Chicago Fight House

Boxing Improves Mental Health, Reduces Stress and Anxiety, and Boosts Confidence

Boxing helps men, women, and kids with alleviating stress, anxiety, and overall mental health.  Boxing, particularly, helps improve confidence, discipline, physical fitness, weight management, and more!

tyson fury on boxing and mental health

Does Boxing Boost Self-Esteem and Confidence?

Boxing can boost self-esteem and confidence by helping individuals develop a positive self-image through achieving goals and improving their physical and mental abilities. The process of training and competing in boxing requires discipline, dedication, and perseverance, which can increase feelings of self-worth and achievement, as well.   Fighters are known as the greatest athletes in all of sports, including soccer, football, and even marathon runners.  The physical demands of boxing include strength, endurance, agility, quickness, and balance leading to improvements in overall fitness, which can boost one’s confidence and self-image.  Although we do not do this type of work for validation purposes, validation by way of compliments or recognition from others, and just plain old admiration from friends, family, and strangers helps immensely.

People recognize when a person is in excellent shape.  In today’s society, with more than 40% of young adults being overweight, fitness is immediately recognized.  Also, the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning new skills, such as proper technique, can also contribute to increased self-esteem and confidence. The competitive aspect of boxing provides an opportunity to test oneself against others, further boosting confidence and self-esteem.  Even if a person does not compete in hard-core sparring or competition, working with others on techniques in light sparring drills, builds confidence.   Nothing is more empowering than making someone miss you when they are trying to connect a punch.

Will I Improve My Focus and Concentration with Boxing Classes?

Boxing is a sport that can help increase focus and concentration in men, women, and kids. The sport requires a strong connection between the mind and body, which helps improve focus and concentration by sharpening coordination and alertness. Additionally, boxing is mentally demanding, as it requires the athlete to be constantly alert and focused. Working with others to improve everyone in the group provides a team atmosphere and camaraderie (friendship).  The physical exertion involved in boxing also requires intense focus and concentration, as the athlete must keep track of their movements as well as their opponent’s movements. In addition to this, boxing training is often goal-oriented, with athletes working towards specific targets and objectives, working with others helps toward a higher goal is always empowering. The group builds focus and concentration together.

Boxing and Confidence

Boxing Improves Self-Discipline

Exercising with Boxing is a physically and mentally demanding sport that requires discipline and determination to improve and succeed. The rigorous training involved in boxing, such as repetitive drills, focus on technique, and working with heavy bags, helps individuals develop self-discipline by pushing them to their limits and beyond. Improvement only happens with discipline.  The strict regimen of a boxer’s diet and sleep, for example, are critical components to performing well in the ring.  A body must recover from an exhausting workout.  Without proper food and sleep, recovery is nearly impossible.  The next workout will usually be determined by how well a person recovered from the last workout.

The discipline required in boxing training extends to mental preparation and focus, as boxers must have complete control over their emotions and remain focused in the face of adversity. This requires them to adopt a strict mental discipline to remain calm and composed under pressure, which is a valuable skill that can be applied in other aspects of their lives.  Imagine being in a work meeting where there are stressful conversations about customers, efficiency, margins, or employment decisions. Students have to deal with puberty, making new friends, difficult classes, finals, part-time jobs, and family issues.  A calm mind and self-discipline is always an asset.

Will I Experience a Sense of Accomplishment if I Join a Boxing Class?

Competing, whether in sports, games, or any other activity, creates a sense of accomplishment by providing individuals with the opportunity to showcase their skills and abilities. The process of preparing for a competition, from training to strategizing, can be both challenging and rewarding. When a person successfully competes and performs to the best of their ability, they are able to take pride in their accomplishment and feel a sense of satisfaction. This sense of accomplishment can have a positive impact on a person’s self-esteem and overall confidence, which can in turn improve their mental health. By participating in a competition, individuals are also able to set and achieve goals and experience the thrill of victory, making it a valuable and enjoyable aspect of life.

mental health tyson fury boxing

How Does Boxing Enhance Mood and Reduce Depression?

The greatest feeling I’ve ever had (not including the birth of my daughter) was after a workout, walking outside the gym to feel and smell the fresh air.  The entire world just seems to be realigned.  The truth is that I AM the one that is realigned.   Boxing has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, particularly in terms of enhancing mood and reducing depression and I have experienced this personally. The physical exertion required in boxing releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, leading to an increased sense of well-being and improved mood.

Exercise has been proven over and over to be just as effective or MORE EFFECTIVE than medication – that is a fact backed up by science.

Additionally, the discipline and structure of boxing training provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, helping to boost self-esteem and confidence. I walk taller after several weeks of boxing training, my poster is better, and I look up more (which is a huge psycho-motor booster).

The focus and concentration required in the sport also serve as a distraction from negative thoughts and emotions, providing a temporary escape from the symptoms of depression. Regular participation in boxing can lead to long-term positive changes in mood and mental health, making it a valuable tool for managing depression.  To be able to walk confidently in a room, up a flight of stairs without getting out of breath, or walk down the busy streets of Chicago without fear of being a victim is a confidence booster that is recognized by would-be criminals.  They know, you are not to be trifled with.

Can Boxing Help Increase a Person’s Resilience and Determination?

Boxing is a physically and mentally demanding sport that requires a strong will and determination. When you are tired, but push forward anyway…that is a physical and mental characteristic that separates you from 95% of all other people on the planet.   The training involved in boxing not only helps build physical endurance but also helps build mental resilience. The repetition of drills, sparring sessions, and the challenge of learning new techniques help build determination and resilience in a fighter.   Sparring is the ultimate test.  If you can press forward when your mind and body are telling you to stop, that is a superpower.

The discipline required in boxing and the consistent effort it takes to improve can transfer over into other areas of life. In addition, the experience of overcoming challenges and setbacks in the ring can increase a person’s overall determination and resilience. The confidence and self-assurance gained from these experiences can be applied to daily life, making individuals better equipped to handle stress and challenges with a greater sense of determination and resilience.

I remember complaining to my original boxing trainer about corporate politics and the antics of a colleague.  He restated the situation in boxing terms.

Jeff:  “So basically this guy was just flicking jabs?”

Me:  “Yes, that’s right.”

Jeff:  “Jabs never knocked anyone out, so what are you worried about?”

Me:  “What do you mean?”

Jeff:  “Jabs are used to disrupt a person’s strategy or to set up a combination, right?  So, just counter his jabs and use them against him.”

My career improved after that.  I was much less affected by the negativity in toxic companies and employees, recognizing them for what they are, a defense mechanism against someone who is considered a threat.  In fact, I now realize those people are emotionally weak when I see this type of behavior, instead of taking it personally.  My inner peace increased.  When you work somewhere for 8-10 hours per day, it is important to remain peaceful for one-third of your life, not just when you get home or when sleeping.  Instead of quitting and finding another company that didn’t have internal politics, I became more determined and resilient, just because of that one boxing metaphor.

goals

Does Boxing Promote Goal-Setting and Achievement?

I began running for the first time in college for a physical education class that was required.  Shortly, I began training for a boxing match.   I included running into my workouts and it helped my endurance for the 3 one-minute rounds.  I won the boxing match and it was in front of all my friends and a few family members.

Sports and physical activity play a significant role in promoting goal setting.  Two years later, I was the Indiana State Kickboxing Champion.  I never would have competed if I didn’t have confidence in my cardio endurance.   25 years later, I’ve completed several races from 5K runs to a 40K race in Michigan, with a bunch of 10-milers and half-marathons, as well.  I own a small business, am a published author, and train others in boxing.   It all started with running and my first competition in 1991.

Engaging in sports helps individuals establish realistic and achievable goals, both in the short term and long term. This can include goals related to improving physical fitness, mastering a specific skill, or competing in a tournament. Through setting and working towards these goals, individuals develop a sense of purpose and motivation. I’ve trained more than 100 people and each and every one had a goal that seemed a bit too far off for them to accomplish on their own.  After a month of training, those goals seemed achievable and many did accomplish their goal.  Some competed in boxing, and some learned endurance through sparring, and started a business (Noah Zagor).

Participating in sports provides opportunities for regular feedback and progress tracking, allowing individuals to see the results of their efforts and make necessary adjustments to reach their goals. The sense of accomplishment that comes from achieving a goal in sports can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence, which in turn can positively impact other areas of life. Overall, sports promote goal setting by providing a structured and supportive environment for individuals to pursue their personal and athletic aspirations.

How Does Boxing Class Encourage Teamwork and Social Connections?

Boxing may not seem like a team sport, but it is.  Your coaches, sparring partners, and others in the class are all part of your team.  These teammates root for you, support you, encourage you, and on the hopefully rare occasion tell you when you’re not performing to your potential.  They motivate you.

Now that you see where your team is; in the gym.  Boxing encourages teamwork and social connections through the training and competition aspect of the sport. In a typical boxing gym, fighters often train with a partner holding mitts, heavy bag, and reviewing techniques to improve skills and technique. This close interaction and mutual support help to foster strong bonds and a sense of camaraderie among the fighters. During competitions, boxing events such as tournaments and matches provide opportunities for fighters to interact and connect with others in the sport, building a sense of community and belonging.  Believe it or not, even competitors can be part of your team if you learn from others and share techniques.  Through these experiences, fighters learn the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and support, which can positively impact their social connections and relationships both inside and outside of the gym.

Does Boxing Help Reduce Anxiety?

Boxing is special when it comes to relieving anxiety.  When your body is exhausted, the mind will rest. When daily or life frustrations are “punched out” on a heavy bag, mitts, or on another person, that anxiety is lifted.

Boxing is also a great way to learn self-defense, which helps alleviate anxiety.  Not only does boxing teach you how to throw punches and protect yourself physically, but it also helps you develop awareness and situational judgment.

Boxing requires focus and attention, which helps you become more aware of your surroundings and recognize potential danger. Additionally, the sport teaches you how to react quickly in a high-stress situation, which is essential for self-defense. People who are hyper-vigilant can often rest easy knowing they can handle many difficult situations.

Furthermore, boxing trains you to control your body movements and emotions in high-pressure situations, helping you remain calm and level-headed, even when faced with danger. By learning how to defend yourself through boxing, you can increase your confidence, become more assertive (in a good way), and feel better equipped to handle potentially dangerous situations.

Mike Tyson on courage and confidence

Will My Child Burn Some of His Pent-up Energy With Boxing Classes?

Boxing is an excellent outlet for pent-up energy. It provides an opportunity for individuals to physically release their emotions and tensions in a controlled and structured environment. The intense physical demands of the sport, including punching, dodging, and moving, help to burn off excess energy, leaving individuals feeling calmer and more centered. Additionally, the focus required to execute techniques and combinations effectively can help redirect negative or disruptive thoughts, leading to a sense of clarity and release. Furthermore, the adrenaline and endorphin rush experienced during a boxing session can leave individuals feeling energized, invigorated, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come their way. In this way, boxing can serve as an effective and empowering outlet for pent-up energy.

How Does Boxing Help with Weight Loss?

Boxing is a high-intensity workout that can effectively aid in weight loss and management. During a boxing session, you engage in a series of cardio exercises, including jumping rope, shadowboxing, and hitting the heavy bag, which burns calories and increases your heart rate. In addition, boxing utilizes multiple muscle groups, including your arms, legs, core, and back, helping you build lean muscle mass and increase your metabolism. Furthermore, the high-intensity nature of the sport requires discipline, dedication, and perseverance, which are all important qualities in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and achieving weight loss goals. By participating in boxing regularly, you can create a sustainable exercise routine that helps you achieve your weight loss and management goals.

Does a Boxing Workout Promote Better Sleep Patterns?

Anyone who has endured an hour-long boxing class knows that you are going to sleep well that night.  Intense physical exertion during a boxing workout can exhaust the body, leading to feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.   The release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators, during a boxing workout, can help to calm the mind and promote more restful sleep. Furthermore, the mental and physical benefits of boxing, such as reduced stress and increased overall fitness, can also contribute to better sleep patterns by reducing factors that can negatively impact sleep, such as anxiety and physical discomfort.  Often, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), which is anaerobic exercise (without oxygen), can be helpful for sleep too.

Mike Tyson Mental Health and Boxing

Can You Explain How Boxing Enhances Mental Toughness and Grit?

Boxing is a physically and mentally challenging sport that requires discipline, focus, and determination. Training for and participating in boxing can help build mental toughness and grit by pushing individuals out of their comfort zones and teaching them to persevere through challenges and adversity. Boxing requires quick thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. The sport also teaches individuals how to handle and overcome setbacks, as well as how to recover from mistakes. Additionally, the physical demands of boxing help to increase resilience, build confidence, and promote a growth mindset. The combination of physical and mental training makes boxing a powerful tool for enhancing mental toughness and grit, helping individuals to become stronger, more confident, and better equipped to face challenges both inside and outside of the ring.

These are just a few of the FAQs that we received in 2022-2023 when potential students inquired about our boxing classes.  They may not have worded their questions as formally as I did here, but you still get the picture, right?  Let me know if you have further questions about boxing and how it helps physically, mentally, and emotionally.  It’s not just a great workout, it’s a lifestyle.

My Research: 

1.  https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/15598276221124095

2.  https://www.journalofsports.com/pdf/2020/vol5issue2/PartA/5-2-19-282.pdf

3.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8535574/