Many bodybuilders enjoy the attention that is bestowed upon them as a result of possessing a better-than-average physique. However, many do experience more than their fair share of trouble, as social situations involving ego and alcohol often lead smaller insecure men into starting fights with “the biggest guy in the room” to prove themselves. While it’s easy to say you will decline an invitation to fight, escape from a dangerous situation isn’t always logistically possible. For times like these, being able to use your hands can be a great thing. Many bodybuilders find themselves picking up a side hobby in boxing in order to be ready should an unfortunate incident occur.
The common practices engaged in by bodybuilders and boxers are not all that different. Proper nutrition and training are essential. Rest is important for recovery. Supplements can be very beneficial. There are some differences in the details, however. Let’s check out some essentials for success for the bodybuilder attempting to box.
Training
Aside from the standard boxing training which will be given by your instructor, weight training is quite effective for boxers who wish to be powerful in the ring.
Compound movements such as bench press, squat, clean and press, and deadlift are popular with boxers seeking to get bigger and stronger. You may need to cut back some of your isolation work in the beginning, as your arms and legs adjust to the many reps that come with the boxing training.
Cardio
Boxers need to engage in a great deal of running – a minimum of 2 to 3 miles at least four times per week. If you never plan on getting into the ring competitively, you can get away with less. However, unless you want to be gassing in the third round and losing your good looks to a much scrawnier man with much better lungs, you’ll need to run in order to find success with staying on your feet and finish the fight.
Supplementation
Glutamine is a popular supplement for recovery. Your immune system will be taking quite a beating from this onslaught of training. The combined effects of boxing, running, lifting, and absorbing blows isn’t going to be an easy pill to swallow.
Nutrition
You won’t need as many calories being a boxer as a bodybuilder. In fact, they may hinder your speed in the ring and make you less of an effective boxer. The food selections should be the same, and include lean meats, carbohydrate sources such as rice and beef, and lean fats such as fish oil caplets.
Rest
Bodybuilders who engage in boxing may notice they need much more sleep than they previously needed. Absorbing blows to the body can place quite a strain on the central nervous system, as can the miles of running.
Goals
It’s important to place one goal ahead of the other, if only by a very small margin. In order to properly plan your training and nutrition in the long-term basis, you will want to assign either bodybuilding or boxing as your primary goal. This will allow you to make it the focus, and then add some aspects of the other in order to ensure you are well cross-trained. You always need to have a home point to refer to.
