What Boxing equipment you will need

In our previous blog, we talked about the challenge that boxing presents. If you haven’t had the chance to read it you should give it a quick glance by clicking here. It will provide you with all the information required to take the first baby step towards becoming a boxer.

For those who have read it, have you started the preparations? Let us know how the workouts are going by leaving comments below.

Getting back to the point at hand. Before you can get yourself a boxing coach, you will need the right boxing gear in your kit bag.

If you have only ever looked at the pros, you will have this idea that gloves, and all the boxing gear, are expensive. In truth though, boxing equipment doesn’t cost that much.

There are a lot of different brands out there who are just out to get your money, so you need proper information to make smart purchases; beginning with the type of gloves you need.

Boxing Equipment You Require

Boxing Gloves

If you believe that you can go out to your nearest sports shop and buy a pair of boxing glove that is perfect for you, then you are wrong.

You have to know the right size, according to your body weight, and the weight of the glove that is suitable for you.

There is also a difference between training, sparring and fighting gloves.

Overwhelmed? That’s understandable.

You don’t need to worry about anything, we will explain each and every aspect of the gloves. Let’s tackle the size of the glove first.

Size

Boxing gloves come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes.

• Small size has 6” to 7.5” circumference
• Medium size has 7.5 to 8.5” circumference
• Large size has 8.5” to 9.5” circumference
• Extra-large size has 9.5” and above circumference

You can measure the circumference of your hand with a measuring tape;

• Place the measuring tape under your hand with the palm facing up.
• Bring the edge of the tape around your palm see the measurement.

Weight

Some brands classify their gloves according to the weight of the gloves and not the sizes. The usual weights for the gloves range from 8 ounces to 20 ounces.

Heavier gloves have more padding, which adds to the weight of the glove. They are ideal for practices because of the extra protection they offer. You will be thankful for the added padding when your coach asks you to work on heavy punching bags.

For you, a beginner, the ideal glove weight would be 16 oz. It will have the right kind of protection for all types of training routines and sparring. When you progress and enter a fight, you will need another pair of gloves that should weigh between 10 oz to 12 oz.

Closure

Boxing gloves have two types of closure systems; Velcro and laces.

Velcro is much easier to operate and is ideal for boxers who are just starting out in the sport. You can easily take the gloves off and on without needing any help.

Inner Wraps/Wear

Inner hand wear or wraps are a must when you are serious about boxing training. They give your hands an added layer of cushion for the blows.

For a beginner, inner wear is more appropriate than wraps. They are easier to put on and off. It would be ideal to get a couple of them so you can rotate them in every training.

They can also soak in the excess sweat, which protects the inside of your glove from wear.

Mouthpiece

An exact fitting mouthpiece can protect your teeth from getting knocked out. You may not be at a risk of getting hit in the face just yet, soon enough you will need a mouthpiece.

Innovative mouthpieces can now limit the impact to your whole mouth, so you should have one even if you engage in light sparring; which you may have to do within the first few days of training.

Head Guard

Your head requires more protection than any other part of your body when you are boxing. Head guard keeps your whole head safe so you can spar and train without worry.

You don’t have to be all fearless and forget about the safety. Even professionals wear head guards during training and amateur boxers wear them in fights as well.

Groin Protectors

You need to protect yourself from low blows when you are sparring or fighting. They can be inadvertent or intentional, so it’s better to have protection than not.

You can different types of cups or female groin protectors of various shapes and design. This is essential boxing equipment so don’t leave it off for later.

Focus Mitts

Focus mitts are more of an optional purchase. They will be a huge part of your boxing training. Trainer/coach can simulate match like conditions by giving you a target to hit. You will dodge the sweeping motions of the mitts to practice for punches coming your way.

Just remember;

• If your trainer has their own mitts then you don’t need a pair of your own.
• If you plan on training at home with a partner, then you should buy a pair of good focus mitts.

Jump Rope

As any boxing trainer or coach will tell you, you need to have a jump rope in your kit bag. Most warm up drills include jump rope exercises.

It also helps with your footwork; more on that in an upcoming blog.

Boxing Shoes

Boxing shoes are soft and light specifically made to aid your movement inside the ring. As a beginner, you don’t need to worry about boxing shoes if they are not in your budget.

You can train with any lightweight sneaker. But eventually, you will need to buy a pair of shoes so keep that in mind.

Once you have packed all your essential boxing equipment in your gym bag, you are ready to go out and look for a boxing gym that is perfect for you. We will be back with a post that will tell you how great a decision you have made by choosing boxing; the mental and fitness benefits of boxing, so stick with us.