Forget boring cardio workouts! According to American cardiologist Dr. Lance LaMotte, boxing is not only great for heart and blood vessel health but also a powerful ally in fighting stress, excess weight, and high blood pressure. Many think boxing is only for professionals, but LaMotte says it’s a workout for everyone — from beginners to seasoned athletes.
Boxing activates the whole body — strengthening abdominal, back, arm, shoulder, and leg muscles, improving endurance, agility, and balance. Plus, it’s an excellent stress reliever because nothing beats the satisfaction of hitting a heavy bag or pads.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT), which boxing falls under, is especially important. Just half an hour of boxing can burn around 500 calories for a 70-kilogram person! That explains why boxers are often in top shape.
The British Heart Foundation warns that excess weight significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart attacks, and strokes, so regular physical activity like boxing is key to preventing these diseases. If boxing isn’t your thing, there are other HIIT activities like brisk walking, jumping, squats, burpees, planks, or jump lunges. The important thing is to find what motivates you and what your heart loves.
So, if you’re tired of boring cardio and want something that’s both fun and healthy, maybe it’s time to put on the gloves and try boxing. Your heart and body will thank you! And if you’re already training, share how it’s going — maybe you’ll inspire us to step into the ring too!
