A new punching bag is regular and even, with little difference between striking at one area or another. If it's not, you should return your new bag for one that meets the standards of the industry. However, after months and years of hanging in place and getting punched, your bag will develop lumps in the batting that pads it. These lumps create an uneven striking surface that can lead to injury. Fortunately, it's not difficult to pound and roll those lumps back into shape, using the same forces that created them in the first place.
Step 1
Unhook the punching bag from its mounting loop. Set it in your clear floor space and remove the chains. This is much easier if you get a partner to help you move the bag.
Step 2
Roll the bag on the floor, back and forth, using weight and pressure from your body. This will loosen the larger lumps -- and eliminate the smallest ones entirely -- by redistributing the padding material that has bunched up over time.
Step 3
Turn the bag upside down and shake it in slow, forceful thumps. This will help move padding that sank back toward the top of the bag.
Step 4
Repeat step two, continuing to redistribute the filling of the bag now that the bottom packing has loosened further.
Step 5
Locate remaining lumps and roll them flat using your rolling pin or heavy dowel.
Step 6
Roll the bag once again to distribute the components of the last lumps you've broken up.
Step 7
Rehang your bag and test it out. Again, the hanging portion will be easier if you get a partner to help.
Tips and Warnings
- When removing your bag from its mount, or hanging it, have your partner hold the bag up as you attach the chain hooks to the mounting point. This is much easier than trying to hold the bag in one hand and hook it in with the other. If you don't have a partner, you can set the bag on the rungs of a step ladder.
Things You'll Need
- Rolling pin or heavy dowel
References
- Boxing Gyms: Equipment Maintenance and Tips
- Bill Packer; Boxing and Kickboxing Coach; Bad Company Fight Team; Albuquerque, New Mexico
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