It’s hard to know if you’re getting better at boxing. You feel like you’ve had a great workout, but unlike running on treadmill, where you can easily track your distance, there’s no data to tell you how well you performed.
Punch trackers are relatively new to the fitness scene and are set to be a big trend next year, especially as boxing fitness classes continue to boom. They’re basically a type of wearable tech that sits on your wrist and tracks the velocity and intensity of your punches, as well as how many you throw during your session.
Whether you’re a regular Anthony Joshua or are just getting started in the sport, the handy tool is designed to help you to hit your goals faster, by providing instant analysis of your training performance. But are they worth the investment? We investigate…
How does it work?
I tried out the Hykso Tracker (£174.99) during a personal training session with Jay Revan, a boxing coach based at 12×3 in the UK. The boutique gym will be one of the first in the UK to incorporate the trackers into their boxing classes next year.
The tech comes in the form of two incredibly lightweight motion sensors that are worn under your boxing wraps – one on top of each wrist. As they’re so tiny, you really can’t feel them underneath the wraps, so they don’t hinder your performance in any way during a training session.
The two pods, which come in a rechargeable carry case, link up to an accompanying smartphone app (available on iOS and Android) when switched on (you may need to tap lightly at the sensors under the wraps to get them to wake up and sync). The battery can last up to 10 hours and be charged fully in an hour.
As someone who doesn’t box that often, I was worried that the data would be difficult to understand, but the app is really straightforward and allows you to view your performance in real-time. A quickstart option allows me to easily plug in my rounds and rest times, and I use it during five rounds, with a one-minute rest.
The trackers are completely sweat-proof, meaning you don’t have to worry about them cutting out if you build heat and moisture in your gloves.
As I work my way through the session, the sensors track my hands’ movement 1,000 times per second and categorise my punches into left and right straight punches – like jabs and crosses – and left and right power punches (hooks and uppercuts).
During each round, it records how many punches I’m throwing, plus the velocity (speed) of my punches. Hykso also gives me a punch intensity score, which is based on the volume of punches and the power behind them.
All of the data appears clearly on the screen after each round, so I can check in on my performance while I’m grabbing a breather, and it’s really motivating to see that I’m able to beat my previous rounds by focusing on increasing my intensity. I’m also able to see that my right hand has more power than my left, and that I was able to throw 1,500 punches in an 18-minute session.
The app allows me to log my regular drills, so I can track progress in all of these data points over the weeks, and it has a handy inbuilt timer too, which counts me in and out of the rounds.
For the more experienced boxer, there’s an advanced training setting where you programme in specific drills that include sparring, heavy bag work, shadowboxing, mitts and freestyle training. Another cool added bonus is that the smartphone app can also show you how your stats compare to other professional boxers around the world.
The verdict?
While they don’t replace the need for a boxing trainer – who will correct your technique and form – the Hykso punch tracker is a great tool if you want to work on punching more rapidly and with harder intensity.
With weekly and monthly progression charts, seeing the data laid out is a really satisfying way to check your performance and set yourself some goals. For instance, I’m already keen to work on beating my 12 Second Challenge score, which basically involves seeing how many punches you can throw in a short amount of time.
While it isn’t cheap, Hykso’s tracker is a great investment for anyone who regularly attends boxing fitness classes and wants to check their stats. If you know a boxer who’s looking to raise their game next year, it would make a great Christmas gift too.
Other brands to check out are Corner Boxing Punch Tracker, UFC Combat Strike Tracker, and Everlast & PIQ Wearable Boxing Tracker.
