Gloveworx runs on four pillars: Mindset, Tribe, Vitality and Skill. Boxing is about so much more than throwing punches, and that’s why we’ve developed these pillars of a Gloveworx mindset. We cover all aspects of training, from footwork and jabs to decision-making, nutrition and overall wellness.

We want our contenders to be balanced and well-rounded, both in and out of the ring, and that’s what these values encompass. In this article, we’ll focus in-depth on one of these Gloveworx pillars: Vitality.

What Is Vitality?

Vitality is a state of being full of energy and life. It requires physical strength and mental vigor. Vitality is an important trait that allows you to continually grow and live a purposeful life. In essence, vitality means being energized, healthy, and well-rounded. When you are vital, you are embodying your best self.

Some characteristics of vitality include:

• High energy
• Emotional intelligence
• Optimism
• A growth mindset
• Physical strength and stamina
• Awareness of your body’s needs and wants
• Mindfulness

As you can see, being vital is a crucial part of overall health and wellness. That’s why it is one of the four pillars of the Gloveworx values. Let’s take a look at each aspect of vitality - physical, mental and emotional - and how we can build this critical attribute within ourselves.

Physical Vitality

A key ingredient in your physical health is energy, and that’s what vitality is; it is having the energy to do what needs to be done. This is especially crucial in modern times. We are in an era of busy lives and sleepless nights. We run through the day on little energy, barely scraping by.

Physical vitality means you have the endurance, strength and stamina to go through the day on top of your game, not on autopilot. This is essential not just in the ring, but in all aspects of your life. You need energy to train, work, play with your kids, cook daily meals and to help others.

Physical vitality requires that you are physically fit. No, you don’t need to be Arnold Schwarzenegger, but you do need conditioned muscles, a strong cardiovascular system and the proper foods to fuel both. Arguably, most important of all, physical vitality requires a good night's sleep so you can feel refreshed and rejuvenated each day.

Mental Vitality

Do you ever experience brain fog? What about the inability to concentrate or focus? Maybe you are filled with anxiety and worries and your mind continues to ruminate. Perhaps you are too fatigued or busy to be able to give daily tasks your full attention.

Mental vitality is when you are alert, conscious and focused. Your thoughts are sharper, your thinking is clearer, your decision-making is quicker when you are mentally vital.

We don’t often think of boxing as a mental sport, but your mentality is a huge aspect of being in the ring. You have to be laser-focused on your opponent, watching their every move. You have to make quick decisions that can either make or break your match. Your thoughts have to be in line with the present moment, not wandering off to all the tasks you still have left to do. That’s why being mentally vital is a crucial part of being a Gloveworx contender.

Mental vitality first requires physical vitality. When your body is healthy and strong, and your muscles are nourished with healing foods, you're in a stronger mental state. Additionally, exercise improves brain functioning by helping the flow of oxygen and chemicals via blood vessels, which are critical to a healthy brain.

Emotional Vitality

Life is an emotional rollercoaster, and emotions are hard to deal with. When we are not in control of our emotional state, we give them the power to take over. Stress, anxiety, worries and fears take their toll, bringing us down into a negative state of mind.

Emotional vitality is when you have an upbeat, positive attitude. It’s when you are able to control your emotions and how those emotions affect your overall mood and behavior. Being emotionally vital means you’ve developed good coping skills, you are self-aware, self-accepting and you don’t let negative thoughts or fears hold you back from being your best.

This type of vitality stems from both physical and mental vitality. While exercise improves cognitive functioning, it also boosts emotional well-being by decreasing the risk of anxiety and depression and giving you a happy feeling of overall wellness and energy. Further, a strong mental state where you are more focused and sharp also aids in better emotional health.

How to Build Vitality to Become Unstoppable

As you can see, vitality is a holistic characteristic trait that allows you to be your best self. Let’s take a look at how we can build vitality to become unstoppable both in and out of the ring!

Get Enough Sleep

You may be surprised that sleep is first on the list. Isn’t food and exercise most important? Actually, no. Remember, being vital means having the energy to take on life. It’s pretty hard to muster up the energy to do anything when you're not sleeping well. We also noted that vitality isn’t just physical; it’s mental and emotional. We cannot be on top of our game when we are physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. Thus, getting 6-8 hours of sleep each night is the crucial first step to building vitality.

Reduce Stress

The next step is reducing stress. It’s pretty hard to focus or function when we’re overwhelmed by life’s many stressors. While it’s not always possible to avoid stress, it is possible to manage it. You can reduce the impact stress has on your body and mind by learning how to relax. That might mean getting out for a morning walk, trying your hand at mediation, letting it out in the ring or writing your feelings down in a journal; whatever helps you to release the impact of that stress, do it.

Eat Well

Nutrition is the foundation for feeling well. Build your vitality by nourishing your body with healthy, vibrant foods. Foods that will help you feel energized and satisfied, not foods that will make you heavy or foggy. Get the majority of your foods from fruits and vegetables, whole grains, high-quality proteins, and healthy fats. Just be sure to save a little room for dessert!

Move Daily

We mentioned that vitality means being strong and physically fit. Undoubtedly, daily exercise will help you to gain the strength, stamina and energy you need to feel your most vital. It will also improve your mood and keep your mind sharp and focused.

Be Grateful and Positive

Gratitude and positivity are two essential aspects of emotional vitality. Without them, you are negative, down and pessimistic. You can practice both on a daily basis. Practice positivity throughout your day by giving yourself positive affirmations. Each time you notice negative thoughts consuming your mind, consciously replace them with positive ones.

Gratitude is a great way to both start and end the day. Take a couple minutes to write three things you are grateful for in the morning, and again at night. This helps you wake up and go to sleep with a heart full of thanks.

Boxing is a holistic sport that encompasses the whole person - mind, body and soul. That’s why Gloveworx coaches strive to help you build more than just physical strength or speed. They are there to help you build your vitality and become the best version of you.