The Best Punching Bag

Buying Guide

Boxing isn’t just a popular sport. It’s also great exercise. Studies have connected boxing to physical fitness, muscle flexibility and self-defense. But scheduling time to spar with an opponent can be challenging, and it can get pretty expensive if it means joining a gym and working with a trainer.

For decades, punching bags have been staples in gyms everywhere, including home gyms. Traditional punching bags hung from a chain in the ceiling, which made them a tough addition to a house. You’d need to find a dedicated space and an area of the ceiling strong enough to support a bag’s weight, which is typically between 40 and 100 pounds or more.

Today’s punching bag manufacturers offer different options. There’s the traditional chain method, which still may work for your home. But you might find it easier to go with a punching bag that rests on a base. This not only eliminates worry about ceiling damage, but also makes your punching bag more versatile. You can move it to a different area of the room or somewhere else in the house, provided you’re able to lift it.

The key with a base-mounted punching bag is that the base must be sturdy enough to support both the weight of the bag and the impact of your punches and kicks. Some of these punching bags ship with empty bases that you then fill with either water or sand to get the stability you need. A base will also add to the weight of your punching bag, which may make it tough to move around.

No matter which format of punching bag you choose, it’s important to look at the quality of its construction. You’ll want to ensure the exterior of the bag will hold up to repeated strain. The interior filling needs to be durable but also flexible enough to absorb the impact of your punches.

• Some punching bags come with gloves and other accessories that can serve as a starter kit. Consider the quality of any extras that come with your punching bag to see if they’ll be useful to you.
• Leather has long been a go-to surface material for top punching bags. It offers more durability, but it also feels more natural. There are other types of materials, like canvas or vinyl, that provide dependability at a lower price, though.
• If you’re limited on space, measure the area where you’ll store the punching bag and look for an option that won’t be in the way. Remember to take into account the 360 degrees a hanging bag needs to swing around. You’ll also need about 3.5 feet of space for your own movement around the punching bag whether it’s freestanding or hanging.
• Before you choose and place your punching bag, keep in mind how you’ll be using it. If you’re refining your punching skills, you might need your bag at a different height than if kickboxing is your priority.
• If noise is a concern, you can find punching bags that offer sound-absorbing capabilities. This generally comes in the form of foam filler. Sound-absorbing bags can be great for use in an apartment or a room next to someone working from home.
• If you choose a punching bag with a chain, make sure you’ll get all the hardware necessary to install it. You’ll also need to have tools on hand to do the work.
• Gloves are a go-to tool in boxing, but wrapping your hands can reduce your risk of injury even more. There are varying types of wraps, and the type you need will depend on the level of your workout. As a beginner, you might not need as much protection as you will once your punches grow more intense.
• Some punching bags come with bungee cords that increase the resistance and challenge you more.