Boxing is likely one of the most well-known sports in the world. Some of the most famous athletes in the world were boxers, including the legendary Muhammad Ali—a name you’ll see on virtually every list of recognizable athletes. And even those who don’t actually watch boxing have at least seen it in pop culture through the countless movies that chronicle the lives of fighters both real and fictional.

With that in mind, it makes sense that boxing-style training has become increasingly popular over the years. Who wouldn’t want to feel like Rocky when he reaches the top of that staircase? But working out like a boxer isn’t just punching with reckless abandon—at least not if you want to do it right and get a good workout out of it.

Boxing involves power, strategy, spot-on technique, and good conditioning to help fighters get through round after round against their opponents. In pro boxing, a fight can last up to 12 three-minute rounds with one-minute breaks in-between. That’s a long time to fight.

If you’re interested in training like a fighter, you’ll have to start much smaller than that. To get the basics on boxing training, we spoke with Everlast Trainer Dr. Rick Richey, DHSc, MS, and co-founder of RēCOVER in NYC.

You can get going with some shadow boxing and conditioning right in your living room or backyard with minimal equipment, but you’ll want to make sure you nail some basics and take some safety guidelines into account. It may not seem important while you’re just shadow boxing, but if you plan on actually hitting a heavy bag at home or joining a boxing gym in the long run, you’ll be glad you did.

From the proper stance to the four basic punches and tips for getting the most out of shadow boxing, we’ve got you covered.

Train Like a Boxer

Train Like a Boxer

Five intense workouts to get you in fighting shape.

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