Gigi and Bella Hadid and Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian are just a few big names that love this workout.
Ever wondered how Victoria’s Secret models maintain their trim figures? Yep, us too. This thought is normally had while sitting on the couch, in our sweatpants, eating leftovers and watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
It’s fairly obvious they’re not having second helpings of dessert or sporadically using their gym memberships (guilty). However, you might be surprised to know many models (and celebrities) like to sculpt their bodies by throwing punches in the ring – that’s right, Victoria’s Secret models are big boxing fans.
Gigi Hadid spoke at Reebok’s #NeverPerfect panel and shared that she uses boxing as a way to release stress.
“When I walk in [to Gotham Gym], it’s like my big brothers. They don’t care about me as a model or what my body looks like. They care that I give a good punch, and that’s how I want to be judged in my athletic space – because that’s what I find pride in.”
And again when speaking to Vogue: “When you’re boxing, you get so into it mentally that you kind of forget what’s going on, you forget that you’re working out.”
Kiwi supermodel Georgia Fowler told Harpers Bazaar that she loves to do a “hard boxing class for a bit of cardio”.
Gigi’s sister Bella also praised the activity, telling Vogue that boxing is the best sport for sculpting curves and creating washboard abs.
And singer Ellie Goulding revealed to Well + Good that boxing helped her find her inner power: “I found inner confidence [through]: boxing and kickboxing. I love that extra kick of adrenaline. Keeping fit doesn’t mean spending hours at a gym; the key is to find a workout you really love.”
Wow, where do we sign up?
Boxing 101
Safe to say boxing is taking off amongst the New York model scene, but we can’t help but wonder what makes boxing so great for sculpting the body over other workouts?
To find out why boxing is so good for the body – and the mind – we spoke to founding coach of Boxing101 NZ and professional boxer, Dayne Williams:
“Boxing offers a high-intensity cardiovascular workout. And when performed with the correct technique, boxing will stimulate musculature in the whole body as you use your footwork to move in and out to punch – be it on the bag, trainers pads or a sparring partner.
“Because in boxing you are repetitively moving the ankle, knee, hips, and shoulder joints, you will be stimulating all the muscles crossing these joints and effectively building muscular endurance.
“With multiple muscle groups being stimulated your heart beats faster to bring oxygen to the muscles, hence the cardiovascular workout,” says Williams.
If you’re apprehensive at the thought of getting in the ring for some sparring, rest assured that boxing newbies are encouraged – and you can only get better from your first day!
“Contrary to popular belief boxing is actually a very safe sport to learn. A good boxing coach will teach you step by step. Focus on learning technique and even try training up for a beginner fight – then you will do real boxing workouts!”
The health benefits of boxing
While we love the idea of creating a supermodel-esque body for ourselves, the benefits of boxing range well beyond having abs and a tight butt (although, that is a perk…)
Williams says that boxing offers similar benefits to running, cycling and rowing, and then some.
“Much like how running burns a lot of calories, so does boxing. Boxing also has periods of high intensity – it offers all the benefits that high intensity interval training does. For those looking to lose weight, that means an increased metabolism following boxing workouts,” says Williams.
You know what that means, boxing is the workout you need if you’re after incredible weight loss results – just ask the Hadid sisters.
“Along with weight loss, boxing offers improved cardiovascular and muscular endurance, increased lean muscle… and when people learn boxing their confidence goes through the roof – with all the punching you will be doing, it really is the perfect stress reliever.
“And when you become a part of a boxing gym you get access to a new community that can’t be found in an ordinary gym.”
While it may be easy to roll your eyes at celebs like Georgia Fowler and Karlie Kloss who make boxing look incredibly glamorous, easy and non-painful, remember: boxing is not just an opportunity to throw punches.
“There is a lot more to boxing than how many view it – as a violent sport. The truth is people learn boxing for self-defense, health and fitness, building confidence, improving their athletic ability… I’ve taught hundreds of people boxing from all walks of life and none of the people that have come to me were violent people.
“I recommend everyone take up boxing regardless of your goals. Especially those who do not think boxing is for them as often they are the ones who need it most.”
Words: Bronte Chaperon
Photos: Instagram, Getty Images
This article originally appeared on Now To Love.
To try a small group boxing class, for personal training or to sign up for a 16-week beginners program, check out Boxing 101 NZ.
