If you are a boxer, you will know the importance of shadow boxing by now. However, if you are a beginner and you don’t know too much about shadowboxing right now, you need to know about it in detail. Most boxers start by joining an institute where they are taught in detail about shadowboxing, if we have to divide the learning process into three main steps, it will consist of basic technique learning, developing the sense of combination use, and finally working on the speed.
To cover it all, boxing will help you learn all the basics as well as practice the use of these combinations and finally work on the speed. The training process usually is supported with the help of martial arts in shadowboxing which means that it is not only a good supporting exercise for boxing but also for the martial arts.
Most of the martial arts classes use shadow boxing as the warm-up exercise and it helps with muscle training and getting the body ready. It is excellent cardio that also helps you engage your whole body and work on your technique at the same time. At a glance, you might feel like it is not a good or effective exercise but you will soon learn that there are so many things that you might not be able to work on without the use of shadowboxing.
With the help of this article, you will be able to know in detail what you do in shadowboxing and how it is different from other boxing exercises. Apart from this, we will also talk about some of the best shadow boxing workouts that can help you become lean and strong.
Table of Contents
What Is Shadow boxing?
Shadowboxing is a way of practicing boxing moves where you do not have anyone in front of you. Most people use a heavy bag or punching bag but it doesn’t get included in the shadow boxing. The best thing is to use your brain as your opponent so that you can work on the things that you find weak in your practice. If you find it difficult to imagine an opponent, you can then set a mirror in front of you.
When you start shadowboxing, you have to start from the way you are handling the punches to the way you are balancing the body weight of your toes. Missing the beat or the weight will impact your overall boxing workout later. Some of the most important ways shadowboxing will help you include:
- Shadowboxing is excellent for better boxing form, this will compliment your overall stance and you will learn to use your body effectively
- Shadowboxing is very good for balancing and stability. When the opponent tries to punch you, you have to stay in control of your body weight so that you don’t get knocked out.
- Shadow Boxing helps you know how you are going to move and at what speed you can move. This will be your template for a better workout as well.
- Shadowboxing also helps you build a muscle memory that improves your response while fighting
- It helps you improve your technique so you know when to be defensive and when to use your full power to attack your opponent.
Shadow Boxing Workouts
Shadow Boxing workouts are of so many types you can focus on the combination of speed or just improve your techniques. All these things are pretty important so try to work on one thing at a time and only move to the second feature if you have mastered the first. Working on two or more features simultaneously will impact your workout as well.
Mirror Workout
Set a mirror in front of you and try to mimic your moves. Focus on the way you are shifting your weight on your legs and see if you see any improvement. This will help you monitor your flow and you will be able to work on it later.
Blindfold Punching
Blindfold punching will help you improve your strategy. In most cases when you close your eyes you can focus on your body movements in a better way. This will help you know where you are stepping.
Combination Practice
Combination practice will help you improve your muscle memory so that you don’t have to take time when you are defending yourself.
Speed Workout
Speed workout helps you improve your speed so that you can avoid aggressive attacks from the opponent and focus more on using your skills.
Bottom Line
To sum it all up, most people limit the scope of shadow boxing to a simple boxing practice that will only help you work on your speed or punching combinations. They usually forget that shadow boxing is more than the punching combination. It also helps you build a good form and you will have a better stance. The best thing is that it helps you involve your whole body which is excellent for calorie burning and shaping up the body.
People who want to lose weight or who are just into cardio use shadow boxing as a warm-up exercise before any other exercises. This helps you open up your muscles and work on the way you are going to deliver a punch properly.
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