Whilst pad work is an essential part of a boxers training, there’s 2 sides to the story. Many people watch the boxer (Rightly so), but there’s a story behind the pads. A story of pain and sacrifice, and of dedication, love of the game, and as ever blood, most definitely sweat, and occasionally tears.
Many coaches/Trainers/Pad Holders suffer from RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), which is a general term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves, and tendons, caused by repetitive movement and overuse. To combat this a trainers daily routine can include (And in most cases should) warming up and stretching, using a foam roller, squeezing a carpal tunnel ball, resistance training, and strength work. To help with pain relief you will often see trainers taking pain killers such as Ibuprofen to help with Inflammation, using Kinesiology tape, rubbing Tiger Balm, Deep Heat, or Voltarol on muscles, and of course having a sports massage.
Pad holding is an art. Go ask your mate to hold some pads for you, then do some padwork with a Trainer who’s been in the game for years. Trust me you’ll see and feel the difference. It takes years to master holding pads, and lots of dedication. The impact going through a trainers body can be quite surprising. From the hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, triceps, shoulders, traps, and neck, trainers will very rarely be pain free.