Power Isn’t About Muscles. It’s About Learning to Use Your Weight.

Last week at Santa Cruz Boxing, we focused on speed.

This week, we’re building on that by adding power.

Or, more accurately, force.

Yes… we’re talking physics again.

Don’t worry—I promise to keep it short.

One of the most common misconceptions in boxing is that powerful punches come from having bigger muscles. While strength certainly helps, that’s not where most of your punching power comes from.

Real power comes from understanding one simple equation:

Force = Mass × Acceleration

Last week we worked on the acceleration part. We practiced moving faster, reacting quicker, and recognizing the right moment to strike.

This week we’re adding the mass.

In boxing, mass isn’t about getting heavier. It’s about learning to transfer your body weight efficiently into the punch.

That’s why you’ll constantly hear me reminding people to pivot.

A pivot isn’t just turning your foot. It’s transferring energy from the ground, through your legs and hips, into your fist. When everything works together, even someone much smaller can generate tremendous power without feeling like they’re forcing it.

It’s one of the reasons boxing is such a fascinating sport.

Technique almost always beats brute strength.

Throughout this week’s classes we’ll be working on using our body weight more effectively, especially when throwing the rear hand. You’ll start to feel the difference between simply moving your arm and delivering a punch with your entire body behind it.

Like most things we teach at Santa Cruz Boxing, the lesson doesn’t stop when class is over.

Many people think power comes from trying harder.

In reality, power often comes from committing more fully.

Whether you’re throwing a punch, pursuing a goal, having a difficult conversation, or making an important decision, there’s a difference between going through the motions and putting your whole self behind what you’re doing.

When your actions, your focus, and your commitment all move in the same direction, that’s when real force is created.

That’s a lesson worth practicing both inside and outside the gym.

If you’re training with us this week, get ready to feel what it means to put some weight behind your punches.

If you’re thinking about learning to box, we’d love to have you join us.

Because at Santa Cruz Boxing, we’re not just teaching people how to punch.

We’re helping people build confidence, resilience, and the ability to put their full weight behind the things that matter most.

We are in your corner.

— Brian Dunniway
Owner & Head Coach
Santa Cruz Boxing