Boxing gloves are essential tools that protect your hands and wrists during training and matches. They provide cushioning and support, reducing the risk of injury to both you and your sparring partner. However, new boxing gloves can be stiff and uncomfortable, which is why it’s crucial for you to know how to break in boxing gloves properly. In this guide, we’ll delve into the importance of breaking in boxing gloves and provide you with a step-by-step process to ensure your gloves become a perfect fit for your hands.
Why Break In Boxing Gloves
Breaking in boxing gloves serves 2 important purposes:
- First, it enhances the gloves’ comfort level, allowing your hands to move more freely within them.
- Secondly, breaking in boxing gloves improves the padding’s flexibility, ensuring optimal shock absorption when you land punches.
By taking the time to properly break in your gloves, you’re not only increasing your comfort but also extending the lifespan of this crucial piece of boxing equipment.
How to Break In Boxing Gloves
1. Squeeze and Stretch the Gloves
To break in boxing gloves, gently squeeze and stretch the gloves with your hands to loosen the padding and the overall structure. This preliminary step starts the process of softening the material and making it more malleable.
2. Wear the Gloves and Move Your Hands Around
Put on your gloves and spend some time moving your hands, clenching and unclenching your fists. Flexing your fingers and rotating your wrists will help to ease the stiffness and promote flexibility.
A small tip to speed up the break-in process is putting more pressure on the padding of the glove by wrap your hands two times.
3. Hit the Bag or Pads with the Gloves
Engage in light bag work or pad work sessions while wearing the gloves. The impact and movement will help break in the gloves naturally. Start with gentle punches and gradually increase the force as the gloves become more comfortable.
Although, do note that this is where people tend to have different viewpoints. Online forums are full of discussions about whether hitting heavy bags can make the padding of gloves denser and tougher. If you plan to use your gloves for sparring, it’s probably best to avoid excessive rounds of heavy bag work. Instead, consider using lighter punch bags like double end bags for a few rounds as a good way to break in your gloves.
These bags can also come in handy when you’re looking for a challenging workout that requires gloves that are well-broken in. Towards the end of your training session, you can also spend a few rounds on the bag to gradually get your new gloves comfortable for everyday use.
4. Apply a Leather Conditioner to the Gloves
Use a high-quality leather conditioner to soften the material further. Apply a small amount to a clean cloth and rub it over the surface of the gloves. Allow the conditioner to soak in, but avoid over-saturating the gloves.
Tips for Breaking In Boxing Gloves
Be Patient: Breaking in boxing gloves is a gradual process that requires patience. Rushing the process might lead to damage or discomfort during training. Some even try to hit brick wall in hope of fastening the process, which is not a great move.
Avoid Overexertion: While hitting the bag or pads is an essential step, avoid going too hard too soon. Applying excessive force can strain the gloves’ stitching and compromise their integrity.
Choose the Right Gloves: Select gloves that suit your training needs. Different gloves are designed for various purposes, such as sparring or competition. Opt for gloves that align with your training goals.
Use stumble dryer: Just like some consider using a washing machine to maintain the gloves’ freshness. Placing them in the tumble dryer might sound like an option. However, it’s crucial to note that using this method can actually damage your new gloves.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll achieve gloves that feel like a natural extension of your hands. Know how to breaking in your boxing gloves not only enhances your comfort but also maximizes your training sessions’ effectiveness while ensuring the longevity of your equipment. Remember, patience and careful handling are key. Take the time to break them in properly, and you’ll reap the rewards in your training and matches.