Couple of newbie questions

[Youngblood]

Hi, I've got a couple of newbie questions, I've had a scan through this forum and found loads of good info, but if any one could clear up these for me, I'd appreciate it!

1:mouth guards, should they be soft or hard? Mine is rock hard and rubs on my gums a bit, making my mouth sore after sparring (even when I've taken no head shots) can I get one thats a bit more "gummy"?

2:Boots, I'm training in regular sneakers at the moment, I'm not against buying some proper boots but will they make that much difference in the gym for casual training sessions and light sparring or should i save my money and spend it on t'wife?

3:Why does getting punched really hard in the head feel good? I mean it hurts like hell, but I kinda get a buzz off it and always come out of the ring smiling after I get a beating!

Hi Jim, and welcome also. I'll address a few of your questions.

1. mouth guards are generally classified like this. 1. Custom. 2. Boil and bite.

You will pay more for custom, and likely the best ones will come from a dentist and fit you perfectly. They are light and molded to your exact jaw and teeth, and feel about 1/10th the weight of any generic kind. Def. the best. But you pay a lot more for those.

Boil and bites are okay, and are available in both top, and top and bottom. It's all a matter of preference. Personally I find top only the best. Just use w/e you find comfortable. Shock doctor make a wide range of them.

2. Boots. I would say definitely get some boots. don't have to spend a lot on them. But get some, and preferably light as the heavier for an early/beginner, you might tend to find they weigh you down. Consider short to mid height to begin with. Less restricting. (still go buy your wife something though! haha I say this in case she is reading)

3. Why does getting punched in the head feel good? Because you are not right in the head. Which means you are likely perfect for boxing. lol. just kidding, but this is a common thing people feel and question. I always feel good after a good scrap, hit or not.

The reason for this is more about chemistry. When you are competing, sparring, raising your adrenaline, your brain is also releasing endorphins, which is the bodies natural feel good and happy drug. It's the thing that keeps us coming back.

So again, welcome to Saddos, and to boxing. Enjoy the ride.