What are Boxing Pads?
Boxing pads are essential in boxing, there’s no two ways about it. That’s why they benefit everyone, whether a complete novice or your favourite boxer training in front of the cameras. Traditionally pads for sports such as boxing were made from sacks of rice, straws or dried beans. Today we have pads that are more practical in use (and not made from food!). The beauty about boxing pads are that their use really is limitless, you can never use them enough. So once you start practicing with them, a few years down the line (if you’re still training…and why wouldn’t you be?) they will still be part of your routine. They are very beneficial, and provide great conditioning for your muscles. There are countless other benefits to boxing pads you can read about here (Why use Boxing Pads?). So if you are serious about boxing or learning how to box, it’s simple, boxing pads are a necessity.
There are different types of pads that are used and that you can purchase. The following are the main ones that can be bought and used for practicing your boxing, as well as other striking arts such as kickboixing and muay thai, among many others. You will always require a partner, just make sure you find someone as dedicated as you are (I have a feeling you are!). Punching is fundamental to many arts, that is why you will find these pads used outside the sport of boxing itself. For example, arts such as Muay Thai, Ju-Jitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, Wing Chun all implement punching, as well as others. Some such as Thai Pads are not as common in traditional boxing as they are in other arts, which emphasise the use of legs as well as hands. If you go down to a boxing gym, the most obvious pads you will see are the Focus Pads (Focus Mitts). These are the most associated with traditional boxing. Below are a selection of the most common boxing pads used in gyms across the country and at home.
Boxing Pads
Click on the links to find out more about any of these pads!
If you are starting out in boxing, or want to purchase some pads for home use, then Focus Pads are essential. They are fantastic, all you need is a partner with some gloves and you are set to go. If you are wanting to incorporate other strikes such as knees, elbows and kicks, then the Thai Pads are very versatile and can easily be used to practice and improve each of these strikes. Body Pads are best used when you have some experience with punching, and can be brilliantly implemented to be used in sparring. They are also fantastic for practicing kicks since they give your partner protection while allowing you to perfect your kicks, such as the roundhouse and push kick. Strike Shields are a necessity if you want to practice all the different strikes, and are more suited to the experienced trainer.
