Most people believe that you have to be highly flexible when you box. This isn’t the situation. Although flexibility will help you when boxing but it’s not required. There are plenty of great boxers who don’t have the flexibility.
The general rule is that you don’t have to be flexible. However, flexibility can help in many aspects of boxing. It can, for instance, help you punch with more force. Being more flexible will allow you to produce more force since the muscles extend farther. That means your strikes will generate more force when they land. Also, you’ll have a lower chance of harming yourself.
The answer might be a surprise since boxing is different from other combat sports.
Do You Need To Be Flexible For Boxing
Flexibility is a crucial aspect when it comes to boxing. Boxers should be capable of moving through the ring swiftly and not be struck. They should also be able to move with a wide range of movement in their arms and legs to get to their opponent without overexposing themselves.
There are several reasons why flexibility is functional when boxing. First, it helps you produce more power from your punches. Since your muscles can expand further, you will be able to increase the force of your strikes. The result is that your strikes are more robust and will deliver more force when they hit the ground.
If you can stretch and move your muscles through various movements, you’ll be less likely to strain or pull muscles when competing or practicing. Thus, flexibility can help you over the long term. Furthermore, being flexible can help to avoid injuries.
While flexibility is undoubtedly an advantage in boxing, it’s not a requirement. Many boxers have enjoyed fantastic success without being particularly flexible. Suppose you’re willing to make an effort required to build your flexibility. In this case, you’ll succeed in this game even if you’re not particularly flexible!
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What Is Flexibility?
Flexibility refers to an extension of movement in joints. The more flexible you’re, the more movement range. For example, you’re highly flexible if you can perform the split. This means joints and muscles can be extended further than those unable to do a split.
There are two kinds of flexibility: dynamic and static. Static flexibility occurs when you can remain in a place for a prolonged period without moving. For instance, you could hold a good handstand or place your feet on the floor. Dynamic flexibility means you can move through an array of motions continuously and effortlessly. One example is lunges and jumping jacks without the muscles needing effort.
Many believe that flexibility is only essential for dancers, gymnasts and yoga practitioners. However, whether we work out regularly is vital for all of us. It’s because flexibility keeps your joints in good shape. When you’re flexible, your joints can have more comprehensive mobility. This reduces the chance of injuries because joints are less likely to be stretched to the point of being stretched beyond normal motion.
How Does Flexibility Help In Boxing?
As we’ve mentioned before, flexibility can help you produce more energy when you hit the floor. This is because the more flexible you’re, the more comprehensive your range of motion can be in your joints and muscles. This lets you extend your arm, even more when you punch.
This will result in greater force being produced.
Flexibility can help in avoiding injuries. When you’re flexible, joints and muscles can move in an entire movement. This can reduce the chance of strains and sprains.
Additionally, your body’s flexibility can help enhance your coordination and balance. It’s because your body can better keep its center of gravity when it’s flexible. This allows you to remain upright and allows you to move more effectively.
In the end, the flexibility of your muscles could help you recover from your workouts faster. If you’re flexible enough muscles, they can repair themselves more efficiently. This means you’ll not feel as in pain after your workout, and you’ll be able to perform more regularly.
How To Improve Your Flexibility For Boxing
If you’re looking to improve your boxing agility, it is possible to do some things.
Static Stretching
Static stretching occurs when you are in a particular place for an extended period without moving. It is the most popular kind of stretching and the first thing people consider when they imagine stretching.
To perform static stretching, you must locate a comfortable place and keep it there for 30 to 1 minute. It should feel like a soft stretching in your muscles. However, you shouldn’t be feeling any discomfort. If you feel any discomfort, stop the stretch immediately.
Examples of static stretch are:
- Feeling your toes
- Stretching the hamstrings
- Stretching your chest
- Stretching your shoulders
- Dynamic Stretching
Dynamic stretching occurs when you go through various motions smoothly and consistently. This kind of stretching is usually employed to warm up before exercises.
If you want to do an active stretch, begin by slowing down and gradually increasing the range of motion as you warm up. There shouldn’t be any discomfort while doing this kind of a stretch.
Examples of dynamic stretches include:
- Leg is swung
- Arm circles
- Torso turns
- Walking lunges
Conclusion
Flexibility benefits many combat athletes like boxers since it boosts the power of their punches. But other factors, like the technique of boxing and weight training, are crucial to generating maximal punching power.
Flexibility is a valuable tool for boxers as it can help to prevent injuries and boost performance. But boxers must ensure they get warm before activities to avoid muscle stiffness and soreness.
