[Turbo240]

First off let me start by saying ive been reading through the forums for a month or so and am very impressed. You guys seem very knowledgeable about boxing and fitness.

Heres my problem. I was wondering if there was any way to effectively train both form and fitness without a trainer and with little equipment. Im 20 years old and am up to my neck in bills but training and getting into shape is an interest of mine lately. Im 5-11 and 205 lbs. My eating habits were quite crappy before but i have been working on them within the past month and actually lost 10 lbs by cutting out fried and fast foods as well as running.

I wouldnt be training to compete most likely as im to shy and timid for that. Just to be in shape and to be able to be a good fighter. I only have access to a heavy bag at home and a weight machine that only allows the pec deck exercise and the butterflys.

I have just within the last week started the heavy bag workout posted on this forum where you jab for a round then go to straight etc. I was wondering since i really am flat broke almost all of the time if you guys could give me pointers on form when throwing each punch (for example - i read here also that when throwing a left hook u should half step with your right foot for better balance and power). Also, What sort of things would I be able to do to be a decent fighter without the majority of the equipment? Im dedicated to working hard at learning every day Im just not sure what needs to be done.

I plan on eventually getting the equipment and doing all of that but are there any tips you can give me in the mean time?

Thankyou and sorry for the long post!

 

[TysonJones]

you can get in shape very easily by just hitting the heavybag, i usually play some music that gets you in the mood and just hit the damn thing for an hour or so with little breaks inbetween. use your buttfly and treadmeal machine before and after your workouts, use it as your warm up. Not much is needed to get in shape. Watch boxing, try to copy punches on your heavybag, and after awhile, things will come more and more natural too you. You wont be perfect since you never had pro training but you will be better than other guys on the street with no training at all.

 

[Turbo240]

That all sounds great and seems to be working as im already starting to feel a bit healthier and have noticed by spreading out meals and not cramming the food into me, ive actually had more energy and felt lighter even with all of the working out.

What about lifting weights tho? Ive heard somewhere (not sure where) that this actually makes you slower. Is there a certain way you lift? (IE low weight high rep) that will help promote strength and not sacrifice speed? I have a few extra bucks this pay period and was looking into getting something useful towards training. What would be a good place to start?

 

[lambpie]

you dont need any equipment to go for a run

 

[freesix88]

you can get in shape very easily by just hitting the heavybag, i usually play some music that gets you in the mood and just hit the damn thing for an hour or so with little breaks inbetween. use your buttfly and treadmeal machine before and after your workouts, use it as your warm up. Not much is needed to get in shape. Watch boxing, try to copy punches on your heavybag, and after awhile, things will come more and more natural too you. You wont be perfect since you never had pro training but you will be better than other guys on the street with no training at all.

DO you use handwraps when training at he heavybag or just normal bag gloves.?

 

[TysonJones]

i wrap my own hands before i hit the bag. HIgh reps with low weight is the way to go. Maxing out and lifting just for max amounts isnt really good unless you have been doign it forever. i do but only because it doesnt hurt me. But for the most part i just do alot of reps of about 50 percent - 75 percent of my max weight. i Also shadow box with 3.1 pound weights, throwing alot of uppercuts ( works biceps ) and just normal shadow boxing stuff. Eat right, do moderate lifting, run, hit the bag, Your body will look and feel strong eventually, trust me.

 

[Turbo240]

I dont wrap my hands. Usually its just gloves. This may seem like a dumb question but how does one work defense with no equipment and no sparring partner? Is that possible? lol

Also, i have ankle weights that can be adjusted from anywhere between 1 and 10 lbs. Would wrapping these around my wrists with a lb or 2 be an idea or no?

Ive been keeping up on my running, bag training, and my dieting for the most part and i feel a hell of alot better than i did before. Im still alittle inside the grey area on diet though. Im 20 years old with a pretty decent metabolism but i have no idea what kinda calories i should be taking in. Im currently actually on quiet a crappy diet because im all stressed out because of relationship problems so i have been eating about 3 or 4 bites of one meal a day for the past few days but once i grow my balls back ill get back on schedule for that. Anybody have any idea on the calories i should be taking in?

Thankyou for all of your help thus far!

Tim

 

[j_ohnaz]

I would eat more vegetables and smaller meals. Snack on healthy things inbetween like carrots, celery, an orange, an apple.

Carry a water bottle with you and try to drink a lot.

When I'm burning a lot of calories from working out I'll eat things like pasta w/spinach and chicken & butter. A black bean burrito with fresh tomatoes, and some cheese.

Or, brown rice with broccoli and turkey breast. In the morning (after a workout) I have three eggs with whole wheatberry toast and a banana.

A lot of calories is ok if you are burning a lot and working out. It's not how much you put in...but what you put in. Try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. They are also the healthiest foods you can eat, they keep you in shape, and they are the cheapest to buy.

Next time your in the store try to only buy all your food from the produce section. You seriously could live on yams alone if you had too. They have all the essential nutrients you need.

Avoid all processed foods (spam, eggos, frozen dinners, canned foods, etc.)

Good luck.