There are many different types of boxing gear that you will need in order to train properly and protect yourself. Boxing provides a great workout if you are looking to get into shape, but of course it is also a serious sport that requires a great deal of focus and commitment. To get your training underway the correct way, be sure that you have a full selection of appropriate gear that will let you get off the ground running.

The most important and most basic of all is the boxing glove. There are many different kinds of boxing gloves which provide different benefits and are used in different ways. If you will be sparring with other people you need to make sure you get a glove that is appropriate for sparring. If you won't be sparring you can get a basic pair of bag gloves that provide padding for protection of your hands.

Underneath your gloves you need to have your hands further protected with hand wraps. Hand wraps are basically long, narrow pieces of cloth that you wrap over your entire hand and wrist which provide further layers of padding against the hard, repeated impacts of punching a bag. They are crucial in terms of protecting your knuckles from cutting, bruising and general soreness.

You may also want to wear a pair of boxing shoes. Boxing shoes are designed to provide a great deal of protection for the ankles, which are constantly in motion with jumping and quick side to side movements. Protecting the ankles will go a long way towards keeping you comfortable while you workout as well as preventing yourself from potentially serious injuries.

If you will be sparring you will also need headgear and a mouthpiece. Some kinds of headgear are more protective than others. For example, some cover just the top of the head and the ears. Others cover the cheeks and chin as well, while some cover almost the entire face. The mouthpiece is necessary to protect your teeth as well as prevent yourself from biting down on your tongue which can be major concern.

Of course if you do not belong to a gym and will be working out from your own home then you will also need to have the right kinds of boxing bags. The main variety is the heavy bag, which can be either hanging or floor standing. This is where you will be spending most of your time, hitting the heavy bag to build your strength and stamina while honing your technique and getting a great cardio workout.

Another type of boxing bag you may want is the speed bag. The speed bag is used to train your muscle stamina, your hand eye coordination and your hand speed. To use a speed bag you'll also need a speed bag platform which holds the speed bag in place. Other boxing bags include the double end bag and the uppercut bag which each have their own specific uses for training.

To properly prepare for and participate in your boxing work outs, you should have as much of the right kind of equipment as possible, both to prevent injury and train yourself in the best way possible.