wanting to try out more than what is being taught to us. Therefore, the girls stick closely to what the coaches have taught them and patiently practice till they are taught a new drill.

Kickboxing Match: Girls Displaying Technique Over Power

2) Girls don’t ‘try’ to hit hard.

Girls don’t try to force out power when they are learning the techniques. However, for guys, especially beginners ‘try’ very hard to hit hard. Forcing so much power that makes them stiffer and slow. They overlook the entire technique portion. Techniques first guys, power will follow later on!

Female Boxer Perfecting Punch Technique with Instructor

3) Born with natural gracefulness 

I always advise all my female boxers not to try and box like a man. You ladies are blessed with natural gracefulness. Bring that gracefulness to boxing! I’m still trying to box gracefully in the ring, therefore do not lose that part of you. Muhammad Ali is known as ‘The Greatest’ not because he had great power, he is known because of his gracefulness during his fight. It looks like he’s dancing yet boxing.

Female Instructor Demonstrating Graceful Boxing Form

Here’s to breaking stereotypes and honoring strengths! Ladies, you’re boxing champions. Everyone, let’s learn and thrive together. Join our journey – explore our Schedule + Rates and become part of the energetic boxing community that values skills, passion, and togetherness.

Cheers!
Coach Kumar

Dumbbell Biceps Curl: The Ultimate Exercise

Unlock Sleeve-Popping Biceps: The Ultimate Biceps Building Exercise

Hey there, fitness enthusiasts!

Let’s dive into the world of biceps today – those eye-catching, attention-grabbing muscles! If you’re anything like me, starting out with skinny arms, you know the biceps can make a world of difference when you put on that favorite t-shirt. With a multitude of bicep exercises to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But fear not!

In this article, we’re focusing on the most time-tested and straightforward bicep exercise that’s been proven effective over the years. So, let’s cut through the noise and get to the basics of building those impressive biceps!

The Dumbbell Biceps Curl

Few key pointers to take note of while doing this exercise:

1) Select the right weight
Heavier doesn’t mean better. You can choose a lightweight yet still build up muscle if you do it right.

2) No swinging action
You should lift the weight with muscles, not using momentum. (If you’re swinging while doing this exercise, time to re-read point 1. Lower the weight.)

3) Breathing Technique
You should breathe out when you’re lifting up the weight and inhale while lowering the weight. (This is going to be tough the first time, but keep practicing you’ll definitely get it!)

Keep those biceps gains coming and remember, your journey to stronger, more defined arms is all about consistency and the right approach. If you have any questions about bicep training or want to explore workout schedules and rates, head over to our Schedule + Rates page. We’re here to support your fitness goals every step of the way.

Leave your thoughts or queries in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you as you embark on this exciting fitness adventure!

Coach Kumar flexing biceps like Superman
Coach Kumar showcasing his bicep strength with a Superman pose.

 

Signing off with a flex,
Coach Kumar

How Boxing helped me Achieve Strength & Conditioning

Boxing is an explosive and powerful sport. To train and transfer the results of boxing in real life takes a great deal of combination exercises. The anaerobic style makes it a greater contender for a variety of workouts.  Creating and following routines that depend on an individual’s physical needs and level of involvement.

 

In this article let us explore how Boxing benefits the human body and mind. Remember, to build yourself to a level where your body and confidence can no longer be shattered is a painstaking process. It requires determination, a strong base, and an excellent coach. Consult a doctor before undergoing an intense physical program.

How Boxing works in a nutshell.

  • It is a full body workout. It trains and defines every muscle in the body.
  • Boxing strengthens and develops the core.
  • Learn self-defense disguised as a combat sport.
  • Pounding and punching heavy and speed bags relieves stress, anxiety, and aggression.
  • Once a workout routine is set, and boxing comes to you naturally. To set up a few Boxing equipments at home is a good choice.
  • Boxing is a high-calorie burner.
  • Anaerobic workouts strengthen the respiratory and muscular systems.
  • Boxing builds focus on performance instead of aesthetics.
  • Makes you confident in the skin you live.
  • Initiates sportsmanship, though is it a combat sport.

Boxing is demanding. To understand how it helps the body in various ways. We have compartmentalized the structure of the sport into four significant phases.

Phase 1: The Warm-Up.  

Warm-up is equal to a stepping stone. A kind greeting, before the actual training, leaves you lifeless. Only to make you stronger. Warm-ups focus on functional exercises that progressively increase joint movements and get them working. Always start slow. Do not indulge in passive stretching. Leave that for after you finish your work out. These activation exercises build a ground base for technical and strength training.

 

  • Walking Lunges get the hip joints in motion.
  • High Knee Walking does not stress the muscles, instead prepares the muscles for intense workouts.
  • Fast High Knees help pump up the cardiovascular and nervous system, igniting them for the main workout.
  • Walking Butt Kicks is reaching out to your butt. It relaxes and knee flexors and the hamstrings.
  • Sumo Squats release the thigh tension. It Works on the core, abdominals and the lower body.
  • Arm Circles is an upper body warmup to loosen the shoulders, forearms, and hands.
  • Jumping rope is much more than a warm-up exercise. It builds focus, hand-eye coordination, balance and agility in footwork.
  • Boxer Push-ups help strengthen the shoulders and chest
  • Planks improve balance and help support the posture.
  • Boxer Bicycle Crunches work on the abs, legs and improve body coordination.

 

These are just a few exercises to activate your body and fire up your core. Time to head to Phase 2.

Phase 2: Strength Training

Strength training is also known as resistance training. It builds a base for training the muscles and motor patterns. It conditions the body of a boxer for stronger, faster and powerful movements. These exercises can also be termed as functional exercises. More like performance centered and not just for show. These exercises are meant to boost an athlete’s body. It involves functional compound exercises to work multiple joints and muscle groups.

 

  • Pull-Ups work on the posture, back, rear shoulders and biceps. To give you that vast space so you can cover from or hit your opponent.
  • The seated cable row exercise work on the back muscles and forearms.
  • Triceps Pushdowns are a great way to build and work the arms. If you have sustained a prior elbow injury, it is suggested you practice under supervision.
  • Dips are considered superior to push-ups. You lift your entire body weight, unlike pushups. Building body mass and majorly improving your lockout strength.
  • The Overhead press builds strong arm and shoulder muscles. To shower those iron fists at lightning speeds on the opponent.
  • Shadowboxing: It may look like throwing punches in the air. However, results depend on the intensity of your workout. Shadow boxing improves boxing skills, overall body fitness, stance, and flexibility.
  • Sparring: It helps develop speed, control and defense tactics. Sparring is an essential form of training to familiarise with real-life ring situations.
  • Agility Ladder: This drill can have numerous variations and improves footwork tremendously.  

 

Boxers should indulge in free weight exercises too, as boxing is not a stationary sport.

Phase 3: Power Training

Power training requires swift and dynamic movements. It also adds the risk of injury. Strength training is to build that base and progress towards power training. The technique is of importance in this phase. Once you are aware of your body momentum and potential, the body adapts to the techniques and fluidity required. There is a science behind every movement in Boxing. Power training advances your level of speed, stability, and technique.

 

  • Back squats: They strengthen the lower body. The correct technique where the hips extend and go lower than the knees transfer the force from the feet to the hips, the core and effectively when you launch up to punch. Back squats maximize the jump in return aiding the impact of your punch.
  • Clean and Press: Lift as much weight as the body can take retaining its right position. It demands the tightening of the core and back, throughout. Hip extension plays a vital role in balancing the weight of your body. Keep the bar/dumbbells/kettlebells moving except for brief pauses between sets. Squats take power from the ground up to hand, as boxing requires.
  • Kettlebell Training: Boxing requires ballistic movements.  The kettlebell exercises the muscles, its contractions, and speed. Generation of force after training is how boxers pack that powerful punch. Basic movements like one and two arm swings, clean, press and push presses are essential before moving on to more complex exercises.
  • Resistance Bands: Core strength is a must for reliable and powerful movements.  It helps in rotational exercises.

 

These are just some sample exercises you can include in your routine. The purpose of power training is to workout with dynamic exercises that give your body a power boost and not tire you with exhaustion. Moving on to Phase 4.

 

Phase 4: Conditioning

Boxers are supposed to maintain an intense but rhythmic pace during a fight. Here, Conditioning comes into play. Conditioning imitates the demands of a boxing bout. It demands short bursts of high-intensity exercise. A few exercises that help Conditioning are bench presses, mountain climbers, burpees, and pushups. However, boxing requires more.

 

High-intensity interval training (HIIT), conditions the body through anaerobic activities. Alternating fast-paced exercises at short intervals with little or no rest.  

  • Battle Rope: 30-40 seconds of intense waving works on the upper body. There are multiple variations to use ropes. Take breaks with light footwork and get back in action with flexible arm movements but a firm lower body and core. Repeat.
  • Heavy bag: Work your punch combinations on the heavy bag for 30-60 with squats after each combo and repeat.

 

Incorporate your sets with sprints, slow jogs, high knee jump ropes and more. The circuits can vary according to your requirement and capacity. The best interval exercise is shadow boxing. Keeps you in the stance and hones your skills.  

 

After intense workouts always remember to relax your muscles to avoid cramps and muscle spasms. Gradually turn to passive stretching for up to 10 seconds to calm the body. These exercises include:

  1. Neck Rotations
  2. Hamstring Stretch
  3. Thigh Stretch
  4. Chest Stretch
  5. Quadriceps stretch

 

Well, that is how you can achieve ultimate Strength and Conditioning through Boxing. Now grab yourself a hydrating calorie-rich drink and come to join us at KOS. No matter how bad things get, stay assured, boxing will always be there for you.

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury: Coaches Prediction

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury: Choose Your Champion

Hey, Boxing Fans!

Get ready for an epic clash between two heavyweight titans, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, as they step into the ring once again. With their fame and numerous titles, it’s the ultimate battle to determine who’s the real champ. But here’s the burning question: whose side are you on?

We took the pulse of the boxing world with an Instagram Poll, and the results are in – 59% backing Deontay Wilder, and 41% rallying behind Tyson Fury. Intriguing, right? But that’s just the beginning! Stay tuned as we unveil our coaches’ predictions, including my own!

Join us in the excitement as we count down to witness the fierce showdown between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, two colossal figures in the world of boxing. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious, this match is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.

And if you’re eager to be a part of the action, head over to our Schedule + Rates page for all the details on when and how to catch this epic battle live. It’s a date you won’t want to miss!

Cheers!
Coach Kumar