Any boxers here?

[Agent_matt]

When I was younger my Dad always went on how "When I was at school we done boxing, none of this badmington / tennis / football / ballet". I've now decided that I am interested in boxing tot he extent I wouldn't mind training but have a few questions.

1) It seems that boxing keeps you amazingly fit if you train but im wondering if it's training that makes the good boxers this quick or is it instinct?

2) Im fairly tall (6ft 2in ish), would this be considered too tall to be any good? Wouldn't want a smaller person running rings around me.

3) What kind of diet? As I already stated im about 6ft 2in and weight in at about 13.5 stone. Id like to bulk myself up a bit, so what would I go for?

4) Final question, In my head I have this opinion (possibly sterotypical) view of all boxing gyms being fall of fitness freaks, hard as nails and all staring at me and anyone else new as well as seeing them as easy training. Can someone please get this thought out of my head as it's the only thing holding me back.

Just reading back through my post, im not sure if much of it makes sense. However, im not in a thinking mode really at the moment so please bare with me

 

[Styles]

I think you should go to a couple of gyms and watch a session first, before deciding on doing anything. There is always going to be a couple of people that are looking to prove themselves, but there are plenty of decent people at places like this.

A lot of people will box nowadays as a means of increases their confidence in themselves.

Also, can you skip? Get yourself a nice weighted skipping rope and try that for a few minutes then you'll understand how aerobically fit this will make you. I can do the tricks and whatevers needed but it still tires me out after a while!

 

[Depth]

When I was younger my Dad always went on how "When I was at school we done boxing, none of this badmington / tennis / football / ballet". I've now decided that I am interested in boxing tot he extent I wouldn't mind training but have a few questions.

1) It seems that boxing keeps you amazingly fit if you train but im wondering if it's training that makes the good boxers this quick or is it instinct?

2) Im fairly tall (6ft 2in ish), would this be considered too tall to be any good? Wouldn't want a smaller person running rings around me.

3) What kind of diet? As I already stated im about 6ft 2in and weight in at about 13.5 stone. Id like to bulk myself up a bit, so what would I go for?

4) Final question, In my head I have this opinion (possibly sterotypical) view of all boxing gyms being fall of fitness freaks, hard as nails and all staring at me and anyone else new as well as seeing them as easy training. Can someone please get this thought out of my head as it's the only thing holding me back.

Just reading back through my post, im not sure if much of it makes sense. However, im not in a thinking mode really at the moment so please bare with me

1) a mixture of both, top boxers train very hard but are blessed with great genetics from birth, as are all top athletes.

2) your not too tall at all

3) heavy compound lifting like deadlifts, squats and bench pressing, whole body three times a week. Lift heavy, and keep the reps low. Do plenty of plyometrics (press ups, squats, sit ups etc) as these build explosive power. Eat a lot of clean food, but tbh Im no expert and the easiest way to find out about putting on weight and getting stronger is to look round the internet or in a book, and see what works for you.

4) a lot of peeps in boxing gyms are hard nuts, but everyone is there for the same thing and anyone who steps in the ring deserves respect, so don't worry about that.

 

[Agent_matt]

Thanks for the replies folks. Think im going to build start getting fit as soon as I can. Im already a member of a gym and go twice a week so im fairly fit but I find I tend to do more stamina based exercises (running and bike etc).

Think it's time I hit the weights and get those sit up's going.

As for actually getting down to a gym myself in regards to boxing, I think i'll have to build myself up for that, mentally!!

 

[Malarkee]

When I was younger my Dad always went on how "When I was at school we done boxing, none of this badmington / tennis / football / ballet". I've now decided that I am interested in boxing tot he extent I wouldn't mind training but have a few questions.

1) It seems that boxing keeps you amazingly fit if you train but im wondering if it's training that makes the good boxers this quick or is it instinct?

2) Im fairly tall (6ft 2in ish), would this be considered too tall to be any good? Wouldn't want a smaller person running rings around me.

3) What kind of diet? As I already stated im about 6ft 2in and weight in at about 13.5 stone. Id like to bulk myself up a bit, so what would I go for?

4) Final question, In my head I have this opinion (possibly sterotypical) view of all boxing gyms being fall of fitness freaks, hard as nails and all staring at me and anyone else new as well as seeing them as easy training. Can someone please get this thought out of my head as it's the only thing holding me back.

Just reading back through my post, im not sure if much of it makes sense. However, im not in a thinking mode really at the moment so please bare with me

I'll add my two cents, don't worry about your height and your diet, once you're in a propper club your trainer will tell you the best weight to fight at and help you get there.

The best boxers have such good stamina, hit so hard, have great reflexes etc from training and gifted Genetics.

No one will snub you if you are prepared to put the work in and are honest about yourself... its a tough game but just about everybody in it has respect and disipline... any one worth dealing with definetly will.

A few gyms don't like 'keep fitters' they won't pick on them or anything... they jsut don't get attention. So if you are just trying the waters your best bet is to say that you want to learn about the sport and compete if you feel its for you. you'll get loads of attention. Every coach is always looking for the next Ali or Tyson...

At a guess I'd say your coach will try and get you up to around the 14 stone mark, I'm about 3 inches shorter than you and fight at the same weight and there aren't really many people taller than me.

it all depends on your build and body composition. Good luck and just make sure you relax and enjoy it, slowest way to learn is to take it too seriously and be tense all the time.