Five ways to get into boxing

BOXING is a major fitness trend that's on the up this fall, proving popular among stressed-out executives, men and women of all ages in search of a great workout, and parents looking for a new activity for their children. We have picked five options for beginners looking for a taste of the sport.

Women's boxing

Women from all walks of life are getting into this traditionally male sport. Burning 600 to 850 calories per hour, boxing has plenty of appeal for women looking to manage their stress levels and tone their body. French kickboxing, or savate, is a great choice for beginners wanting to start off gently, since it doesn't involve full-strength kicks. Kickboxing also works the legs, whereas regular boxing focuses on fists and arms, as well as the abdominal muscles.

Group boxing classes

Most gyms offer boxing classes taught by professionally qualified coaches for beginners and more experienced boxers. Choose a class you feel comfortable in, such as a mixed-level class or a group for beginners only. There's no real difference when it comes to learning techniques, but the intensity and speed of the blows will be different. You'll work on cardiovascular fitness with interval training, and learn techniques and positions with a partner in the ring. Don't hesitate to try out several coaches to find an approach that suits you best. Training gloves can generally be borrowed. If buying gloves, ask for advice in a specialist store.

Punching bag workouts

Some clubs run 30-minute punching bag sessions for people keen to practice boxing without going up against a partner in the ring. Workouts include running, squats and various cardiovascular exercises, as well as teaching footwork, moves and techniques like the hook and the uppercut.

Kids' lessons

Many boxing clubs hold kids' classes for a fun and education-focused way of learning the basics of the sport. Kids' classes generally use a "false combat" technique involving touch-based boxing, ducking and footwork. Kids mime punches and learn touch techniques that don't use their full strength. They're not allowed to hurt each other!

Boxing-based gym classes

Those who don't fancy heading to a specialist boxing gym can enjoy one of a growing number of non-confrontational boxing-inspired classes, mixing boxing techniques with other disciplines like martial arts and aerobics (Body Combat, Boxfit, Aerobox). Sessions are usually very intense. They're ideal for letting off steam, packing in air punches, jumps and footwork moves in a routine choreographed to music. Body Combat, for example, is inspired by martial arts, boxing, karate, tai chi, Muay Thai and taekwondo.