This article is part of our “skills to learn” series where we introduce useful and cool skills to learn in life. If you’re looking for a new fitness activity to pursue, try Boxing. As one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world, you’d be surprised by how applicable the benefits of boxing is to daily life. Here are five benefits of boxing, and conversely, five reasons to learn how to box: Gigi Hadid is one of many models who believes in the benefits of boxing Credit: Reebok #PerfectNever For more fun reads, follow along as I aim to become an amateur boxer. 1. Functional Fitness One of the main benefits of boxing? Boxing is one of the most functional fitness activities you can perform. Boxing improves a variety of skills useful for everyday life: Balance, coordination, strength, and mobility. Functional fitness activities should be practical and applicable, making it easier to perform everyday activities. Not going to say Gigi gets her physique from boxing, but boxing definitely helps maintain it Furthermore, because boxing is a full body workout (every day is leg day…) and also high-intensity (HIIT is great for burning body fat), boxing helps develop a great physique. It’s no surprise why so many models enjoy boxing as a way to stay in shape. 2. Get out of your comfort zone ‘Getting out of your comfort zone’ is quite a cliché, but is nevertheless one of the key benefits of boxing. Pushing the limits of your comfort zone will help you grow and develop. The full theory behind why you should actively step out of your comfort zone will be detailed in a future blog post, but know that boxing allows you to experiment with your level of ‘optimal anxiety.’ Optimal Anxiety is the ideal amount of stress that results in peak performance and mental productivity. For those who haven’t boxed before: Want to get out of your comfort zone? Try standing in a ring facing someone who you know will start attacking you when the bell rings… As you continue to place yourself in this uncomfortable position, you’ll slowly begin to feel more accustomed to managing your adrenaline, controlling your aggression and facing your fears. This is useful as we move onto our next point… 3. Self Defense Everyone should know how to block a punch, throw a punch, and take a punch… Never aim to get into a street fight. Running should always be your first resort. But in the scenario where your flight and fight symptoms kick in, and flight is not an option, you better damn well be prepared to put up the fight of your life. That’s why knowing the basics of blocking and throwing a punch can only come in ‘handy’… (See what I did there?) 4. Confidence + Humility + Perseverance Knowing the basics of self-defense and improving your physique and athleticism can help build confidence. However, boxing will also be very humbling. When you spar others who are better than you and realize how easy it is for them to kick your ass, you’re suddenly no longer quite so arrogant. Of course, if you ever reach the level of Floyd Mayweather, you have the right to be as cocky as you want to be… Either way, you will learn perseverance. When you find yourself exhausted with one minute left in the round, back against the ropes, legs shaking, arms heavy, taking punches to the face… persevere 5. High Stakes and Dynamic Boxing is high stakes and dynamic. If you’re not putting in the necessary work and effort, you will literally get beat up in the ring during sparring practice. You must react quickly to changes, and strive to constantly improve your reflexes, stamina, hand-eye coordination, and mental ability. This sort of high-stress, high stakes environment forces you to work hard. It’s easy to stay focused and motivated to improve when the consequence is getting punched in the face. This sort of high-stress, high-stakes environment, keeps things interesting and fun. You won’t find this in weight-lifting or a game of pick-up basketball. Boxing is hard work, but ultimately a great skill to have. Sparring, although not required, is helpful if you want to take full advantage of the benefits of boxing. Becoming an amateur boxer, on the other hand, is completely unnecessary, but a fun life goal to pursue. So take advantage of all the benefits of boxing, and share this article with your friends! After that, pick up some hand wraps and boxing mitts, and let’s get warmed up!

The post Benefits of boxing and why learn to box appeared first on Bespoke Life.