If I recall correctly, there are one or two GlibFitters who box (have boxed?). I don’t think it was for specifically for exercise. I think it was more like this or this.

I can’t recommend getting brain damage as part of your exercise routine. Instead, let’s take a look at fitness boxing.

Fitness boxing involves throwing punches at the air or at a punching bag. You can do this on your own or in a class. There are two main types of these exercise classes. In one, you follow a leader and do a series of boxing moves all choreographed to bouncy music, similar to an aerobics class. The moves include a combination of large, sweeping punches (crosses, hooks, uppercuts); smaller punches (jabs); squats (ducks); and short, quick steps forward and back. The other type of exercise class involves strength training, stretching, and hitting a punching bag.

 

 

Fitness boxing has a number of health benefits. One is strength. You’re swinging your arms, moving the muscles of your arms and shoulders, increasing your upper-body strength. When you’re in the boxer crouch with a wide stance, with your knees slightly bent, you’re strengthening your core muscles, back, and legs.

Fitness boxing is also a great aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise gets your heart pumping and helps lower the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It can strengthen bones and muscles, burn more calories, and lift mood. Aerobics can also boost your endurance. Aerobic exercise is associated with improvement in certain brain functions.

I can tell you from personal experience this is a classic case of getting out of the exercise what you put into it. If you stay in more or less constant motion for a three-minute round, you will be grateful to take a short break before the next round. Add in some quick flurries of punches and you will break a sweat during the first round.

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This week’s music is not “Eye of the Tiger.”