Did you know Boxing is good for mental health sufferers?
As a mental health sufferer, I used to punch concrete walls as a way of letting off steam, now I find boxing helps to relieve some of that negative energy.
Recently, ex-footballer Rio Ferdinand announced his decision to box professionally at the age of 38.
Like many other sportsmen such as ex-footballer Leon Mc Kenzie and ex England cricket captain, Freddy Flintoff, boxing helps to release some of those inner demons within mental health sufferers.
It’s not just men taking up boxing, it’s becoming more popular with women as well.
I once went to a boxercise class and I loved it.
I now do HIIT sessions twice a week and the classes always include lots of running and boxing.
Boxing with my trainer is my favourite exercise and I’m always encouraged to hit harder.
It’s great to be able to get all of that negative energy and thoughts into several punches as you hit the boxing pads.
According to an article in the Telegraph, Boxing burns more calories than any other sport, with a whopping 800 calories burning away per hour.
Fitness benefits include:
By taking up boxing you can burn as much as 500 calories a session as well as increasing your muscle tone, Building Strong Bones and Ligaments, increasing your
Cardiovascular, muscle endurance, core stability, and improving your upper body strength.
Boxing is a great way to keep fit
An article on the Netdoctor says that assistant psychologist Felicity Gibbons from London recently started boxing classes to help those who suffer from depression and anxiety.
Here, she shares her motivating story:
“Boxing is making me more confident and providing a space to de-stress.
It has made me much fitter and healthier generally. I’m now motivated to go running to maintain my fitness, I am stronger and more toned, it has improved my sleep and made me more conscious of eating healthily and taking care of my body.
Let us know what helps your mental health in the comments below or join in the discussions on our social media channels.
• Therapy
• Mental health
• Prince Harry
• Mindfulness
• Health
• Exercise
• Fitness
• Family
• Rio Ferdinand
• Floyd Mayweather
• Depression