06:59
Faizan
Whether you join a boxing club or gym hoping to step into the ring as a competitor or you just want the exercise benefits of the sport, expect to experience a feeling of camaraderie with your fellow boxers. That feeling, however, can quickly turn to animosity if you don't use proper gym etiquette. As is the case at any gym, respect the equipment and the people around you.
Equipment Use
No one appreciates an equipment hog, so if your boxing gym has limited equipment, be mindful of how long you spend with it. For example, your gym might have 15 heavy bags but only one or two speed bags. Despite your desire to work the speed bag, use it for a couple rounds and then check to see if other boxers are waiting their turn. If so, alternate rounds with anyone else wishing to use the speed bag. If the equipment you wish to train with is often being used by someone else, consider visiting the gym at a different hour.
Cleanliness
Wiping down your weight bench and free weights is usual gym etiquette, especially if you sweat profusely. The same courtesy is appreciated at boxing gyms, especially those in which boxers share equipment. It is important to wipe down your heavy bag after use. If you use the gym's gloves and headgear also, give them a quick spray with some disinfectant and wipe them with a clean towel.
Sparring
Many boxers aspire to get in the ring and put their fundamental training to the test in a sparring session. Contrary to what onlookers might think, sparring shouldn't be an all-out fight. Decide on an intensity rate with your trainer and sparring partner before the round. For example, you might throw punches at full speed but only at 50 percent power. Touching gloves before and after each round is a sign of sportsmanship, and when you're in the ring, always immediately obey the commands of your trainer, who will typically double as your referee. For example, if your trainer shouts to stop punching when you're locked with your opponent, don't throw another punch.
Injuries
As a contact sport, it's common to encounter a bloody nose or split lip during a sparring session. Although you might not want to draw attention to the injury, keeping your blood away from other gym members is your responsibility. If the trainer has stopped the sparring session, take immediate steps to control the bleeding with tissues or your own towel and make use of the gym's first aid kit if necessary. Avoid getting back into the ring until your injury has healed sufficiently.
Equipment Use
No one appreciates an equipment hog, so if your boxing gym has limited equipment, be mindful of how long you spend with it. For example, your gym might have 15 heavy bags but only one or two speed bags. Despite your desire to work the speed bag, use it for a couple rounds and then check to see if other boxers are waiting their turn. If so, alternate rounds with anyone else wishing to use the speed bag. If the equipment you wish to train with is often being used by someone else, consider visiting the gym at a different hour.
Cleanliness
Wiping down your weight bench and free weights is usual gym etiquette, especially if you sweat profusely. The same courtesy is appreciated at boxing gyms, especially those in which boxers share equipment. It is important to wipe down your heavy bag after use. If you use the gym's gloves and headgear also, give them a quick spray with some disinfectant and wipe them with a clean towel.
Sparring
Many boxers aspire to get in the ring and put their fundamental training to the test in a sparring session. Contrary to what onlookers might think, sparring shouldn't be an all-out fight. Decide on an intensity rate with your trainer and sparring partner before the round. For example, you might throw punches at full speed but only at 50 percent power. Touching gloves before and after each round is a sign of sportsmanship, and when you're in the ring, always immediately obey the commands of your trainer, who will typically double as your referee. For example, if your trainer shouts to stop punching when you're locked with your opponent, don't throw another punch.
Injuries
As a contact sport, it's common to encounter a bloody nose or split lip during a sparring session. Although you might not want to draw attention to the injury, keeping your blood away from other gym members is your responsibility. If the trainer has stopped the sparring session, take immediate steps to control the bleeding with tissues or your own towel and make use of the gym's first aid kit if necessary. Avoid getting back into the ring until your injury has healed sufficiently.
Posted in: boxing
