Punching Bag

dmcforthewin
dmcforthewin Posts: 135 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Does anyone own or have owned a punching bag for fitness? I welcome any men to share their opinions, but would love for any women (like me) who might be able to share as well. Do you think it is a good thing to use for burning fat and do you enjoy using it? I'm assuming your arms would get toned, but what about other areas of the body? Would it work the entire body too? Do you feel it's a waste of money?I have never had one and I'm not sure if it is something I would enjoy long into the future. I know I would probably need to try one out to see, if I even like the activity. Thank you!

Replies

  • jayhschmidt
    jayhschmidt Posts: 32 Member
    I have one but I don't use it anymore. I felt like the thing was going to shake my whole house apart. Understand that this is a heavy bag and not a speed bag. It's also pretty hard on your joints especially your hands. you have to wrap your hands before every workout, and wear padded gloves. You can get a good workout picking it up on your shoulder and throwing it around like you would with a heavy sandbag, but as far as hitting it goes, the results you get are very dependent on your technique and your skill level and your experience.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Some like it, some don't, so i wouldn't recommend buying one without first using one for a couple of hours, to see if you'll use it long-term.

    It can strengthen some muscles, but consider it cardio. It's not a substitute for following a full-body strength program.

    Before using a bag, watch several tutorials on youtube to learn proper form & avoid injuries.
  • dmcforthewin
    dmcforthewin Posts: 135 Member
    Thanks for the great feedback. I am definatly not experienced. I will have to think about this purchase.
    jayhschmidt wrote: »
    I have one but I don't use it anymore. I felt like the thing was going to shake my whole house apart. Understand that this is a heavy bag and not a speed bag. It's also pretty hard on your joints especially your hands. you have to wrap your hands before every workout, and wear padded gloves. You can get a good workout picking it up on your shoulder and throwing it around like you would with a heavy sandbag, but as far as hitting it goes, the results you get are very dependent on your technique and your skill level and your experience.

  • dmcforthewin
    dmcforthewin Posts: 135 Member
    I didn't even think about looking at some tutorials. Good idea! When fitness equiptment stores open back up, after this virus, I may go pay a visit to see what they look like in person. Hopefully I will be able to find a store that has one set up as example for customers.
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    Some like it, some don't, so i wouldn't recommend buying one without first using one for a couple of hours, to see if you'll use it long-term.

    It can strengthen some muscles, but consider it cardio. It's not a substitute for following a full-body strength program.

    Before using a bag, watch several tutorials on youtube to learn proper form & avoid injuries.

  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 9,993 Member
    You need good technique and hand/wrist protection. You also want a proper heavy bag and not one of those 10-20kg ones as they don't offer much other than annoyance. A heavy bag is supposed to be heavy.
  • dmcforthewin
    dmcforthewin Posts: 135 Member
    I though about one of those heavier inflatables for adults, since they are cheaper, but that may not be the best, it seems.
    yirara wrote: »
    You need good technique and hand/wrist protection. You also want a proper heavy bag and not one of those 10-20kg ones as they don't offer much other than annoyance. A heavy bag is supposed to be heavy.

  • SnifterPug
    SnifterPug Posts: 746 Member
    (I'm female and fell in love with boxing 3 years ago.) Our gym has a floor standing bag. Initially it felt very heavy. Now I can knock it over (and have to position it near a wall so it bounces back to me rather than me having to keep picking it up). That might sound annoying but actually because you can get such a swing going on it you can practise ducking and weaving. I've also used the regular ceiling-suspended heavy bags. It's a different experience but also fun.

    Any use of a heavy bag is very much cardio and is very tiring. You will burn calories for sure. You will also use your core a lot if you are doing it properly. It has not done anything for me in terms of muscle toning as such, but it has inspired me to do a lot more resistance training and get stronger.

    Proper hand protection and gloves are vital. I use gel wrap gloves inside my bag gloves - I have used proper bandage wraps but they are a fiddle. If you buy gloves make sure they are fastened with velcro. You need assistance to get laced gloves on and off.

    I agree with the comments about using proper technique. I've been lucky to have super-picky trainers to do pad work with. It makes such a difference.

    It's such a bulky piece of kit that you really must try it out before buying. I adore boxing and bag work and seriously considered buying a heavy bag for home use during lockdown. But it's just not practical for me. I might consider a speedball instead at some point, but I'm just concentrating on other things for the moment.
  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    I have a heavy bag and a free standing bag (https://www.centurymartialarts.com/wavemaster-10162)

    I use the freestanding bag more often. I don’t really need heavy hand protection for it so it’s something I can incorporate into other workouts (or use on its own). It doesn’t provide the same resistance as the heavy bag, but for my purposes (and for the convenience of not needing gloves and such) it works just fine.

    I use it for punching and kicking so I guess that’s full body? I don’t know. I don’t really use it for “toning” or “fat burning”. I use it usually in a circuit type workout and I enjoy it most when I’m angry/frustrated.

    My overall workout program is very heavy on running (I am a long distance runner) with a fair bit of weightlifting and some circuit training And yoga mixed in. Bag work is one element of that circuit training.
  • dmcforthewin
    dmcforthewin Posts: 135 Member

    Thanks for all the info. It was very informitive and helpful. I'm not sure if my local rec center has punching bag type equiptment, but as soon as they reopen, I will for sure look into it. I would rather try it out before buying, as you suggested.
    SnifterPug wrote: »
    (I'm female and fell in love with boxing 3 years ago.) Our gym has a floor standing bag. Initially it felt very heavy. Now I can knock it over (and have to position it near a wall so it bounces back to me rather than me having to keep picking it up). That might sound annoying but actually because you can get such a swing going on it you can practise ducking and weaving. I've also used the regular ceiling-suspended heavy bags. It's a different experience but also fun.

    Any use of a heavy bag is very much cardio and is very tiring. You will burn calories for sure. You will also use your core a lot if you are doing it properly. It has not done anything for me in terms of muscle toning as such, but it has inspired me to do a lot more resistance training and get stronger.

    Proper hand protection and gloves are vital. I use gel wrap gloves inside my bag gloves - I have used proper bandage wraps but they are a fiddle. If you buy gloves make sure they are fastened with velcro. You need assistance to get laced gloves on and off.

    I agree with the comments about using proper technique. I've been lucky to have super-picky trainers to do pad work with. It makes such a difference.

    It's such a bulky piece of kit that you really must try it out before buying. I adore boxing and bag work and seriously considered buying a heavy bag for home use during lockdown. But it's just not practical for me. I might consider a speedball instead at some point, but I'm just concentrating on other things for the moment.

  • dmcforthewin
    dmcforthewin Posts: 135 Member

    Wow! You sound pretty into fitness. I'm assuming because of all you do. I'm a newbie to fitness, so walking on a track or park trail is big for me. Lol
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    I have a heavy bag and a free standing bag (https://www.centurymartialarts.com/wavemaster-10162)

    I use the freestanding bag more often. I don’t really need heavy hand protection for it so it’s something I can incorporate into other workouts (or use on its own). It doesn’t provide the same resistance as the heavy bag, but for my purposes (and for the convenience of not needing gloves and such) it works just fine.

    I use it for punching and kicking so I guess that’s full body? I don’t know. I don’t really use it for “toning” or “fat burning”. I use it usually in a circuit type workout and I enjoy it most when I’m angry/frustrated.

    My overall workout program is very heavy on running (I am a long distance runner) with a fair bit of weightlifting and some circuit training And yoga mixed in. Bag work is one element of that circuit training.

  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    Some like it, some don't, so i wouldn't recommend buying one without first using one for a couple of hours, to see if you'll use it long-term.

    This is an underrated comment for any equipment purchase. I have a problem with trying to buy cardio, which I fundamentally dislike. Over the years I've bought a nice everlast heavy bag & gloves on amazon, a spin bike, battle ropes, and a rowing machine, all with the aspiration of doing more regular cardio to improve conditioning and help a little with fat loss. I struggle to get anything to stick and not take a back seat to lifting, which I enjoy way more.

  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    dmcforthewin wrote: »
    Wow! You sound pretty into fitness. I'm assuming because of all you do. I'm a newbie to fitness, so walking on a track or park trail is big for me. Lol
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    I have a heavy bag and a free standing bag (https://www.centurymartialarts.com/wavemaster-10162)

    I use the freestanding bag more often. I don’t really need heavy hand protection for it so it’s something I can incorporate into other workouts (or use on its own). It doesn’t provide the same resistance as the heavy bag, but for my purposes (and for the convenience of not needing gloves and such) it works just fine.

    I use it for punching and kicking so I guess that’s full body? I don’t know. I don’t really use it for “toning” or “fat burning”. I use it usually in a circuit type workout and I enjoy it most when I’m angry/frustrated.

    My overall workout program is very heavy on running (I am a long distance runner) with a fair bit of weightlifting and some circuit training And yoga mixed in. Bag work is one element of that circuit training.

    Oh no! I didn’t mean it like that at all. So sorry. I meant it only that the bag is just one part of my overall plan so I don’t have experience in using it exclusively (or even as a primary activity). So I can’t really answer on my experience with it as a workout program (only because I do the other stuff more).

    I was sharing that the freestanding is a little more user friendly because it doesn’t require so much hand protection.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,042 Member
    As a Certified Kickboxing instructor, I can tell you that it takes a lot of core work because you use your whole body to throw a punch correctly with power, as well as kicking. With one leg in the air and the other as balance, your core keeps your upper body intact while you do that roundhouse or side kick. As for burning calories, depending on your fitness level, it's quite regular to burn between 350 (low intensity) to upwards of 700+ calories in one hour. I usually challenge anyone just to go for 3 minutes straight with a moderate intensity and see how you feel in that time span.

    As mentioned, correct technique, right equipment and a GOOD BAG matter alot.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • dmcforthewin
    dmcforthewin Posts: 135 Member
    Gotch ya! I do appreciate you sharing your thoughts about punching bag equiptment.
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    dmcforthewin wrote: »
    Wow! You sound pretty into fitness. I'm assuming because of all you do. I'm a newbie to fitness, so walking on a track or park trail is big for me. Lol
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    I have a heavy bag and a free standing bag (https://www.centurymartialarts.com/wavemaster-10162)

    I use the freestanding bag more often. I don’t really need heavy hand protection for it so it’s something I can incorporate into other workouts (or use on its own). It doesn’t provide the same resistance as the heavy bag, but for my purposes (and for the convenience of not needing gloves and such) it works just fine.

    I use it for punching and kicking so I guess that’s full body? I don’t know. I don’t really use it for “toning” or “fat burning”. I use it usually in a circuit type workout and I enjoy it most when I’m angry/frustrated.

    My overall workout program is very heavy on running (I am a long distance runner) with a fair bit of weightlifting and some circuit training And yoga mixed in. Bag work is one element of that circuit training.

    Oh no! I didn’t mean it like that at all. So sorry. I meant it only that the bag is just one part of my overall plan so I don’t have experience in using it exclusively (or even as a primary activity). So I can’t really answer on my experience with it as a workout program (only because I do the other stuff more).

    I was sharing that the freestanding is a little more user friendly because it doesn’t require so much hand protection.

  • dmcforthewin
    dmcforthewin Posts: 135 Member

    Thanks! After reading many of the posts, I'm not really sure if a punching bag would be right for me at the moment, after thinking about it the past few days. Maybe it's not the best thing to jump into. I don't know. I am actually new to doing anykind of fitness. I have always been a big sedentary person, except for work (I think sedentary is the correct word). I'm a newbie to doing any type of exercise. A punching bag routine sounds more for someone with power and maybe a stronger type person. Power,I don't really have. As far as what I have been doing since starting my weight loss journey in August, has been just walking an hour 6 days a week. Pretty mellow.
    ninerbuff wrote: »
    As a Certified Kickboxing instructor, I can tell you that it takes a lot of core work because you use your whole body to throw a punch correctly with power, as well as kicking. With one leg in the air and the other as balance, your core keeps your upper body intact while you do that roundhouse or side kick. As for burning calories, depending on your fitness level, it's quite regular to burn between 350 (low intensity) to upwards of 700+ calories in one hour. I usually challenge anyone just to go for 3 minutes straight with a moderate intensity and see how you feel in that time span.

    As mentioned, correct technique, right equipment and a GOOD BAG matter alot.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png

  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 9,993 Member
    steveko89 wrote: »
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    Some like it, some don't, so i wouldn't recommend buying one without first using one for a couple of hours, to see if you'll use it long-term.

    This is an underrated comment for any equipment purchase. I have a problem with trying to buy cardio, which I fundamentally dislike. Over the years I've bought a nice everlast heavy bag & gloves on amazon, a spin bike, battle ropes, and a rowing machine, all with the aspiration of doing more regular cardio to improve conditioning and help a little with fat loss. I struggle to get anything to stick and not take a back seat to lifting, which I enjoy way more.

    I think I agree with you. I dragged a crosstrainer around the world and finally sold it after not using it for ages. I had a heavy big bag and a proper stand. I did use it and kind of enjoyed it. However, what I enjoy most is bodyweight exercises, stretching (that's new, so no idea if it lasts) and just being outside regardless of if it's hiking, running or cycling.
  • SnifterPug
    SnifterPug Posts: 746 Member
    dmcforthewin wrote: »
    Thanks! After reading many of the posts, I'm not really sure if a punching bag would be right for me at the moment, after thinking about it the past few days. Maybe it's not the best thing to jump into. I don't know. I am actually new to doing anykind of fitness. I have always been a big sedentary person, except for work (I think sedentary is the correct word). I'm a newbie to doing any type of exercise. A punching bag routine sounds more for someone with power and maybe a stronger type person. Power,I don't really have. As far as what I have been doing since starting my weight loss journey in August, has been just walking an hour 6 days a week. Pretty mellow.

    It's certainly not something to jump into if it involves up front cost and bulky equipment (which it does) in order to try it out at home in lockdown. But I do urge you to give it a try when you have the opportunity. Maybe find a boxercise class once we are allowed in gyms again. You absolutely do NOT need power and strength when you start off. That builds as you carry on. My idea of exercise used to be mellow and I hated the thought of getting a sweat on. Then I tried it, and fell in love. You don't know if something suits you or not unless you try. The very fact that you are curious about it makes me think that you absolutely should give it a go some time. But in the meantime, stay well and enjoy the exercise you are doing.
  • dmcforthewin
    dmcforthewin Posts: 135 Member
    Thanks! You are right. I should at least try it out, when I have the opportunity at my local gym, since I have become curious about it lately. I appreciate all your insight.
    SnifterPug wrote: »
    dmcforthewin wrote: »
    Thanks! After reading many of the posts, I'm not really sure if a punching bag would be right for me at the moment, after thinking about it the past few days. Maybe it's not the best thing to jump into. I don't know. I am actually new to doing anykind of fitness. I have always been a big sedentary person, except for work (I think sedentary is the correct word). I'm a newbie to doing any type of exercise. A punching bag routine sounds more for someone with power and maybe a stronger type person. Power,I don't really have. As far as what I have been doing since starting my weight loss journey in August, has been just walking an hour 6 days a week. Pretty mellow.

    It's certainly not something to jump into if it involves up front cost and bulky equipment (which it does) in order to try it out at home in lockdown. But I do urge you to give it a try when you have the opportunity. Maybe find a boxercise class once we are allowed in gyms again. You absolutely do NOT need power and strength when you start off. That builds as you carry on. My idea of exercise used to be mellow and I hated the thought of getting a sweat on. Then I tried it, and fell in love. You don't know if something suits you or not unless you try. The very fact that you are curious about it makes me think that you absolutely should give it a go some time. But in the meantime, stay well and enjoy the exercise you are doing.

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