We provide small group boxing training for youth/teens including beginners and competitors seeking personal boxing coaching with every class.  There must be 5 people in the kids class to schedule.  Let us know if you are interested.

10 Benefits of Boxing Classes for Teens

Are you a teenager looking for an exciting and empowering way to stay active and boost your confidence? Boxing might just be the perfect sport for you! While it might seem intimidating at first, boxing offers a wide range of benefits for young teens, both physically and mentally. Take a look at the top 10 advantages of taking boxing classes for more than three months.

1. Physical Fitness:

Boxing is an intense full-body workout that builds strength, agility, and endurance. Regular training can help you improve overall fitness levels.  Be the envy of your class, impress your gym teachers, and begin a lifetime of health and fitness.

2. Self-Defense:

Learning boxing equips you with valuable self-defense skills. You’ll gain the confidence to protect yourself if you ever find yourself in a threatening situation.  Bullies run rampant in Chicago.  We have all seen it.  Teachers are seldom helpful, unfortunately.  They talk about zero tolerance during PTA meetings, but when you are by yourself and no teacher can intervene, you need to be your own hero.You never know when you might have to defend yourself against the loud mouth that picks on people they think they can dominate and scrare.  Don’t be a victim!

3. Stress Relief:

Boxing provides an excellent outlet for releasing pent-up stress and frustration. Covid was terrible for our youth – keeping them worried and alienated.  More teens are seeking mental health than at any other time in America’s history.  The physical exertion and focus required through boxing training helps reduce anxiety, boosts mood, and exhausts the body so the mind can rest.  You’ll definitely sleep better.

4. Discipline:

Boxing requires a high level of discipline and dedication.  Boxing teaches you the importance of setting goals, working hard to achieve them, and staying committed to your training regimen.  Discipline is the thing that will help you achieve your goals.  Learning it through sports – learn it through boxing.

5. Improved Coordination:

Boxing enhances hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and balance, which can benefit you not only in the ring but also in various aspects of your life.  When you have to move your feet, your hands, and your head all at the same time – that takes coordination.  Mastering your body means mastering your mind.

6. Confidence Boost:

As you develop your boxing skills and see improvements in your performance, your self-confidence will soar. You’ll believe in your abilities both in and out of the boxing gym.  You’ll walk taller with your shoulders back, and people notice that.  Others will react to you differently – better.   Adults will see you as a young man or young woman and will treat you as such.  Boxing provides confidence in yourself and to help other feel confident as well.

7. Respect and Sportsmanship:

Boxing instills a strong sense of respect for your coaches, fellow boxers, and opponents. It also teaches sportsmanship, emphasizing the importance of fair play and integrity.  Boxing is supposed to be a contact sport, though we do very little contact, and no sparring before at least 1 year of training (and only with triple permission:  The coach, parents or guardians, and the young fighter).  Drills and training together with a few others teaches sportsmanship.  You learn that everyone is a formidable opponent and should be treated as such.  The coach demands respect and demands respect paid to others in the class.  This is the beginning of a winning and positive attitude.

8. Goal Setting:

Setting and achieving goals is a fundamental aspect of boxing. This skill is transferable to other areas of your life, such as academics and personal development.  We have excellent boxing drills that are tracked every week.   This week you may complete a drill in four minutes, but next month, that personal record might improve to 3min 45 seconds.Our regular boxing workouts include punching with dumbbells and counting your punches each round.  We track it and expect you to do the same.   You’ll improve over three months and you’ll be happy you set an attainable goal.  SMARTS goals are what we advocate in and out of the training atmosphere.  

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Timely

9. Mental Toughness:

Boxing is not just physically demanding; it also challenges you mentally. Overcoming obstacles in training and competition builds mental resilience and grit.  We take you beyond where you would take yourself if left alone with a heavy bag.  Your friends in the class and the coach will encourage you to go beyond where you thought was possible with your mind and your body.

10. Social Connection:

Joining a boxing gym introduces you to a supportive community of like-minded individuals. You’ll make new friends out of the traditional school setting and develop valuable social skills while working toward common goals.  You are essentially teammates with the other kids in your class.

How To Be Successful

Finding the Right Gym:

If you don’t find Chicago Fight House near Independence Park a convenient location, there are others near you.  Martial arts is an excellent alternative to boxing as well.  Find the right gym for you and your family.

Investing in Proper Gear:

Boxing requires specific gear like gloves, hand wraps, and mouthguards. Invest in good-quality equipment to ensure your safety during training.  Your first few classes, you will only need to have hand wraps and water.  That is all.  We have boxing gloves and equipment.  When you are ready to make a purchase, boxing gloves should be the first set of equipment you buy.

Consistency is Key:

To experience the full benefits of boxing, you must be consistent in your training. Attend classes regularly and practice what you learn.  Practice every day and attend every class when possible.  Hold yourself accountable.  Get your parents/guardians, teachers, siblings, and friends to help you stay consistent.  It will pay off.

Listen to Your Body:

While pushing yourself is essential for improvement, it’s equally important to listen to your body and rest when needed. Your coach will help guide you. Warning:  Being uncomfortable is not your body telling you to stop, this is what you must push through to attain a high level of skill, fitness, and health.  When you are tired, get to sleep early.  When you are not motivated – get up and train.  If you feel lethargic, eat better quality food.  If you don’t feel like going outside – get some sun (Vitamin D improves almost everything).Your body will tell you when it is too much, but kids/teens need to learn the difference between laziness of mind and the body speaking wisdom.  That is what a good coach can provide – the distinction between the two.

Set Realistic Goals:

Start with achievable goals and gradually work your way up. Whether it’s mastering a particular technique or participating in a boxing drill, setting targets will keep you motivated.  You will not be the next Golden Gloves or Silver Gloves champion with three workouts to your name.  It takes time, effort, coaching, and commitment.Realistic goals begin with assessing WHERE YOU ARE, AT THE BEGINNING.  You might want to get stronger, have more endurance, be more flexible, agile, or just plain better, overall.  Tracking where you begin is the best place to start when setting realistic goals.  Discipline will help you arrive.In conclusion, boxing is an exciting and empowering sport that offers numerous advantages for teenagers. By dedicating yourself to regular training for more than three months, you can transform your physical and mental well-being. From improved fitness and self-defense skills to enhanced confidence and discipline, boxing has something to offer every young teen. So, put on those gloves, step into the ring, and unleash your potential through the incredible world of boxing.~ Coach Lou