My introduction along with a few noob questions...

Hello Everyone, I just joined today and had a few noob questions if thats OK with everyone. Before I ask anything I'll introduce myself a little. Heres my story...
I am 29 year old male from Minneapolis, MN. I have always been interested in boxing. I have absolutely zero professional boxing training or any kind. With the exception of being punched in the face a lot from working various bar jobs (sometimes people get a little mad when you ask them to leave no matter how polite you ask) I really don't have a lot of fighting experience at all. Back in 1999 I started helping out at a local bodybuilding gym in exchange for a free membership and a few extra bucks here and there. I learned a lot about weightlifting, cardio, diet, nutrition, etc... Although I am 29 now I feel in the best shape of my life, far better than when I started working there around the age of 21. I have never really had any interest in being a bodybuilder but I was able to gain a lot of muscle and loose a lot of fat in the years I have been working at the gym using work outs and diet advice I learned from them. I am six feet tall, about 190 pounds and around 10% bodyfat (depending on how serious I take my training) The lowest I have been is 6% but that felt a little un healthy for me, I think around 185 lbs and 8% body fat is about the lowest I can go with out feeling fatigued. I have never used any steroids so I have a natural looking build. I honestly don't really even use any supplements except the occasional whey protien shake post work out and maybe a red bull or coffee drink prior. I'm used to a lot of cardio and a lot of training in the gym but I feel like I am missing a goal with my training. The owner of the gym recently bought a few heavy bags and speed bags and set them up in the basement and thats when it really hit me that I want to learn how to box which brings me to my questions.

I'll be turning 30 in August, is this too old to start boxing seriously with no prior training? Be honest with me, I can take it.

I don't have a lot of money so I will most likely have to find a trainer that will either let me work in exchange for training or possibly trade a skill with me, is there anything I should try to avoid while trainer shopping. Like I said due to my lack of funds I probably can't be very picky but I just want to know if there are certain things to look for in a bad boxing trainer? I just want to make sure I don't waste a lot of time learning the wrong way to do things.

I have a LOT of time to train and read so can anyone recommend any good boxing books. Any kind is fine, training guides, motavational stories, magazines, anything.

In closing I'll just add that I feel the strongest, fastest, and most focused that I ever have in my life. I have a lot of time to train and really enjoy it. Learning new ways to train I especially enjoy so I am really excited about finally taking a step towards boxing. Not sure how many posts you get here from guys like me but please take mine seriously. I really could use some advice so any would be greatly apprieciated and will be used to the fullest. Thank you for taking the time to read my request and I can't wait to get started.

It's difficult if you can't pay a gym membership.

Shop around at clubs anyway and see how much they cost in your area.

Where I am boxing gyms are usually run as a club rather than a hugely profitable business - which means they're less expensive than your average gym but just might not be as big or have as much new equipment.

I have heard of one which will let the guys train for free if the sweep the floors etc when they don't have the cash. However, in this case I think the coach only does this for teenagers who might have a difficult home life.

I'm not sure how it works where you are though.

A trainer is part of the package but for sparring etc you need team mates so a club is better than a trainer alone in my opinion.

Maybe watch a few local shows and take note of which trainers seem to have nice direct punches and look balanced when they move. Windmills are sometimes effective in beginner fights but a club full of windmills is probably not a good sign.

Also need to check out their training hours etc to find out whether or not you can get there. Some of the small clubs will have limited hours since the coaches do it out of the goodness of their hearts and they need to work a day job too.

A late start in boxing is never ideal if you want to be a serious pro..

The power of Youth .
There are so many things that are learned and executed over and over as youngerster. by the time your out of the amateurs and into the pro game. you have already developed and have the fighter instinct also 6 -7 years worth of knowledge, a child learns so much faster then adult. You work the kinks out at a young age. so by the time you are 18 19 years old your have a good solid grasp of things. and also have the added benefit of youth. don't want to discourage you from you goal or dreams, however being realistic aint bad either.

kid working the mits

[youtube=425,350]dnpbZF-3m3A[/youtube]

However if your just looking for a great workout, Go for it. you will enjoy 8)

:coolclick: #1 Welcome to the forum !

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Originally Posted by Sharla

It's difficult if you can't pay a gym membership.

Shop around at clubs anyway and see how much they cost in your area.

Where I am boxing gyms are usually run as a club rather than a hugely profitable business - which means they're less expensive than your average gym but just might not be as big or have as much new equipment.

I have heard of one which will let the guys train for free if the sweep the floors etc when they don't have the cash. However, in this case I think the coach only does this for teenagers who might have a difficult home life.

I'm not sure how it works where you are though.

A trainer is part of the package but for sparring etc you need team mates so a club is better than a trainer alone in my opinion.

Maybe watch a few local shows and take note of which trainers seem to have nice direct punches and look balanced when they move. Windmills are sometimes effective in beginner fights but a club full of windmills is probably not a good sign.

Also need to check out their training hours etc to find out whether or not you can get there. Some of the small clubs will have limited hours since the coaches do it out of the goodness of their hearts and they need to work a day job too.

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Thanks for the tips
I can most likely swing the Gym Membership, it's the trainer prices that will most likely be to much for me (if they are anything like personal trainer rates at least)

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Originally Posted by Lords Gym

However if your just looking for a great workout, Go for it. you will enjoy 8)

:coolclick: #1 Welcome to the forum !

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Hey thanks for being honest, I am always looking for a great workout as well so maybe I'll start with a few day passes somewhere and try some bag workouts.

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Originally Posted by Club Gordon

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lords Gym

However if your just looking for a great workout, Go for it. you will enjoy 8)

:coolclick: #1 Welcome to the forum !

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Hey thanks for being honest, I am always looking for a great workout as well so maybe I'll start with a few day passes somewhere and try some bag workouts.

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a great workout.. you will enjoy ! People are friendly for the most part and when not busy will be happy to answer question, get you started. You will learn a lot from watching. You will know who is doing it right from wrong. Immediately .. watch how the boxer is striking the bag, notice where the feet are ext. really pay attention and you will learn. Good sharp punches on the heavybag. full extension, don’t push punch.. when you hit the bag correct, it won't swing all that much , and will make a distinct sound.. like that of a perfectly hit golf ball. usually the guys who make the bag bounce or swing wildly are push punching. Its not effective, someone at your gym will show you proper. Best of luck mate ! O0