Expert: Joe Hofer - 2/27/2009

Question
joe, i have a doubt. my coach says strength training is useless for boxing, and he wants me to stop, or use much less weight, to develop endurance. currently, i do squats of 40 kg, 5 sets of 5 reps. i dont do biceps, or other exercises. is it possible to develop endurance AND strength, ( i wanna continue weightlifting, it gives my thighs super-strength) together? would i get both endurance as well as strength gains? my diet includes protein shakes, 2 liters of milk daily, among other foods. height is 5 5", current weight 75 kg. please advise, as changing coaches is not an option as he's the only guy around giving free training.

Answer
Very hard to develop strength and real endurance at the same time but weightlifting in itself does not hurt boxing but if you dont do enough of the aerobic type exercises and basic type exercises such as pushups and what not you will short yourself and not be that effective.  If bodybuilding built endurance that is good enough for boxing all bodybuilders would be great boxers.  You need slightly higher reps and less of the powerlifting.  Weight training though itself does not hurt a boxer and strength can give an advantage, still you may short another part of your game if all you do is bodybuild.

Joe