Our top five picks for punching bags are based on what our readers are really looking for in terms of weight class, size, durability, and age appropriateness. With varying choices to match each need and want, we have options that everyone can choose from. Buy the right one and start punching!
Who knew beating the heck out of something could be such a good workout? In today’s world, where almost everyone is self-conscious of their bodies and the need to keep fit, punching bags are no longer reserved for boxing gyms. You can get the same high-quality punching bag in boxing gyms for your
home gym.
Punching bags not only provide an excellent workout for muscle growth, but can also be used for intense cardio conditioning and aerobic exercise. You can also combine the punching with kicking and offer your legs a good workout during the session. In fact, if used appropriately, this gadget can provide a full body workout. Don’t forget that the punching will also help you vent your frustrations in a healthy way, after a long, tough day. Just remember to take your
post-workout drink after all this “madness” to rebuild and recharge.
A 30-minute punching session will help you burn a good amount of calories and tone your muscles. To train safely and reap all these benefits, you need to invest in good
boxing gloves to protect your hands and avoid pain at the end of your session.
Are you ready to incorporate a punching bag into your daily workout routine? That’s an excellent decision, but do you know how to differentiate between a good punching bag and a low-quality one? The right punching bag will make a huge difference in your performance, and it is important to choose equipment that will be valuable to you.
While no single bag can be considered the best, there are particular ones that have excellent features. However, instead of making a random purchase, consider factors like bag size, weight, and style. A good punching bag should be strong enough to endure all the abuse you will be putting it through. Thankfully, there are many bags available that can withstand whatever you throw at them. The good news is that you don’t even have to break the bank to get the right one. In fact, a number of the best punching bags are actually known for their quality and performance, rather than for their price tags.
Let’s examine what to look for when shopping for the right bag before we jump straight to our picks.
Price
There is a small connection between the quality of a good punching bag and its price. The most expensive bag is not always the best quality one, and it definitely isn’t the best for everyone. It is highly likely that you will find a quality bag at a very affordable price. But, remember your fight training is more important, so don’t hesitate to spend a little bit more to get the right punching bag. Cheap punching bags might not give you the desired results in terms of your boxing needs.
There are two major ways that a punching bag can support itself. You can use the old way of hanging it, or support itusing a weighted base. Freestanding bags involve having the padded side on top and some kind of wide stand under them for support. They are usually more expensive compared to the hung bags.
Hung bags have heavy leather straps stitched into the bag cover itself. A chain or piece of metal is then suspended from the ceiling, and the bag is attached to it, hanging in the air. These bags are usually less expensive!
Features
Other than buying a bag that complements your own personal fighting style, you should consider several other important factors when making this important shopping decision. Look atthings like weight, material, and filler, among other considerations.
Weight - Weight is among the biggest factors that should be considered when buying a punching bag. A lighter bag will not offer the needed resistance, and will instead move backwards every time you hit it. This will hinder you from training well! Find a bag that will offer some resistance, and avoid all the problemsa lightweight punching bag might cause. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from an expert. You can even consider testing out the bag before you buy.
Material - Different punching bags are made from different materials. The three major options include leather, canvas, and vinyl.Leather is generally believed to be the best choice. It is strong and can endure a lot of abuse. It is, however, the most expensive option on the market. Many people, therefore, opt for bags made of vinyl. While this isn’t a bad idea, watch out forthe low-quality designs available in cheap punching bags. Find a bag that's made of high-quality vinyl.Canvas bags are a more classic option. They are an excellent pick, but are less comfortable to hit compared to leather or vinyl bags.Fighters who want to hang their punching bags outside shouldconsider bags made of waterproof materials.
Filler - While the weight of a punching bag is important, filler can also make a big difference. A bag that has 100 pounds of feathers will definitely feel different compared to one that has 100 pounds of clay. Always remember that the wrong kind of filling can easily cause injury.
Construction and Design
Different punching bagshave their own unique benefits and designs that fit specific training exercises and fighting styles. It'simportant to know which bag is right for you and your training. The best punching bag suits your exact fighting needs, and can help you advance your technique and enhance your skills in ways that could not have been possible without it.
While there are other considerations such as filler and bag weight, style is among the biggest and most vital consideration.Here are the different types of bags and how their styles differ from one another:
Hanging Bags - These are the standard punching bags that appeal to a large number of fighters. These bags are made of very high-quality materials, such as leather and vinyl. They are durable and can resist a lot of abuse for an extended period of time. They are also fairly comfortable to hit. The only downside to these bags is that they are a bit pricey, but they're a worthy investment for serious fighters.
Free Standing Bags - These are a little different from the hanging bags. You can place them on the floor, and you will not require special equipment to suspend them. Since they have large round bases, these bags are highly stable and are excellent for those who want topractice both punching and kicking.
Muay Thai Bags - These are more specialized bags. They'reexcellent for people who are practicing specific martial arts and prefer a dialed-in bag that can hone their skills.
Maize Bags - Maize bags are filled with the traditional maize, or corn. They're smaller than other bags. and weigh less as well. Rather than being used for punching with force, these bags are designed to help you train your head movement and work on your evasive and dodging skills.
Angle Bags - Although they can also be used for traditional training, these bags have specially been designed to help you practice your uppercuts and curl punches. They are a bit more expensive than standard bags, but they still perform more or less the same functions.
Wall-Mounted Punching Systems - These are not actual punching bags! These devices were made popular by Mike Tyson. They'remounted on the wall to give you a massive padded object to strike at. These are specialty products and are quite expensive.
Performance and Ease of Use
When shopping for the right punching bag, it is good to consider whether you will be able to hang it. People who are not very familiar with home repair tasks will probably want to get a bag that won't demand any drilling or home alteration. Theymay prefer a freestanding bag or a stand that they can use to hang their unit.
You should also consider what bag size will be perfect for you. Smaller fighters can comfortably use smaller bags, while advanced fighters will need a much heavier punching bag to practice on.
Hanging your bag will require a little extra effort. You will require hooks and wall mounts, which should come with the bag.Put your bag in a place where you can train thoroughly without causing damage to anything. Some of the best places to put you punching bag include basements, garages, and other open areas. You can also put it outside, but, be aware that things like bad weather and rain damage could affect your bags. You can avoid all these issues by investing in a waterproof bag.Peoplewho don’t feel like hanging their bags can choose to buy a boxing stand.
The best punching bag for you will not only depend on the type and the size, but also your weight, class, age, and any other factor you deem important. For example, you may be looking for a punching bag that is not so heavy-duty, or one for your child to practice on between martial arts classes. We hope our review has helped you pick the best punching bag, but if it didn’t, browse these trusted brands for the one that fits your individual needs.