If you can escape without a broken nose, boxing training could be the boost your running needs. Here’s five areas where boxing can really help your running footwork
Footwork
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” as the great Muhammad Ali used to say. These light-footed qualities, fostered by hours and hours of skipping, are absolutely essential to staying out of trouble in the ring. But they’re equally important in running, where landing light is essential. If the thought of entering a boxing gym terrifies you, make sure you at least add some skipping to your weekly workout mix. If you need any inspiration, check out a video of Floyd Mayweather Jnr jumping rope. Man’s got skills.
Arms
Often overlooked by runners, a strong upper body can greatly improve your speed and efficiency, particularly during the latter part of a race. Pummelling a bag – or even an opponent – will quickly build strength and endurance in your arms and shoulders, while the focus on press-ups, planks and burpees helps to build an iron-cast core.
Cardio
Think you’re fit? I did too before I experienced a boxing-style circuit training. Built around a series of high-intensity bodyweight exercises and sprints, it’s designed to get you working at your absolute limit, similar to how you would be during a fight. I probably went down a few weight divisions, such was the volume of sweating, but the benefits – both for boxing and running – are undeniable.
Legs
Strange but true: you don’t punch from your arms. Most of the power comes from your legs, glutes and hips. That’s why boxers do more squatting than most bohemian art students. Building strong legs is a prerequisite of strong, injury-free running. Consider a weekly visit to the local boxing gym to hone a bulletproof lower body.
Pain tolerance
You’ll be unsurprised to learn that getting punched in the nose hurts a bit. But an ability to withstand a little hardship, both inside and outside the ring, is no bad thing. Bring this increased hardiness to your running and hang tough when the pain is mounting. Just think: what would Rocky do?
