1) Keep your eyes on target. If you have a blink reflex, train it away as soon as possible. If your eyes are closed, you can’t see punches coming. Stay focused on your opponent, and be aware of where their fists are at all times.
2) Keep your hands up. Dropping your hands is a sign you’re tired or inexperienced. Keep your hands up to protect your head.
3) Warm up. Warming up is critical for protecting against injury. Increasing body temperature increases blood flow, preps muscles and joints, and decreases muscle and join stiffness.
4) Take fitness seriously. When you start sparring and competing, make sure you’ve got the wind to get you across all three rounds. If you’re tired, you’ll move more slowly, your reaction time is slower, and boxing fails to be fun.
5) Keep breathing. Oxygen supplies the muscles of the body, so take intentional breaths, which will also help keep you calm and relaxed in the ring.
6) Respect sparring partners. Don’t jump in over your head when it comes to sparring partners. Take it slowly. Work on skills. If you turn it up, expect your sparring partner will, also.
7) Wear safety equipment. Wear the necessary protective gear, such as mouthguard, hand wraps, training gloves, etc. And wrap your hands properly.
8) Take time off for injuries. Show respect for yourself by taking a little break when you feel like an injury may have occurred.
9) Make smart training decisions. Don’t overtrain. Your body needs adequate rest to recover and avoid over-use injuries.
10) Remember technique. If you practice with bad technique, you’ll engrain that into your brain, and bad technique can lead in injury.
There are plenty of additional ways to protect yourself, also. Boxing injury-free is the aim for any quality program.
Come by FightersNashville to find out how our gym is dedicated to helping you maximize success, whether you box for fitness, for fun, for recreation, or for competition.
