Box Like Gable

Flowrestling recently posted a video interview of Dan Gable while he was working out.  After a brief warm-up Gable started punching the heavy bag in his barn, or his "Rocky-style gym."   Before watching the video I already thought of boxing as a great workout, but now it even has the Gable stamp of approval.

But Gable didn't just mindlessly throw punches at the bag.  No, this 63 year old man attacked the bag as if it were a wrestling opponent.  During the interview he mentioned, while punching at the same time, that he uses the punching bag from a wrestling perspective.  He stays in his stance, keeps his elbows in, and is always moving his feet.  When he uppercuts he imagines that he is underhooking an opponent.  Sometimes he'll even downblock or block with his head as the bag sways towards him.

If you are moving on your toes the whole time and throwing jabs at a fast pace I promise you that you'll be tired within minutes.  It's an intense workout!  Before you get started, make sure that you have some gloves and/or hand wraps, and that you've been instructed on proper striking form.  If not, stick to shadow boxing - still pretty tough - until you've been taught how to box.

Hit the bag,
Jeff

P.S.  By the way, at 63 years old you can safely assume that Gable doesn't wrestle competitively anymore.  Yet, you can still find him training diligently day after day, as he is constantly trying to improve himself.  That should remind you of my June 28th entry about Georges St. Pierre, who: "continues to train even when there isn't another match in sight."  Think about that.