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Forty Weeks of Fitness | With Chelsea 
BoxingAre you ready to feel the power? Learn how to wrap your hands and glove up for an invigorating workout. Depending on your level of experience you may choose to take part in a cardio boxing class, work on the bags in a contact class, or work one-on-one with a boxing coach. All of them will use your shoulders, biceps and core muscles. Keeping your body in motion between punching combos will strengthen your most important muscle: your heart. Keep yourself and your growing baby safe by doing only what is comfortable and, of course, no sparring! First things first: ask the instructor or your coach for the correct way to make a fist. Here's a hint, your thumb should be on the outside and tucked tightly next to your middle finger. A correctly formed fist will produce a flat target surface. Perform a form check by pressing your fist up against a wall or the floor. When all of your fingers and knuckles produce a solid surface you are good to go. Boxing is performed using a variety of punches and combinations that involve the following: the jab, cross, hook and upper cut. Adding some footwork will make for a one-two knockout workout. Take the time to learn appropriate form and then practice, practice, practice! Baseline Rules
If You Were Inactive Before Pregnancy... If boxing looks and sounds like fun to you, pregnancy is the perfect opportunity for you to learn and practice the movements. Begin your boxing education by working one-on-one with a boxing coach or by joining a cardio boxing class. Of course, save any actual contact for post delivery. A few sessions with a coach will enable you to properly wrap your hands, make a fist and punch. A class will teach you punches, combinations, and footwork. Just be sure to modify your movements to remain low impact (no jumping) and maintain a comfortable pace. After the birth of your baby you will be ready to roll at full speed. If You Were Active for At Least Three Months Prior to Becoming Pregnant... Go ahead and continue to throw your favorite boxing combos. When you feel the need, begin to make minor modifications to your regular boxing routine by making your boxing shuffle a little more low impact by simply shifting your weight from your front foot to the back foot without hopping. If the instructor is asking the class to do jumping jacks, perform squats side-to-side instead. When the class is jumping rope, mimic the rope turning motion with your arms while marching in place. Take frequent water breaks and keep your body moving at a comfortable pace. Give yourself a little break by decreasing your normal level of intensity. You'll return at full power after the birth of your baby. Sample Punch Series:
If You Have Always Been Active... Trust your body and your instincts. Continuing to make contact with heavy bags or your coach's focus mitts should feel comfortable well into your pregnancy. Provided it's been discussed and approved by your doctor, go easy and take your punch strength down about 50 percent. Protect your internal organs and your baby by exhaling upon contact. To avoid getting hit, do not hold heavy bags or focus mitts for others. To assure your safety in a class, ask to work with the instructor or simply work alone by throwing punches in the air. Become your own sparring partner by standing in front of a mirror and using your image as a visual target. Practice will make your movements perfect. Sample Punch Series:
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