Whether Siping is good or not, in traditional Wushu, almost every boxing method has its own pile method, which is different and there is no difference between good and bad. I think what your friend means is that he wants you to learn martial arts, not just standing on the stump, but exercising as a whole.
Also, without boxing and martial arts, there is no bottom. "A master goes through the door." Practicing martial arts requires more practice, more questions, more experience and modesty.