Balancing boxing with another sport?

RedemptionZ

Hi, first time posting and I'm not sure if this has been asked before but just wanted to get an answered more tailored towards my circumstances so thanks in advance.

I'm 20 years old and from the age of about 16 have had a bit of a struggle with depression which led me down the alcohol and drugs and suicide path which I'm now happy to say I no longer want a part of. Before that though I was a pretty handy athlete and still amen't too bad these days albeit probably 5 or 6kgs over my optimum weight. So basically I'm looking to get into boxing with the intention of eventually training 4/5 times a week, though I doubt my body will be able for that at the start. Never boxed before but that wouldn't put me off so long as I've got a good teacher. Also want to get back to playing gaelic which I was fairly handy at and I'm wondering will it be possible to play both at a consistent level? Like say maybe 2 gaelic 3 boxing or vice versa? I know I loved gaelic back in the day but I could end up preferring boxing so would like to give both a go for a year and then decide. I'm worried about injuries mainly, I know boxing is fairly demanding so would it be asking too much to do both?

Cheers and thanks

walshb

RedemptionZ wrote: »

Hi, first time posting and I'm not sure if this has been asked before but just wanted to get an answered more tailored towards my circumstances so thanks in advance.

I'm 20 years old and from the age of about 16 have had a bit of a struggle with depression which led me down the alcohol and drugs and suicide path which I'm now happy to say I no longer want a part of. Before that though I was a pretty handy athlete and still amen't too bad these days albeit probably 5 or 6kgs over my optimum weight. So basically I'm looking to get into boxing with the intention of eventually training 4/5 times a week, though I doubt my body will be able for that at the start. Never boxed before but that wouldn't put me off so long as I've got a good teacher. Also want to get back to playing gaelic which I was fairly handy at and I'm wondering will it be possible to play both at a consistent level? Like say maybe 2 gaelic 3 boxing or vice versa? I know I loved gaelic back in the day but I could end up preferring boxing so would like to give both a go for a year and then decide. I'm worried about injuries mainly, I know boxing is fairly demanding so would it be asking too much to do both?

Cheers and thanks

Doing both at a reasonable pace shouldn't be an issue. 7 days in a week, Two days rest is more than enough to recharge.

Tobyglen

Best of luck man. Keep up the fitness and it will help you a lot! Ease yourself in and make sure you don't push yourself too hard initally. Warming up/down & recovery days are just as important as your work outs.
4 workouts a week should be plenty for you starting off in your first month.

cowzerp

I always played Football alongside Boxing, used to train boxing 5 days a week and do Football (soccer) 2 days befor boxing training with a match on a sunday-was never an issue-be very good for you, and the Boxing fitness will make Gaelic easy

megadodge

pac_man wrote: »

I knew a lad that tried to do both boxing and GAA and he didn't last long doing it both as it took it's toll. He'd be fairly fit(intercounty level).

Donal Ward from Roscommon has been playing inter-county football for quite a few years now (when he's not injured) and competed in the senior championships this year. He's from a boxing background (father, uncle & grandfather) in fairness and has won at least 5 All-Irelands (incl. intermediate), so it can actually be done, but at the high levels he's involved in it's very difficult.

I think he only competes in boxing when it's the off-season in GAA - and that's getting shorter every year.

I agree with Cowzerp that the boxing training will easily look after the football fitness, it always did for me.

RedemptionZ

Thanks for the feedback lads, I think the impression I'm getting is if I wanted to excel at boxing it'd have to take priority over gaelic, but I think I'll give both a try at first as I'm just gone 20 so plenty of time to make a name for myself, maybe start with twice a week each and work my way up. Planning on starting gaelic in lower divisions probably Junior B and working my way back so training shouldn't be too taxing and hopefully no injuries. Cheers lads!