Boxing gloves are padded to protect the wrists and hands of boxers. They come in a variety of weights and sizes to suit different training goals. For example, lightweight bag gloves (8-10 oz) are designed for speed work while heavier, sparring-oriented gloves (16-20 oz) provide more padding and resistance.
Gloves can be lace-up or use hook-and-loop (velcro) closures. Velcro is more convenient to put on and take off during training.
Start Slow
Investing in new leather boxing gloves is an important step for any serious athlete. They protect your hands from injury and help you develop proper technique, but they can also be uncomfortable and stiff when first used. Using the right methods to break in your gloves can improve the fit and protection of the gear and ensure you’re ready for sparring.
The key to breaking in a pair of boxing gloves is to start slow and not rush the process. It may be tempting to pound the heavy bag or smash into pads, but this will likely damage the padding and make your knuckles hurt. Instead, focus on soft punching to slowly break in the gloves without damaging them or yourself.
This will allow the pads to move and expand within the gloves, and the leather to loosen up. You can also use a small amount of glove conditioner to help the process along. While this won’t work on synthetic gloves, it will help improve the fit and comfort of genuine leather ones.
When you’re ready to start punching harder, try starting with a jab or a hook and gradually increasing your power. Punching too hard can damage the padding of your gloves and can actually reduce your power by forcing your hand to move back before releasing it. Remember to clear your mind as you punch. Thinking about destroying your opponent holds tension in your arms and tightens your whole body, slowing down your punches and wasting energy.
Another common mistake people make when punching hard is putting too much pressure on the wrist strap. This can damage the strap and cause it to break in the middle, which will decrease the support of your wrists. Using too much pressure will also cause your wrists to ache and may lead to injuries. In addition, be sure to use hand wraps while training with your new gloves. This will prevent blisters and protect your wrists from the impact of stiff leather.
Don’t Punch Hard
A new pair of boxing gloves are the best investment you can make for your fighting skills, but they can also be a bit stiff and uncomfortable to use at first. This is because the leather needs to be broken in and softened so it can properly protect your hands when you punch.
You can speed up the break-in process of your new boxing gloves by doing some light bag work or focus mitt drills with them. When you do this, be sure to punch evenly across all areas of the glove so it will loosen up uniformly. Also, avoid punching too hard or you may damage the foam padding inside the gloves.
While you might have seen pro boxers or movie characters punching walls to “harden” their gloves, this is definitely a bad idea! It can cause you to injure your hands and ruin your gloves.
Using a rolling pin to smooth out the creases in your new boxing gloves is a better way to break them in. You can buy a rolling pin at most sporting goods stores. It’s important to do this before you start training with your gloves because if you don’t, the creases will stay in the leather and they won’t be as comfortable for you to wear.
Avoid putting your gloves in the dryer. This can damage the leather and weaken the wrist support. Exposing your gloves to too much heat can also cause the padding to compress, which will affect how well your boxing gloves fit.
Some people might recommend soaking your gloves in leather moisturizers or softeners to help them break in faster. This is not recommended because it’s dangerous for your hands and can cause the leather to become brittle or cracked. You should also avoid using a dryer on your boxing gloves because it can cause the stitching to break or weaken. Besides, the heat from the dryer can cause your gloves to shrink and lose their shape. This can be uncomfortable and cause the padding to lose its protective capabilities. You can also cause the leather to tear if you punch too hard or throw heavy kicks with them.
Don’t Put Them in the Tumble Dryer
While you may have heard of people putting their shoes in the tumble dryer or even their new boxing gloves, this is not recommended. Exposing your gloves to excessive heat can damage the leather and compromise their wrist support. This can lead to injury during sparring and reduce the effectiveness of your boxing gloves.
In addition, putting your gloves in the tumble dryer will cause the foam padding to become stale and hard, resulting in less cushioning and less hand protection. Aside from being uncomfortable, stale gloves can also be a breeding ground for germs, which is why it’s important to regularly clean your gear and prevent bacteria build-up.
There are many methods for tackling glove odors, including using newspaper to absorb moisture and dry out bacteria. However, it’s not easy to find newspapers on hand at all times, and it’s possible that the ink could run into your gloves and leave marks.
Another popular trick is using a lemon to freshen your gloves, which involves peeling a lemon carefully and leaving it inside your glove. It’s believed that the scent of the lemon will eliminate odours by masking them with a potent fragrance. However, it’s important to note that bacteria will still be present in your gloves because of the sweat they’re exposed to during training.
Aside from avoiding the tumble dryer and freezer, it’s also important to wipe down your gloves after each use to clean away any sweat and odours. You can use a spray like Kit Fresh or a wet towel, then let your gloves air out before storing them in a plastic bag.
Finally, it’s also a good idea to rotate your gloves between two pairs so that they wear evenly, which will extend their life and help you maintain a high level of performance. You should also inspect your gloves on a regular basis for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks in the leather or a loose stitch. This will help ensure that your gloves are in good condition for when you need them.
Don’t Put Them in the Freezer
When it comes to your boxing gloves, there are some things that you just shouldn’t do. For example, you shouldn’t put them in the tumble dryer or use any other method that dries your gloves out quickly. Doing so will damage the leather and make your gloves stink.
The same goes for steaming your gloves. The steam may help to kill some bacteria but it also dries out the interior of your glove, making them prone to molding and cracking over time.
Another thing that you shouldn’t do is hang your gloves in the sun. While this is a great way to dry out other materials, it’s not an ideal option for your boxing gloves. The sun can burn the leather and cause other problems with your gloves.
You should also avoid using baking soda or lemons in your gloves. Both of these ingredients can help to dry out the inside of your gloves, but they won’t eliminate the smell. In addition, baking soda can ruin the interior of your gloves over time due to its abrasive properties.
While you should try to break in your new gloves with light bag work and focus mitt drills, it’s best to wear hand wraps at first. This will prevent blisters and help your hands to get used to the feel of the gloves. Once the gloves are broken in, you can start to increase the intensity of your training.
When it comes to cleaning your gloves, you should always air dry them after every use. This will stop the bacteria from growing and will make them less likely to smell. You can also wipe your gloves down with a damp paper towel after each use. Just make sure that you don’t sanitize them with bleach or any other chemical cleaners that could damage the padding of your gloves.
