free weights

**boxman** · 09-26-2006 07:27 PM

Are free weights good as far as boxing is concerned? Curling about 20 or 30 pounds to tone up a bit. Or should I just stick to push ups ?

**Flip Skinny** · 09-28-2006 02:52 AM

id also like to know.

**Jamoie** · 09-29-2006 01:57 PM

Id say free weights, done in the right way, can be beneficial to any sport.

For boxing you want big, core exercises, that make your muscles work together (like they do in boxing)

Things like Deadlifts, Squats, Bench press and Military press are the things you should be looking at doing mainly. Along with other exercises like Dips and pullups, no muscle will go untouched.

DO NOT curl. Bicep isolation has been known to slow down punches.

Use a low rep/set range for strength. say 4 sets of 6 repetitions. Using a weight where your straining at the end of the set.

How often do you do cardio, whats your nutrition like? These things will come into play if you want to get bigger.

**Flip Skinny** · 09-29-2006 02:15 PM

You all confuse me here. Half of you think push ups are god, half of you think weights are the devil... wtf!?!!!

**Jamoie** · 09-30-2006 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by Flip Skinny

You all confuse me here. Half of you think push ups are god, half of you think weights are the devil... wtf!?!!!

It comes from the old belief that weights "stiffen you up".
Yes, in a certain context. Training like a bodybuilder, curling here, extending there will shorten your muscles and make you not as sharp or fluid as a boxer needs to be.
But if you stick to big core exercises like mentioned above. Those that use a lot of stabiliser muscles, core muscles and force your muscles to work together, your body will only grow stronger, enhancing muscle speed, growth and strength. Something i think we all agree is a bonus.