White collar boxing: training guidance
Thank you for choosing to support Mind and our fight for mental health. We know that training for a white or pink-collar boxing event can be a big step in both your fitness and fundraising journey.
These tips are written based on experiences of undertaking the challenge and good practice when running a sports session. They are not a replacement for professional medical advice.
Maintain a healthy balance
- Each training session should include a warm up, main part of the session and a cool down with stretches at the end. It’s important to prepare your muscles ready for undertaking the training and to cool down to help avoid injury.
- It's really important that your body has time to recover and repair. You should have at least one rest day from boxing each week, if not more. Everyone is different. Some people will rest completely, but many prefer ‘active’ rest days – this means that you rest from your main activity (boxing) but to keep active you might walk, do yoga, add in a HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout or stretching to help your muscles repair.
Stay consistent
- Most white or pink collar training programmes are for 8 weeks, with sessions offered twice a week. It's really important to attend as many of the training sessions as possible (at least 50%), so you not only have the physical fitness to undertake the bout but also, so you learn ways to keep yourself safe in the ring such as maintaining a guard, blocks, weaving and footwork.
Safety first
- During training you may use your own gloves or those provided by the coach/club. On the day of the bout gloves are usually provided by the organisers. Wraps and gum shields should also be worn (boxer’s own). These have been checked for safety requirements. During the bout you will be provided with a head guard, these should also be worn in training to prevent injury.
- Safety should be a priority at all times before, during and after the bout. This includes pre and post bout medical checks, medics available ringside and a qualified referee. You should be matched with someone of a similar height, weight and ability as yourself.
Talk to your coach
- Good communication with your coach is key – they are there to prepare you with the training. Be open with them about any concerns you have or any blows to the head you have experienced previously or in training.
- If you have any injuries or illnesses, speak to your coach. This is important in all sports but particularly contact sports such as boxing. If you experience a concussion in training or during the bout you should be checked by a medical professional.
Fighting for mental health
- Remember why you signed up. You have joined our fight for mental health and to experience a new challenge. Whatever the outcome of the bout, win, lose or draw you are raising vital funds for our fight for mental health.
