Punching bag: how to choose the best one? (+ 3 exercises)

Have you decided to dedicate yourself to boxing but can’t find the right punching bag? Don’t worry! We have prepared a brief overview of the different punching bags and a selection guide.

What is a punching bag?

A punching bag is a padded bag for training punches, precision and endurance. In the past, punching bags were filled with straw. Nowadays, bags are usually filled with textile waste. Soft, foam-filled punching bags are also used. Bags filled with water or sand are also produced.

Types of punching bags?

Hanging punching bags are divided into vertical and horizontal. Vertical bags are designed for straight and curved shots. Horizontal bags are designed to train uphill kicks, such as knee kicks.

Another type is stand-up bags. At the bottom of a punching bag is a container filled with sand or water. The bag is attached to the base via a shock-absorbing tube or spring to absorb shock and maintain stability. Bags shaped like a human torso are also still produced. These bags are used to train precision and coordination, while punch strength is trained on larger, heavier bags.

Characteristics of punching bags

Punching bags are divided into three categories: heavy bags, ceiling bags, standing bags and punching bags. Let’s look at the different types:

The most common bag you will see in most martial arts gyms (MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing, etc.).

– Bag large and versatile enough to train all elements of basic technique: strikes with hands and legs, elbows, knees.

* Depending on the filling of the bag, this can be softer or harder.

Long punching bag (the so-called “banana”)

– Long punching bag (the so-called “banana”)

– Suitable for training kicks with both hands and legs. The long bag hardly wobbles and is therefore more stable. This punching bag is particularly suitable for MMA and Thai boxing, as it can be used to train most technical punches.

Angled heavy bag

The cone-shaped bag is specially designed for training low kicks and body kicks.

The upper part of the cone-shaped bag is wider and heavier, while the lower part is thinner and lighter, so that the boxer can practice punches from below while standing under the bag, which is not possible with flat-shaped bags.

– Recommended if you want to have just one punching bag, but with multiple functions. However, you can also improve other shots with this bag.

ATTENTION! Attention! A cone-shaped bag can be cone-shaped on both sides.

Drop bag

– Unique drop-shaped punching bag for training punches and hooks from different angles. This type of bag is more suitable for kickboxing and Thai boxing.

– The bag can also be used to train kicks with the knees and from below.

Self-supporting bags

– Ideal for the following sports: Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Karate

– Generally suitable for home use where there is not enough space to hang a punching bag from the ceiling.

– Built-in punching bags are not used very often in boxing gyms; If a large enough container filled with sand or water is not used, the bag may shift if hit hard.

The main advantages of this type of bag:

– the bag can be moved or taken out when not in use

– no need to drill holes in the ceiling or walls

– Waist-shaped bags imitate the human body, so it is convenient to train positional kicks. Usually the length of the bag is also adjustable, so that it is possible to train with both taller and shorter “opponents”.

Pears

An essential training tool for boxers to train speed, coordination and reaction.

An important part of pear training is rhythm: you have to hit it at the right time to keep the pear moving.

The benefits of training are also seen in the position of the hands: the pear helps the boxer to keep his hands in front of his face so that he can train in a defensive position.

Pear equipment usually consists of the pear itself and a fixator attached to the wall. Make sure the latch is with the screw that the pear is attached to.

Double ended

It is used in the same way as a normal pear. However, these pears are fixed between the ceiling and the wall. The tighter the rope or straps are, the faster the pear will spring back after impact.

What should you consider when choosing a punching bag?

We produce bags for professional gyms and amateur punching bags. Hobbyist bags are lighter and can be easily attached for use at home. Another important factor when choosing a punching bag is its weight. There are exceptions, but generally the weight of a punching bag should be about half the weight of a person.

We produce bags for professional gyms and amateur punching bags. Hobbyist bags are lighter and can be easily attached for use at home. Another important factor when choosing a punching bag is its weight. There are exceptions, but generally the weight of a punching bag should be about half the weight of a person.

What else should you pay attention to when buying and using a punching bag?

The punching bag is attached to the ceiling with special mounting equipment, which can also be purchased at the Budopunkt shop. The use of a mounting spring ensures shock absorption and stability of the bag. The minimum distance between the bag and a wall or other obstacle should be 50-60 cm, ideally 1 m.

Can someone who has never boxed before buy a punching bag?

You really can, because once you have a bag, there’s a good chance he’ll get interested and start training. You can go to training and learn the technique, then train at home. If you are interested in boxing and want to buy a punching bag, please consult Budopunkt sellers. We will help you choose the most suitable bag.

What are the most common mistakes when training with a punching bag?

The first rule is that the first punch should never be thrown with full force. Many immediately hit with full force and injure their wrist. First you should try the bag, feel its hardness and weight, and then hit with more force.

Secondly, you also need to know the technique. The bag must not be hit with a relaxed fist: the fist in contact with the punching bag must be clenched firmly. When training with a punching bag it is mandatory to wear protection. Beginners should at least use bandages to protect the skin. In this case, you should hit him more easily.

Punching bag maintenance?

You should check the connections of hanging punching bags, as the carabiner that holds the bag can wear out and may need to be replaced. The bag filler may slide down. Therefore the bag will be very hard in the lower part and almost empty in the upper part.

You can avoid this problem by turning the bag from time to time. To evenly distribute the filling of the bag, you can spread it out and walk on it. The bag should be washed occasionally with soap and water.

You can avoid this problem by turning the bag from time to time. To evenly distribute the filling of the bag, you can spread it out and walk on it. The bag should be washed occasionally with soap and water.