Boxing is an intense sport that demands skill, endurance, and power. Heavier gloves help fighters avoid self-inflicted injuries during practice by reducing the impact of punches.
The weight of a glove is measured in ounces. Competition boxing gloves are the heaviest, while sparring and training gloves are the lightest.
Weighted Gloves are a Training Tool
Weighted gloves are a vital part of any boxer’s training gear. They help build strength and endurance by increasing the resistance when punching pads, heavy bags, or sparring partners. They also help improve technique and timing, as well as increase the speed at which you can move your arms and hands during workouts. But what is the best weight for a pair of boxing gloves, and when is it time to size up? In this blog, we’ll take a look at the different options available for weighted gloves and answer these questions so that you can find the right ones for your needs.
Choosing the right weight for your boxing gloves depends on a number of factors, including your body weight, hand size, and how you intend to use them. For example, lighter boxers should generally choose gloves that are around 8 or 10 ounces, while heavier boxers may need to go up to 14 or 16 oz gloves. This helps prevent injury, both to the puncher and to their sparring partner, while still providing plenty of padding to reduce strain and fatigue.
Heavier gloves have more foam padding, which can soften the blow of a hard punch and reduce the risk of injury for both the boxer and their sparring partner. They also offer more protection for the hands from impact when blocking strikes from blunt weapons like sticks and bats, or strikes from a gripped opponent who tries to free themselves.
A good pair of weighted gloves will be made from durable materials, such as synthetic leather or neoprene, which provide durability and flexibility. They should also have adjustable straps or closures, so that you can customize the fit to your wrist size and preference. Some even come with extra features, such as wrist support straps, thumb guards, and antimicrobial properties to reduce odor and bacteria buildup.
Incorporating weighted gloves into your shadow boxing routine is the most effective way to reap their benefits. Aim to incorporate them in at least two or three sessions per week, gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts. With regular exposure, your body will adapt to the increased demands of the workouts and improve over time.
They Help You Punch Harder
Boxing gloves are designed to provide a layer of protection between the puncher’s knuckles and the target, and they help reduce strain on the hands when training or fighting. While they do help to increase the power of a punch by concentrating the force of a hit on a smaller area, the actual amount of power behind a punch comes from the technique, strength, and speed of the puncher themselves. Therefore, it is important for a boxer to work on their overall skills rather than simply focusing on the size of their gloves.
The best boxing gloves are comfortable to wear and offer adequate padding. When choosing a pair of boxing gloves, it is recommended that you try them on and ensure the fit is snug without cutting off circulation. It is also a good idea to wear them with hand wraps, as this will help to keep the gloves secure and increase the level of support offered. It is also helpful to avoid buying cheap gloves, as the padding can wear out quickly and lead to injury.
When selecting the right size of boxing glove, it is important to take into account both your body weight and the type of boxing you intend to do. For example, a heavier person may need larger gloves with more padding to ensure safety and comfort, while a lighter person can get by with smaller gloves. It is also important to choose a pair of gloves that can be used for various purposes, including sparring and bag training.
A variety of different types of boxing gloves are available, with a variety of styles and colors. Many of these are also available in different sizes, ensuring that you can find the perfect pair to meet your needs. Some even have hybrid closures, allowing you to choose between a lace-up or hook and loop option for increased convenience. For fighters looking for superior comfort and protection, boxing gloves by Revgear are an excellent choice.
In terms of weight, gloves in the 10-14 oz range are typically ideal for most beginners. This range allows you to practice hitting the bag and shadow boxing with a partner, while still offering enough padding for protection. Those who want to focus on speed and precision should consider using lighter gloves, while those looking to build endurance will benefit from the added resistance of heavier gloves.
They Protect Your Hands
Gloves protect your hands and wrists from injuries that could occur during punching. This is because the padding in the gloves softens the impact of a punch, which reduces the risk of fractures or sprains to your knuckles and wrists. The padding also helps to prevent hand fatigue and provides a more comfortable fit in the glove. Some brands use specialized foams that mold to the shape of your hands over time, for a customized fit and enhanced protection.
Boxers from the ancient Olympics often fought without gloves, but using them is essential for protecting your hands and wrists during training and sparring. Without them, you will experience repetitive high-impact forces that can strain your wrist tendons and ligaments and lead to chronic conditions like arthritis and tendonitis. Boxing gloves provide structured support around the wrists and provide a snug fit that minimizes movement and keeps the padding in its optimal position.
Heavier gloves have more padding, and therefore offer greater protection than lighter models. However, they do not hit harder, as the overall power of a punch is determined by your technique and body weight, not the size of the gloves. Choosing the right pair of boxing gloves is a personal choice that depends on your training needs, but most people start with light-weight gloves (8-12 oz) for bag and mitt work to improve speed and accuracy, and then switch to heavier gloves (16-20 oz) for sparring and heavy bag training.
When choosing gloves, you can choose between lace-up or Velcro models. Lace-up gloves have superior wrist support and a more customized fit, but they require assistance to tie them properly. Many professional boxers prefer lace-up gloves, as they provide stability during intense training sessions and competitions. Some gloves offer hybrid closure systems that combine the benefits of both Velcro and laces, offering a balance between convenience and support.
When determining the size of your gloves, make sure to measure your dominant hand (excluding the thumb) with a piece of tape. Then, select the size that best matches your hand circumference. Using the wrong size of gloves can cause them to be too loose or tight, which affects comfort, safety, and performance.
They Help You Stay Healthy
The extra weight helps you exercise at a higher intensity, and the added padding reduces the impact of strikes against your sparring partner or your body. The heavier gloves also absorb more shock, and this can help reduce the risk of injuries like cuts or concussions during sparring sessions.
The heavier gloves also allow you to practice more advanced boxing techniques and increase the power of your punches. The increased force behind your punches will help you improve your endurance and stamina, as well as your ability to maintain a strong guard during a sparring session.
Heavier gloves also offer more protection for your hands and wrists. This can reduce the risk of injury to your hands or your sparring partners and also prevent damage to your wrists, which are prone to blisters and calluses.
However, it is important to be careful with the amount of weight you add to your gloves. Aim for a comfortable fit and start with a light weight before increasing the weight gradually. Adding too much weight too quickly can cause injuries and strain on your hands, arms, and shoulders.
Using weighted gloves can also strengthen muscles in your hands and wrists. This can lead to stronger and more flexible hands that are less prone to blisters and calluses. The added resistance from the gloves can also help you build muscle strength and endurance faster than if you were just working out with regular training gloves.
When it comes to selecting the right pair of weighted gloves for you, look for ones that are made of breathable material to reduce moisture build up. They should also have a secure strap that will keep the gloves in place while you exercise.
The Meister Elite 1lb Neoprene Weighted Gloves are a great option for both aerobic and strength training workouts. They’re pre-loaded with dense iron sand and are made of durable neoprene for maximum comfort. Plus, the velcro closure makes it easy to get the gloves on and off while exercising. This makes them the perfect choice for anyone who wants to take their workouts to the next level!
