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Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Boxing Equipment 101

What You Really Need to Start


So, you're all pumped up to dive into boxing, but you're thinking, "What on earth do I need?" No worries, my friend! Let's break it down in simple terms. This is your beginner's guide to boxing gear – no fancy words or confusing stuff.


1. Boxing Gloves

First things first: boxing gloves. These are your best friends in the ring. They protect your hands and make sure you don't hurt your opponent too much. Here's what you need to know:

Size: If you're new, pick gloves between 12-16 oz. Heavier gloves mean more padding for training.

Fit: They should snugly fit your hands, but not too tight. Find the comfiest pair.

Material: Leather gloves are tough, but synthetic ones are kinder on your wallet.




WSB Americas Boxing Gloves CC BY-ND World Series Boxing

2. Hand Wraps

Think of hand wraps as your hand's bodyguards. They protect your wrists and knuckles from getting busted. Simple rules:


Learn to Wrap: Watch a video or get your coach to show you the ropes.


Length: Go for wraps between 120-180 inches; they'll do the job.






A Man Putting On His Hand Wraps CC-BY Pavel Danilyuk

3. Mouthguard

Don't mess around with your pearly whites! Get a mouthguard to keep your teeth and jaw safe during sparring.










A Person Holding A Black Mouth Guard CC-BY Ron Lach

4. Headgear

You might not need this right away, but headgear comes in handy for sparring. It shields your noggin and face. Just make sure it fits snug without messing up your vision.










A Close Up Shot Of A Man Wearing Headgear And Boxing Gloves CC-BY Karolina Grabowska

5. Boxing Shoes


Picking the Best Shoes for Your Boxing & Kickboxing Workout | Beginner Tips CC-BY FightCamp

Regular sneakers won't cut it. Grab a pair of boxing shoes for better moves and support. Look for ones with good ankle support and non-slip soles.


6. Heavy Bag

The heavy bag is your punching buddy. Hang it up and work on your punches, strength, and stamina. Get quality gloves and wraps to protect your hands.










An Image Of A Punching Bag CC-BY KoolShooters

7. Jump Rope

Jumping rope is like your cardio booster. It sharpens your footwork and keeps you nimble. It's cheap and does wonders for your boxing skills.







Black Skip Rope CC-BY Dom J

8. Boxing Clothes

Wear comfy, sweat-wicking clothes for your workouts. Boxing shorts and a breathable shirt are perfect.











Woman Practicing Boxing CC-BY Gerardo Manzano

9. Gym Bag

Get yourself a gym bag to stash all your gear. Look for one with pockets to keep things organized.











Gray And Brown Backpack On Brown Wooden Table CC-BY Erik Mclean

Now, here's the deal: You don't need to grab all this stuff at once. Start with the basics, and as you get better, add more gear like speed bags and sparring gloves.


Lastly, chat with your trainer or experienced boxers at the gym for personalized advice. They've been there, done that, and can help you make smart choices based on your goals.


With the right gear and some grit, you're on your way to becoming a boxing champ. Enjoy the journey, my friend!












Danforth fight night! April 13, 2019 CC-BY Kartik Pawar





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