Just took up Boxing... have some questions...

[Cowface]

I started last week at a sort of local boxing club. It's the first martial art I've ever taken and first time in a long, long time I've been in any kind of sports, so I'm pretty out of shape. I'm 17 years old now.

Anyway, how often should I be going, since I have the option of going everyday anytime from 2 to 7 pm? Should I go every other day so I get a bit of rest in or just take advantage of the everyday thing?

Should I do other exercises on my own when I'm not there?

Is there a guide to hand wrapping anywhere online? I'd like to be able to do it on my own.

Tips on footwork and in sparring would be helpful as well.

I can't think of anything more to ask at the moment, but I'll definitely more later.

Oh, wait, here's one. The owner of the gym's name is Phil Paolina. The place's name is the New York Boxing Club. Ring any bells? Anything I should know about it if it does ring any bells?

[Mr Pockets]

KEEP YOUR HANDS UP! No, higher than that. Okay, that's sparring advice. You'll learn to wrap your hands soon enough. I'd say go 3-4 times a week for an hour or two, but if you can handle more, go for it. Just don't burn yourself out. Welcome to the wonderful world of real fighting!

[pineapple]

I don't know about the gym that you train in but when I trained in a boxing gym, the people there were more than willing to assist me with any questions that I had. In fact, the way that I acquired a boxing trainer was when he approached me and asked me if he could train me. (free)

I found that the most helpful individuals were the older guys who hang out at the gym. Maybe you can find someone like that at your gym.

As far as frequency, let your body be your guide. Train as often as your body allows you. If your body tells you that you are overdoing it, then you are and should cut back.

[SevenStar]

I started last week at a sort of local boxing club. It's the first martial art I've ever taken and first time in a long, long time I've been in any kind of sports, so I'm pretty out of shape. I'm 17 years old now.

good job. this is a positive step!

Anyway, how often should I be going, since I have the option of going everyday anytime from 2 to 7 pm? Should I go every other day so I get a bit of rest in or just take advantage of the everyday thing?

go daily, if possible. At the very least, go three days a week.

Should I do other exercises on my own when I'm not there?

if you go daily, you won't have to - you may want to do some weight training, but it's not a necessity, especially not now. If you don't go daily, then yes, definitely work on your own.

Is there a guide to hand wrapping anywhere online? I'd like to be able to do it on my own.

go to ringside.com and check out the handwraps area of the store. they have a link you can check out. Also, if you buy wraps from them, they will send you a printed copy of how to wrap them. They also have a nice video that talks about the different types of wrap you can buy, and different methods of wrapping, as there really is no one right way. It's an interesting video.

Tips on footwork and in sparring would be helpful as well.

you don't need any. they will teach you all you need to know about both. you likely won't be sparring for a good 2-3 months (at least) anyway. The best tip you need right now is to simply listen to your coach. ask questions for different viewpoints, but ultimately, listen to him, as he can actually see you and we can't, so he knows exactly what to correct, how you should move, etc.

Oh, wait, here's one. The owner of the gym's name is Phil Paolina. The place's name is the New York Boxing Club. Ring any bells? Anything I should know about it if it does ring any bells?

I did a search on him and found quite a few things - google his name.

[baronbvp]

Good post, Seven Star. And Mr. Pockets is right, keep your hands up. It's the number one rule, and MAN will they get tired!

Keep your abs tight. Learn how to punch without hurting your wrists or the small fingers on your hands. Learn early how to get out of the way of the other guys' punches. Work on your footwork as many people overlook that aspect.

Don't forget to breathe while you are fighting. Relax until you make contact, or you will tire yourself out being all tensed up.

Last, don't forget to realize how fun it is in the middle of your matches.

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[MMACHAMP]

i say take advantage of as much training time as you can handle....boxing is a sport of experience...alot of things you just learn as time goes by. Learn to throw a jab really well....thats what i recommend..learn to jab really really well...then learn how to follow that jab up. After sparring and training for a good amount of time you will just have muscle memory...and you will just know when someones trying to throw what kind of punch and automatically block and or block and counter. Just train hard and dedicate yourself

[Muaythaiboxer]

i would recomend boxing alot but you need to find a good gym and train every day, and then train some more if you want to be good.

[ivette_green]

I'm thinking of taking up boxing. I've never worked with those huge punching bags, but that's about the only thing that intimidates me. Our dojo doesn't run during August, so I was hoping to be in full swing by then.

I have to check out the place some time...

[elbows_and_knees]

a heavy bag shouldn't intimidate you. What place are you trying to check out?

[ivette_green]

It's a local place and it's run out of the basement of a shopping mall. I know nothing about it, but I think a man in my dojo may already be going there. I think I'll check it out wednesday night if I'm not beat. I only train with gloves about half the time and I never tape up my hands. More things I may have to get used to I guess.