10 Strength Exercises Everyone Should Do to Get Stronger – Especially Boxers!

pull up workout strength boxing

10 Strength Exercises Everyone Should Do to Get Stronger – Especially Boxers!

Strength training is essential for everyone, whether you’re just trying to stay fit or you’re an boxing expert looking to improve your performance. The beauty of strength exercises is that they help you develop power, endurance, and resilience, all of which are critical for overall health and specific sports like boxing. If you’re looking to boost your strength and conditioning, especially as a boxer, these 10 strength exercises will help you build a solid foundation.

 

1. Squats

Squats are the king of lower body exercises. They target your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and even your core, making them a fantastic full-body movement.

Why are squats good for overall fitness? Squats mimic movements we do every day, like sitting and standing, which makes them a functional exercise. Building strength in your legs and core will improve your posture, balance, and overall strength.

How do squats benefit boxers? Boxers rely heavily on their legs for movement, power generation, and stability. A strong lower body helps a boxer to move efficiently around the ring and throw powerful punches by generating force from the ground up.

How to perform:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Keep your chest up and lower your hips as if you’re sitting back in a chair.
  • Ensure your knees track over your toes and don’t cave inward.
  • Push back up through your heels to the standing position.

squat workout strength boxing

2. Deadlifts

Deadlifts are a powerhouse exercise that targets your entire posterior chain, including the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back.

Why are deadlifts good for overall fitness? They are perfect for building strength in your lower body and back, enhancing posture, and improving core stability. Deadlifts also help with movements that involve lifting or carrying heavy objects in daily life.

How do deadlifts benefit boxers? A strong posterior chain is crucial for a boxer’s punching power and overall resilience in the ring. Deadlifts help improve explosiveness and endurance, which can help with throwing punches and absorbing hits.

How to perform:

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, with a barbell in front of you.
  • Grip the bar just outside your knees.
  • With a flat back, push your hips back and lower the bar down to mid-shin.
  • Drive through your heels to stand up, pulling the bar close to your body.deadlift workout strength boxing

3. Push-Ups

Push-ups are a staple bodyweight exercise that engages the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core.

Why are push-ups good for overall fitness? They are fantastic for upper body strength and endurance. Since they can be done anywhere without any equipment, push-ups are accessible to everyone and are great for developing upper-body endurance.

How do push-ups benefit boxers? For boxers, strong shoulders and chest muscles are essential for delivering powerful punches. Additionally, push-ups build endurance in the upper body, which helps boxers maintain form and strength throughout a fight.

How to perform:

  • Get into a plank position with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  • Keep your body straight and lower yourself until your chest nearly touches the ground.
  • Push yourself back up to the starting position.push up workout strength boxing

4. Pull-Ups

Pull-ups are one of the most effective exercises for building upper body strength, particularly in the back, shoulders, and arms.

Why are pull-ups good for overall fitness? Pull-ups target the latissimus dorsi (lats), biceps, and forearms, promoting upper body and grip strength. They improve your posture and build a strong upper back, which is crucial for supporting your shoulder joints.

How do pull-ups benefit boxers? Boxers need strong lats and shoulders to support powerful punches and maintain endurance during long rounds. Pull-ups help build the strength necessary to maintain form and prevent shoulder fatigue.

How to perform:

  • Hang from a bar with your palms facing away from you (overhand grip).
  • Pull yourself up until your chin is above the bar.
  • Lower yourself down with control and repeat.

pull up workout strength boxing

5. Planks

Planks are a great way to build core strength and endurance without any equipment.

Why are planks good for overall fitness? Planks work the entire core, including your abdominals, obliques, and lower back. A strong core is crucial for maintaining balance and posture during almost any movement, making it a foundation for overall strength.

How do planks benefit boxers? Boxers rely heavily on their core for balance, movement, and generating power in punches. A strong core also helps absorb body shots and keeps you stable while moving in the ring.

How to perform:

  • Start in a forearm plank position with elbows directly under your shoulders.
  • Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
  • Engage your core and hold the position for as long as possible.plank workout strength boxing

6. Lunges

Lunges are a great exercise for building lower body strength, balance, and flexibility.

Why are lunges good for overall fitness? They target the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, and help improve hip flexibility. Lunges also improve single-leg balance, which is essential for daily movements and athletic performance.

How do lunges benefit boxers? Boxers need strong and agile legs to move quickly around the ring and maintain balance while throwing punches. Lunges mimic the movements of stepping and shifting weight, which are common in boxing.

How to perform:

  • Stand tall and take a step forward with one leg.
  • Lower your body until both knees are at a 90-degree angle.
  • Push back up to the starting position and repeat on the other side.

lunge workout strength boxing

7. Overhead Press

The overhead press is a fundamental upper-body exercise that targets the shoulders, upper back, and triceps.

Why is the overhead press good for overall fitness? It improves upper body strength, shoulder mobility, and core stability. Overhead pressing strengthens your ability to lift and carry objects above your head, making it a practical movement for daily life.

How does the overhead press benefit boxers? Boxers need strong shoulders for punching endurance and power. The overhead press helps build the strength needed to throw repeated punches without losing form or getting fatigued.

How to perform:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold a barbell or dumbbells at shoulder height.
  • Press the weight overhead until your arms are fully extended.
  • Lower the weight back to shoulder height and repeat.

overhead press workout strength boxing

8. Russian Twists

Russian twists are an excellent exercise for targeting your obliques and building rotational strength in the core.

Why are Russian twists good for overall fitness? They help improve core strength, particularly in the muscles responsible for twisting and rotating. This rotational strength is essential for a range of athletic activities and daily movements.

How do Russian twists benefit boxers? Boxers generate power for their punches through rotational movements of the torso. Russian twists help build the core strength needed to rotate quickly and powerfully, enhancing punching force.

How to perform:

  • Sit on the floor with knees bent and feet slightly off the ground.
  • Hold a weight with both hands and rotate your torso to one side, then the other.
  • Keep your core engaged and continue alternating sides.

russian twist workout strength boxing

9. Kettlebell Swings

Kettlebell swings are a dynamic exercise that targets the entire body, especially the posterior chain and core.

Why are kettlebell swings good for overall fitness? They improve cardiovascular fitness, core stability, and lower body strength. Kettlebell swings also enhance explosive power, which is useful for many athletic activities.

How do kettlebell swings benefit boxers? Boxers need explosive power in their hips and core to throw powerful punches. Kettlebell swings train these muscle groups in a way that mimics the explosive movements required in boxing.

How to perform:

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a kettlebell with both hands.
  • Hinge at the hips and swing the kettlebell between your legs.
  • Thrust your hips forward to swing the kettlebell up to shoulder height, then let it swing back down.

kettlebell swing workout strength boxing

10. Medicine Ball Slams

Medicine ball slams are a great way to build explosive power and engage your entire body.

Why are medicine ball slams good for overall fitness? They improve upper body strength, core stability, and power. This exercise also gets your heart rate up, making it great for building endurance and burning calories.

How do medicine ball slams benefit boxers? Boxers need explosive power in their punches, and medicine ball slams help develop the strength and speed required to deliver those punches with force. It also improves overall conditioning, which is essential for stamina in the ring.

How to perform:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a medicine ball overhead.
  • Slam the ball down onto the ground as hard as you can.
  • Catch the ball on the rebound and repeat.

ballslam workout strength boxing

Get STRONGER with The Ring’s Strength & Boxing Classes

These 10 strength exercises are essential for building a solid foundation for overall fitness and improving your boxing skills. Whether you’re new to boxing or have been practising for years, strength training is crucial for enhancing your performance in the ring.

At The Ring, we’ve developed a brand-new Strength & Boxing class that combines the best of strength training and boxing into one high-energy workout.

Our Strength & Boxing class focuses on more than just punching power—it’s about developing full-body strength, improving endurance, and increasing your agility. Each session incorporates variations of the strength exercises we discussed, ensuring that you work every major muscle group while also enhancing your boxing skills.

Don’t worry if you’re not a boxing pro! This class is designed for everyone, regardless of your experience level. Whether you want to get stronger, improve your fitness, or simply enjoy a high-energy workout, this class has something for you. You’ll leave each session feeling empowered, fitter, and ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.

Ready? Check out our schedule and look for our new Strength & Boxing classes!

How to Become a Fighter for The Ring’s White Collar Boxing Show

TheRing-the ring white collar boxing 2024 fight night

Ever thought about stepping into the ring? The White Collar Boxing Show is your chance to do just that—even if you’ve never thrown a punch in your life. But whether you’re a beginner or already taking boxing classes and wanting to put your skills to the test, we’re in your corner.
It’s all about pushing your limits, having fun, and embracing the challenge.

 What is the White Collar Boxing Show?

The White Collar Boxing Show is an exciting event where corporate professionals trade in their suits for gloves and step into the ring. It’s designed for amateurs, not professional boxers, and offers a chance for participants to showcase their training and skills in front of a cheering crowd. It’s an adrenaline-packed night full of competition, camaraderie, and personal achievement.

Why Should You Participate?

If you’ve ever wanted to push your limits, both physically and mentally, this is your chance. Training for the White Collar Boxing Show transforms not just your fitness, but your mindset, giving you a deeper sense of discipline and confidence. Plus, it’s an opportunity to bond with fellow professionals outside of the corporate grind, build lasting friendships, and experience the thrill of stepping into the spotlight.

TheRing-the ring white collar boxing 2024 female fighter

Who Can Participate?

The White Collar Boxing Show isn’t open to just anyone. There are a few important conditions that ensure the spirit of the event remains focused on amateur fighters looking for a new challenge:

You Must Work for a Corporate Company

The show is called “White Collar Boxing” for a reason—it’s designed for people working in corporate environments. Whether you’re crunching numbers, handling legal cases, or managing marketing campaigns, this event is for professionals looking to balance the stress of their daily grind with something a little more physical.

No Olympic or National-Level Boxers

This event is strictly for those new to the sport. If you’ve fought on a national or Olympic level, this isn’t the platform for you. The goal here is to create an even playing field for corporate professionals who are just starting out in boxing. Think of it as a space where rookies come to shine.

No Professional Boxers Allowed

Similarly, professional boxers are also excluded. It’s not a professional bout; it’s a personal journey for corporate professionals who want to step out of their comfort zones. No pros allowed means a fairer, more exciting fight for everyone involved.

No Boxing Experience? We’ve Got You Covered

If you’ve never boxed before, don’t worry—that’s part of the fun. The Ring offers a complete training program for all participants, covering everything from basic punches to advanced footwork and sparring techniques. The idea is to take you from zero to fighter over the course of the program. Whether you’re learning how to jab or working on your endurance, the trainers at The Ring have your back.

TheRing-the ring white collar boxing 2024 fighter

The Training: From Desk to Ring

So, what does training for the White Collar Boxing Show look like? Think of it as a crash course in both physical and mental conditioning. Boxing isn’t just about strength—it’s about endurance, strategy, and mental toughness.

Starting with the Basics

Your journey begins with the fundamentals. Even if you’ve never laced up a pair of gloves before, you’ll learn everything from stance, punches, and defensive techniques. This foundational knowledge is key to building your confidence and preventing injuries.

Conditioning and Fitness

Boxing is a full-body workout, and your training will include conditioning drills like running, skipping, shadowboxing, and strength exercises to build your stamina, speed, and agility. You’ll notice significant improvements in your overall fitness, which is crucial for surviving those intense three-minute rounds in the ring.

Sparring and Strategy

As you progress, sparring will become a key part of your training. Don’t worry—it’s done in a controlled, safe environment with your coaches guiding every step. Sparring is where you’ll learn to apply your techniques in real-time, improve your defense, and develop a fight strategy.

Mental Preparation

Boxing isn’t just physical—it’s a mental game, too. You’ll learn how to stay calm under pressure, manage your energy, and stay focused even when you’re tired. These mental skills are invaluable, both in the ring and in life.

the ring white collar boxing 2024 training

The Registration Process: Get Started

If you’re ready to take on the challenge, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Fill Out a Registration Form: Start by filling out the official White Collar Boxing Show registration form on The Ring’s website. This form helps us gather essential details about your fitness level, work background, and any previous boxing experience you may have.
    The form link is posted when the registration period for the next event starts.
  2. Fitness Evaluation: Participation in the White Collar Boxing Show requires you to be at a minimum fitness level to ensure safe participation. If you’re already a loyal member at The Ring, you’re probably good to go. If not, we’ll see if we can get you there in time.
  3. We’ll Be in Touch: Once you’ve registered and gone through the initial steps, The Ring team will be in touch with further details about your training schedule, upcoming sparring sessions, and everything else you need to know leading up to fight night. We’ll also match you with an opponent selected based on similar experience, fitness level, and weight class to ensure a balanced and competitive bout.

 

4. The White Collar Boxing Community: More Than Just a Fight

One of the best parts of participating in the White Collar Boxing Show is becoming part of the The Ring White Collar community. You’ll train alongside fellow corporate professionals who share the same goal of stepping into the ring, and along the way, you’ll form lasting friendships. The shared experience of balancing work and boxing brings people together in a way few other events can.

The sense of camaraderie and support you’ll experience will motivate you to push through tough training days and show up at your best on fight night.

TheRing-the ring white collar boxing 2024 fight night

5. Fight Night: The Ultimate Challenge

All of your hard work and training will come to fruition on fight night. Here’s what to expect:

The Atmosphere

Fight night is electric. The energy in the room is palpable as friends, family, and colleagues cheer on the fighters. It’s a glamorous event with a high-octane atmosphere, perfect for showcasing your newly honed skills.

Your Match

You’ll be paired with an opponent of similar skill and experience to ensure a fair fight. The bouts are intense but safe, with referees and medical staff on hand to ensure everyone’s well-being. It’s a real fight, but safety is always the top priority.

The Aftermath

Whether you win or lose, stepping into the ring is a victory in itself. The sense of accomplishment and personal growth you’ll feel after completing your match is something you’ll carry with you for life.

Conclusion: Are You Ready to Step into the Ring?

If you’re a corporate professional looking for the ultimate challenge, the White Collar Boxing Show is your opportunity to push your limits and experience something truly unique. With no prior experience required and a comprehensive training program provided by The Ring, you’ll be well-prepared for fight night.

Considering? Drop by the gym and talk to our coaches today to start your prep, and let’s get you started on the journey to becoming a White Collar Boxing champion!

Nutrition Tips for Boxers: What to Eat Before and After Training

the ring meal prep tips nutrition

Boxing is a physically demanding sport that requires a combination of strength, speed, and endurance. Proper nutrition is essential to performing at your best. Whether you are training for a fight or just for fitness and fun, what you eat before and after your sessions can make a significant difference in your performance and recovery.
Here are some tips from our nutrition experts to fuel efficiently. 

What to eat BEFORE a boxing training session?

  1. Carbs are key

Carbohydrates are your body’s primary source of energy. Eating a carbohydrate-rich meal before training ensures that your muscles have the glycogen stores they need for a high-intensity workout. Opt for complex carbs like whole grains, brown rice, or sweet potatoes. For a quick snack before a session, a fruit, like a banana or an apple, or a piece of whole-grain toast with a spoon of jam can be perfect.

  1. Include Protein

Protein helps with muscle repair and growth. Incorporate a moderate amount of protein in your pre-training meal (2-3 hours prior) to keep your muscles in top shape. Lean meats like chicken, fish, or plant-based options such as beans and lentils are excellent choices.

  1. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is crucial for maintaining performance and preventing fatigue. Aim to drink at least 500ml of water 2-3 hours before training, and have a small amount 30 minutes before starting. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks as they can lead to dehydration.

  1. Timing is Everything

Aim to eat a balanced meal 2-3 hours before your training session. If you are eating closer to your workout time, go for a smaller, easily digestible snack to avoid any stomach discomfort and make sure you have glycogen available to use. 

healthy balanced meal nutrition recovery

What to eat AFTER a boxing training session?

  1. Replenish Glycogen Stores

After a tough boxing class, your glycogen stores will be depleted – they should be! Consuming carbohydrates post-training helps to replenish these stores and speed up the recovery. A fruit smoothie or a bowl of porridge, sweet or savoury, are great options.

  1. Repair with Protein

Protein intake post-workout is essential for muscle repair and recovery. Aim for about 20-30 grams of protein within an hour after training. This could be a protein shake or a bar, a serving of Greek yoghurt, or a meal with lean meat or tofu.

  1. Rehydrate and Replenish Electrolytes

Rehydrating after training is just as important as before. Water is usually sufficient, but if you have had an especially intense workout or sweat a lot, consider an electrolyte drink. Coconut water is a natural alternative that provides potassium and other electrolytes without added sugars.

  1. Include Healthy Fats

Healthy fats can aid in overall recovery and provide sustained energy. Avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon are excellent sources. Incorporate these into your post-training meals for a well-rounded diet.

protein shake recovery boxing

Sample Pre- and Post-Training Meals

Pre-Training Meal (2-3 hours before)

  • Grilled chicken breast with rice and steamed vegetables
  • Whole grain pasta with beef and marinara sauce 
  • Brown rice with tofu and stir-fried vegetables
  • Hawker option: Hainanese chicken rice (opt for brown rice if available)

Pre-Training Snack (30 minutes before)

  • A banana with almond butter
  • A small smoothie with berries 
  • Whole grain toast with peanut butter or jam

Post-Training Meal (1-2 hours after)

  • Grilled salmon with sweet potato and green beans
  • A smoothie with spinach, banana, protein powder, and milk (regular or nut)
  • Quinoa salad with chickpeas, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes
  • Hawker option: Sliced fish soup with brown rice

Post-Training Snack (right after)

  • Greek yoghurt with honey and nuts
  • A protein shake or protein bar
  • Hard-Boiled eggs
  • Tuna with crackers 
  • Hawker option: Chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes with radish)

3 Reasons the Jab is Important

Why is the Jab so Important in Boxing

The Importance of the Jab

Boxing isn’t all about the big wild swings and powerful punches. Learning to throw the perfect jab can make the difference between a winner and average boxer. As the saying goes, “The right hand can take you around the block but a good jab will take you around the world.”

Here are some reasons a jab is so useful and important in the boxing ring.

  • A jab creates openings for powerful combinations.

If you’ve seen boxers fight in the ring, you’ll have noticed that each boxing combination is pre-mediated by a quick jab to gauge their opponent’s position and movement. It can also help to throw opponents off. This is followed by more powerful punches. For example, many boxers lead with quick jabs to force their opponent’s guard down, before going in with a straight right.

  • A jab is proactive and asserts dominance.

Unlike counter punches, jabs are proactive. Snapping a double or triple jab at your opponent from different locations can intimidate them and weaken their stance. This tips the fight to your advantage and is known as “ring control”.

  • A jab requires minimal energy.

One of the benefits of using a left jab is that it requires little movement in stance. This is an efficient and energy-conserving way to attack your opponent. Because of this, the jab is a versatile move. You can throw one or more quick jabs from nearly any position.

With that said, here are a few great jab techniques you may find useful!

Power Jab

The power jab is an explosive lunge-like motion used to propel your body forward. You can use a power jab to stun your opponent and close the distance between the both of you. This jab gives you an opening to follow up with fiercer punches. To really pack a punch, ensure you throw your body weight behind the jab. 

Step Jab

To throw a step jab, step in with your lead foot while keeping your rear foot in place. This method allows you to get in and throw the jab, while easily backing out of the danger zone. Your lead jab and step-in motion should land at the same time.

Up Jab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OOrJ46tN2Q

Bob Foster and Carl Froch are famous boxers who are known for their up jabs. To use the up jab, throw it from a low angle. This lets you roll your hips to generate more power in the shot. The up jab also tends to catch people off guard, giving you the opportunity to throw another punch.

Pawing Jab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz8TN3yAh50

The legendary boxer Tommy Hearns used the pawing jab extremely well. The pawing jab is when you leave your hand out momentarily after throwing. It obscures your opponent’s line of vision and distracts them. Just be careful not to leave your jab hanging for too long as your opponent may use this opportunity to retaliate.

A great jab can define your fights and allow you to gain an upper hand.  Train your jabs and other foundational techniques to up your game in the boxing ring!

Boxing & Parkinsons

The Ring celebrated Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April, and we’re proud to say that we support everyone and anyone on their boxing journey. We welcome anyone with Parkinson’s to join us! Here are 5 reasons you should start boxing with The Ring if you have Parkinson’s.

1. Boxing Gives You a Dopamine Boost

Drops in dopamine levels can contribute to Parkinson’s Disease (shortened to PD). Many PD patients find that increasing dopamine levels helps to alleviate their symptoms, which has led to treatments such as dopamine replacement therapy. Dopamine is also responsible for boosting your mood, memory and motivation. Boxing is a great workout that can significantly increase your dopamine levels!

2. Boxing Increases Your Strength

Boxing is a full-body workout that trains various muscle groups, including your core,  chest, arms, legs and shoulders. Boxing programmes usually include elements of strength training too. This keeps your body active and prevents muscle deterioration.

3. Boxing Improves Gait, Mobility and Speed

Studies 1-5 have shown that boxing increases your mobility and speed. PD patients were found to improve their gait over time when they took up boxing. These results were not observed in other traditional forms of exercise. This should come as no surprise, as boxing often requires you to keep moving and chance your stances while throwing punches!

4. Boxing Helps Increase Endurance

Endurance training is a huge part of boxing. You will need to improve your stamina to continue this high-intensity workout for prolonged periods. Boxing will improve your cardiovascular health and endurance, which can be useful for PD patients.

5. Boxing Grows Your Confidence

Have you ever met an unconfident boxer? Boxing requires you to be fully focused and to keep improving in your physical strength and agility. Sticking to a disciplined regime and watching yourself grow stronger over time can work wonders for self esteem. Boxing is also a social activity, which means you will have a community of like-minded friends cheering you on and working on your goals together. This wholesome activity will definitely help PD patients to feel more optimistic while keeping their symptoms at bay!

Reach out to us or sign up for a trial class to get your first boxing experience at The Ring! 

*Disclaimer: The Ring is not a medically certified centre, nor are we physiotherapists. The evidence for how boxing benefits PD patients has been largely anecdotal. However, there are several studies and programmes in the U.S. and other countries that promote boxing as a beneficial activity for PD patients. The Ring is inspired by this and hopes to promote an inclusive community that encourages PD patients to box as well.
1 Frazzitta G, Maestri R, Ghilardi MF, Riboldazzi G, Perini M, Bertotti G, Boveri N, Buttini S, Lombino FL, Uccellini D, Turla M, Pezzoli G, Comi C. Intensive rehabilitation increases BDNF serum levels in parkinsonian patients: a randomized study. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2014 Feb;28(2):163-8. doi: 10.1177/1545968313508474. Epub 2013 Nov 8. PMID: 24213955.
2 Uysal N, Kiray M, Sisman AR, Camsari UM, Gencoglu C, Baykara B, Cetinkaya C, Aksu I. Effects of voluntary and involuntary exercise on cognitive functions, and VEGF and BDNF levels in adolescent rats. Biotech Histochem. 2015 Jan;90(1):55-68. doi: 10.3109/10520295.2014.946968. Epub 2014 Sep 9. PMID: 25203492.
3 Schenkman M, Moore CG, Kohrt WM, et al. Effect of High-Intensity Treadmill Exercise on Motor Symptoms in Patients With De Novo Parkinson Disease: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol. 2018;75(2):219–226. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2017.3517
4 Combs SA, Diehl MD, Chrzastowski C, Didrick N, McCoin B, Mox N, Staples WH, Wayman J. Community-based group exercise for persons with Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial. NeuroRehabilitation. 2013;32(1):117-24. doi: 10.3233/NRE-130828. PMID: 23422464.
5 Borrero L, Miller SA, Hoffman E. The meaning of regular participation in vigorous-intensity exercise among men with Parkinson’s disease. Disabil Rehabil. 2020 Oct 25:1-7. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1836042. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33103500.

5 Reasons Women Choose To Box

Top Reason Women Boxing in Singapore

For the longest time, boxing was a territory claimed by men. But times have changed. More women are choosing to box, and for a good number of reasons!

Here are 5 great reasons why women should start boxing.

1. Boxing increases self-confidence

Boxing is a great way to train up your confidence. It is incredibly demanding, and with the challenge comes great reward. Pushing your limits and seeing yourself improve over time can boost your confidence when you realise you’re capable of more than you imagined. Women boxers experience this on a whole other level. Because boxing is a male-dominated sport, women who choose to box will find an influx of confidence from breaking societal expectations and stepping outside of their own comfort zones to train. 

2. Women who box can protect themselves better

It’s always a good idea to learn some self-defence. Boxing is a sport that trains your strength, endurance, and fighting techniques. You’ll learn how to block punches, parry and get your own hits in. Women who box are more likely to be able to protect themselves when push comes to shove. You never know what may happen, and it’s always great to be prepared.

3. Training can give a great tone-up (and glow-up)

One of the main reasons women box is because it can help to knock off calories in a fun way. Long term training will get you toned muscles for a lean, healthy look. Unlike some forms of exercise, boxing puts many different muscle groups to work, helping you to get a full workout. You’ll also feel a lot stronger for whatever comes your way. Get ready for a total glow-up!

4. Boxing releases stress

Another great reason women should choose to box is because it’s simply a great way to relieve stress! Just like any other exercise, boxing releases endorphins and often gives a post-workout high. It is also therapeutic to be able to throw jabs and release any negative or pent-up energy from the day. With so many women taking up high-stress jobs in a variety of industries, boxing can be an amazing outlet to let it all out.

5. Women who box train their fighting spirit.

Boxing is a sport that builds mental discipline. Whether you’re a woman or a man, you will find that boxing instils a fighting spirit that nobody can take away. Boxing demands that you give your all during training and commit to those training consistently. In this way, women boxers build up a massive reserve of willpower. 

Boxing is also a competitive sport that pits opponents against each other. Unlike other areas of a woman’s life, women are not expected to “tone-down” during matches. Fire up your inner fighter and watch how it translates to massive willpower in other areas of life! 

Boxing’s a great well-rounded sport for mental and physical training. Challenge yourself and take the first step towards a better you with boxing! There are many reasons women have fallen in love with boxing once they tried it — and you will too!

Introduction To Sparring

Introduction to Boxing Sparring in Singapore

Sparring is an important step for any boxer to improve their technique! Every boxer goes through plenty of sparring sessions before they ever get into the ring for a real fight.

Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques of boxing, sparring is encouraged to help you put what you’ve learnt into practice. Throwing a jab at an opponent feels very different from hitting a punching bag. Evading an opponent’s punches will require greater mobility when sparring. 

At The Ring, we want to help you step up to the challenge! Here’s a beginner guide to sparring.

Drill the Basics

First, you’ll need to be well-versed in the following:

  • Throwing punches at a moving target
  • Blocking punches while moving
  • Evading punches while moving

Having a solid foundation in these areas can enable you to spar more effectively without getting seriously injured. These skills can be trained through offensive and defensive drills with a partner.


Get Ready for Sparring

You’ll also need to develop certain skills specific to sparring or fighting. Here are a couple of easy drills you can do with a partner to get ready for the ring.

1. Developing depth perception

One partner takes on the “leader” role. The other acts as the “follower”. The leading partner takes one to three steps while shifting in each direction – forward, backwards and side-to-side. This drill is about mirroring your partner by seeing and anticipating their moves – akin to dancing! Both partners can switch sides after a few rounds. There is no need to wear gloves for this drill.

2. Basic combinations

Partners ought to wear mouth guards, headgear and gloves for this drill. The two main techniques being used here is the jab and parrying the punches to get it away from the head. Practise combining these moves repeatedly with your partner. This will enable you to attack and defend more fluidly when sparring.

It’s Time to Spar!

Once you’ve built up a foundation on the above, it’s sparring time. Always remember to wear mouth guards, headgear and boxing gloves when sparring!

1. Choose the right partner

Ensure that you choose a suitable sparring partner. It is often advised that you spar with a coach as a beginner, since they will be in the best position to correct and guide you. Once you are more familiar with the basics, you may choose to spar with partners who are at a similar skill level as you.

2. Agree on the intensity and purpose

Before you begin, ensure that both partners are aligned on how the sparring session will go. If you’re both beginners, you may want to start out slow. You should also get into the ring with a goal in mind. For instance, you may be trying to train up your defence, and get your partner to focus on finding openings. Talking to your partner ahead of time can help both of you to gain more out of sparring.

3. Vary your techniques

Sparring is a great opportunity to try out different techniques. Switch it up and try different techniques you’ve drilled while boxing. If you’ve always wondered how a hook or right cross might play out, here’s your chance.

Sparring can seem intimidating when you’re just starting out. However, it’ll be the best thing you can do to improve your boxing techniques. Level up this year and challenge yourself to achieving this milestone with The Ring!

Queenie – LEVEL UP

Queenie never imagined that she would be fighting today.

As an employee in the finance industry at a custodian bank, Queenie had originally seen the sport simply as a means to train her body. And indeed, she reaped the rewards. 

“It definitely helps maintain my physique. I’m stronger than before.”

Close to 3 years into the sport, Queenie decided to take the next step and sign up for her first fight despite the fact that fighting didn’t come naturally to her.

“I pull back my punches during sparring,” she admits. “Once, Coach Syakir made me punch his face without blocking and I cried.”

However, determined to go further in her training and find a sense of fulfilment in fighting, Queenie decided to forge ahead. It helped that her partner was obsessed with the sport, and encouraged her along the way.

It wasn’t easy, though. Queenie felt her nerves even as she was stepping into the ring. During the fight, she found herself counting the number of punches she and her opponent had thrown, and worrying about all the people she would be letting down if she lost. 

“Now I realise that’s not how it works… (I need to) want it for myself more than anything else.”

Queenie reflected that she lost the fight but gained knowledge in return. Her first fight was a valuable and much needed experience. Now, Queenie plans to level up for her next fight. “Train to fight, punch to hurt,” is her new mantra. And she’s ready to give her all.

“I think boxing is a very humbling sport. Someone said the ring is fair and that whatever I put in training and whatever is in my headspace will reflect… I’ve learnt to respect the sport, if I’m going to fight then I should do what it takes.”

Queenie isn’t sure if she’ll keep fighting in the long run, but for now, she’s got her eyes fixed on the next fight. “I’ll train again and put up a good fight, delivering what I’ve learnt with no regrets,” she declares.

Sure enough, Queenie rose up to the challenge a second time and entered our fight team for The Ring Fighting Championship “ELITE AMATEUR SERIES 5”. She trained almost every single day leading up to her fight, stepped out of her usual timidness to enter the ring, and ultimately emerged victorious!

We’re proud of how far Queenie has come in her journey, transitioning from a boxer to a fighter. Stay fierce and keep levelling up!

Fads – LEVEL UP

In late 2021, Fads took a leap of faith and transitioned to full-time coaching. His only regret is that he didn’t do it sooner.

Fads joined The Ring as a member for 2 and a half years before joining as a part-time coach and then eventually becoming a full-time coach. If you want to level up your boxing prowess this year with The Ring, you’re in good company because Fads is looking to up his A-game in boxing in 2022!

“Take the leap, whether it is something in your personal, work life, or relationships… Being scared means it matters to you. Just do it now because you will never know when is the right time.”

Fads has always known that he’s happiest when helping others to solve problems. Driven by his mission, Fads aims to learn more fitness techniques and exercises to cater his training to the needs of different students this year.

“I really enjoy helping people… Seeing them everyday and being a part of their journey is something I find very rewarding as a coach in The Ring Boxing Community.”

Fads is also looking to level up his own boxing with training and guidance from his coaches. Boxing has benefitted Fads in many ways. Being physically fit – and the disciplined training he goes through to get there – has made him more confident as a person. 

“I feel a lot more capable of handling any situation. Having that confidence to walk around standing tall with my head held high for myself.”

This newfound confidence has also allowed him to put himself out there socially. Simply talking to people was something that he used to struggle with but now he’s more than happy to jump into any conversation knowing that it’s not always about being excellent at something but giving yourself some space to fail gracefully.

We’re inspired by Fads’ heart for others and can’t wait to see how he continues to #LevelUp in boxing and his personal life! The Ring community is always there to strive with him – and with you!

Pramilah – LEVEL UP

Levelling up isn’t all about the hustle. For Pramilah or better known as Premi, levelling up is about finding her own rhythm.

Always the go-getter and working in dentistry, Premi realised that she was constantly busy and in need of a break. When she burned out in the middle of last year, Premi decided to prioritise her personal well-being more.

Due to her desire to focus on herself, Premi took a month off work and travelled to Germany in the midst of the pandemic. It gave her a new perspective and helped her develop a new-found balance in her life. Going forward, Premi hoped to be more mindful of her body and how she’s feeling. Muay Thai has been pivotal in driving this shift.

“As someone who used to always live in her head, I would overthink, move very fast and constantly be doing things, but now I have learned to slow down and pay attention to how my body is feeling.”

Having suffered past trauma, Premi finds that going for Muay Thai classes helped her learn to lean into the pain and discomfort instead of fighting it. Stepping out of her comfort zone to attend classes alone has helped her to emerge as a stronger and more confident person.

In addition, Premi opted for Personal Training (PT) classes with Coach Darren, as she wanted to get back to the fundamentals. As someone who emphasises on quality, whenever Premi is feeling flustered, Coach Darren recognises it and takes a step back to slow down and go back to the basics.

To Premi, having a good foundation is essential and this has also translated into her everyday life because without a good foundation, it is very hard to achieve what you want in life.

“I fear not the man who practiced 10,000 kicks once, but the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” – Bruce Lee

We’re proud of what Premi has achieved and hope to continue to #LevelUp with her at The Ring!

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