Boxing as a sport has been around for ages and has evolved over the years with improvements in gears and equipment. Modern boxing gears now utilize advanced and improved materials to attain exceptional performance and comfort. With the right gear, a boxer can improve and grow in record time.
However, choosing the right gear becomes a difficult task when you do not know the exact equipment you’ll need. This is especially true if you are new to boxing.
Below, we’ve created a list of the key pieces of gear that a boxer requires to perform at their best.
Boxing Trunks
Every boxer needs a reliable pair of trunks to practice and compete in. These trunks need to be comfortably snug and of the right length so as not to restrict your movements. If your knee gets caught up, your speed and impact will be sacrificed even if you do not notice it. We can't emphasize a proper fit enough, as a loose-fitting garment will interfere with your performance possibly more than anything else.
Speed bags
This is one of the most common pieces of gear used worldwide for boxing training. A speed bag is a small and relatively light punching bag that hangs at the boxer’s face height. The bag is attached to a wooden platform by a small anchor which is attached to the wall. Because it is very light, the bag moves around fast when the boxer punches it and this movement is limited by the short anchor. The best speed bags function to improve your hand-eye coordination, punching speed, and hand position, as well as a defensive posture.
Heavy Bags
A heavy bag in boxing is the traditional punching bag. By punching the heavy bag, boxers practice the power of their punches and get great aerobic exercise and increase muscle mass. There are a lot of options available when it comes to heavy bags. The first thing you will have to decide is whether you want a hanging bag or a freestanding one. Hanging bags will react more to your hits while the freestanding ones provide more stability. You also have to consider the material that fills the bag as well. There are various kinds of bags filled with soft or hard materials.
Hand wrap
Hand wraps help protect your hands and wrists from injury. By wrapping hand wraps around your wrists, you can prevent your wrists or knuckles from straining or breaking due to impacts. You will come across various types of hand wraps – you’ll have to decide how long you want the hand wrap to be. You can even find elastic hand wraps that stick to your skin providing a good grip.
Boxing shoe
No matter your level of experience as a boxer, you need proper shoes. A good boxing shoe will properly reinforce your ankles and enhance your movements without compromising your agility. For you to perform at your best, you need the proper kind of shoes that fits you perfectly and assists your footwork naturally.
Jump ropes
When it comes to boxing, working with a jump rope gives you more chances to improve your skills. A jump rope is quite effective and works on your body coordination, endurance, balance, timing, stamina, and reflexes. You can experiment with it and practice different types of jumping. Make sure the jump rope you get is the right length for you, or is adjustable to the proper length.
Boxing gloves
Gloves are a very important part of boxing. It is very important that you select the right size and model as these will be worn at every practice and match. Boxing gloves are usually categorized by their weight, so you have to choose between 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20-ounce gloves. The glove that would best suit you will be determined by your body weight and how much skill you have as a boxer. It is crucial that your gloves feel comfortable, else you risk jeopardizing your whole sporting experience from the start.
Mouth Guard
Mouthguards are essential protective equipment in boxing and they are mandatory. They are usually made of a rubbery material and should be comfortable to wear. When sparring, a mouth guard will protect your teeth from being knocked out, as well as your lips from splitting open after a jab to the face.
Head guard
A head protector or head guard is a padded helmet that protects the head of whoever wears it during a sparring match. The head is the main punching target in boxing so it’s very necessary that it is protected from extreme damage by padding and reducing the impact in the area when sparring.
These pieces of gear are the most essential for any beginner, intermediate, or pro-boxer looking to functionally equip themselves appropriately. Take proper care in your search and select gear that fits. Best of luck!
