SHADOWBOXING W/WEIGHTS. THE HEAVIER THE BETTER?
When it comes to shadowboxing, a fundamental aspect of boxing training, many enthusiasts and athletes are eager to intensify their workouts. While shadowboxing can provide a fantastic cardiovascular workout, sharpen your boxing skills, and build strength, incorporating heavy dumbbells into the equation is a practice that should be approached with extreme caution. In this blog post, we'll explore 3 reasons why you should avoid shadowboxing with heavy dumbbells.
SLOWER MOVEMENTS
Boxing relies on agility, speed, and quick reflexes. Shadowboxing with heavy dumbbells tends to slow down your movements, making it challenging to replicate the fast-paced nature of boxing. Slower punches are less effective and less accurate, defeating the purpose of shadowboxing.
IMPAIRED TECHNIQUE
Heavy dumbbells can disrupt the fluidity and precision of your boxing technique. In an attempt to handle the added weight, you might compromise your form. This can lead to sloppy punches, improper footwork, and the development of bad habits that are challenging to correct.
STRESS ON THE JOINTS
The added weight from heavy dumbbells increases stress on your joints, particularly the wrists and elbows. The repeated impact from punches, combined with the resistance of the weights, can lead to chronic joint pain and potential long-term issues.
CONCLUSION
Shadowboxing is a valuable tool in boxing training, helping athletes improve their technique, conditioning, and agility. While adding resistance can be beneficial, using heavy dumbbells is not recommended due to the associated risks of injury, impaired technique, and limited movement. Alternatively, we would recommend using a light pair of dumbbells ranging from 0.5kg-1.5kg as this does not compromise your form and technique.