Boxing serves as an exceptional workout for enhancing strength, endurance, and coordination. However, maximizing your training regimen requires the right gear, including boxing gloves and mitts. Yet, faced with numerous options, how do you select the ideal pair for your needs?
In this blog post, we'll dissect the disparities between gloves and mitts, outline their respective advantages, and pinpoint the exercises they complement.
Boxing Gloves
Boxing gloves stand as the predominant choice for hand protection in boxing. They envelop your entire hand, encompassing the fingers, and ensure a snug fit with a wrist strap.
These gloves prove effective for punching workouts on various apparatuses such as punch bags, hook & jab pads, and strike shields. They suit home gyms, commercial gyms, and boxing training facilities alike.
Weight Variation
Available in diverse weights, ranging from 8 oz to 14 oz contingent upon the style you opt for, the weight selection hinges on your body weight and training type. Generally, heavier individuals necessitate heavier gloves. For sparring, consider choosing a weight class slightly higher than what you'd use for bag work.
For a well-rounded glove size suitable for both fighting and bag workouts, a 10 oz or 12 oz glove serves as an excellent starting point. Additionally, consider the material; while both leather and PU options offer commendable protection and comfort, leather represents the premium choice.
Benefits of Boxing Gloves
Protection: Essential for safeguarding your hands, knuckles, and wrists during training sessions.
Power: Augments the weight of your punches, enhancing their impact and effectiveness.
Cardio: Ideal for cardio exercises like bag work, aiding in calorie burning and cardiovascular fitness improvement. Heavier gloves intensify the workout.
Boxing Mitts
Distinctly smaller and lighter compared to gloves, boxing mitts are available in sizes small, medium, and large. Crafted with durable, high-density impact-absorbing foam, these mitts offer comprehensive protection with each strike, making them suitable for both home and commercial gym settings.
Their lighter build makes them optimal for practicing combinations and refining technique, particularly when used in tandem with punch bags, hook & jab pads, and strike shields.
Benefits of Boxing Mitts
Accuracy: Ideal for honing precision and accuracy in punching.
Speed: Facilitates the practice of rapid punching combinations, enhancing hand speed.
Technique: Useful for mastering various boxing techniques such as hooks, jabs, and uppercuts.
Convenience: Easily wearable and removable, making them suitable for diverse gym environments.
Conclusion
Both boxing gloves and mitts offer distinct advantages, with your choice ultimately contingent upon personal preference and training focus. For beginners, boxing gloves are recommended due to their superior protection and versatility. However, those aiming to refine accuracy and technique will find boxing mitts to be a valuable addition to their training arsenal
