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Question:

Hi, I've been boxing for about 10 months now, my club has stopped for the summer. Next season, I would ideally like to start competing. I intend to take advantage of the summer so I can go back ready and much better than I was when I left. What do you suggest I could do during the summer? I have been told go for long runs, but what else do you think I should do? Also during September/October, I will be having breakfast at about 4:15am and not be able to eat or drink until 7.30pm. What do you recommend I should for breakfast and dinner?
I look forward to your response, and I hope you can help.

Many thanks in advance, Moose(Muhammad).

Answer:

Hello Moose,

I would suggest using the summer to work on your nutrition and conditioning goals. Nutrition and conditioning dictates about 80% of everything your able to do in the ring. You cannot use any of your fighting skills if you are exhausted during training or in competition. It is important for the athlete to understand that nutrition and conditioning are equal contributors to their success in the sport.

It is vital that an athlete properly fuel their body. You would not expect a car to work without the right type of gas; similarly you cannot expect your body to run efficiently without the right fuel (foods/fluids) either. Eating the right foods and consuming the right fluids at the right time can help the athlete achieve their peak performance. I also recommend a multi vitamin since your will be on an odd schedule and may not get all the vitamins you would on a normal day.

Lastly, I would only recommend long runs only if there is a need to loss excess body fat. If you don't have much body fat the long runs will start burning muscle from your body and muscle is much too valuable for your boxing goals. If you are lean then you should limit your runs to 3 to 4 miles and try to decrease your run time each session, even if it's just by a few seconds. I would run 3 days a week with at least one off day between. I would also incorporate some weight training if you have access to a gym. You use every muscle in your body for boxing so you should hit all the groups. Stick with higher reps and low weights. Your shooting for a combination of muscular endurance with some light strength gains. Also, I would work on some of your combinations in front of the mirror. On days when it rains you can jump rope to make up for the run.

I hope these nutrition and conditioning suggestions will help you attain your boxing goals and always remember to keep your hands up!!!

Sincerely,
Suckerpunch

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