What do your gloves really offer?

Boxing gloves offer great value for protection when training and in the ring. You will be able to land heavy hits without worrying about causing injury to your hands and wrist, which can facilitate more consistency in training. Without gloves, you may not be able to take up certain types of boxing training too frequently. Gloves also offer resistance benefits, but this is generally dependent on the type. When boxing with gloves, you add anywhere between 1-3 pounds on your hands, and this will cause faster hand fatigue. As you train more intensively and frequently, you will be better able to handle the weight and could improve your ability to keep your guard up at all times.

Many people tend to think that gloves make hits harder, but that is far from the case. In fact, gloves soften punches. But how does that work? For starters, gloves will increase the surface area of a puncher’s hand. The bulkier fist will dissipate impact across the punched surface, which reduces the force felt per square inch. You will less likely to experience cuts and lacerations with gloves than with a bare-knuckled punch. You need to keep in mind that you can still get a concussion with gloves, which necessitates necessary safety precautions in the ring.

The gloves also affect the speed of a punch, as explored in the resistance benefits above. By adding some weight onto a fighter’s hands, gloves will work to lower the velocity of a punch which will have an effect on the power. Gloves lack aerodynamic properties, which means that every punch will face a significant reduction in velocity when thrown. Gloves will also use heavy duty padding to make them bulkier, which ties well with the velocity in reducing the power of your punches.

Does fist size matter for boxing?

A common misconception suggests fighters with bigger hands will generate more power with their punches. Yet your fists have very little to do with the hardness of your punches, similarly to how your car’s wheels have hardly any impact on the top speed. If the size of your hands had that significant an impact on your power, perhaps the competition authorities would have incorporated it in matchups for more even fight. When it comes to boxing, fighters with smaller hands may outpunch those with larger hands. It is all about the technique, form and power as opposed to fist size.

The right boxing training will be key to helping you maximize your power for harder punches. You should be relaxed when taking up training to avoid making your muscles tense and rigid, and should follow the right foot techniques as well. With regular training, you should be able to punch harder regardless of the size of your hands.

Boxing training exercises to help you punch harder

Boxing training is very intensive, but it only reflects the heavy demands of the sport. Boxers are some of the best conditioned athletes in the world, with the sport requiring high fitness levels. They also have to take up different types of training to sharpen various aspects of their game. With the right boxing training, you could improve your punching power, fine tune your movement or enhance your endurance. These training efforts will work to make your punches harder.

Form and technique training

No matter how hard you try, you can never land shots outside your reach. You need to determine this distance before working on your technique to help you optimize your landing accuracy. Once you figure it out, it will be the bar for your technique training. You should work with this distance to land shots in the right way, helping you to naturally gain proper form. As you engage in this type of exercise more often, you will be better able to improve your coordination and accuracy, which are both key to landing harder hits.

Cardio

If you take up intensive application with other types of boxing training, you will often feel the burnout. Overexerting yourself only puts you at a higher risk of injury, and will have an effect on your ability to train consistently. While your strength training will help you build up power, aerobic training could be key to helping you maintain it. You will be better able to land harder hits consistently if you can outlast your opponent.

Weight training

You need to build strong upper body muscles to develop the strength for harder hits. You should focus on your back and shoulders with weight training to help build up the power in this region. You can boost your arms with bicep curls, while working on your shoulders with pull ups and shoulder presses. Bench presses could help build up your chest as well.

Final word

So, do boxing gloves make you punch harder? Not quite. Boxing gloves are designed to soften your hits, and only the right training to help to build your strength and power, as well as boost musculoskeletal development will affect your punches. Boxing gloves work to soften hits and reduce impact, offering protection to both fighters. They are designed to reduce the effect of hits, after all. But that does not mean that the risk of injury is completely eliminated. If you are taking up boxing training, sparring or engaging in a bout, you should always seek to stay as safe as possible. Make sure you have the right gear when you engage, and keep in touch with the fundamentals.

What does headgear really do?

Like boxing gloves, headgear is a crucial part of boxing training. The helmets usually feature some padding inside a leather or synthetic exterior. Headgear is designed to go over and around your head, ensuring protection against any impact from direct hits in this direction. Did you know that blows to the face can cause fractures, brain damage and head trauma? Well, headgear is designed to minimize contact and absorb impact when punches land on your face.

The quality of protection offered will depend on the build of a specific headgear, as well as its design. Options with heavy duty padding will absorb impact better than lighter picks, but may often be bulky as a result. Face saver headgear will often be bulkier than regular headgear with an open design, since it offers more coverage and protection. This type of boxing helmet is designed to protect you from any cuts, lacerations and bruises from hits landing on your face.

How to fit boxing headgear

Headgear sizing chart

Your headgear provider will likely feature a sizing chart for their products, similar to the one listed above. This sizing chart will help reduce the workload when it comes to choosing an appropriate headgear for your needs. We recommend measuring the circumference of your head to know whether or not it will be a great fit for your desired choice.

You should always prefer a tighter fit for headgear, since you will need to break it in a bit. If your headgear is not compactly fitting, it could become loose over time and may offer no value for impact protection. If you are going to have headgear that keeps shifting when in use, you might be better of steering clear of it.

But why is headgear being phased out of competition?

It is still possible to get a concussion even with headgear from certain types of hits. Headgear does not completely reduce the risk for fighters in the ring, but it still offers great value for face and head protection. So why did are these handy helmets getting phased out of the Olympics?

The International Olympics Committee’s mandate to do away with boxing headgear for men’s boxing was based more on the prevalence of hits towards the head with headgear than on the risk factor of headgear. With headgear on, fighters had a bigger target to aim for and directed most of their shots towards their opponent’s head, which increased the risk of concussions significantly. To avoid having fighters snapping at each other’s’ heads and risking injury, doing away with headgear was the best choice.

But what does this mean for you? Should you go into the ring at your gym without headgear? If you are not in top condition and well versed with the technique, your opponent may land a large number of hits. Headgear will offer some protection against them, allowing for a reduced risk of injury. We recommend always having your headgear during training and sparring until you can comfortably defend your head without it.

What to look for in the best headgear for nose protection

If you are looking for boxing headgear for training, you are headed in the right direction in regards to safety. Face saver boxing helmets will protect your face against potentially sensitive cuts and bruises, and as such it is important to look into the details to find a great pick. What should an ideal option offer?

Visibility

Face saver headgear will be bulky, and may feature heavy padding around certain delicate areas such as your cheeks. While the protection offered is the ultimate goal of the headgear. It often comes at the cost of visibility. Find headgear that offers great protection without limiting your ability to track your opponents.

Closure system

What type of closure are you looking for on your headgear? Lace closure systems will offer a very secure fit, but will tent to take more time to put on. Velcro closure will be much easier, but is likely to wear out and lose grip faster than lace.

Level of coverage

Face saver headgear is notorious for excessive level of coverage, and rightly so. Some options will feature a face bar and entire grill that ensures zero contact during sparring or fighting. These options will tend to have more limited visibility, which means you need to strike a balance over the two factors to enjoy a high value pick.

Final word

Does boxing headgear protect your nose? As we’ve explored in the article, some headgear options are designed for face protection and could be beneficial in this aspect. If you are boxing with face saver headgear, you will be able to protect a large part of your face from cuts, lacerations and bruises. Depending on the design and accessories, such as a grill and face bar, face saver headgear will even offer protection against lettuce ears, cheek injury and shots to the back of your head. The right boxing headgear for face protection will offer comprehensive coverage to your face, which will ensure great overall protection. There are many options in every price range, which means you can find a value pick for your needs within your budget. We feel that headgear offers unbeatable protection, which can come in handy for people who are likely to face more hits. Even with some concerns raised about certain types of injury, headgear can a great way to protect your face and maintain great health when taking up boxing training.

Grant boxing glove review

Are Grant boxing gloves worth their price tag? How do they compare with other tried and trusted options that are much lower priced but still offer value, such as Winning boxing gloves, for instance? We break down your Grant boxing gloves to determine whether one of the most expensive options on the market will set the bar for a pair of gloves. Will Grant boxing gloves live up to the expectations? We feel that Grant boxing gloves outperform other gloves in most categories, except the price. If the price point is within your budget, then Grant boxing gloves could be the best choice for your needs. Here are some of the key features of the gloves to help you understand whether or not these gloves will offer value for your needs.

Padding and protection

The right padding can be tricky to achieve. If your gloves are too heavily padded, they can feel pillow-like and may offer limited value for training. If your gloves are too lightly padded, you may be more prone to hand and wrist injuries. Grant boxing gloves strike a great balance, with their padding offering a comfortable and protected feel without being too soft. Grant gloves offer a stiffer padding than the plush alternative of Winning gloves, while providing more protection than Cleto Reyes gloves. These gloves also feature a great thumb locking design that limits movement when throwing punches.

Comfort

Grant boxing gloves will be a snug fit, which may limit the quality of comfort for people with big hands who are also interested in wearing hand wraps underneath them. If you have average to fairly large hands, the gloves will offer a very comfortable fit. The gloves compare favorably to other leading picks in terms of comfort, which might explain the spike in price. With Grant boxing gloves, you will be guaranteed better feedback and pop when punching, allowing you to sharpen your technique with minimal risk of injury. For the quality of comfort alone, Grant boxing gloves are worth every penny.

Durability

These gloves are made with a tough leather exterior, which will outlast most options on the market. Many customers have expressed their satisfaction with the longevity of their Grant boxing gloves, and you may be able to enjoy lengthy use. You should keep in mind that gloves with the genuine leather exterior will require more careful maintenance than options with a synthetic coat. For best value, you need to maintain your gloves well.

Craftsmanship and build

The genuine leather exterior is not the only impressive aspect of the gloves’ build. They feature one of the best fits over your fist, with the flat shape reducing the likelihood of rolled wrists. You can sharpen your technique and land punches exactly where you want to with these gloves. The craftsmanship also extends to the high quality stitching, with the gloves being very well finished. They feature an attractive aesthetic, with a range of unbeatable custom options. If you are looking for a pair of boxing gloves that are attractive, very well designed and finished to your liking, the Grant boxing gloves will be a great choice.

Are Grant boxing gloves a value for money buy?

Will Grant gloves offer value for money? We tried out a pair to assess the quality, build and overall performance of the gloves. The pricing is a little higher end, but the value on offer is immense. Here are some of the pros and cons of the gloves that we encountered.

Pros

• One of the best made gloves on the market
• Great snug fit around your hands
• Offer high quality padding without compromising punch power
• Breathable and comfortable boxing gloves

Cons

• Very high end in terms of pricing
• Can take up to 6 weeks to deliver when ordered directly from the brand

How we rate Grant boxing gloves

What should you look for in an ideal pair of boxing gloves?

Are you interested in buying boxing gloves? Grant gloves could be a great choice for durable use. But the higher end pricing will tend to exclude a lot of potential buyers. If you are looking for boxing gloves, how will you find the right pair without exceeding your budget? Here are a few questions that you may need to consider to help you out.

What type of training am I interested in taking up? – Your training interests will dictate the type of gloves that are best suited for you. Training gloves are versatile enough to offer value for bag work and sparring.

How intensive is my training? – If you are thinking about training with your gloves for more than twice a week, you may need to consider hardy options with thicker padding to ensure great protection and durability.

What exterior material should my gloves feature? – If you are starting out, we recommend using vinyl and synthetic leather gloves to help you understand the basics. Once you are all caught up, you can then move to hardy and durable leather gloves.

Final word

Why are Grant boxing gloves so expensive? Because they are comparatively one of the best gloves to have ever been made. These gloves deliver superior comfort and protection, featuring a stiffer padding than most without being too rigid. The gloves are also durable, and will outlast a large number of options on the market. If you are looking for an ideal pair of boxing gloves and have the budget to match, then Grant boxing gloves are a hands down leading choice for your needs.

How to clean and maintain your boxing headgear

Clean boxing gear will be healthier and safer to use, reducing the risk of infections that could arise out of a buildup of grime and dirt. With the right maintenance, your gear will be safer too! Headgear will be relatively easier to clean than boxing gloves, thanks to the more accessible design. However, thanks to the thick padding and potentially vulnerable exterior, you need to follow a strict maintenance regime to ensure value for money service from your gear.

You should clean your boxing helmet as often as you can. You do not have to clean your headgear thoroughly every day, with a simple wipe down working on most days. However, you will need to clean it 2-3 times every fortnight. If you use your headgear very frequently, this can even be twice a week. You will need to dry out your headgear after every use, and could benefit from hanging it in front of your fan for some hours after your workout.

Depending on the surface material and the type of padding, some headgear will be machine wash friendly. We recommend a gentle spin cycle to avoid aggravating your helmet and affecting its rigidity, which is crucial to quality protection. If you do not want to risk this, you could consider a simple home remedy to help you out. A vinegar solution will work better than a damp cloth in breaking down any odors that might still linger.

You could also invest in an antimicrobial spray, but need to find one that will be safe for leather gear. For regular maintenance, you may invest in antibacterial wipes to help you keep your helmet clean and germ free after use. This should not substitute for comprehensive cleaning of your boxing headgear.

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid for leather headgear

• Putting your headgear out to dry in direct sunlight
• Using a hairdryer to speed up the process
• Drying your headgear near a fire
• Using chemical detergents
• Machine-washing your headgear

How to find the best headgear for your needs

Even with some competitions doing away with headgear, it is still widely considered as the best protection for your head against hits when sparring and in the ring. If you do not have the expertise to hold your guard and defend against hits, you will end up taking a lot of impact to the head without a boxing helmet. Even the best fighters will still take a few hits, and this is just part of the game. But you can protect yourself with the right headgear, both from superficial injuries and potentially damage causing impact. So, what should an ideal headgear for your needs offer?

Type of headgear

Headgear is generally broken down into competition and sparring categories. Standard competition headgear features the least padding on offer, allowing it to be lighter and smaller. Masters competition headgear is bulkier, as it is designed for a special category of older fighters. Sparring headgear is heavier than competition headgear because of the thicker padding which is designed to absorb more impact. Sparring headgear is versatile due to the coverage options on offer, as we will explore below.

Headgear coverage

The level of coverage of your headgear will correlate with the type of protection offered. The most basic option is the open design, which offers protection around the top and sides of your head. Some boxing helmets feature a cheek guard, which works to cover your cheeks and block out impact from certain side hits. Headgear with a face bar will offer protection for your cheeks and nasal bridge as well. Options featuring a chin bar will protect the bottom of your face. Face saver headgear, which combines all this aspects, offers the highest level of coverage.

Headgear fit

When buying headgear, make sure that it fits snugly. Your headgear should not shift on your head when you try it on, but it should not be too tight either. If you are buying boxing headgear online, remember to look into the sizing chart offered and measure your head to know which option will be an ideal fit.

Headgear fasteners

Your headgear will be fastened around the chin, over your head or at the back of the helmet. Chin strap fasteners usually feature a hook and loop closure with a slider for an adjustable fit. This type of fastener can become loose over time, with only the belt-buckle style fastener guaranteeing a secure fit over time. Fasteners over your head and around the helmet could feature either a hook and loop or lace system. Laces allow for a very secure fit, which will be easily adjusted to accommodate other people who could intend to use your gear.

Final word

So, can you wash boxing headgear? You need to clean and maintain all headgear for boxing to ensure they remain fresh, clean and germ free. While some headgear are compatible with a machine wash cycle, most options will not be suited for this type of cleaning. We do not recommend going against your headgear manufacturer’s cleaning suggestions because you could compromise the quality of protection offered, which beats the point of having headgear. You can still wipe down your gloves with wipes, and may wash them out with a home remedy such as a vinegar solution. Remember to aerate your gear after using it to make sure it dries out well before storing it as well.

Does boxing headgear offer full protection?

Your boxing headgear will not protect you from concussions, but it can lower the risk for certain types of injuries. As a result of the reduced contact surface between your face and the opponent’s punch, you will be less likely to suffer from facial injury and superficial trauma. You can engage in training or fights without worrying about swelling, cuts or bruises to your face. Your headgear will do little for concussions, but it could be the best protection against a broken nose!

Head clashes are common in the ring and during sparring. They can be painful and potentially injurious. Even if only one fighter is wearing headgear, the risk of this type of injury will be reduced significantly. You will also be able to stay safe before a competition and maintain a fair shot at victory by wearing headgear throughout your training. Just ask Hughie Fury who lost to Kubrat Pulev when a recently stitched up cut to his eye opened up when he took his first punch. Boxing headgear will also absorb impact in the event that you are knocked onto the floor.

How to defend your head when boxing

Your opponent is always looking to land lethal hits, and may be looking to strike around your chin or behind your ear for maximum effect. You should always keep your chin down and your mouth open when in the ring to reduce the target area for a strike. It will lower your risk of a broken jaw or teeth as well.

You could defend yourself better by keeping your guard up at all times and morphing to counter the opponent’s style for minimum risk. The high guard is a great example of a defensive technique that emphasizes on protection for your head. It could leave your body open, but opponents will almost find it impossible to land high hits if executed well. The Philly shell guard employs the use of one hand and the alternate shoulder in helping protect your head. Your opponent will largely be limited to counter and body strikes, which will lower the risk of successful hits to your head significantly.

We recommend wearing headgear when sparring and fighting, because shots to your head could have just as much of an effect even when thrown in a friendly bout. If you are looking to stay safe when sparring, you still need to follow these basic guides to help you lower the risk of injury to yourself or your partner.

• You do not have to be knocked out to sustain a concussion. If you experience headache, confusion, disorientation, vomiting, dizziness, significant fatigue or a ringing in your ears, you should stop sparring and seek immediate help.
• Balance your sparring to allow for your body and mind to rest
• Plan your sparring session in advance so that you and your partner face each other with the same intensity. Lighter strikes to your head and heavier shots to the body could be a great way to spar safely.

Which type of headgear should you go for?

Boxing helmets will offer valuable protection, even though they do not guarantee an injury free experience. We recommend wearing headgear when sparring or fighting even when you can defend yourself against advanced attacks. But what headgear should you go for? Headgear designs are versatile, with different options offering value for certain types of coverage. If you are looking for complete protection, a face saver headgear with a face grill will offer great value for protection against hits. It is crucial to note that headgear with more coverage, such as the face saver options featured above, will limit visibility. You could go for an open design, but this leaves a large part of your face exposed to hits and would be better suited for people with some technique and defensive training under their belt. Hybrid headgear, which offer the perks of either option, could be great for visibility with added protection to certain parts of your face.

Final word

Is boxing headgear safe? If your sole interest is preventing concussions, then boxing headgear will hardly offer any value. Concussions could occur even with headgear, and if your headgear increases the size of the target, it could also affect the risk of concussion. Depending on the design, boxing headgear may also affect visibility, which could help your opponent land more hits as well. But that is where the risks of headgear end. This equipment will prevent trauma and superficial damage, which means that you are less likely to experience cuts, bruises and swollen parts across your face. You will also be better protected against head butts, and minimizes the risk of injury before competition. The padding will also protect you in the event that you fall to the floor by absorbing a lot of the impact. So, is headgear right for you? If you are looking to keep the risk of injury low, then you need to wear headgear when boxing. You will be better able to block hits and protect yourself without it as you learn your defensive techniques and strategy, but could gain great value from your headgear until you do.

How to find the best gloves for your needs

The most popular gloves for professionals might be too high end for your budget. If you are looking for a pair of boxing gloves, you could look into a few key features that will help you find a value pick at a price point of interest. Here is a breakdown of what to explore to find the best gloves for your needs.

Material and craftsmanship

The quality of build will dictate the durability of your gloves, provided you maintain them as recommended. You could go for synthetic options to help you get started, but genuine leather gloves will last longer and could offer better value.

Padding and protection

Boxing gloves are designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury to your hands and wrists. This makes the quality of padding a key consideration for fighters at any level. Whether you are planning to face the heavyweight champion or training on a heavy bag at home, your gloves should offer sufficient padding to minimize any chance of injury.

Comfort and breathability

An ideal pair of gloves should be comfortably cool and dry even with extensive use. You may look into the lining and sweat wicking technology employed to determine whether a pair offer ideal ventilation for your use.

Your glove care will have a direct influence on their durability. It is important that you follow these steps to minimize the risk of damage to your gloves and extend their lifespan.

• Always clean your gloves after use.
• Special cleaning agents and deodorizers will be key for effective maintenance.
• Keep some stuffing in your gloves to absorb any moisture you may have missed.
• Never expose your gloves to direct sunlight or heat to dry them out quickly.
• Wear hand wraps and wash your hands before using your gloves.

The most popular gloves used by the professionals

All gloves look the same, with a supporting wrist strap and bulbous body over your hand, right? Wrong! To the casual observer, boxing gloves are just that. But gloves will be very different, and may be better suited for some type of fighters over others. The subtle differences between gloves could help enhance the fine margins by which boxing matches can be decided. So, which are the most popular picks for professional fighters and how do they compare?

Cleto Reyes

When Muhammad Ali lost to Leon Spinks in Las Vegas in 1978, a lot of attention was placed on his gloves. The Mexico City based family business was relatively unknown at the time, which raised some interest. Ali may have lost that fight, but the puncher’s glove never looked back. Now a worldwide brand, Cleto Reyes is an acclaimed choice for many fighters. The high quality of build and lighter padding allows punchers to get into their element on fight night. They have famously been used by Marcos Maidana, Manny Pacquiao, Kelly Pavlik and Amir Khan.

Rival

Rival are a recent brand, but are quickly picking up popularity. They do not have an impressive roster as Cleto Reyes, with only a handful of top level fighters such as Jean Pascal preferring these gloves. However, they are very well made, and strike a great balance between padded protection and power.

Grant

Grant gloves will wrap around your hands and offer some of the best support for any option on the market. They are comfortable and firm, allowing for padded protection without being too pillow-like. These gloves are also very well made, which might explain the higher end pricing. They have been popularly worn by Floyd Mayweather, the Klitschkos, Bernard Hopkins, Tim Bradley and Julio Cesar Chaves Jr.

Everlast

You have to be doing something right to stay active and popular for over a century, and Everlast have done just that. The gloves strike a great balance for power and protection, although they are not as firm as Grant gloves or as minimalist in the padding as Cleto Reyes gloves. They have been used by Nonito Donaire, Brandon Rios, Deontay Wilder and Miguel Cotto.

Winning

The Japan-made gloves are popular for their consistency and quality, with these gloves being very durable as well. The gloves offer the best hand protection of any options on the market, and may end up being too pillow-like as a result. For fighters looking to maximize the level of protection, Winning gloves are an unbeatable choice. They are not used too frequently in fights due to the lower power, but have popularly been worn by Erik Morales and Canelo Alvarez. Before his switch, even Floyd Mayweather donned these gloves!

Final word

What boxing gloves does Manny Pacquiao wear? The boxing legend donned Cleto Reyes boxing gloves to his matches through his illustrious career, including on famous nights such as when he beat the previously undefeated Keith Thurman to become the WBA welterweight champion of the world. While a little higher end when compared to other options, Cleto Reyes gloves will offer great value for your needs.

The brand delivers a high quality pair of boxing gloves, and will tend to make most curated lists of the best options on the market for a selection of needs. If you are looking to buy boxing gloves, you could join Manny Pacquiao in embracing the high quality gloves that will live up to your expectations every time. If these gloves are out of your budget, or if you are interested in a starter pair to help you grow into your future picks, our detailed breakdown on what to look for in an ideal pair of gloves should help you work around the large range of options available.

How heavy should your gloves be?

The sizing of boxing gloves could prove challenging for new fighters. Instead of offering the same scale as headgear, which will range from variants of extra-small to extra-large, gloves will be sized by their weights. Fighters will choose gloves falling within an 8oz-20oz range, with each option offering best value for a specific weight class or for a unique need.

8 oz and 10 oz gloves will offer some of the least padded protection for boxing gloves. They are lightweight and smaller than most, which makes them a favorite for professional fighters. 12 oz gloves are slightly bulkier and offer better protection, with these picks being suited for people weighing under 120 pounds. If you weigh between 120 and 150 pounds, 14 oz and 16 oz gloves could be a great choice for you. Most gyms will require 16 oz gloves for sparring because these gloves offer very thick padding. If you weigh above 150 pounds, 18 oz and 20 oz gloves could be a go to choice for you.

But where do weighted gloves fall under? Weighted gloves are special class that does not fall under this sizing scale, and could weigh up to 3 pounds more than regular gloves. They are designed to simulate weights without affecting the quality of comfort during a workout. If you are looking for boxing gloves for training alone, weighted options could be well suited for your needs.

What weight class will you fight in?

Our breakdown of what to look for in the right gloves explores the weight categories on offer, allowing you to maximize protection for your build. But what weight class do you fall under? If you are planning to take up boxing professionally or at an amateur level, you will find that your weight class helps determine your opponents. This will help ensure fair matchups for fighters. In the past, fighters were separated into 8 classes, but that has expanded to up to 17 classes today. You can move between the classes to test out different opponents and diversify your style. So, what class will you fall under?

105-115 pounds

Fighters in this category will rely on speed to win bouts, landing their shots quickly and consistently while looking to quick movement to dodge opponents’ hits. The class features mini flyweight (Under 105), junior flyweight (105-108), flyweight (108-112) and super flyweight fighters. (112-115)

115-130 pounds

Similar to the lower weight class featured, fighters will often prefer quick feet and faster punches over powerful action. It features super flyweight (115-118), super bantamweight (118-122), featherweight (122-126) and super featherweight fighters (126-130).

130-154 pounds

This class tends to feature a diverse approach to style and technique. Unlike heavier boxers who will focus on power and lighter boxers who will focus on pace, the group combines elements of both. It features lightweight (130-135), super lightweight (135-140), welterweight (140-147) and super welterweight (147-154) fighters.

Over 154 pounds

Divided into five classes, the heavier weight tends to lean towards power more than pace. This could be a reason why fights in these classes end in knock outs. The class features middleweight (154-160), upper middleweight (168-175), cruiserweight (175-200) and heavyweight fighters (Over 200).

It is important to note that fighters on the class barrier can choose to fight in either division

Will weighted gloves work out for you?

We’ve mentioned weighted gloves and highlighted their unique build. These gloves are significantly heavier than regular boxing gloves, and feature a protruding shape over your fist. The gloves will not offer the padding on regular gloves, which limits their use in the ring. However, they are heavier by design and could help provide a specific range of benefits. If you are looking for boxing gloves, here’s how you could benefit from weighted options.

More convenient than weights

Weighted gloves fit around your hands more naturally than wraps and dumbbells might, allowing you to concentrate on your shadow boxing without any problems. With gloves, as opposed to weights, you could even sharpen your technique better.

Can be used for cardio

The increased weight will offer an edge for cardio, since it simulates training with weights. By taking up aerobic training with your weighted gloves, you will be able to push your body further which will help develop cardiovascular endurance.

Help to build speed, strength and strength

Heavier gear will cause greater resistance when training. This can be a key factor for your body’s development, with the increased demands challenging growth. You will be able to build up your stamina and strength by working out with these gloves. When you switch back to regular gloves, you will even be able to strike quicker.

Final word

How heavy should boxing gloves be? Your boxing glove weight should depend on your weight and use of the gloves. If you are fighting professionally, 8 oz gloves are the most likely choice but 10 oz gloves may also be preferred. These picks offer very little protection and are generally lightweight. 12 oz gloves are ideal for fighters weighing less than 120 pounds, which makes them a great choice for many female fighters. For people weighing between 120 and 150 pounds, 14 oz gloves may offer great value. Most gyms will require 16 oz gloves for sparring because they deliver great padded protection for both opponents in the ring. For heavy hitters and heavy duty bag work, as well as people weighing over 150 pounds, 18 oz and 20 oz gloves will offer ideal protection. You could consider weighted gloves, which increase the weight on your hands by 2-3 pounds, allowing for more resistance which can be valuable for building endurance.

What is the difference between boxing, Muay Thai and MMA style gloves?

Have you considered taking up different combat sports but want to find versatile gear that will suit all your needs? MMA, Muay Thai and boxing will feature different needs, thanks to their predominantly different styles. You may consider boxing and MMA as being on different ends of the spectrum, with Muay Thai falling in between. Muay Thai and MMA will focus on your knees, legs and elbows, as well as the standard punching of boxing. While some gear will be versatile enough to suit different needs, it is not always the case.

The distinct hybrid open palm gloves for MMA are hard to miss. However, there are a versatile range of MMA style boxing gloves that could even offer value for Muay Thai. Standard boxing gloves will feature heavier padding around the knuckles, with gloves generally being too rigid for a clinch. Versatile boxing gloves will work for MMA and Muay Thai as well. Muay Thai style boxing gloves are lighter and more flexible than boxing gloves, with a lot more padding featured at the back of your hand for blocking. If you use boxing gloves for Muay Thai, you may have to make adjustments to your technique to accommodate this.

The more rigid feel of boxing gloves may be limited for Muay Thai. Similarly to wearing wrestling shoes for boxing instead of dedicated boxing shoes, the gloves will not be optimally suited but could still work well. If you are looking for boxing gloves for Muay Thai, you should look for options that facilitate the sport such as a lighter build and more flexibility.

Top reasons why you need to take up Muay Thai today

Should you take up Muay Thai? Here are some of the key benefits of engaging in the sport.

• Very effective for all types of stand-up fighting
• Entertaining and easy to learn
• Can help you learn effective self-defense techniques
• Offers the benefits of both aerobic and anaerobic workouts
• Burns a lot of calories for a better body shape
• Can be great for building physical and mental resilience
• Will help you improve your MMA and boxing skills

Common Muay Thai mistakes to avoid when starting out

If you are interested in Muay Thai but are not yet practicing, the sheer volume of information to process could be overwhelming. You need to learn and sharpen different techniques, etiquette, strategy and the use of a variety of equipment. You also need to build up your fitness, with the fight specific fitness of the sport imposing different demands to MMA and boxing. If you are a beginner, you will often find yourself committing these key mistakes.

Concentrating on power instead of your technique

Muay Thai does not revolve around overwhelming your opponent with power, as many knockout videos on YouTube might imply. You will still need to build up your strength, endurance and power, but this should not come at the cost of your technique. You need to know how to strike before you can strike decisively, which means that taking up technique training will be just as crucial.

Dropping your guard

Without an effective approach to defense, you will concede a lot of hits. For your safety and protection, you need to keep your guard up at all times. As you build up your skills, you will find Muay Thai strategy to be dynamic, with both offense and defense tied heavily. By keeping up your guard, you may be able to block shots while catching opponents at their most vulnerable points.

Overexerting yourself during sparring

When engaging in Muay Thai, you need to respect your opponent at all times, and this applies to sparring too. Sparring is always just a simulation for an in-ring experience, and should be used to sharpen different aspects of your game. The aim of sparring should never be to win, but instead to better your movement, timing, offense, defense and shot accuracy. You will be better able to develop in this way than you might by knocking out your teammate.

Not incorporating stamina building exercises

Jogging and skipping rope are not just valuable for your boxing needs, they will be central to Muay Thai too. When training for the sport, you need to build up your aerobic fitness levels as well as tone your lower body muscles. Your feet are a big part of Muay Thai, and this type of training could offer value for endurance and fitness.

Final word

Can boxing gloves be used for Muay Thai? Will Muay Thai gloves work for boxing training? Some models under either type of glove will be interchangeable, which means that you can use them for both types of combat sports. Boxing gloves are generally more rigid than the freer Muay Thai gloves, with more options featuring a grip bar while Muay Thai gloves tend to be more open to facilitate clinching and grappling. If you are interested in a pair of gloves for both ends, you may consider looking for a model that fits the criteria we’ve covered. Remember to maintain your gloves regularly to avoid any buildup of odor and dirt, as well as boost their longevity. If you are looking for options that will offer an edge, you could consider going for red boxing gloves!

What to consider when maintaining your gloves

Maintaining your gloves will involve cleaning, drying, deodorizing and storing them with use. Some gloves will need more maintenance than others, and may be too demanding for some people. So how do you go about setting up a maintenance schedule for your pair? It all revolves around the specific gloves, your supplies and the frequency of your use. Here are some questions to consider when looking into your gloves’ maintenance to develop a schedule that will work well for you.

How often do you use your gloves?

If you take up regular sessions, your gloves will be more likely to build up sweat, grime and odor faster. People who use their gloves very lightly will still need to maintain them, but this can be much easier. If you plan to push your gloves to maximum output, you should be ready for the intensive maintenance required.

What material are they made of?

Leather boxing gloves will not feature the same maintenance needs as synthetic alternatives. They will often require more maintenance, and could need specialized cleaning solutions. On the other hand, synthetic options are relatively easier to maintain, and could even be machine wash friendly depending on the manufacturer.

What cleaning recommendations are supported?

Your boxing gloves will come with a set of recommendations for cleaning and maintenance. These can help you know what type of efforts to employ, as well as which cleaning methods could affect your gloves negatively. We suggest that you look into these recommendations when you clean your gloves to know what to expect and how to go about it.

What cleaning agents are available to you?

There are a number of specialized cleaning solutions and deodorizers for boxing gear, and gloves in particular. If you have these cleaning agents, you will be able to manage your maintenance needs almost effortlessly. However, you can still keep your gloves clean and smelling great by using homemade alternatives. A saltwater soak or vinegar solution could come in handy if you do not have

Where will you store your gloves?

Your glove storage will be crucial to healthy and hassle free maintenance. Storing your gloves in humid conditions will promote growth of mildew and mold, which may increase the frequency of your maintenance. You may also face a greater health risk with moldy gloves, and may even be forced to face a lasting stench. You could store your boxing gloves in the freezer, and may even use a sock filled with DIY deodorant choices such as charcoal ash and bicarbonate of soda.

How to keep your gloves fresh and clean without a fuss

Cleaning your gloves will help keep any stenches and unseen stains away. Your boxing gloves will bear the brunt of your training, and could develop odor and bacteria very quickly. So how do you go about cleaning them?

Most synthetic leather options, such as PU, leatherette and Rexene gloves can be machine washed. This is also the case for gloves that feature a closed cell design since they do not absorb water. Most other options will feature an open cell design, which will significantly be affected by washing them in your machine. Your gloves could end up taking a week to dry, which is both inconveniencing and potentially dangerous in regards to growth of mold.

You should steer clear of chemical detergents and only use products that are designated for your gloves. If you are considering hand washing but do not have the right products, a 1:2 vinegar and water solution will help clean your gloves and break down any odor.

Never rush to dry your gloves. They should dry out naturally to reduce the risk of inconsistency and potential mold problems. If you wipe your gloves clean, they will still need a few hours to dry out. If you are not sure whether they are completely dry, you could weigh them to find out. Dry gloves will weigh at most as much as they did during purchase.

The benefits of boxing gloves for your workout

Can boxing gloves offer value for your boxing training? They are the single biggest piece of gear for your training needs. Here’s how you stand to benefit from using boxing gloves for boxing training.

• Impact protection reduces injury risk to your hands
• Improved wrist support for harder hits and lower risk of injury
• A natural fist shape could help you build your technique
• Boxing gloves help to build strength and resistance by weighing down your hand

Final word

So, are boxing gloves machine washable? There are a few options that will be compatible with machine wash maintenance, but most gloves will be too delicate to just fling into your washer. Instead of this approach, we would recommend a thorough and customized clean of your gloves regularly, with light maintenance after your workouts. Wearing hand wraps beneath your boxing gloves and washing your hands before your training are two great ways to cut down on the potential sweat and grime buildup that could occur with intensive application. With the right conditioners and maintenance agents, you should be able to keep your gloves neat and germ free every time. You may even consider deodorizing your gloves to keep the risk of them developing a bad odor to a minimum. If you If you take care of your gloves well, they could offer durable service and unbeatable value for your boxing training.

How to hang a heavy bag from your drywall ceiling

You should not carry out any attempts to set up a heavy bag on your drywall ceiling if you do not have a stud finder or the expertise for a knock test. You will be hanging the heavy bag on a support beam beyond the ceiling, so it is very crucial that you are accurate to avoid any mishaps. Once you find an ideal location for hanging the bag, you will then need to find your support beam that is strong enough to handle a heavy bag.

You can use a stud finder to locate the beam, but a knock test could also work. The trick to your knock test is listening for a hollow noise with each tap until you can no longer hear it. If you have no experience with the knock test, you may be safer using a stud finder. You should then drill holes in your beam, and fasten eye bolts inside them to keep them secure. You will then need to tighten the bolts with a wrench to make sure they hold.

If you are not sure about your support beam’s capacity, we would prefer that you reach out for professional help before hanging your bag. Remember, the potential structural damage might be too significant. If your home is heavy bag safe, you will be ready to test out and enjoy this boxing training equipment in no time.

How to hang a heavy bag from a tree in your back yard

You do not have to limit your heavy bag placement to within your home. If you have a tree in your back yard with strong branches and virtually no use, you could take advantage of this naturally occurring mount. It is important that you consider a boxing bag that will handle the elements outdoors without succumbing to damage. Vinyl and synthetic bags will work well for outdoors use, while leather could become damaged quickly

After buying your bag, you will need to cut your tree into an appropriate build. This means chopping off underdeveloped and unnecessary branches. You will also have to clear through some leaves and smaller sticks to create enough room to set up your bags. Using carabineer hooks, hang your bag around a strong branch and you will be good to go for your outdoors training.

How to hang a heavy bag in your home gym

If you have converted an unused space in your home into a gym, a heavy bag will be the perfect addition. These bags offer value for both physical development and stress relief. So how do you hang heavy bags in your home gym?

The first step is to decide how much weight your ideal hanging point could handle. We will be working with joists, so it is important that they handle both the weight of the glove and the down force after a swing. If your home gym has an open ceiling, finding joists will be relatively easy. In the event that it is not exposed, you may need to use a stud finder to help you find them. Working on your joists will require precision, since you have a very small target to aim for. Once you find the center of the joist, you would be ready for installation.

You should drill deep holes about 2” apart, and screw in eye bolts all the way into them. Your eye bolts should be parallel to each other to ensure a well-balanced hanging. You should then thread the heavy bag chains and will be ready to get punching.

Top 10 tips to help you benefit from a heavy bag workout

Are you interested in heavy bag workouts? The heavy bag is a dynamic piece of gear that offers so much value for different needs. Here are a few of the best tips to help you benefit from heavy bag workout.

1. Always keep your guard up
2. Always keep moving even when you begin to experience fatigue
3. Throw your punches in intense patterns as opposed to single punches
4. Heavy bags can build your cardiovascular capacity as well as your power
5. Don’t take small breaks between punches. Apply yourself aggressively and rest only at the end of your training
6. Keep your feet moving when you aren’t throwing punches
7. Plant your feet firmly into the ground for a more powerful and controlled punch
8. Your punches should smack, not thud. If you find yourself pushing the bag, it might be time for a new course.
9. Always keep your balance.
10. Keep your eyes sharp and firmly on the bag as you would an opponent

Final word

Are you looking for handy ways on how to hang a heavy bag from drywall ceiling? This detailed guide explores two options to help you hang heavy bags safely from your drywall ceiling. If you follow the instructions carefully and use the right equipment, you will be able to minimize the risk of damage to your home and stand to benefit from heavy bag workouts. With the right heavy bag, you could even enjoy outdoors use. Successful installation is all about careful planning and assessment of your space, but some innovation can help you overcome any challenges you might face. Once your heavy bag is set up and ready to use, you should take up a diverse range of exercises to help you take advantage of this dynamic piece of equipment. Remember to wear your gloves when working on the bag to reduce your risk of injury.