by Samantha Montpetit-Huynh
I don’t know about you but sometimes I’m jealous of my 7 year old daughter who gets to let off some steam by punching the stuffing out of her pillow.
Not that I “can’t” do it myself but somehow I don’t think I would get the satisfaction as I would punching, say… a person? Taking into consideration that I’m not a violent person, I still get the urge from time to time to let of some pent up frustration the good old fashioned way.
Boxing has been around for centuries and is most commonly associated with big, burly guys who like to punch the crap out of each other and suffer brain damage years later. Now, boxing has become a fitness trend like no other.
Yes, you have boot camps, Zumba and the like, but when you are a sleep deprived mom who is trying to manage the “new normal” of parenthood, would you rather jump up and down or let off some steam and get a great workout at the same time?
Boxing doesn’t only work your upper body. If done correctly, you get an awesome core workout too! Boxing is a great workout, great for stress and good for weight loss.
With my clients, I also add a variety of kick/boxing combos so that their heart rate is up, their sweating and feeling the power behind every punch! Now how can you beat that?
But boxing isn’t for everyone. Here are a few pointers when considering a boxing workout:
1. Injuries.
If you have an old injury that has not been addressed, boxing can exacerbate it especially if it is in the upper body.
2. Unstable joints.
This targets new moms especially. The hormone, relaxin, keeps joints hyper mobile and can lead to injury due to the force created by boxing.
3. Newbies.
As like any new exercise program, be sure to have someone teach you proper form and don’t progress too quickly before you are ready.
I can’t tell you how many times I have held up my gloves and just said “GO!” and all hell broke lose. You have no idea the amazing release you feel after doing 5 to 10 minutes of jabs, hooks and upper cuts.
Visualize a face on those boxing pads and it’s a whole new game!
Boxing is no longer for beefy men who want to just fight. Women and especially moms are becoming aware of the power behind the gloves and loving every minute of it.
It’s time to say goodbye to the pretty little thing who had no strength and say “hell ya!” to the mom who can kick some butt!
Are you in?
Samantha Montpetit-Huynh is the mother of two beautiful girls and the founder of Core Expectations, Toronto’s only full services wellness team that delivers personal training, abdominal rehabilitation and other support services to the homes and offices of pregnant women and new moms across the GTA.
