Punching bags are used by boxers, martial artists and other athletes to practice punches, kicks and various combination moves. In addition, many people use punching bag training as their workout program. Punching bags come in a wide variety of designs, weights and sizes, so selecting the right bag is important for beginners.
Bag Filling
According to Boxing Depot.com, most heavy bags come pre-filled, while others allow users to fill them with anything they want. Pre-filled bags are usually filled with soft foam, but other options include bags that can be filled with water, feathers, wood chips or just about any other type of pliable stuffing. The lighter the filling material, the lighter your bag will be, while solid materials like chips or sand will be heavier. Water bags are usually the heaviest if they are fully filled, while feathers or soft filler produce the lightest bags.
Heavy Bags
Heavy bags hang from the ceiling and move slightly when you punch or kick them. According to Boxing Depot.com, 70 to 90 lb. heavy bags are the most commonly purchased, and these bags work well for adults in the 140 to 170 lb. range. The website recommends that larger adults or more experienced boxers look for 100 lb. bags or more. Additionally, light bags in the 25 to 60 lb. range are available as a good option for children or beginners.
Standing Bags
Standing bags are punching bags that are attached to a base unit on the ground rather than being hung. According to Karate Depot.com, standing punching bags are filled with water or sand, with water usually being the best option. When fully filled, most standing bags weigh about 270 lbs. You do have the option, however, to not fully fill the bag to cut down some of the weight. Karate Depot.com adds that standing bags are often a good option if you are kicking the bag as well as punching it because the bag padding runs lower than that of hanging bags.
Speed Bags
Speed bags are extremely light punching bags that are meant to be hit rapidly in order to work on endurance and speed. Speed bags hang from the ceiling or a wall unit. Some bags can weigh as little as 4 oz., and almost all weigh in at under 1 lb. Speed bags are significantly different from bigger bags, as they snap back and produce more motion than heavier punching bags.
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