Keeping your boxing equipment clean and in top condition is just as important as keeping your body in top condition. In this issue we give some tips on keeping your gear clean and ready to use. In the Fitness Tip, we discuss powerful nutrition for optimal performance. Lastly, in "Ask the Trainer", Andy and Jamie work with a reader who is looking for some help to solve a hard to fix problem area. Good Luck!

The Balazs Team - Knock Yourself Out!

Be sure to dry your gloves, headgear and groin protectors after each use. By using a small fan or glove dryer between workouts, you can keep your equipment dry and odor free. There are other tools such as Glove Dogs that help absorb moisture, provide odor absorption and some antimicrobial action to limit the degradation of the inside of your gear. You can clean the surface (outside) of your gloves with a little warm water and gentle soap or use a leather/vinyl conditioner to keep your leather supple and clean. Avoid leaving your equipment in direct sunlight, or in extremely hot conditions- and don't leave it in your gym bag until your next workout or else it won't be your left hook knocking people out, but the odor emanating from your gear!

Your hand wraps should be washed after every workout. Clean dry wraps will absorb moisture and keep your gloves odor free. The dry wraps are easier to put on too!

Check your gloves and headgear regularly for tears and cracks or other signs of wear. For boxing gloves including bag gloves, check to make sure the foam padding material inside the gloves isn't getting soft or has void areas. As for sparing gloves, since padding is key not just to you fist but your sparring partner, don't take risks and replace them often to keep the padding fresh and useful.

For peak performance, an athlete's diet should include a sufficient amount of carbohydrates on a daily basis. Carbohydrates provide the body with the main energy source, glycogen, and this is stored in the body tissue. Good, high carbohydrate foods include cereals, pasta, rice, vegetables such as corn, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes and fruits, and bread.

Eating properly, including sufficient sources of good carbohydrates will both increase and maintain glycogen stores in the cells, ready for use during physical activity. Other carbohydrates like candy, sweets and processed foods will negatively affect your performance, as sufficient minerals and vitamins are not provided in these foods. Fatigue occurs when the muscle cells run out of glycogen and are unable to provide this energy source to the working muscles, resulting in reduced stamina and endurance workout.

Send your questions for Andy to info@BalazsBoxing.com

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Always consult your physician before starting any physical exercise program. Balazs Inc. and Andy & Jamie Dumas assume no responsibility for the improper use of information contained within this e-newsletter.