Boxing class is a great way to burn calories and get in shape while also learning a new skill. Boxing can improve your confidence and leave you feeling empowered and motivated to take on the day. With a focus on hand eye coordination, boxing helps you be more light on your feet, and learn how to use your body, pivoting, throwing jabs and uppercuts, and mastering footwork.
We love using boxing class as a cardio, aerobic and high intensity workout. Sparring and using a bag also helps build muscle, with boxing as one of the best all-around workouts you can do. According to some fitness experts, there are even more benefits to boxing then we initially realized. It’s a great workout for burning calories, for targeting every muscle, for improving your coordination, and for relieving stress. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll finish your workout feeling like Rocky Balboa, and who doesn’t want to feel like Rocky Balboa? Gray sweatpants have never looked so cool.
Every good boxing instructor will tell you the first rule of boxing is learning how to protect yourself. What they mean is always keeping your hands up, but what we mean is keeping your hands up and in hand wraps. As outlined by Livestrong.com, hand wraps are an essential part of boxing safety. The fabric protects all of the small bones in your hand, giving them enough cushion upon impact to ensure they won’t break. The wraps also protect your skin, which will help you avoid blisters and torn skin from hitting an opponent or punching bag. Lastly, wrapping your wrists is an important step in protecting yourself, with hand wraps helping to prevent wrists sprains.
Now that you know why you need hand wraps, you need to know how to buy the hand wraps that are best for you. People with smaller hands are better off with hand wraps measuring 108 to 120, While people with more average to large size hands are better with 170 to 180 inch wraps. Wraps should measure at least 2 inches in width in order to have enough coverage to properly protect your hands and wrists.
When wrapping your hands, start with the loop at the end of the wrap over your thumb. Wrap the material around your wrist several times and then begin wrapping your hands by looping the material through your fingers one at a time.
Now that you’re ready to get in the ring, here are some great options for hand wraps for boxing class.
1. Ringside Mexican Style Boxing Hand Wraps
Ringside Mexican Style Boxing Hand Wraps look pricier than most wraps, but you’re getting more bang for your buck. Sold in a pack of 10, the wraps are stretchier and more flexible than traditional boxing hand wraps, which many people prefer. The 180 inch wraps come with a thumb loop and instructions printed on the wraps to show how to properly wrap your hand and wrist. Available in a variety of colors and sold in large packs, these wraps are great for anyone looking for something stylish and comfortable while also having the convenience of keeping a number of wraps on hand in your locker, in your car, in your home, etc.
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2. RDX Hand Wraps Boxing Inner Gloves
If you’re slightly intimidated by having to use a traditional hand wrap, we recommend the RDX Hand Wraps Boxing Inner Gloves. The gloves work the same as a hand wrap, protecting your wrists and your knuckles without having to physically spend the time wrapping your hands. The gloves are made with super shock padding to protect your knuckles and Lightweight Woven Carbon Fiber fabric, which won’t cracker split over time. With over 700 reviews and four star rating, customers are fan of the gloves ease-of-use and design that allows them to go on and off quickly. The downside of the gloves is that you won’t get as customized a fit as using a traditional hand wrap, although they do come in a variety of sizes.
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3. Sanabul Elastic Professional 180 inch Handwraps
The Sanabul Elastic Professional 180 inch Handwraps are one of the leading brands in hand wraps for boxing, muay thai, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts. The wraps are made from polyester, which makes them more flexible than traditional cotton wraps. The material is breathable and fast drying, which is important for hand wraps that you plan on reusing, since you don’t want to bring the stink of your last workout to your next boxing class. The polyester material is thinner than traditional cotton, but the wraps still provide ample protection at an affordable price.
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4. ArrowWay Instructional Hand Wraps
The ArrowWay Instructional Hand Wraps make hand wrapping easy thanks to the step-by-step instructions on how to properly wrap your hands printed directly onto the fabric. Using the same premium double cotton blend material that is found in Meister ELITE wraps, the material is extra thick and durable. Measuring at 142 inches, the wraps may be a bit short for some adults.
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