Big Boxing Shoes To Fill
When you think of boxing, what image comes to mind? Who do you see filling that pair of boxing shoes and jabbing their way from one side of the ring to the other? I would bet my bottom dollar that you're not imagining two women. But women have always had their place in both this and other forms of fighting arts.
The numbers of women currently engaged in competitive fighting these days isn't far below the numbers of men. The big difference is in the respect and attention they receive. There's no question that the men in the sport draw most of the box office approval. One reason for this discrepancy is that a number of fans simply don't think that females should be participating in such an adrenaline packed endeavor. Popular media and societal constraints has cast them in the role of being the more docile and fragile of the sexes. Two things that don't traditionally pair well with fighting at all.
But regardless of the biases held by some people, the number of women who are slipping their boxing shoes on and lacing up the gloves is on an upswing. And so, the number who are enjoying the benefits the sport provides overall is growing as well. I don't think anyone would argue the point that trained boxers are among the most physically fit individuals out there. The regimen that the average fighter goes through beats twenty minutes in an aerobics class any day.
If you happen to be a female who is interested in trying her hand at a few rounds in the ring, the first thing you might think about doing in preparation would be to find someone who you are comfortable with to train you. If you are not ready for one-on-one instruction yet, then at least consider finding some group classes you can take. A little instruction is the best way to avoid unnecessary injury. You would be surprised at how many people, men included, don't even know how to make a proper fist. As a quick test, if your fist involves you wrapping your fingers around your thumb, then you will also be surprised to know that you are most definitely one of them.
Aside from the obvious health benefits of just being in great shape, there are also the unseen benefits of slipping on a pair of boxing shoes and giving it a try. For instance, have you considered the amount of stress heaped onto us in modern society. And many people have the bad habit of internalizing a lot of it. It's only a matter of time before this starts to take a toll on us in the form of headaches, ulcers, and a whole list of other conditions. In ever increasing numbers, women are finding out what a relief it can be just to hit something and hit it hard.
There's also the bonus of being able to use the sport for what it originally grew out of - a need for self defense! A skilled fighter never has to worry about things she can't handle. The desire to carry a canister of mace or even a firearm is a thing of the past for those who are completely confident in their ability to lay-out a would-be assailant with one punch. There's no greater thrill than to not have to rely on a tool to defend yourself, other than your own skill.
No matter what shape you may be in right now, you can find a speed that you are comfortable to start with. You are not expected to go twelve rounds your first week in. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking that you can't do it for one reason or the other. You don't have to be the biggest or the strongest to compete. And you certainly don't have to be if all you really want is to reap the benefits of the conditioning involved in the sport. We all had to put on our boxing shoes and start somewhere. Just find a class that suits your current level. But do find something. It all starts with the first step.