How packing punches can help manage stress

We’ve seen it in movies before: A brooding Rambo-esque character punching their rage away! We wonder how that can possibly help someone feel better? Wouldn’t it be more calming to take a walk or just sleep away your stress? But what if we told you that this cliché has some truth to it? 

You read that right. Boxing can help you relieve stress. 

Boxing Expert, Ajitkumar Futane, talks to us about how Fitness Boxing is a great way to let go of that stress.‍

But before that, let’s talk about stress‍

Stress is an inevitable part of life⁠. In fact, it’s a survival mechanism that has helped us survive in the wild for generations. Stress triggers the production of chemicals⁠ and hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that keep us alert to fight or flee a dangerous situation. Cut to the present, we seem to have a lot more stressors to deal with.

Today, stress can be caused by a wide range of factors, from social situations to daily work-related issues. And the more we worry, the larger amount of stress chemicals our body releases.

This prolonged exposure to stress chemicals can be detrimental to our well-being leading to several health problems including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

That sounds like a lot to stress about! But here’s some reassuring news: There are ways to deal with (and maybe even reverse) these stress-induced problems. 

Boxing to the rescue

It’s no secret that exercise promotes our overall well-being, our mental health included. There are countless studies that link physical activity to lower levels of stress. 

Now, physical activity is a broad term for all things exercise. And if you’re on the lookout for an exercise that’s fun, thrilling, and a great stress-reliever,  allow us to introduce you to Cult’s Fitness Boxing!‍

An ideal form of exercise, Fitness Boxing can give you a rush of endorphins, while helping you focus on the present. It’s a great way to promote mental strength and combat a range of health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Benefits of boxing your stress away

If your idea of Fitness Boxing is throwing and taking punches inside a boxing ring, let us assure you that it is far from the truth. These beginner-friendly/no-contact sessions⁠ are an adaptation of professional boxing that will teach you skills and get your heart racing, minus the physical aggression. 

Still need convincing? Here are some reasons why you should consider Fitness Boxing:

Boosts endorphin production

Heard of runner’s high? It’s simply the production of feel-good chemicals called endorphins. These chemicals are produced to relieve stress and pain. A well-known way to boost your endorphin is to get moving—and Fitness Boxing makes sure you do! 

Allows you to focus on the present

Fitness Boxing is fast, thrilling, and⁠—above all⁠—fun. It leaves little room in your head for anything else. The activity requires you to be immersed in the task at hand, switch off from the outside world, and be 100% focused. 

While you’re physically hitting the punching bag and relieving the tension in your body and muscles, you’ll find yourself mentally focusing on the combination your trainer is calling out. This mind-body connection is almost meditative and is sure to help you forget all your worries for a while! 

Builds self-confidence

Feeling strong can do wonders to your self-confidence. Fitness boxing can equip you with strength while also giving you a sense of achievement. 

You can carry many of the skills you learned during the sessions outside the ring too—it could be understanding your opponents, finding your fighting style, or mastering your defence. These skills could help both at work and in your social circles. 

Helps you manage and overcome anger

Society often frowns upon anger. And most of us have learned to suppress this emotion without allowing ourselves any room for a healthy release, however valid it may be. 

Fitness Boxing can serve as a catharsis. Our sessions happen in a group setting, making for a safe environment to release tension or aggression without hurting yourself, or others.

Encourages self-discovery

Boxing tests your mental and physical limits and thus cultivates self-awareness. A boxing workout is barely about throwing a few random punches, it’s strategic. From hooks and jabs to upper cuts, boxing has infinite combinations which, when put together in sequence, are like a choreographed dance. 

The more you do it, the more you will discover about how your mind works. Being able to do these combinations with good technique and precision takes a lot of concentration, practice and perseverance.  

You develop grit, work ethic, body awareness, confidence, strength, and clearer physical and emotional boundaries, along with your unique boxing style!

The bottom line

While stress is a part and parcel of life, we all need to find our ways to deal with it⁠—and Fitness Boxing is a great way to start! We ensure that you’re practicing this activity in a safe and controlled environment. So book your boxing session soon and box your stress away!