Boxing is a great form of cardio. Boxing targets the whole body and can help you control your weight, strength, and agility. You can train in the comfort of your home or the gym. In either case, you don't need any additional equipment. A pair of good gloves and a punching bag make you well-equipped to start. However, whether you’re a novice or a pro, practicing at home or part of a boxing club, choosing and wearing your gloves is the first step of getting into the ring. So here is a comprehensive guide to choosing the appropriate boxing gloves and wearing them the right way.
Choosing the right gloves
We get many questions about how to pick the right boxing gloves. It is a difficult question to answer because boxing gloves are largely shaped by your personal preferences. However, these are the factors to consider when selecting your next pair.
· The right fit: The glove should be easy to slide in. The glove shouldn't be forced on your hand. The glove should have a snug but not too tight fit. It should have enough room to wrap and not press too hard on your knuckles when you make a fist. A snug and comfortable fit is the ideal choice.
· Flexibility: Your hand should be able to move flexibly. It will allow your palm open and close easily. It shouldn't be restrictive at all.
· The Correct structure and shape: It should feel natural. Your hands should not feel confined or squeezed in the gloves. Pre-curved is ideal anatomically because it enables you to make tight fists.
· The interior padding: Bag gloves and sparring gloves should have adequate padding. Sparring gloves tend to be softer, while bag gloves are denser. In any case, your gloves should enable you to punch the bag or spar without feeling the impact on your knuckles. You cannot afford to bottom out in the glove while making contact.
· The convenience of adjustability: The closure should be secure and custom-fit, whether it is lace or hook and loop. If the closure is secure and comfortable, you will feel more support for your wrists.
· Breathability: A mesh palm or soft lining is ideal because they dry easily. It makes the gloves durable and more comfortable.
· The right weight: Choose the size and weight that suits you best. A heavier glove offers more padding and is better suited for power punching. In most cases, a lighter glove will have more padding, which allows for speed work.
Finally, the glove you are most comfortable with in terms of feel and performance is the right one. The many options can be overwhelming. However, the good thing is that options enable you to buy your gloves according to your liking. You can choose from various styles, including different color combinations and construction methods. You will discover your personal preferences and find the right pair of boxing gloves with time and experience.
Wearing Boxing Gloves.
Gloves are the most important equipment for boxing. You don't have to buy the most expensive gloves if you're just a beginner. You can simply go online to find a pair that will last.
You must love your gloves to feel comfortable wearing them. They will be your training partner, and you must use your full force to get through them. If there are any doubts, change your mind.
These instructions will show you how to apply hand wraps and gloves for your boxing session:
Step 1- All about Your Hand Wraps
· Hand wraps are important to protect your 27 tiny hand bones from impact.
· It is crucial to take care of your hand movement while throwing punches. The force of punches can cause injury if the hand movement and position are not right.
· Wear the hand wraps before putting on your gloves.
· Make sure the hand wraps are tightly wrapped around the hands and wrists. It will give your support to avoid soreness, sprain, or fractures.
· Handwraps are usually 10 to 15 feet long and have slight elasticity.
· Everyone wraps their hands in a different style. However, the best way is to hook your thumb, hands, and wrist up to your knuckles, going between your fingers. Make sure to keep the wrap a bit tight in the process.
· They should not be too tight, or they will obstruct the blood flow in your hands.
Step 2- Wearing the Gloves
· Most boxers prefer Velcro gloves because they provide maximum grip compared to the laced ones.
· Novices find it easy to wear Velcro gloves because it is convenient to wear and take them off without help. On the other hand, gloves with laces require a partner to help tie them up.
· Make sure your hands are pressed as deep inside the gloves as possible.
· Put your hands firmly inside the glove, naturally curling into the glove's shape.
· Avoid leaving space at the bottom before wrapping or tying the gloves around your wrist.
· Ensure that the straps or laces are tied tightly because most injuries occur due to excessive wrist movement.
Step 3: Taking care of your gloves after taking them off:
· Don’t put your boxing gloves in your gym bag immediately after taking them off. First, let them dry naturally in a ventilated area before packing them away in your gym bag.
· Stuff your gloves newspapers or deodorizer balls to avoid bad odor and moisture from settling inside the gloves
You won't have problems wearing your boxing gloves if you follow the instructions. However, to avoid injury, ensure that you use proper punching techniques.
