Congratulations on making the decision to start boxing! It's an incredible workout that will make even the most minor muscles in your body stronger because you're using every single one of them. So if you don't know what equipment you need, continue to read.
Many members show up to their first day of class with the wrong type of shoe. The most common we see are Vans, Converse, and Air Force Ones. We don't have anything against them; however, Vans are typically used for skating. Converse shoes are casual and sometimes used for weightlifting, and Air Force Ones are casual. Don't get us wrong, we're fans of them outside of the gym.
We felt compelled to educate our community so that they stay safe and don't get their feet injured because using the wrong kind of shoe can cause blisters or rolled ankles. They don't provide the support that your valuable feet need. So the first thing we suggest is to purchase two pairs of shoes.
Boxing boots and running shoes. Boxing boots provide support for your ankles and the balls of your feet, and they're perfect for sparring, improving your footwork, and partner work. However, there are days when we implement running, strength, and conditioning in our classes. That's why you need to bring a pair of running shoes for the days we go out and hit the pavement. You don't want to wear out the soles of your boxing boots, and it's unsafe to run outside with them. We'd prefer you not join us on our run if you don't bring running shoes.
You can find a list of boxing boots and running shoes that we recommend here.
The second thing you'll need is at least two pairs of hand wraps. We say two for hygienic purposes. Believe it or not, your hands will sweat inside those gloves, and if you don't wash them every couple of days, they will reek, and you can run the risk of getting an infection. Who wants to get a nail infection? I don't think anyone said, "Me." So, you want to have at least two pairs for when one of them is washed and drying, you'll still be able to protect your hands with a clean set of hand wraps.
Now, hand wraps protect your hands' tiny bones and joints from getting injured when you're hitting a heavy bag. But you can't buy hand wraps without knowing the length you'll need. If you're getting them for an adult or a teenager, purchase the 180" hand wraps. If you're buying them for your child or have smaller hands, you can get the 108" or 120". You can find some right here.
We have 180" hand wraps in stock at the gym if you forget to bring them.
(It happens a lot, so I figured I'd tell you we have your back!)
We will teach you how to put them on at the gym. In the meantime, you can watch our tutorial on wrapping your hands like a savage right here.
If you go out in town to purchase them, make sure that you read the label to ensure that you are getting TWO hand wraps in the package. Some brands will sell you the hand wraps separately and so always read the label.
The third thing you'll need is a pair of durable boxing gloves. The perfect pair for you might not be the perfect pair for me because if you're not sparring yet, or have no interest in it, then you won't need the type of glove someone in competitive boxing does.
There are four types of boxing gloves:
bag gloves
sparring gloves
training gloves
competitive gloves
Bag gloves are meant to be used for double-end, speed, heavy, and aqua bags. They're built with heavier foam for ultimate fist protection.
Sparring boxing gloves absorb the energy of any hard blow and ensure perfect mobility of wrists and fingers required in accomplishing fighting techniques. They also have extra padding to protect your hands, wrists, and sparring partner. The heavier they are, the more protection you'll have for your knuckles and joints.
Training boxing gloves are a hybrid of the bag and sparring gloves. They're meant to be used for both and if you are going to be sparring and hitting the bag then these are recommended. However, keep in mind that these will wear down a lot quicker and the padding can get a little flat from hitting the bag in contrast to when you're sparring and this can make your more prone to an injury if you don't pay attention to the wear and tear of your gloves.
Finally, there are competitive boxing gloves which we won't recommend for the gym since they're provided for us when we compete in USA Boxing.
We've owned and seen many boxing gloves in this gym and made a list of good sets of gloves that you can find here.
Here's a size guide for choosing the best size based on your weight. If you don't have a scale at home you're welcome to use the ones we have at the gym.
Take care of your gloves by letting them air dry after your workouts. If they're leather, purchase leather protection spray, so the leather doesn't crack. Keep your gear clean, and you'll be proud of wearing it. I bet you it will last you a while.
Don't forget to get a duffle bag or a backpack to keep your equipment while at the gym!
*Please don't leave anything at the gym overnight. We are not responsible if you misplace or lose anything, and we keep lost and found bin for a week and then donate or throw it away.
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