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Kickboxing is a great form of exercise. You can get a total body workout by spending as little as 30 minutes on a bag. Besides, if you enjoy kickboxing like me, chances are you will stick to it. Most people are able to remain dedicated to an exercise regimen that they find truly enjoyable. That can translate into better health.
But how do you choose a punching bag that will serve your needs in the best manner?
There is no such thing as ‘a one-size fits all,’ especially when it comes to finding a punching bag. The important thing to do is to ask yourself: what are you looking for? What are your specific training needs? What is your budget?
Regardless, I would caution against sacrificing quality. It is important to remember that a poor-quality punching bag coupled with bad technique can result in serious injuries. That will not only result in avoidable pain, but you will also be unable to return to exercise for a while.
Even if you are new to martial arts, you might want to overlook the cheaper $50 bags. The quality is sub-par and simply not worth wasting your hard-earned money over. I would highly recommend making a sensible investment and going for heavy bags within that $100 to $200 range. These bags are made of quality material so they can respond to blows a whole lot better. After all, would it make any sense to sustain a bad injury on a cheap bag and then pass on the dollars to the doctor’s office… not to mention trying to cope with longterm pain?
A simple search online will reveal plenty of options within the $100-$200 range. These bags will stand up to high-intensity training and still last a lot longer than the cheaper variety. I have this one and love it for home use. I’ve been teaching my kids a few moves too and enjoy the versatility the bag offers.
The main attributes to look for are bag size, assembly, durability, padding, and price point. Let’s explore these factors below in detail so you can be better prepared when looking to purchase a heavy bag.
Punching Bag Size
Bags come in a variety of sizes. You have to choose what will work best for you based on your height and skill level.
If you’re looking to purchase a bag for a child, the size will be a serious consideration. Generally, a 2 ½ foot tall bag works best in this scenario. Folks with small frame sizes benefit from not having to continuously reach up to punch or even kick. If a child were to practice on a tall bag, they’d run the danger of accidentally slamming their foot against the base which could lead to fractures.
If you’re a woman who wants to try her hand at martial arts, a 3-foot tall bag might be more suitable for you.
The most versatile boxing bag that is best suited for men as well as women measures 4 feet tall. There are also bags that can swivel up so you can adjust the height based on the need of the user. As I’ve mentioned above, my boxing bag is perfect for me as well as my children. All I have to do is swivel it in order to lower it to their height level. I got mine in November and have been using it at least once a week.
The standard size bag measures about 4-5 feet tall. If you’re more advanced at martial arts, the 6-foot bag will be the obvious choice for you.
Assembly
When it comes to heavy bags, there are mainly two types to choose from. If you were to visit a sports store, you’ll find either free-standing (pedestal) bags or bags that be suspended from the ceiling via chains. These bags are usually pre-filled. The type you choose really depends on your preference as well as the amount of space you have in your home.
If you don’t have too much space, for instance, if you live in an apartment, you might want to invest in a free-standing punching bag. I enjoyed using the Century Wavemaster XXL at my previous gym. My current bag is smaller but in a couple of years, when my kids are older and I don’t need the swivel feature anymore, I intend to replace it with the XXL. The Century brand is durable enough for commercial use so you can be sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
You may choose to fill the base with either water or sand. If you intend to place the bag on the carpet, I’d recommend sand because it will be a safer bet. After all, you don’t want a leak to destroy your carpet. Some websites suggest that free-standing bags are less stable. I’ve been kickboxing for years and have found that if you pack the base tightly with sand or water, your bag will remain stable.
If you plan to situate your bag in the basement and have enough space to work with, you may choose a heavy bag that can be suspended. You can choose one that comes with a frame so you can suspend the bag via chains that can be adjusted to the user’s height. Mounting hardware is usually included so you don’t have to purchase those separately. That is helpful because you don’t have to go searching for hardware that will tolerate the weight of the heavy bag.
If you find that the frame gets in the way of working out around the bag, you might want to suspend the bag directly from the ceiling, i.e. if your ceiling is strong enough to support the heavy bag. Some people designate space inside the garage because the ceiling is generally more supportive.
Durability of the Punching Bag
Heavy bags are made out of leather, synthetic leather, or canvas. The leather option is the priciest while the canvas is the cheapest. A powerful jab at a leather bag will feel awesome! That’s a promise. You certainly get what you pay for. A heavy bag covered in leather will hold up for years.
That said, if you cannot afford leather then it’s best to choose a synthetic leather bag. You will not be compromising on quality much. Sure, you will miss the softness of a leather bag. But a synthetic leather bag is less expensive, very durable, and delivers a great punch without hurting your skin.
I would steer clear of canvas bags. I’ve tried one at the gym and didn’t like it at all. Within twenty minutes I could feel my knuckles bearing the brunt. They are also not durable. Therefore, whenever possible, choose synthetic leather covered heavy bags if you’d like to save yourself unnecessary trouble.
Another important thing to keep in mind is to choose a bag that is made of heavy-duty material. You do not want to skimp on quality – period. For a few more dollars, you’d be protecting your hands and wrists while getting a killer workout. A durable bag will also last you several years so it is totally worth the initial expense.
Also, make sure you choose a punching bag that is stitched together with heavy and coated thick thread so it doesn’t come apart.
Padding
It is important to choose a heavy bag with sufficient padding in order to prevent injuries to your hands and shins. Some of the best bags are filled with heavy foam or soft compressed fiber material. They withstand impact beautifully while keeping users free from injuries. Also, a quality bag will absorb impact so you don’t have to wait for it to stop before launching the next strike.
Price point
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to purchasing heavy bags. Depending on your budget, you might be tempted to choose one over the other. But if this article is any indication, it is wiser to spend a little more upfront and purchase a bag that will not only last a long time but also keep you from sustaining injuries. Remember, nursing injuries cost a whole lot more owing.
Luckily, there are several bags on the market that you can choose from. If you’re prepared to part with a little over a hundred dollars, you will end up with a punching bag that will offer superior quality. Remember to read this article on kickboxing safety in order to keep injuries at bay.
What figures highly for you in your search for a boxing bag? Comment below!
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Erika Ravnsborg says
I haven’t had the best luck with punching bags. I can never seem to find One that last a long time
Seema I. says
At my previous gym, they used the tall Century bags. Maybe you want to look into that (the link is provided in the article). If they’re good enough for commercial use then perhaps they’ll meet your expectations because those bags took a lot of beating. Good luck to you.