6 Reasons Every Woman Should Start Boxing Right Now

There's no denying more and more women have embraced boxing recently, just look supermodel Adriana Lima for inspiration, ladies. As well as gyms like Round Ten Boxing, Warehouse Gym and 1SIX8UAE encouraging females to get their gloves on in the region, the demand for Muay Thai and other martial arts has also increased - and it's no wonder with fitness icon Ronda Rousey proving her talent all around the world. And with Fighting Fit Dubai returning for another season soon girls across the region will be tuning in to watch people just like them embrace the challenge.

A two-for-one cardio and strength workout, boxing targets the entire body. In addition to increasing strength and cardio fitness, boxing improves a number of skill-related parameters of fitness, including balance, coordination, reactivity, and agility. The sport has a potential burn rate of 13 calories a minute, AND goes head-to-head with other types of cardio like running and cycling.

You can punch away anywhere from 200 calories punching a bag to 400 calories in the ring (based on a 63.5kg individual) per half hour. Thirty minutes sparring with a partner burns 300 calories. A typical class includes a warm-up, skipping and mobility, stance and guard, the fundamentals (four basic punches - jab, cross, hook, upper cut) and intervals on pads and bags.

Karina Bensemann, 2x NZ Golden Gloves Champion and PUNCH instructor at 1SIX8UAE, reveals why you should start boxing now.