Boxercising: An interesting, fun way to keep mind and body fit

Recently, Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince Harry engaged in a friendly game of boxing at an event in London’s Olympic Park. The Kensington Palace’s official Twitter handle also posted a video of Middleton, calling the activity ‘boxercise’.

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Closer home, Kareena Kapoor Khan, too, took time out a few days back to exchange a few punches with her friend, Amrita Arora Ladak, at a gym in Bandra (W). The latter posted a picture of the two on Instagram, with a caption that read, “Don’t mess with us crazy ass session at gym today...#posersbelike #fitgirls #partyhardtrainharder (sic).”

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Boxing is increasingly being taken up by men and women, not as a sport but a fitness exercise. “I have witnessed a tremendous growth in the fitness industry in the past five to 10 years. During this course of time, I have also seen many individuals between the age group of 25 and 40 take up ‘boxercising’. We have also added different kinds of elements to it,” says Amit Lalwani, the owner of a fitness centre in the city.

Aqua boxing

As the name suggests, this variety is performed in a swimming pool. The water’s buoyancy changes the way the body is exercised. This offers a refreshing change as well. It is most sought after in the summer.

Cardio-boxing

In this type of boxing, the backward-forward movements of the fists are repeated according to the beats of the music.

Trampoline boxing

The ability to stand on a trampoline, and box at the same time, requires a high level of coordination skills.

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Piloxing

This format combines boxing, Pilates and dancing, and is considered an advanced form of Zumba. For women, boxing also doubles up as a self-defence technique. “These days, many women are interested in learning fitness techniques that not only make them fit and strong, but also make them confident,” says Vinod Channa, celebrity fitness trainer. He adds, “Boxing is great for self-defence as the techniques not only help you protect yourself, but also teach you to protect others.”

Advantages of boxing as a fitness regime:

1) It improves alertness and agility

2) It improves your reflexes and flexibility

3) It is excellent for mind and body coordination

4) It helps build your core strength and hip muscles

5) It improves the mobility of the hip joint.