Expert: Lian Shoemake - 6/4/2006

Question
Hey, I'm a 16 yr. old who avidly lifts worksout & I pack a pretty hard punch. But, what muscles do we use when we throw punches.
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Jared,

Thanks for the question.
Which muscles you use when punching really depends on your punching technique.
The real answer is that you should essentially be using your whole body when you punch. If you watch high level professionals, you will notice how they use their legs, pivot their feet and incorporate their hips and shoulders into their punches.
Even the toes play an important role in correct punching technique.
I'd recommend that next time you watch boxing on television, pay special attention to the entire body of quality boxers as they punch and move. Announcers rarely take note of such details, so it will be up to you to notice them.
For really good examples, watch how Floyd Mayweather, Jr. steps into his jab, particularly to the body. If you have access to tapes of Mike Tyson in the late 1980's, you can see how effective he was at putting his whole body into hooks and uppercuts.

I hope this helps, Jared.
Thanks again for writing!

Regards,
Lian