So, boxing isn�t just pummeling people and learning to take a punch? Of course not. Boxing offers a complex workout that builds endurance, stamina, and physical fitness. And it can do all this for you.

For a start, you will be using muscles in all the areas of your body. In the upper body, boxers strengthen the trapezius muscle at the back of the neck, the deltoid muscle over the shoulder, biceps and triceps on the front and back of the arms, and the pectoral or chest muscles. The lower body muscles that are important for boxing include the gluteus maximus or rump muscle, the quadriceps femoris and hamstrings at the front and back of the thighs, and the calf muscles. Especially important is a boxer�s core made up of the abdominal muscles, called the rectus abdominis, and the latissimus dorsi, the muscle that covers the middle and lower back area over your kidneys. Although you will be doing some weight resistance exercises, and the weight of the gloves definitely adds to the workout, there is no actual weight lifting. As a result, your muscles will be strong, toned, and well defined without looking bulky.

You�ll be amazed at how punching can tighten up the abs and strengthen the back, giving you better posture. You�ll feel good and stand tall. Just as the act of smiling will actually improve your mood, feeling more confident can actually make you more confident. Punching the bag can also be a great surrogate for dealing with other things you�d like to punch. As well as stress relieve. Visualize the stressful things in your life as the bag, and get some of the unproductive emotions out of your system.