10-Minute Beginner Shadow Boxing Routine

October 10, 2025

Warm-Up (2 minutes)

Bare-chested man in fighting stance, shadow boxing in a gym with punching bag and ring visible.

Before you start throwing punches, loosen up your body:

  • 30 sec: Jumping jacks
  • 30 sec: Arm circles (forward and backward)
  • 30 sec: High knees
  • 30 sec: Light shadow boxing (slow punches, bouncing on your feet)

Round 1 – The Basics (2 minutes)

Focus on jab (front hand) and cross (rear hand).

  • Stand in boxing stance: one foot slightly ahead, hands up by your face.
  • Throw jab-cross combinations (1–2) while moving your feet forward, backward, left, and right.
  • Keep your punches straight and return your hands to guard after every shot.

Round 2 – Adding Hooks & Uppercuts (2 minutes)

Now mix in new punches.

  • Hooks: Swing your front arm across your body (elbow bent).
  • Uppercuts: Come upward with your punch, using your legs and core.
  • Do combos like:
  • Jab-Cross-Hook (1–2–3)
  • Jab-Cross-Uppercut (1–2–5)
  • Keep your feet moving and imagine hitting a target in front of you.

Round 3 – Defense & Movement (2 minutes)

Shadow boxing isn’t just offense—defense matters too.

  • After each combo, add a slip (head movement left or right), duck, or step back.
  • Example combo: Jab-Cross, then slip left.
  • Stay light on your feet, bouncing and circling around as if you had a real opponent.

Round 4 – Freestyle Burnout (2 minutes)

Now put it all together!

  • Mix jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts, slips, and footwork.
  • Go as fast as you can while staying controlled.
  • Imagine an opponent in front of you and keep your hands up.

Cool-Down (1 minute)

Bring your heart rate down with:

  • Slow arm swings
  • Shoulder stretches
  • Deep breathing

Pro Tips:

  • Keep your core tight—most power comes from your hips and abs.
  • Don’t let your hands drop after punches; always return to guard.
  • Breathe out sharply with every punch for power and rhythm.
  • Imagine an opponent—it keeps you sharp and focused.
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