Punching Bag Workouts

Punching Bag Workouts
Photo Credit boxing image by ann triling from Fotolia.com

Learning how to hit a punching bag is a vital tool for a boxer, but it is also very useful for anyone who wants to improve his conditioning, get stronger and lose weight. Hitting the speed bag can improve a boxer's quickness, accuracy and concentration. Hitting the heavy bag can help a fighter with his strength, power and endurance. Using a floor-to-ceiling bag is a tool that can help with accuracy and instincts.

Speed Bag

This is one of the top tools that a boxer has to use in order to prepare for his craft. The speed bag requires hand speed, quickness, great reactions and the ability to execute a plan. In order to start, you need to focus on hitting the bag in a circular manner with your left jab. You hit the bag as you bring your left hand down, then circle the bag by bringing your hand up and then coming down with it again in a repeatable pattern. As you get the rhythm down, introduce your right hand in the same kind of circular pattern. Your goal will be to hit the speed bag for 3 minutes, the same length as a round in boxing.

Heavy Bag Workout

Using a heavy bag is a true test for endurance and will help you build power in your punches. As you get more involved in boxing, you quickly learn that throwing effective punches is not just something your do with your hands and arms. Your whole body has to be involved in the process, and this is where a heavy bag comes in. When you throw a right cross, your shoulder needs to act as the fulcrum, transferring the energy in your legs, hips and rib cage as you deliver the blow. A left hook also is thrown with the core muscles and your entire left side. This can be exhausting, but it will teach you to throw rocking punches that can devastate your opponent. A heavy bag is the perfect tool for developing these techniques.

Floor-to-Ceiling Bag

The floor-to-ceiling bag is a somewhat advanced training tool that beginners may find difficult to use. A circular punching bag is placed on a large band that is stretched from a hook on the ceiling to a secured pin on the floor. When you hit the bag, it will rebound in any different direction and is not predictable like a speed bag. As a result, you need great reactions to hit the bag with each ensuing punch. You need to move your body to get it in a position to hit the bag with a string of powerful and effective punches.

References

Article reviewed by TheronN Last updated on: May 27, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments