Punching bags come in a wide range of different styles, are an excellent addition to any home gym, and can facilitate many different fitness and training preferences:
• Heavy bags – Generally weighing up to 200-lbs, these bags are used to improve punching and kicking and are commonly attached to the ceiling.
• Freestanding bags – Great for practicing both punching and kicking techniques, these bags are portable and don’t require additional installation.
• Speed bags – Small and compact in size, these teardrop-shaped bags help to improve punching speed and are usually filled with air.
What size punching bag stand do I need?
If you choose to mount your heavy punching bag on a stand instead of hanging it from the ceiling, be sure to refer your preferred stand’s listed maximum weight capacity. This information can be found either on the product packaging or on the manufacturer’s website. Typically, most mid-range stands weigh around 80-lbs, and can support heavy punching bags up to 100-lbs.
What is the difference between heavy punching bags and freestanding punching bags?
Unlike freestanding bags, heavy punching bags are (as their name suggests) quite heavy and offer much more resistance when hit. These bags are usually filled with sand, foam, or water, and come in a wide range of sizes. Typically, these bags are hung from the ceiling and don’t take up much space. Alternatively, freestanding punching bags are positioned directly on the floor, and therefore offer excellent convenience and portability. Usually cylindrical in shape, freestanding bags are easy to set up, softer on your hands, and are great for low striking and kickboxing in particular.
What is the difference between striking bags and speed bags?
As opposed to a suspended heavy bag or striking bag, speed bags are not meant to be hit hard, but rather hit fast. Significantly smaller than a striking bag, speed bags are filled with air and are used to build up quickness and endurance, while striking bags are better utilized for strength training. Further, while striking bags are most often suspended from a ceiling, speed bags are typically mounted to a wall, but can also be installed on a dedicated platform, or even between a doorframe.
