Expert: Joe Hofer - 9/17/2006

Question
hi joe
my name is jess, i am 16 and have been interested in boxing for 3 years now and started training about a year ago.
I would like to ask your advice on my exercise and diet
i will usually
run for about 10 minutes with 30 second sprints, 30 seconds jogging, and 30 seconds running,
150 situps (50 every minute)
shadow box 5 mins for 20 mins
skip for 10 mins, 2 minutes with 30 second breaks and hit the heavy bag for 10 mins, every 2 mins with 30 second breaks if that makes sense.

I dont really follow a diet, and i wuld like to know whether water is better for a boxer or sports drinks?
Would you also be able to tell me some good techniques which could help me, and help me improve on my training method and diet?

I am aiming to be the best boxer i can be so if you could help me that would be great

thankyou  

Answer
I would follow a workout routine that keeps you enthusiastic about training and also one that prepares you to fight.  Example when hitting the heavy bag you might go a full 3 rounds that are 3 min. each building up to 200 punches per round.  Then perhaps rope jumping for 2 rounds, then possibly the double end bag for a couple of rounds.  Take full 1 minute rests in between rounds.  Do calestetics like you have been such as pushups, situps, dips etc.  On alternate days you can do some weight training.  Run to relax and enjoy but occasionally throw punches, run backwards, sideways.  This keeps running interesting and resembles boxing as you want to be able to move many directions.  For a complete diet plan.  Go to my website www.boxingdoneright.com.  In a nutshell stick with high protein type foods.

Hope this helps,

Joe