Hi everyone, I'm a total newbie in this sport, so I need help with this. Do I need to wear handwraps under the gloves if I only practice the technique or shadow boxing? I know that it's a must to wear handwraps under the gloves to do the heavy bag or sparring. The thing is that I'm still a student, so I don't have much money to spare, but I'm saving to get a pair of gloves. I don't think I'll be able to purchase a punching bag any time soon, so I'm considering about whether or not buying handwraps.
It's personal preference, but you should aim to train how you fight- your hands are always going to be wrapped the same way- for a fight/sparring, so might aswell get used to it. When the wraps go on you know youre about to begin the work...
No handwraps are not necessary for shadowboxing. They prevent injury and pain when punching, so if you're not punching anything, it's not necessary. As IrishRogue suggests, there's some benefit in using them to get used to how they feel and the extra weight vs. bare hand. But honestly, it's not necessary. Keep in mind if you do shadow box with wraps and/or gloves, make sure you don't fully extend your arm and cause shock or strain on your elbow joint. This is common sense for any shadow boxing, but with gloves and/or wraps on - the added weight can exacerbate the issue. Don't fully extend the arm when shadow boxing. Most boxers don't box with wraps/gloves on anyway.
I see, so basically I don't need handwraps under gloves for shadow boxing, but I'll surely purchase handwraps in the near future when I have some more $$ ^^ so that I can improve more and get used to it like you guys said. And I REALLY thank you for pointing out the elbow joint thing in shadow boxing because I have no idea about that at all. I'll be careful ^^
If you plan on hitting a punch bag make sure you wrap your hands and wear 16 oz gloves to protect the hands,for shadow boxing I always wear hand wraps but its up to you..
