Boxing benefits: How boxing improves mental health

By Theo Onoufriou

Boxing is a very popular sport, and you don’t have to be a professional to box. Many people attend clubs to learn the fundamentals of this fun and healthy activity. It is a combat sport to some, while to others boxing is known as a martial art. 

A boxing match involves two people in a ring punching each other to try and knock down their opponent. Most of the time, the people who participate in a boxing match wear protective equipment, so they don’t suffer permanent damage from the fight.  

There are many benefits when it comes to learning boxing, such as it improving the health of your heart, building up strength, improving your endurance, maintaining balance and maintaining good coordination. 

“Every punch thrown is a confidence booster. With each combination, you gain a sense of power and skill,” writes Darlington Mind in an article about mental health benefits of boxing,

“As your technique improves, so does your self-assurance. Confidence gained in the ring spills over into other areas of life, making you more resilient and ready to face challenges.” 

Attending boxing classes not only gives people motivation to do something productive, but can also help improve confidence.

Hollow Rocks, Sports & Social Club, Islington, London

In an exclusive interview, Toni McManus, a manager at Hollow Rocks, Sports & Social Club, explained how boxing can affect mental health. “It is a very good outlet to vent and you can also have a chat with people about anything,” she said. “Normally, people should have two hours of boxing a week minimum”. This means that people should leave time to attend classes like these.

If people cannot afford lessons, there are plenty of YouTube videos, that show basic punches on how to defend yourself, she said.

McManus also mentioned that at her club, the first session is free, which can help people who are not sure if boxing is for them.

There are many opportunities in Islington if you wanted to get involved in boxing: 

• Hollow Rocks Sports and Social Club – Their Instagram is hollowrocks_islington and their address is 29 – 31 Essex Road, Islington, N1 2SA. 
• BODYJUNKIES – Their email is SUPPORT@BODYJUNKIES.CO.UK and their address is 259 Holloway Road, Islington, N7 8HG.
• If you attend London Metropolitan University, there are boxing lessons on Tuesdays from 13:00-14:00 and on Thursdays, and there are Box-fit lessons from 13:00-14:00 and it takes place in the Science Centre at London Metropolitan University near the library. Use this link to find the class you want and book it.