Boxing as a workout has become more and more common over the years. Boxing gyms are popping up all over and are thriving. They are also increasingly becoming popular as a staple in home gyms. It’s a great full body workout and it comes at a fraction of the price as some other gym equipment.
All you need is a pair of boxing gloves and punching bag.
What may be most important of the two is having the right pair of boxing gloves that is the right weight and fit. For some it may be as simple as putting on a pair of boxing gloves and getting right into the work out. But for most, it’s probably best to do some research and fight the right one for you. Choosing the right boxing glove could be the difference between a good experience and a bad one.
You want a pair of boxing gloves that fit not too tight when you first put it on. If you’re testing a pair at the store or the gym with your bare hands. You actually want it a touch loose. After putting on your hand wraps it should fill up more of the space and feel more proper.
Let’s look at the different steps more in depth.
You Need To Wear Hand Wraps
You need to protect your hands when boxing, from light workouts to full contact sparring. Your hands are made up of tiny bones and muscle that are vulnerable to sprains, fractures, and soreness when throwing punches.
To avoid injuring yourself, it’s crucial to take care of your hands while practicing. So a must would be to use hand wraps and to properly tie them around your hand for a secure fit and protection.
Hand-wraps are typically 10-15 feet long and slightly elastic. Here’s our list of best hand wraps. Although everyone may wrap their hands differently, there is a general method that is recommended.
First, hook your thumb, wrist, and hand up to your knuckles. Then, go between your fingers while keeping the wrap slightly tight. It’s important to note that the wrap should not be too tight, as this can disrupt blood flow in your hands. Finding the right balance of support and comfort is key.
By properly wrapping your hands, you can avoid serious injuries that could set you back in your training. Sprains and fractures can take weeks or even months to heal, which can be frustrating and discouraging.
In addition, soreness can make it difficult to practice effectively, hindering your progress. Taking the time to properly wrap your hands is a small but important step towards achieving your goals.
Using hand wraps has other benefits as well aside from security and protection. When using hand wraps, they will absorb the bulk of the sweat and moisture that you produce during the workout.
The moisture that is left inside the gloves is how bacteria begins to grow and the boxing gloves start smelling a bit funky. On top of that it can cause your gloves to begin to deteriorate quicker than needed.
Putting On Your Boxing Gloves
The first step in wearing boxing gloves is to choose the right size. Boxing gloves come in different sizes, typically ranging from 8 to 18 ounces. The right size depends on your weight, hand size, and purpose.
You would want to find the pair of gloves that suit the type of workout you will be doing. Sparring gloves will have a different make than a training gloves. Mainly in how much padding and type of padding that make up the gloves. In certain situations you would need to have multiple types of boxing gloves in order to fit your routine.
You will also want to have the right weight of boxing gloves for your workout. If you’re conditioning for strength, you would want to lean towards heavier gloves and if you’re working on technique or a general workout, lighter gloves may work better.
Once you’ve chosen the right size, it’s time to put on the gloves.
- Step 1: Take the time to properly and securely fasten your hand wraps around your hand. Remember you want it tight but not to the point where blood circulation becomes a problem.
- Step 2: With your boxing glove, start by opening the wrist straps and pulling the glove onto your hand. Make sure that your fingers are fully extended and the glove fits snugly around your hand. Avoid wearing gloves that are too tight or too loose.
- Step 2: Wrap the wrist strap around your wrist and fasten it securely. The wrist strap should be tight enough to provide support but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. Be sure to check that the wrist strap is centered and that the glove is in the correct position on your hand.
Your wrapped hands should fit easily and comfortable inside the gloves. If you’re struggling to put them on, then its likely that your gloves are too small.
Your fingertips should barely be reaching the ends of the inside of the gloves, preferably not at all. And when you have the wrist straps on and secured, your hand shouldn’t be shifting much at all.
Here is a quick re-cap of wearing boxing gloves.
- Do wear hand-wraps under your gloves for added support and protection. Hand-wraps can help prevent injuries such as sprains, fractures, and soreness.
- Don’t wear gloves that are too old or damaged. Worn-out gloves can be ineffective in cushioning impacts and can also increase the risk of injury.
- Do clean your gloves regularly to prevent bacteria and odors. Use a disinfectant spray or wipe and let the gloves air dry.
- Do wear gloves that fit comfortably snug and be sure to not have them too tight or too loose
- Do use gloves that are appropriate for the activity you’re doing. For example, if you’re sparring, use gloves that are thicker and have more padding than gloves used for bag work.
How To Find The Right Size Boxing Glove
As we discussed, to choose the right glove size, it is essential to ensure that the glove fits snugly around the hand, with the fingertips almost reaching the end but not touching it. To find the correct glove size, it is important to have your hand measurement as well as your height and weight handy.
To measure the hand size, use a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the hand, starting from the thumb and the side of the first knuckle, and running the tape measure underneath the knuckles until it reaches the starting point. If you do not have a soft measuring tape, you can use a string or shoelace to measure the circumference of your hand and use a ruler to measure the length.
You can read our article about measuring your hand here.
Most boxing glove manufacturers recommend sizing based on weight and height for their product. However, because everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, height and weight may not be enough to determine the appropriate glove size. So as a starting point I would go with their direction.
Essentially you are matching the weight and measurement of your hand and what glove may be best for the average user.
Do You Need To Break In Boxing Gloves
Every new boxing glove would require some breaking in. Some may be very minor while others may take a bit more time.
First, let’s define what breaking in boxing gloves means. Breaking in gloves involves softening and molding the leather or synthetic material of the gloves to better conform to your hand shape and movement. This can be done through various methods, such as hitting a heavy bag or using a mallet to pound the gloves, soaking them in water, or wearing them for extended periods. The goal is to reduce the stiffness and rigidity of the gloves and make them more comfortable and responsive.
One argument in favour of breaking in gloves is that it can improve the fit and feel of the gloves. This is especially relevant for leather gloves, which tend to be stiffer and less pliable than synthetic ones.
By breaking in the leather, you can make it more supple and comfortable on your skin. This can also improve your grip and punching technique, as the gloves will mold better to your hand shape and allow for more flexibility.
Another argument is that breaking in gloves can improve the performance of the gloves. By reducing the stiffness, you can enhance the impact and cushioning of the gloves, making them better for sparring or bag work. Ideally you just want it to conform to the shape of your fist.
So, do you need to break in boxing gloves? The answer depends on your personal preference, the type of gloves you’re using, and the purpose of the gloves. If you’re using leather gloves and find them too stiff or uncomfortable, breaking them in should improve your experience. However, be careful not to damage the gloves or compromise their effectiveness. If you’re using synthetic gloves or don’t have any issues with the fit or feel, breaking in might not be necessary.
Conclusion
As you can see there are some boxes to tick before putting on your first pair of boxing gloves. Hopefully we were able to help give you a bigger scope to consider instead of just finding any old pair of boxing gloves and putting them on.
Boxing is a very intensive sport and having the right boxing gloves is important in order to have an enjoyable experience. If you’re still in the market of purchasing new gloves, take a look at our list of best Everlast boxing gloves, perfect for beginners.