Boxing is without a doubt the best cardiovascular exercise routines you can do. It challenges you on almost every level, although it can be tough to build muscle mass as you hit the bag multiple times a week. That kind of high level cardio is likely to burn muscle as quickly as you burn fat. If you are looking to bump up in weight classes or simply looking to improve your knockout power, then use these easy tips to bulk up while boxing training.
Add some weight
Boxing equipment is essential in any gym, but for the boxer looking to step things up, try adding weight wherever you can. A great way to achieve this is moving up sizes in your boxing gloves. There are a number of heavier gloves on the market which will help strengthen your shoulders and arms while you spar or hit the bag. Challenge yourself to step things up a size compared to your fight size. Then when you step into the ring again, the gloves will feel lighter and you’ll move with the ease of an athlete.
Find the balance
Bulking up is all about finding the balance where it counts, the kitchen. There is a general rule that if you need to cut weight for a fight then you will avoid certain foods. If you have the ability and room to move in your weight class, then consider introducing more meals into your diet. Adding additional nutrients and macro balanced calories into your diet can help you bulk up. For example, try snacks that are low carbohydrate but high in lean protein such as kangaroo meat. By introducing additional protein sources into your diet but limiting simple carbohydrates, your body can use the additional fuel to bulk up. It is a fine line however, so make sure you are balancing your calories in with your calories out. Otherwise you may find your body stores food for later which can add bulk in the wrong areas.
Look for resistance
The difference between a good fighter and a bad fighter can often boil down to their staying power. If they don’t have the cardio to last the distance then unless they finish the fight early, they are in trouble later. It is a fine balance to master, but bulking up is as much about eating as it is training. If you can afford to, look to swap out some of those cardiovascular routines for resistance based sessions in the gym. Target muscle groups that are crucial to your game, like shoulders or upper legs. By challenging your body with resistance exercised you are able to increase the repair to muscle fibres, helping you to bulk up a bit faster than your competitor.
Seek expert advice
The sport of boxing can seem brutish, when in fact it is closer to a science than most realise. With that in mind, if you needed to improve a scientific test you wouldn’t ask a layman on the street, you’d ask a scientist. Boxing is no different. Seek expert advice from nutritionists and muscle building experts to help you bulk up. There are a number of things you can do yourself, but speaking with expert may just give you the edge you are after.
Whether you have a fight coming up or are simply looking to add more strength to your game, bulking up while boxing training can be tough. But it isn’t impossible. Eating right, training right and seeking help are all great ways to start bulking up in time for your next fight.
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