Warning: Off topic: Will anyone who has trained in boxing and is willing to advise please contact me?

[Patrick Moore]

Bike content: boxing might be an excellent complement to cycling.

I’ve toyed for a long time with the idea of taking up boxing as a way to maintain upper body strength, and a way that is not merely effective as exercise but that is at least possibly useful, not only for self defense but for psychological self-image.

I’m 71.

If anyone has anything useful to say (I stress “useful”) I would be grateful to hear it.

Thanks.

Patrick Moore, who knows from personal experience that wood chopping and ditch digging and tire pumping are good upper body complements to cyclng,  in ABQ, NM.

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Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

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[Jay Lonner]

I’d also be interested in this discussion.

Jay Lonner

Bellingham, WA

Sent from my Atari 400

On Jul 26, 2026, at 1:02 PM, Patrick Moore <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Brady Smith]

I don’t have any boxing specific experience, but I joined a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym this summer for a more social, total body experience than I typically get on the bike, and it’s been exactly what I’d hoped for. Combat sports in general benefit from the solid cardio base you get from cycling, and cycling, at least in my case, has really benefited from a stronger core. I find it hard to really push myself alone on the bike. In a sparring session with a guy who is trying to choke you, the push comes naturally. I did the Triple Bypass this year while also training jiu jitsu and I bounced back a lot faster after TBP than I did last year. 

It’s not without its drawbacks: I’m sore a lot, and niggling injuries definitely happen. But BJJ relies on physical contact in a way that boxing workouts might not, so your mileage may vary. I do find that cycling is a great way to work out the aches that come from time on the mat.

The one thing I noticed in looking for a gym is that a lot of gyms, at least in my area, are MMA focused in a way that can be off putting or just make your schedule harder to manage. They’ll have boxing, kickboxing, BJJ (gi and no gi) and maybe a few other offerings all competing for time, instead of the sport you really want to focus on, so finding the right spot can be harder. 

In general, though, I’ve loved jiu jitsu. There’s something to be said for starting a fighting sport in middle age (I’m 42) with no ego and nothing to lose. If you’re interested in boxing, I’d say go for it. A good teacher will meet you where you are, and you’ll definitely be fitter having done it.

Brady, grappling and cycling, in SLC

[J]

I'm the opposite of Brady in that I cannot have a chill ride when I'm by myself, and I've never liked that. If I don't have the distraction of another human my brain locks into hard mode for some reason. The only race I ever entered I hated because I just wanted to hang out and enjoy the ride as soon as other people were around. I just don't have anyone to ride with in this dump. 

Back on topic. I boxed as a teenager and other martial arts, then on and off through my 20's. The only advice I'll give, get a trainer or join a class. You'll injure yourself if you just start hitting bags or even pads if you haven't strengthened your wrists/arms and haven't learned how to wrap the wrists correctly. Boxing is so much more than punching. And a boxing injury might as well be a cycling injury because it'll make riding the bike painful. Boxing is what got me on a path of lifelong push ups and dips for strong arms. It can require a lot of your cardiovascular system. If you aren't a runner they'll suggest the humble jump rope to build that up. I've found cycling cardio fitness is good for one thing and that is cycling. For me it doesn't translate over to much else for physical exertion. But when I'm back on running 2 to 3 times a week, pushing myself then on the bike becomes so much easier. 

[Gordon Stam]

My first, and maybe my only, thought on the subect is the saying in boxing that, "the first thing to go is the legs". So cycling, being very much a leg orriented activity, might complement boxing training, and vice versa.

You don't know if you don't go. At 71 it might be a very interesting exprience. But will you be able to find sparring partners of equal, uh, capability? 

RBW Elderly Boxing Club now!

[Patrick Moore]

Thanks all, and I’m sorry, I meant to add: please reply offlist to bertin753 etc.

Much good advice. I’ve located a gym about a mile from me and will go there and inquire.