Boxing is a combat sport exercise that requires a lot of strength. You cannot start boxing with an opponent on the first day.
Therefore, there are some boxing practices implemented. One such boxing practice is shadow boxing. Many players, including professionals, practice shadow boxing for better performance.
Moreover, it’s suggested for beginners as a root exercise. However, you are wrong if you think it’s a waste of time as you are only punching the air. There are a lot of benefits of shadowboxing that will be helpful to you someday.
That said, here we will guide you on what it is and the benefits of shadowboxing, so keep reading further.
What Does Shadow Boxing Do?
Shadowboxing is a cardio exercise and a boxing technique where a boxer tries different moves and punches, even if there is no opponent or punching bag. It’s a full-body workout, and anyone can try shadow boxing.
Most professional boxers perform shadow boxing as their daily routine, as there are many benefits. Many people prefer shadowboxing in front of a mirror as it helps them correct their posture and perfect some boxing techniques. Moreover, as shadowboxing is a full-body workout, many people practice it to lose fat.
Benefits Of Shadow Boxing
In this section, we have discussed the different benefits of Shadowboxing.
Enhanced muscle memory
If you ever get a coach for boxing, they will tell you to focus on shadowboxing beforehand and then let you use the punching bag.
The reason is that shadow boxing lets you practice the same moves, which trains your muscles, enhances their memory, and makes them comfortable during actual fights. Moreover, with relaxed muscles, you can use your moves accurately.
Improves technique
When practicing with a dummy, punching bag, or a real opponent, you cannot always concentrate on your form and technique.
But while shadow boxing, you have a mirror or no one is in front of you, so you don’t have any distractions and can calmly focus on your hand moves and punches. Moreover, you can use it as a warmup exercise before going for the punching bag.
Improved balance
Keeping your feet balanced all the time is as essential as your punches in boxing. Good moves yet an unstable balance will make you lose a fight within seconds.
Therefore, shadowboxing is recommended. It lets you focus on your balance and moves without making you care about the other opponents or the punching bag.
Gives relief from stress
Many people start gyming to escape their real-life problems. And Similar to any other workout, shadowboxing will also relieve your stress.
Making you think only about your posture, balance, and form will keep you from having any evil thoughts. Thus, it’s a nice activity to perform after a stressful day.
Good exercise
If you are searching for good exercise, go for shadowboxing. As said earlier, there are a lot of benefits; plus, it’s a full-body workout, so it will help you keep your body in shape.
Similarly, practicing shadow boxing daily will keep your heart strong as it increases your heart rate. Thus adrenaline rushes through your body. Moreover, having a good physique helps in maintaining a healthy mental state.
No equipment is needed.
One more reason shadowboxing is a good exercise is that it requires no equipment. You don’t even need boxing gloves for that, leave alone a coach or a punching bag.
Therefore, it’s the cheapest way you can practice boxing. On top of that, shadow boxing tones muscles, so there is no need to hit the gym.
FAQs Regarding the Benefits of Shadow Boxing
Does shadowboxing build muscle?
Even if shadowboxing doesn’t look like a big deal, it helps you build muscle mass. As it mainly focuses on the upper body, it helps ton the muscles of your shoulders, biceps, and triceps.
Is shadowboxing a good workout?
Absolutely yes, shadowboxing is a great workout. Many boxers, including professionals, use it as a warmup exercise before entering the ring. Also, it’s a full-body workout, so only doing this is sufficient for a beginner.
Shadowboxing makes you a better fighter?
Practice makes a man perfect, so shadowboxing solely won’t help you to be a better boxer. You need frequent practice, you should upgrade yourself, and have your goals and patience. With all these qualities, you will surely be a better fighter.
Is shadowboxing good for weight loss?
Before being a full-body workout, shadow boxing is good cardio. And as you might know, cardio exercises increase your heart rate, which burns more calories. Hence, shadowboxing is good for weight loss, and many studies have proven it.
Shadowboxing vs. a heavy bag?
Each of them has its benefits. Shadowboxing helps in fixing your posture, balance, and technique. While on the other hand, heavy bag punching is perfect for knowing your maximum power. Hence, both of them are to be used when needed.
Conclusion
Try implementing shadowboxing in your boxing training because it has got a lot of benefits and you can become a professional boxer one day.
However, you can’t know the benefits as long as you start shadowboxing by yourself. Shadowboxing might look like a simple exercise, but shadowboxing makes you a better fighter.
Also, you will look ripped to some extent as it burns many calories, which in turn burns fat. It takes no equipment, not even a coach, to learn shadowboxing. Thus, we hope you will start practicing shadowboxing with no delay.
