The Importance of Running in Boxing Training
Running, of all different types, is absolutely vital in any boxer’s training program. As a boxing coach I can very easily spot a boxer who has neglected their roadwork. They tend to look sharp for the first 30 seconds or so of the round, but very quickly the ‘tank empties’ and their technique fails. A loss in these circumstances is the only real outcome. So, running in boxing training is crucial.
If you’ve been using this site for any length of time, you’ll know that I’m a big believer in studying technique. Well, running is a technical activity too. I found this article which offers some very simple tips regarding the correct form to adopt during running. I think it’s well worth a couple of minutes of your time to check it out. Here’s the link:
http://www.coolrunning.com.au/expert/train-004.shtml
Enjoy!
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The prejudice against swimming sounds logical, although building muscle with swimming is not an easy thing, especially if you are in boxing. In fact, if you do your boxing workouts and watch your food, adding any other moderate sport-specific exercise could cause loss of muscle, since fat levels should be low. It’s not the same thing with weights and good meals and supplements, lifting was a taboo in the old days and now look at them. Most cruisers and heavies of today would put early era bodybuilders to shame.
Thank for your patience with us who want to know it all.
It takes no patience at all responding to such well considered and thought provoking comments Ivan! I really appreciate your contribution, as I’m sure do other visitors to the site. Thanks again.
Hi Fran,
Running is a boxer’s best friend, no doubt about it. To take this matter further, do you think a boxer would benefit from sprints (dashes) for 100-200 meters at certain intervals. Not to mention the chiseled, explosive looks of elite sprinters.
I also suggest that swimming is a better alternative. You get all the benefits of running but with improved overall conditioning, may be more stamina, definitely more flexibility and litheness of arm and shoulder muscles, etc. Swimming is a low impact activity, injury is uncommon, while even correct running can ruin your ankles and knees if you overdo it.
Good idea. For some reason people say running is an aerobic activity and so won’t transfer into anaerobic combat sports, but I figure if it increases the threshold for switching over to anaerobic then good. And running has always had huge benefits for my endurance in pretty much anything.
I’m not sure about the tip that says to lean forward slightly, I was always taught to avoid that as it constricts lung capacity, as the writer mentions later when disussing shoulder hunching.
Hands/arm swing is far more important than many non-runners realize! I was taught to think of it as “putting my hands in my pocket” to get those hands following the right arc. Its amazing how much faster you will find yourself running if you just focus on hand position and arm swing!
That said, I should probably start running again..I told my friend I’d pace her for a leg or two of a 50k.. :S
Fantastic input Svenjamin, as always. I really like the comment on the technique of the arm swing and it’s certainly something I’m going try out.
I’m with you, don’t listen to those who think that running has no part to play in combat sports, that’s just crazy talk! Now don’t get me wrong, we don’t have to turn into Haile Gabresalasie or anything, but a well considered and disciplined running regime (incorporated middle distance and sprinting) will enable technique to be maintained in the most torrid and exhausting of fights; the recovery period is greatly improved also.
Thanks for the very helpful comment, and yes, you need to get back out on the road to prep for your pace-setting as you don’t want your friend to have to wait for your tired a**e!