Breaking in boxing gloves is a tedious task. But how to break in boxing gloves properly? The key is stretching, squeezing, light training, and here you have it.
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When you first get your boxing gloves, they will be stiff. This is normal because the leather needs to be worked to make them more flexible.
6 Ways To Break In Boxing Gloves Properly
Here are simple steps to break the newly bought gloves and not damage them:
1. Wet The Gloves:
The first step is to wet the gloves. You can do so by spraying them with water or dipping them in a bucket of water. Please do not soak the gloves as this will damage them.
Wetting the gloves will make them more pliable and easier to stretch.
After wetting the gloves, you need to squeeze all the water out. Use a towel to remove as much water as possible from the gloves.
The next step is to put the gloves on and start stretching them.
2. Stretch The Gloves:
First, you need to find something to hold the gloves open. You can use a baseball, a tennis ball, or even a small dumbbell.
With the help of these items, you will be able to stretch the gloves and make them more flexible.
Start by holding the ball in one hand and putting your glove on with the other hand.
Then, put the ball inside the glove and close your fingers around it.
You need to stretch your fingers and hold them in this position for at least 30 seconds.
After that, repeat this process with the other hand.
Do this stretching exercise every day until you feel that the gloves are more flexible.
3. Squeeze The Gloves:
Another way to break in your boxing gloves is to squeeze them. This will help to soften the leather and make it more pliable.
You need to put on the gloves and make a fist to do this. Then, you need to squeeze your hand as hard as you can for 30 seconds.
After that, relax your hand and repeat this process with the other hand.
Do this exercise several times a day until you feel that the gloves are more pliable.
4. Light Training:
The best way to break in your boxing gloves is to use them for light training. This will help soften the leather and mould it to the shape of your hand.
You need to put on the gloves and punch a boxing bag or focus on doing this.
Start with light punches and gradually increase the intensity.
Do this for at least 30 minutes each day until you feel that the gloves are more flexible.
5. Use A Glove Liner:
If you want to break in your boxing gloves quickly, you can use a glove liner. This is a thin piece of fabric that you put inside the glove.
The liner will help to stretch the gloves and make them more elastic.
To use a glove liner, you need to put it inside the glove and then put it on the glove.
Punch a boxing bag or focus mitts as usual. And it will quicken the process of breaking in the newly bought gloves.
6. Use Hand Wraps:
If you want to protect your hands while breaking in your boxing gloves, you can use hand wraps.
This will help absorb the impact of punches and prevent your hands from slipping inside the glove.
To use hand wraps, you need to put them on before putting on the gloves.
Start by wrapping the thumb and then wrap around the hand in a figure-eight motion.
When you reach the wrist, you need to tuck the end of the wrap under the wraps.
Do this for both hands, and then put on your gloves. Do some light training, and then remove the gloves and hand wraps.
As you can see, there are several ways to break in your boxing gloves. Try out different methods and see what works best for you.
Remember to be patient and don’t force the process. With time and use, your gloves will become more flexible and comfortable.
What To Avoid When Breaking In Your Boxing Gloves?
It would help if you avoided a few things when breaking in your boxing gloves.
1. Never Put Gloves In Dryer:
One of the worst things you can do to your gloves is put them in the dryer. This will damage the leather and ruin the gloves.
If your gloves get wet, let them air dry at room temperature.
Never put them in the dryer or near a heat source. Rather hang them or lie them flat to dry.
2. Never Soak Your Gloves:
Another thing to avoid is soaking your gloves in water. This will damage the leather and cause the gloves to deteriorate.
If your gloves get wet, let them air dry at room temperature. Never soak them in water or put them in the washing machine.
Hand-washing with a mild soap is the best way to clean boxing gloves.
3. Don’t Overstretch The Gloves:
When you are stretching the gloves, be careful not to overdo them. If you stretch the gloves too much, it will damage the leather.
Only stretch the gloves until you feel a little resistance. Don’t force the process and stop if the gloves start to feel uncomfortable.
Otherwise, you risk damaging the gloves.
4. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals:
Never use harsh chemicals on your boxing gloves. This includes things like bleach and detergent.
These chemicals will damage leather and lessen its life.
If you need to clean your gloves, hand-wash them with a mild soap.
5. Don’t Store Gloves In Direct Sunlight:
Don’t store your gloves in direct sunlight. This will cause the leather to fade and crack over time.
It’s best to store your gloves in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
It will prolong the life of your gloves and keep them looking new.
6. Don’t Hit The Walls Or Hard Material In Start:
When breaking in your gloves, avoid hitting the walls or any hard surface.
This will damage the leather and make the gloves more difficult to break in.
Start with light punches on a boxing bag or focus mitts. Gradually increase the intensity as you go.
How Often Should You Break In The Gloves?
It’s important to break in your gloves every time you get a new pair.
You should also break in your gloves if you haven’t used them.
If you don’t, the gloves will become stiff and uncomfortable. How long does it take to break in boxing gloves?
It usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour to properly break in your boxing gloves.
However, this can vary depending on the type of gloves and how you break them in.
Some people prefer to break in their gloves gradually over time. Others like to do it all at once.
There is no right or wrong way to do it. It’s up to you to decide what works best for you.
The most important thing is to be patient and take your time.
Breaking in your boxing gloves is an important process that should not be rushed.
With a little time and effort, you’ll have a pair of gloves that feel comfortable and are ready for action.
Why Is Breaking In Your Gloves Important?
Breaking in your gloves is important for many reasons, such as:
1. It Makes The Gloves More Comfortable:
If you don’t break in your gloves, they will be very stiff and uncomfortable.
Breaking in the gloves will make them more flexible and comfortable to wear.
You will be able to move your hands more freely and have a better range of motion.
As a result, you will be able to punch with more power and accuracy.
2. Helps Gloves Mold To Shape:
Another reason breaking in your gloves is important is that it helps the gloves mould to the shape of your hand.
When you first get boxing gloves, they will be too big and bulky.
Over time, as you break them in, they will become more form-fitting.
This is important because it provides a better fit and helps to prevent hand injuries.
Your hands will be better protected when the gloves fit snugly around them.
A good fitting pair of gloves will also help to improve your punching accuracy.
3. Make Gloves Pliable To Provide Better Protection:
Breaking in your gloves also makes them more pliable. This is important because it helps to provide better protection for your hands.
If the gloves are too stiff, they will not be able to absorb the impact of punches.
This can lead to hand injuries such as fractures or dislocated fingers.
By breaking in the gloves, you are making them more flexible and better able to protect your hands.
4. Prevents Leather From Cracking Or Tearing Prematurely:
If you don’t break in your gloves, the leather will be very stiff.
As a result, it is more likely to crack or tear prematurely.
Breaking in the gloves will help to soften the leather and make it more durable.
This is important because it prolongs the life of your gloves and saves you money in the long run.
5. Improves Grip:
Breaking in your gloves also improves the grip. When the gloves are new, the leather is very stiff and slippery.
This can make it difficult to hold onto things.
However, as you break in the gloves, the leather will become more pliable and provide a better grip.
You will hold onto things more easily and have better control.
Conclusion:
Breaking in your boxing gloves is a very important process. Some best ways to break in your gloves are by hitting a punching bag.
You can also work the pads with a coach or shadowbox.
It helps make the gloves more comfortable and durable and better protect your hands.
Remember to be patient and take your time when breaking in your gloves.
With a little effort, you’ll have a pair of gloves that feel great and are ready for action.
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