Any time a person exercises or makes their muscles work in any way to burn calories, they will see health benefits both physically and mentally. Exercising can make you feel happier, can help with weight loss, can increase energy levels and build strong muscles. While there might not be proof that boxing is superior to any other types of exercise, thanks to the total body nature of it—the intensity and the combination of both resistance and cardio training—there is no denying that it is highly effective.

Read on to learn more about just five of the many benefits of boxing workouts.

Improved Total-Body Strength: If you have ever heard someone say that boxing is mostly an upper body workout, they are wrong (or are doing it wrong). Boxing is a full body workout that will improve your total-body strength. Think about it…muscles grow stronger when they meet resistance because it makes your body work harder than it normally does.

Better Hand-Eye Coordination, Stronger Mental Muscles: Boxing provides the ability to keep your eyes laser focused, while also teaching you split second reaction times. You learn how to take visual cues from someone else’s body movements, react, and counter with your own in a matter of seconds. Not only that, but it builds stronger mental muscles as well since the exercise provides a rush of endorphins.

Sense of Empowerment: Boxing isn’t just about getting stronger muscles. One of the biggest benefits to boxing is that it helps you to establish boundaries and imparts techniques like vocal tone, body language and verbal commands that can be especially useful. Boxing gives you that sense of intention that you might be looking for and provides you with that feeling that you are ready for anything the world throws at you.

Enhanced Cardiovascular Health, Improved Body Composition: Fitness boxing is a great aerobic exercise that will get your heart pumping and can help lower the risk of high blood pressure and overall, can enhance your cardiovascular health. In addition, it can strengthen your bones and muscles as it is a full-body workout. It engages the whole body—upper and lower—and allows you to stimulate muscle fibers that you might have never used before (especially the core and shoulders).

Decreased Stress, Increased Confidence: While hitting bag is a symbolic expression of relieving stress (or anger), physical activity in general is known as a stress reducer. Boxing is no different. When you are boxing, your brain increases the production of endorphins and helps relieve tension. In addition, boxing gives you confidence by helping build your self-esteem, build your stamina and overall conditioning. And if you are a boxer that also steps into the ring, you have no one to rely on except yourself—which shows you what you are made of.

Overall, boxing is highly effecting workout that requires power from your mind to your toes. Contact Carlsbad Kickboxing Club to learn more about how boxing can help you reach your fitness goals.