What is a Heavy Bag?
A heavy bag is one of the most important components of boxing training. It is a long cylindrical bag that is usually filled with materials like sand or sawdust. The weight of the bag depends on how much material is filled inside it, and it will be firmer as well. Commonly known as a punching bag, it is made from a strong and durable material that doesn’t tear easily, no matter how hard your punches are.
What is the Importance of a Heavy Bag?
As mentioned above, a heavy bag is highly important for boxing training, and it helps you strengthen your fists which, in turn, makes you a better boxer. Firstly, your technique is greatly improved when you use a heavy bag in your workout and training regime. Since it has a cylindrical form, boxers learn how to target different spots on their opponent’s body and deliver each punch with proper form.
Moreover, using a heavy bag for your boxing training also helps you enhance the strength and power of your punches. It may seem that boxing is just about delivering punches and knocking out opponents, but that isn’t the case. Boxers have to build up their strength to be able to perform properly, and a heavy bag facilitates them in this regard.
Another reason why a heavy bag is good for you is that it enhances your stability and balance, and allows you to practice proper footwork as well. Since the bag swings back and forth while you punch it, you also get to build your reflexes and become more agile.
Last but not least, even if you are not a professional boxer or training for boxing matches, you can incorporate a heavy bag into your daily workout, or simply hang it in your room. Not only will it help you stay fit, but also reduces stress and keeps your blood pressure and other vitals at bay.
The History of Heavy Bags
Although boxing was a part of the ancient Olympic games, it became largely popular in Great Britain in the 18th century and the first heavy bag is known to be designed in 1872 by Simon D. Kehoe, who also registered the first patent for it. Since then, heavy bags have been a regular feature in gyms, boxing facilities, training academies, and even people’s homes.
You can also see the presence and use of heavy bags in all of the boxing movies that have been made in Hollywood, including the Rocky series and also Million Dollar Baby.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Heavy Bag
There are a few factors that you should keep in mind when it comes to choosing the right heavy bag for your workout and training purposes. Let’s have a look at the things to consider before buying a heavy bag.
Material
Heavy bags are made from different kinds of materials, and this determines their quality, durability, firmness, and lifespan as well. The common materials include leather, synthetic leather, canvas, and plastic. Out of all these, leather is known to be the most premium and durable material for heavy bags, whereas canvas is the least durable option.
Therefore, make sure to choose a heavy bag that is made from a high-quality material, so that it facilitates your training and also withstands all your punches.
Price
Price is another major factor that comes into play when you are considering different options for heavy bags. One thing to remember is that a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean better quality as well. You might be able to find much cheaper heavy bags that last quite long. While leather heavy bags are mostly expensive, you can turn to those made with synthetic leather for a more budget-friendly option.
Size
Size is a key factor in the selection of heavy bags, and you should look for options that are well suited to your physique and attacking power. If you get a smaller heavy bag, then it might tear easily or swing too much, thus being ineffective for you. On the other hand, having a larger and bulkier bag will also be counterproductive, since it will cause your fists to get injured very quickly.
When you are choosing between different models of heavy bags, a general rule of thumb is that the bag’s weight should be half of your weight. If you are looking to buy a heavy bag for general workout purposes, you can choose between options that have a standard size.
Height
Usually, heavy bags are mounted from the ceiling using a chain or a durable rope, which is why you need to know its height, as well as the length of the chain. Some bags also come with an adjustable height feature, which makes it easier for you to set it according to your height. However, if you can’t find a heavy bag with the suitable height, then you can opt for free-standing or wall-mounted options.
Fill Material
Another important thing to consider is the material with which the heavy bag is filled, and the common fill materials include textile scraps, sand, sawdust, water, and even air. Normally, you will find leather or synthetic leather bags in gyms, and they are usually filled with sand. This makes them firmer and suitable for developing your punching strength and power.
While you are looking for the fill material in every heavy bag you consider buying, also make sure to find out its level of firmness. It shouldn’t be very hard, because it would cause your joints to ache. If you are just looking for a heavy bag as a means of fitness, then you don’t need a very firm bag. You can also get unfilled heavy bags that you can fill yourself, according to the level of firmness that you need.
FAQs
Q: How can I make my punching bag heavier?
A: If you have an already filled heavy bag, then you will have to see if it has any room to add extra material. Normally, you will only be able to add more filling if the bag contains sand or sawdust.
Q: Can you fill any heavy bag with water?
A: No you can’t, because there are special heavy bags that can hold water, because they have an interior lining that helps them hold the water inside.
Q: Can you hit a heavy bag without gloves?
A: You can do this, but it is highly advised to wear your gloves before training, because without them, you are more prone to injury and bruises. Moreover, if you use the wrong technique, you may also end up breaking your fingers or wrist.