By Debra Samuel, MINT General Manager

Boxing is one of the oldest sports in the world. For the uninitiated, however, staring down rows of hanging bags, donning wraps and gloves, learning new punches, and envisioning fists of fury may feel a little intimidating; for others, it may simply be an exciting challenge. But no matter what, you should ditch any hesitation and get yourself to a MINTBox class ASAP, because boxing is a completely accessible workout that boasts an impressive list of calorie torching, whole-body-sculpting benefits that you won’t want to miss.

1.Improve Cardiovascular Health and Torch Calories

For even the newest boxer, there is an immediate cardiovascular benefit. In boxing, you move nearly non-stop during each round, whether it is throwing (or dodging) punch combinations, working on footwork, or doing complementary cardio like jumping rope, jumping jacks, and burpees. You do get short recovery periods between intervals, but the effort phases are intense. Not only does that help train your heart to work more efficiently, lower your resting heart rate, reduce the risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer, and generally help you feel your best, but it also burns mega calories.

2.Head-to-Toe Sculpting

Think boxing is solely an upper-body workout? Think again. Boxing recruits a wide range of muscles, as the power behind the punches lies in a boxer’s hips and legs, and effective technique also requires (and builds) a strong back and core. In most boxing classes, your coach will not only help you refine your punching form, leading to faster and better results, but also will push you through complementary strength training exercises to accelerate those gains. In addition, because boxing is a weight-bearing sport that forces you to work against gravity, it may also help you prevent bone loss.

3.Improve Balance, Coordination, and Agility

In boxing, you move your body in so many different ways and directions. You punch, duck, slip, squat, pivot, and more – and often very quickly. These quick shifts, along with your coach’s fresh combinations and dynamic programming, will help you improve your balance, coordination, and agility, keeping you light on your toes and quick on your feet.

4.Relieve Stress

Ever just feel to need to hit something to let out a little stress or tension? Enough said. Not only do you get a tangible stress release from making contact with the heavy bag or focus mitts, but you also see the endorphin-driven mental health benefits that come with all intense exercise.

Boxing fitness classes will keep you in fighting form, so to speak. But they will also help you to avoid the dreaded fitness plateau by ensuring that your routine is dynamic and fresh, and that you remain challenged even as your body adapts. So step into the ring and add boxing into your training routine today. You won’t regret it. Try MINTBox at MINT Manhattan Laundry as part of a 5 day free trial.