Boxing training has emerged from its shrouded past  where the mere mention of the word  elicited  stereotypical images of overcrowded sweaty gyms patronized by aggressive males with eyes brimming with bad intensions. Today some form of boxing class and training equipment are a staple of nearly all commercial, corporate or community fitness centers.

And With the success of Parkinson’s boxing programs we are just starting to realize the many other benefits boxing training can bring aside from the physical components of increased aerobic fitness strength and muscular endurance.

 Vision and reaction time, solving the glove shy problem

One of the most common technique errors you will find with people starting a boxing program is the tendency to close their eyes when punching.

In boxing parlance this is called being “Glove Shy”. A common reaction for people who may be scared or apprehensive

Coaching beginners with simple, direct cues like “keep your eyes open” certainly helps. Adding some reaction time drills using the pads or apparatus like the Floor to ceiling ball will further help avoid the glove shy problem by  encourageing beginners and even advanced boxers to keep their eyes open ready to punch targets at random intervals.

By increasing the speed of the drill this also helps increase reaction time and punch accuracy. This is also a good way to encourage use of peripheral vision.

 Movement Patterns

Encouraging forward, backward and lateral movement around the instructor holding the pads adds greater variety rather than standing in one spot and just throwing punches. This will also encourage correct footwork which is essential for effective punch technique

Parkinson boxers

All of these techniques are of great benefit to clients who may have Parkinson disease. Boxing training has been found to be one of the most effective in helping improve balance, hand eye coordination for people with Parkinson’s.

Feedback from my Parkinson’s clients has been very positive regarding teaching more complicated punch and footwork drills.   By breaking every movement down into small movements via the “whole part whole method” of coaching, the general feeling from participants is that by trying these movements, no matter how awkward at first  they are opening up new neural pathways and enhancing the mind and body connection.

Naturally with Parkinson’s boxers movement patterns will vary greatly between individuals.  Modified movement options ca be offered and the instructor should always emphasize   “work within your own limits.” None of   us can move like Muhammad Ali’s or Sugar Ray Leonard but it doesn’t hurt to try.

So next time you try your boxing routine try to some reaction time drills and footwork routines to eradicate the glove shy factor and enhance greater use of your peripheral vision, reaction time and footwork..

Until next time Trendsetters, Keep Punching !!