Expert: Alan Kahn - 7/26/2007

Question
im 16 and have been boxing now for about a year and a half, im about to have my first fight this month, and then fighting in the golden gloves. i do double and sometimes triple sessions of training, at mid to high intestity. what is your opinion do you think this is overtraining or normal?

Answer
HI Alex,

congratulations on your upcoming competition!  I can imagine your anticipation and hopes. The first one you will always remember. Have fun and enjoy the experience!

My first answer to your question would be: What does your coach think?  You SHOULD have a coach who is overseeing your boxing/fitness training. He/She best knows your body weight and fitness level, as well as your training needs. Perhaps you need several sessions a day. Perhaps your schedule demands that because of attend school, then maybe working.  If you are just training x3 per day because you want to train that way, then I would say that might be a little too much time. You can get a great focused workout with several required boxing circuit exercises (jump rope, heavybag, shadow boxing, footwork, punching skills with mitts, speed bag and roadwork and perhaps sparing)in an hour or hour and a half, and not overdo it.  You certainly don't want to get an injury or overuse problem going.  Then again, I would really rely on my coach for that specific direction. Overdoing it will not really make you be in better shape. And don't forget rest and diet are also key to your training being successful.   

Good luck with your training and competition.  I hope this helps you reach your boxing goals.  

sincerely

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible