Basics of the Boxing Stance

Boxing Stance
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A dedicated Pilates practitioner, Nanci Perle Kushner is the former owner of NPK Pilates of Cresskill, New Jersey. Nanci Kushner is also an avid tennis player and enjoys boxing when time allows.

One of the most important processes for the beginner boxer is the development of a basic stance. A good stance will allow you to punch with strength but will also give you the stability necessary for an effective defense. You should be able to stand firm in both situations, while still being mobile enough to evade a punch or move after an opponent.

Because your feet play a key role in developing this level of versatility, experts recommend that you begin developing your stance by learning correct alignment of the toe and heel. Ideally, your feet will be shoulder-width apart, and your forward toe should be on a line with your back heel. Toes should be nearly parallel on the diagonal, which gives your body a slight angle and allows you to defend without being overly exposed.

Your weight should be distributed evenly on both feet, and the knees should be bent. Your back foot should be on the same side of the body as your dominant hand, though both hands should be up and elbows down in a preparatory position. Each of your movements should bring you back to this position, so that you can be ready for the next.

Characteristics of Great Fitness Instructors

 

Fitness Instructors
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A graduate of Fordham University, Nanci Kushner maintains a strong interest in physical activity. She enjoys boxing and doing Pilates in her free time and served as a Pilates instructor for several years. Originally working as a Pilates instructor at Jumping Frogs Pilates, Nanci Kushner later opened her own gym, NPK Pilates, in Cresskill, New Jersey.

Many people want to become a Pilates or other type of fitness instructor despite having limited experience. Unfortunately, this can make a big difference between a great fitness instructor and one who is just okay. Not only should instructors know about different exercise methods relating to what they teach, they should also understand the science behind why certain exercises work and be aware of ways to change the difficulty of an exercise. Further, great instructors are capable of teaching this information to their clients or referring their clients to others when they don’t know the answer to certain things. This ensures clients always have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Beyond experience and teaching ability, great fitness instructors are skilled motivators. They are capable of reassuring clients as they learn different exercises and skilled at reading both positive and negative body language. This allows them to provide explanations for exercises without forcing a client to ask about it and makes it easier for instructors to figure out where they should move during a class. Moreover, great instructors are compassionate and keep their exercise classes interesting.

Reducing Boxing Injuries

Boxing Injuries
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The former Pilates instructor and owner of NPK Pilates in New Jersey, Nanci Perle Kushner maintains a strong commitment to physical activity. In addition to practicing Pilates, Nanci Kushner enjoys playing tennis and boxing in her spare time.

As with many contact sports, boxing puts participants at risk for many injuries. Fortunately, most of boxing’s common injuries can be prevented by wearing the proper protective gear. This includes a head guard, along with boxing gloves that are specifically designed for training and sparring. Hand wraps are also important, but they must be used properly to prevent injury. Boxers should begin wrapping their hand when it is completely outstretched and ensure that their wrist, knuckles, and fingers are carefully cushioned. The hand wrap should be firm, but boxers must avoid wrapping too tightly as not to cut off blood flow.

In addition to wearing the right protective gear, boxing injuries can be prevented through routine exercise. Stretching exercises help the muscles and ligaments become longer and can increase a boxer’s range of movement. They also warm up the body before sparring. Meanwhile, strength exercises reduce the risk of lower body and shoulder injuries, and endurance exercises improve stamina and ensure boxers stay agile over longer periods of time.