Hopefully 2016 is off to a healthy start, but maybe it is time to make things a little more interesting with your exercise routine and try boxing!

Boxing is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. It is not only the much-needed exciting change from your normal workout; it also has awesome physical and mental benefits!

1. Boxing strengthens your entire body.

Boxing is one of the quickest ways to get fit. It strengthens your arms, legs, back, and abdominal muscles with every punch and kick. 

2. Boxing can flatten your stomach.

The hips need to rotate every time to give a powerful, fully extended punch. This works your core like you cannot believe. Boxing is one of the best ways to work on your abdominals.

3. Boxing is a cardio workout.

Boxing is not only a great strength and toning workout, it also comes complete with cardio! You could burn 13 calories per minute boxing, which is comparable to running or cycling.

Start with an easy warm up to get the blood flowing. Then begin to build on that with some quick combinations, you will be sweating in no time!

4. Boxing is upper-body cardio.

The best part about boxing cardio is it incorporates your upper body! Running and cycling are the two most popular forms of cardio and they are very lower-body centric.

If you are in a running or biking rut, boxing is the perfect cardio to substitute into your routine!

5. Boxing is a great way to relive stress.

Boxing is a great way to work out frustration in a productive way. Between the adrenaline released from punching the bag, and the endorphins from the exercise, your stress levels will plummet.

6. Boxing can improve self-confidence.

You do not need to be a champion boxer to gain confidence from the sport. You are not just exercising when you box; you are learning a skill, and a pretty cool skill at that!

After a challenging boxing session or class, you are sure to leave feeling like a warrior, ready to tackle anything.

7. Boxing is great for self-defense.

Sadly, the world can be a scary place and it is always good to be prepared and know how to defend yourself! You will not only become physically stronger, but you will be more coordinated and know how to defend yourself if need be.

Now that you know all of the benefits to picking up the boxing gloves and stepping into the ring (or a boxing class), find a local boxing gym and kick up your fitness routine today!