[one two]

Ok so a couple of my friends started boxing at the local college club where we go to school this past year. They finally talked me into coming out and giving it a try and I have to say I'm really enjoying it so far. I do have one complaint though. I'm a pretty normal build for a guy, but I have skinny bones, which in turn leads me to have quite skinny wrists. After my first week and a half of going to work out and hit the heavy bag I've noticed that my wrists and hands are pretty sore after each work-out(hurts to move my wrist and hands too quickly and also hurts to put weight/pressure on the palms of my hands). This pain usually lasts through the next day and then subsides. I use hand wraps, decent gloves, and have been told I punch with pretty good form for someone just starting out, so I'm wondering, is this something I'm going to continue to have problems with or is this something that is normal in the begining, and as my wrists and hands toughen up will slowly become less of an issue? Any feedback on this is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[TripleA]

Over time it will get better if the problem is really weak wrists. Look into some strength exercises for wrists and make sure that when you hit the bags or spar that you tape up past teh wrists to give them more support. Also a mistake some make when they start is they don't fully extend the arm and wrist when throwing punches. Be sure your arm and wrist in in the correct position when you throw and that you extend your arm fully (punch throw the target) with your wrist aligned properly.

 

[Glen]

Ok so a couple of my friends started boxing at the local college club where we go to school this past year. They finally talked me into coming out and giving it a try and I have to say I'm really enjoying it so far. I do have one complaint though. I'm a pretty normal build for a guy, but I have skinny bones, which in turn leads me to have quite skinny wrists. After my first week and a half of going to work out and hit the heavy bag I've noticed that my wrists and hands are pretty sore after each work-out(hurts to move my wrist and hands too quickly and also hurts to put weight/pressure on the palms of my hands). This pain usually lasts through the next day and then subsides. I use hand wraps, decent gloves, and have been told I punch with pretty good form for someone just starting out, so I'm wondering, is this something I'm going to continue to have problems with or is this something that is normal in the begining, and as my wrists and hands toughen up will slowly become less of an issue? Any feedback on this is appreciated. Thanks.

Is the pain in the carpal bones of the back of the wrist? Are you hitting a 'hard' bag? Most of what they make today, and call a 'heavy bag' is junk

I would spend fifty bucks and consult a certified personal fitness trainer for one session for the wrist thing. He/she will also give you probably a 3-5 minute wrist strengthening routine that will work good for you.

At my age (60) I still skip rope/pound the heavy bag, but the bags they make today kill my wrists. I have an old softie from the 70's. It makes a sweet 'boom' sound when I land a solid right hand too.

Contrary to the old school of boxing, weight training is great if you do it twice a week. Best is shortly after your workout... don't overtrain, but a 45 minutes session 2 x a week will do wonders for strengthening the bones and it will actually (over time) build bone mass. You will hit harder and be able to take a punch better too; especially downstairs.

On days off (maybe 4 of them) REST, roadwork suxx and I never did it, but had lots in the tank after midway in the third round.. skip rope is better.. and again, for the weight training thing... it is money well-spent to hire a personal trainer for a session or two. Don't sweat it if the trainer is female. Many of them are damned good at it.

Lastly, if you cannot find a softer heavy bag... there is no rule saying you cant beat on it wearing 16 oz mitts

This is lengthy, hope it is of some help

 

[ninikins]

I would get the wrists checked out before you do some damage to your wrists by punching more. If you are in pain and your wrists hurt your body is giving you a signal. dont ignore it.

 

[collinsfalls]

wrists

I agree with all on top. Have an experienced fighter or trainer show you how to wrap your hands and wrists. There is more to it than I thought. After I was shown how, my knuckles and wrist were protected and my wrist was wrapped well enough so it wouldn't bend back.
You can expect some soreness at times because adreniline will have you pound these bags and mitts.
CC

 

[Word2Action]

Absolutely. Proper wrapping of the hands is essential in protecting the knuckles, thumb, and wrist. It provides support and protection when wrapped the proper way.

 

[bill1234]

Listen to all of the above. But when you punch do you turn your arm over or not, if you don't that may be causing it too.

 

[Captainobvious]

I agree, go with some heavier gloves until your wrists and forearms strengthen up a bit. Use 16oz or heavier gloves.

 

[bill1234]

I didn't know they made anything heavier than 16oz. What are they 18, 20oz?

 

[Old School]

I dunno but maybe you are pushing your punches. If the bag is bouncing around a lot then you are probably punching for power. A punch is more of a reflex action than a push. A snap. Try fast combo's and don't let the bag move. Trade up for a while and work on the focus mitts.