Boxing has been practiced for centuries——it was even one of the sports in the original Olympic Games in ancient Greece. More recently, boxing has become the mainstream in the UK, with hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life participating in the sport every week. But why? The answer lies in the physical, mental and even social benefits boxing can bring.
Its physical benefits are clear. Whether it's practicing with a punching bag(沙袋) or a partner or facing an opponent in the ring, boxing can be an intense form of exercise and give a full-body workout. It can improve muscular strength, and it can also increase fitness—allowing someone to work out harder, for longer. These can, in turn, have a positive impact on other aspects of physical well-being, like heart health and weight management.
But the high physical demands of the sport aren't just good for the body——boxing can also have a positive impact on someone's mental well-being. Dr Jessica Pinchbeck, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Fitness at the Open University, says that boxing can mitigate some of the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Exercising regularly is already widely known to be good for mental health, but boxing can also bring a sense of discipline and focus.
And there is a third benefit of putting on the boxing gloves. Practicing punches can be done alone, of course, but boxing is not just an individual activity——it also involves working with others to train and stay safe. Dr Gavin Williams, Senior Lecturer in Education at the Open University, says that this cooperation and team work can create a sense of identity and belonging. So, no matter what the reason that attracts someone to boxing, the interactive elements of the sport mean it can also have profound social benefits.
Good for body, mind and social interactions? It's not surprising that more and more people are stepping into the ring.
