Choosing the right punch bag for training is important for a number of reasons. Not only will the right bag help you get the most out of your workouts, but it will also ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable training experience. In this article, we'll cover some key factors to consider when choosing a punch bag, as well as five bodyweight workouts that involve the use of punch bags.
You may be asking:
"How do I know which punch bag to choose?"
Well, we've put together our simple, fool-proof checklist on how to choose the correct punch bag for you!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Punch Bag:
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Size: Punch bags come in a range of sizes, from small to large. The size you choose will depend on your specific training goals and the space you have available. For example, if you're working out in a small home gym, you may want to opt for a smaller bag. On the other hand, if you have plenty of space and are looking to work on power and technique, a larger bag may be a better fit.
A few other factors to take into account are the type of martial arts you're practicing:
- Muay Thai, Tae Kwan Do or Karate: Choose a larger bag (preferably 5ft) so that you can train low kicks, head kicks as well as knees, parries and clinch work.
- Boxing: You really only need a smaller (torso sized) bag, for ideal boxing training you want to go for 3 ft bags at minimum
- Wing chun, Kenpo and other traditional martial arts: For these martial arts a 3ft or even a 2ft punch bag will suffice.
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Weight: Punch bags are typically filled with materials like sand, water, or foam to give them weight. The weight of the bag will affect the resistance you feel when striking it, so it's important to choose a weight that is appropriate for your fitness level. For beginners, a lighter bag may be more suitable, while more experienced fighters may prefer a heavier bag. Its also important to note that heavier bags can cause injuries if you're punching them at an awkward angle so if you're just getting started with combat training its best to use a lighter bag until you've grasped and mastered the fundamentals.
Once you've mastered the fundamentals, there's no need to throw your bag away and splash more money on a new one. Just purchase our punch bag filling weights and instantly add weight to your current punch bag in a matter of seconds (and you won't need to empty or refill you're entire bag)
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Material: Punch bags are made from a variety of materials, including leather, synthetic leather, and canvas. The type of material you choose will affect the durability and feel of the bag. Leather bags are generally more expensive, but they are also more durable and tend to have a more authentic feel. Synthetic leather and canvas bags are generally more affordable, but they may not be as durable as leather. At Senshi, we use a specially blended material that allows you to keep your punch bag outdoors and use it for a lifetime. Our outdoor punch bag is lined with waterproofing and has a sweat and water resistant outer material.
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Mounting: Punch bags can be mounted in a variety of ways, including hanging from a ceiling or wall, standing on a base, or using a freestanding frame. The type of mounting you choose will depend on your specific needs and the space you have available. For example, if you don't have a lot of space, a hanging or freestanding bag may be a better fit. Luckily for you, we've got a huge range of mounting options available depending on the size or weight of your bag and how much time you want to spend fitting it! Take a look at some of our punch bag hangers for inspiration on your next set up.
