I want to join a boxing club but I'm worried about my age and condition, any advice?

Question

I'm 26, I know I know that's not old, but is it too old to join a boxing club (in the UK)? I don't mean too old to be world champion or anything, just don't know the ettiquete of boxing. I've always loved the sport and never got round to joining one so I'd love to now. Plus, should I get myself pretty fit before I join?

Answer 1

I don't know about the UK, but in my old neighborhood there were always choices. Since you want to do it more for fun and to get into shape maybe you can find and join a workout class that uses boxing or an amatuer gym that's more laid-back. it would also be a great way to meet people that share your intrest.

then later when you've learned about the sport more and feel more confident you could find a gym that has more seasoned boxers to spare around with.

Answer 2

As somone from the UK that went to a boxing gym first at the age of 25 I can say that you will be welcomed. They work with all levels of abilities and you will get into really good shape soon enough. You can get some ideas from the ABA list:

http://www.sportboxing.co.uk/boxing_club...

Check out a few clubs in your local area and see which you prefer. Don't worry about "tarting around" to find the best club as this may be an inconvenience in the short-term but will be well worth it.

I notice a lot of people ask "should I get fit before I join" when asking about boxing and martial arts club membership. The answer to this is: just go ahead and start training immediatley.

You say you don't want to be world champion but take a little time to think about what you do want to achieve from it. Fitness? Self-defence? Competition? Confidence? Perhaps sit down and write your reasons for wanting to do it down on paper and maybe review it after 3-6 months.

I find it helps with lots of areas in your life and I now do other things (running, bagwork and some skipping, cycling) which all complement training. I have trained in a number of different martial arts and I would say that there is something about boxing training which is that bit more intense in terms of fitness (which is a good thing by the way).

The most important thing really is to ensure that you go back...a lot quit after there first session or maybe after a few sessions. Trust me you will get used to the fitness demands of the training until you assimulate and reach really good levels. The first few sessions may leave you aching but that goes after a few times. Train more than once per week is my other advice atleast 2 maybe 3 or 4 times per week to really benefit.

See where it takes you my friend thats all I would add. You might get into healthier eating you might get into other forms of exercise, you might go into competition.

Anyway good luck on your new journey!