By Michelle Linden/ Pro Boxer
Stretching is often the most underestimated tool in athletics, especially in boxing or mixed martial arts. Because these sports require a heavy dose of agility and quick movements of the hands, feet and legs it is all the more likely that an athlete could over- extend themselves or pull a muscle while competing. Stretching helps eliminate these problems and while it is impossible to get away from injuries 100%, it is possible to lessen the chances of them happening.
Some simple stretches that a boxer can work on are: neck rolls, hip flexor stretch, quad and hamstring stretches, and shoulder stretch and trunk rotation. The athlete should focus on keeping the arms and legs loose and their core (abs, chest, back) relaxed. Because mixed martial arts is a sport that includes all the muscles of the body, each used in various ways, it is especially important to stretch all the muscles properly. Holding a stretch for 15 to 30 seconds should do the trick.
Stretching is only one of the ways an athlete of a technical, yet combat sport like boxing can protect themselves. Protective gear such as headwear, hand wraps, shin guards and groin protectors can be worn to keep much of their body protected during training. A boxer especially wants to stay protected during sparring sessions because these real life simulations can be punishing on a boxer who is not well padded up.
As an athlete competing in a contact sport such as boxing or martial arts, they should be especially careful to stretch and to take all the protective measures possible while training.
by: Cheap Boxing
