From the first moment I put boxing gloves on I was obsessed. I’m in love with how it helps me build muscle and how it transforms me mentally (talk about feeling empowered!). Whether I’ve got a case of the nerves or I’m just having ‘one of those days’, there’s something about punching out a boxing sesh that always gets me back to norm and feeling fab.
Naturally it was a no brainer to include boxing in our online fitness program Keep It Cleaner – to help others feel amazing inside and out too.
Why boxing?
I had always wanted to give boxing a go and it didn’t take much to get me hooked. Boxing works your whole body and strengthens your core like nothing else. Plus, all of that punching, skipping and dodging requires so much energy, which means you’re burning calories while having fun. If you’re keen to learn to box, KIC will teach you some fun moves and combos in short yet intense sessions. And you can do it all in the comfort of your own home.
Check out these four fave combos of mine to get you hooked on boxing too. Even better, try it with a pal to double the fun.
1. Shadow boxing with dumbbells
Begin with your feet hip-width apart and opposite leg forward. Hold weights at chest height with elbows bent and palms facing each other. Extend your left arm across your body until weight is in line with your right shoulder – your thumb should be facing down with your arm parallel to the ground. As you return to the start, repeat with the right arm.
2. Jab cross
Begin with your feet hip-width apart and opposite leg forward. To jab, throw a punch with the lead hand from the guard position with your fist rotating to become horizontal. As the punch reaches full extension, the lead shoulder can be brought up to guard the chin, while the rear hand remains next to the face to guard your jaw. Then to cross, throw a straight punch across your body originating from your strongest hand (rear hand).
3. Jab, cross, left hook, right uppercut
This combo introduces the hook and uppercut, and requires a little more coordination. Begin in fighter’s stance and throw a jab cross. To add a hook, shift your body weight to your lead foot, pivot and use the power from your hip and torso to swing your fist horizontally towards your opponent. Then to throw an uppercut, start with your left elbow against your ribs and your knuckles turned up, then punch upwards as if you’re punching someone under the chin. Keeping your core tight, pull back as you bend your knees, sitting back on your heels
4. Jab cross slip cross
Go the distance with this combo. Begin with your opposite foot forward. Repeat the jab cross move. Then to slip, transfer the weight from one leg to the other while subtly moving your upper body to avoid the opponent’s punch. Finish this combo with another cross.
Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw are the founders of KICgirls.com. Their 28-day program is inspired by the girls’ love for boxing, running and strength training. And as the girls are also massive foodies, KIC’s food planner is one of the best going around. From tacos and pad Thai to smoothies and raw desserts, their menu will fuel you with energy and nutrition to help you take on the world.
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