When I happened across a punching bag for sale several years ago, my heart skipped a beat. It hadn't occurred to me to box for exercise. So I bought a bag and gloves and went at it. Didn't take long to bruise my knuckles. And, it's a little painful with arthritis.

Boxing is my wintertime form of exercise. I think it beats all other forms. Every part of ones body is in motion, from head to toes. I "dance" around--forwards, backwards, sideways, circling the bag. Great for the legs and cardio. 

Punching the leather strengthens the arms and upper torso. Pound away (and pounds away!). I think the midsection benefits, also.

I do anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes a day, usually in "rounds" of 5-8 minutes. Between rounds I lift weights and walk--all within the confines of my basement. Total time--2 hours. I have the radio playing --either jazz or classical--or tapes.

I do a lot of cogitating while boxing--on all subjects. One other plus: I don't have to go out in the cold and wind and snow!! Wonderful! I used to jog in all that crappy weather. No more. Yep, the benefits of boxing are about the best of all forms of exercise. Try it!