How to Choose a Punching Bag: Types of Punching Bags and More
How do you choose the perfect punching bag? This can be a daunting task—there are so many types out there, and prices vary widely as well. Punching bags provide a great way to increase strength and coordination. A punching bag is easily incorporated into any workout routine as a supplemental exercise or the main workout focus.
So what should you look for when shopping around? It’s essential to find one that meets your needs, without breaking the bank or being too boring. In this article, you’ll find answers about how to choose a punching bag for you, the different types of punching bags, and what punching bags are filled with.
What Are Different Types of Punch Bags?
A punching bag is an essential piece of boxing equipment. It’s helpful in developing skills such as speed, power, timing, and accuracy.
Punching bags typically come in three different styles: heavy bags, free-standing bags, and hanging bags. Although they offer similar training benefits, each type of punching bag is used for various purposes. Also, each has its unique features.
There’s a wide variety of options. But this depends on the degree of firmness or softness you’d like from your bag. This is regardless of whether it’s leather or water-filled versions!
Let’s take a look at the difference between heavy bags, speed bags, and hanging bags.
Heavy Bag
This is the most basic type of punching bag and is often used for boxing and kickboxing. It can hang from a free-standing punching bag stand or be mounted on the wall.
A heavy bag is either filled with sand, gravel, or water. Its exterior texture also varies.
Free-standing Bag
It’s a punching bag that can stand on its own without being mounted onto a wall. The free-standing punching bags are similar to the heavy bag. However, it has a base that allows the user to put it on the floor and roll it around.
This type of punching bag is common in martial arts studios. It’s popular because it allows students to move away from the bag after striking it quickly. Anyone can hit using the left and right punches as well as overhead strikes.
Speed Bag
The speed bag has a rebound surface that is usually attached to a drum. This makes it similar to the double-end bag. However, the speed bag is often much smaller than other types of punching bags.
Speed bags are primarily used to improve hand-eye coordination and punching speed.
Punching Dummy
The punching dummy is a heavy bag that is attached to a wall or ceiling. It can be used as a training tool for punching bag workout.
The body of the punching dummy is often made of a cloth bag filled with sand human forms. However, other types that contain water or other materials are available.
Boxing Bag With Stand
This punching bag is suspended from a frame with wheels, allowing the user to move it around. It has a base filled with sand or water and is attached to the frame with chains.
This type of punching bag is similar to the free-standing punching bag and often has the same base on wheels. Yet, it doesn’t have enough mass to stand on its own.
Instead, the user must hold on to the frame when punching the bag.
Hanging Punching Bag
These punching bags are suspended from the ceiling, beam, or tree branch. They’re often filled with sand, gravel, or water.
The hanging punching bag is the only type of punching bag that doesn’t have a base. Instead, the user holds onto the base when hitting this type of punching bag. This bag is suspended from above and usually has a large mass enough to stand on its own.
How Do I Find Out Which Filling Material Is Best for My Needs?
Sand is one of the most common fillings that comes to mind when someone mentions punching bags. Yet, it’s also one of the heaviest. For this reason, sand is used primarily in boxing training more than martial arts or self-defense.
Water-filled punching bags are by far some of the lightest types available. But, this makes them less durable than other options on the market. It’s not that they cannot be used for kicking. However, even a full-force stomp will likely cause them to burst.
Foam filling is also commonly found in boxing training. It provides an excellent medium for technique drills. While using it, you don’t have to worry about hurting yourself or wearing out the bag itself.
Before making your purchase decision, there are certain factors you should take into account:
Size
If you’re planning to improve footwork and mobility skills, get a bag that can make a full rotation. Don’t overestimate your reach and end up moving the entire body each time you want to punch.
This is very inefficient and not beneficial to your training. The general rule is for the bag to be about an arm’s length away from you. Preferably slightly closer so you can hit it without leaning forward too much.
Style
Many punching bag styles can help you meet individual needs and decide what works best for you. You can choose from heavy, speed, or free-standing punching bags, among others.
Durability
Choose a punching bag made from long-lasting materials and with excellent stitching throughout. This way, it will last even through the most intense workouts. Common and durable materials include vinyl, leather, nylon mesh, and canvas.
Suitability
You should purchase a punching bag that’s the appropriate size for your height and weight. Otherwise, it’ll be challenging to use it effectively.
Price
Punching bags vary in price quite dramatically depending on their style, durability, and materials used. If you want a reliable punch bag, expect to pay at least $100 for one of average quality.
Make an Order for Different Types of Punching Bags Now
Are you looking for a punching bag that’ll help you keep fit but don’t know which one to choose? At Bushido Fights and Martial Arts, we have different types of punching bags for sale.
It doesn’t matter how far you are because we’ll deliver it just like you wanted. Shop with us today or give us a call for online order.
