Punch Bags:  Fitness for Purpose

Punch bags aren’t what they used to be.  Once viewed narrowly as boxing equipment, today’s punch bags are designed for a variety of focuses, including aerobics, stress relief, and martial arts training equipment.  Selecting the correct product for your needs requires some knowledge of the different types of punch bag designs that are available.

Three characteristics define a punch bag’s design:

• Hanging vs. Free Standing
• Material
• Purpose

Hanging or Free Standing Punch Bags

A few decades ago, owning a punching bag almost always required the ability to mount it from your ceiling.  Hanging bags have the advantage of allowing the user to stand as closely as possible to the bag (when practicing inside fighting or dirty boxing, for instance), but require mounting brackets and a bit of installation work.  Some bags are so heavy that the only way to safely mount them is from a joist, an option that is not always available.

More recently manufacturers have offered free standing punch bags.  The advantage of these types of bags is that there is no installation and virtually no limitation as to where they can be used.  The only real drawback to a free standing punching bag is that they can slide away from the user if placed on a slick surface.  This can be avoided by choosing an appropriately weighted bag and placing it on a mat.  Free standing punch bags are popular for home use and are often used as martial arts training equipment because their striking surface allows for both kicking and punching.

Punch Bag Material

Punch bags respond differently based both on the material used to manufacture the shell of the bag and the material used to fill the inside.

Punching bag shells are generally made of leather, synthetic leather, or canvas.  Of the three, leather is the most expensive choice.  Its durability and soft, classic feel makes it a popular choice among traditionalists.  Leather requires more care and maintenance than other types of material.

Synthetic leather punching bags have gained in popularity as technology has improved both their feel and durability.  Synthetic punch bags are mildew resistant and easy to clean with a cloth and water.

Canvas is a low-cost alternative that works well if your bag is going to be located outdoors because it holds up well to water.  Because of its abrasiveness, gloves should always be worn when using canvas punching bags.

Punching bags can be filled with a variety of materials including sand, cotton remains, sawdust, shredder fiber, shredded rubber, water, old rags, and foam.  The best punching bag filler for an individual is largely a matter of preference.  In any case, you’ll want enough resistance to prevent your limbs from sinking into the striking surface, but enough shock absorption to avoid injury.  Beginners should use a lower density material than more advanced individuals.

Punch Bag Purpose

Different types of punch bags are designed with different purposes in mind.  There are 5 basic designs that you may consider depending on your specific needs.

• Speed Bags
• Double-end bags
• Heavy bags
• Pedestal Bags
• Body Opponent Bags

A speed bag is a small, round shaped bag that is mounted slightly above the individual’s head so that the bag is roughly at eye level.  Speed bags are designed to develop speed, timing, and hand-eye coordination.

A double-end bag is a small, round shaped bag that is secured at two ends by elastic straps that cause the bag to bounce when struck.  Double-end bags help to develop accuracy, timing, and hand-eye coordination

Heavy bags are long, cylindrical hanging bags that are used to develop striking power.  They are used primarily for hand and elbow strikes, but can also be used to develop power in high and medium leg strikes.

Pedestal bags are similar to heavy bags except that they are free standing punching bags attached to a heavy base.  They are used for developing striking power and are popular with those who also want to practice kicks.  Lighter, air-filled versions are used in aerobics and aerobic-centered martial arts such as Tae Bo.

Body Opponent Bags are the next generation of punch bags.  Partly due to the rising popularity of mixed martial arts, body opponent bags can be found in nearly any martial arts shop.  Shaped like a human torso and head, body opponent bags provide realistic striking angles for use in practicing upper cuts, elbow strikes, hooks, and other precision strikes.

Copyright Pad-Up.com October 2007