Ramshead Punches

Ramshead punches work the upperbod more fully than any other. The will even work the forearms and concentrate on the pec better than any of the other punches.

Ramsheads can be fired from the hip or shoulder level. Either works depending on the type of lower body motion used. When using a square horse they should be fired from the hip and when using a motion such as the Shou Shu Slide, they can be fired from the shoulder. Either way they still always project down the center just like the sidefist.

Make a fist, this time the thumb goes over the outside of the fingers instead of on top.

This punch will start with the thumb underside of the hand facing up. It extends in this way until it nears completion and then snaps over exposing the large knuckles of the forefinger and the middle finger. It gets it's name from the fact that these two knuckles protrude and look a lot like a rams head.

The wrist will be slightly bent downward, this aligns the knuckles with the bones of the arm, giving the punch support and protecting the wrist. Mentally draw a line from the knuckles back and that line should follow the arm. If there is nothing but air behind the knuckle then the wrist is in danger of breaking.

The elbow will be slightly bent and pointed downward through the punch. The elbow never points to the side. If it points to the side it will expose the smaller knuckles causing a fracture if it is ever used to hit anything.

Just as the punch gets to extension, the hips should turn, powering the punch.

Be mindful of the way you are using your muscles. Being totally precision in your punches is not absolutely necessary for aerobics but it will help. Just think of it as something to work towards. It will improve your workout and if you ever do use the punch, it'll be correct and will not hurt you.