Although the market doesn’t lack options when it comes to fitness tools, now more than ever with all the technological advancements we’ve been through, a punching bag remains an excellent choice if you’re after building strength, coordination, and endurance. But this isn’t just about any type of punching bag we’re talking about – it’s the free-standing design.
Sure, the hanging bag design has been the traditional choice for long, however the flexibility, easily set, and portable free-standing punch bag turned into the new popular alternative. Boxing as it turns is a great workout that can suit a range of people, not just boxers and martial artists. From entry-level gym-goers into a good cardio exercise and home gym enthusiasts alike, all the way to those in need of a low-level exercise that’s good for stress management – this is the perfect way to get in shape.
What Should I Look for in a Free Standing Punching Bag?
With so many options in the market, available at different retailers from different brands, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To make sure you choose right, it’s important to consider the basics like:
The Punch Bag Type
Before moving on to the other specifics, it’s crucial to know the type suitable for you, your preference, and workout style you’re after. You’d come across types such as:
Traditional Stand Heavy Bags
If you’re looking for the heavy-bag feel without the heaviness to do some power punch training for boxing, kick-boxing or Muay Thai, then these free-standing punch bags are your go-to choice. They’re created for strength building, as well as high-impact training.
Speed Bags
In case you’re after building some precision, agility, and speed instead, then these are the bags you ought to look into. You’d recognise them for the narrow post with a spring or elastic base. Created to be of assistance with improving hand-eye coordination, as well as reaction time, they can quickly rebound after you punch them.
Versatile Bags
Anyone into MMA, with the focus on a multipurpose design, should consider the hybrid bags. The softer padding they come with is added with the purpose of allowing both striking and grappling for a range of training, including combat.
The Punch Bag Material
If you’re new to this kind of workout, and fitness tool shopping, material may not be too important – that is, at first glance. It’s a key factor to consider as it’s related to the bag’s durability as much as its feel, and strike responsiveness. In terms of popular options for the outer layer, you’ve got:
- Genuine leather – This is a more high-end option of a free standing bag, but the price you pay upfront more than pays off in the long run as it’s a material known for the durability plus the high-quality feel.
- Synthetics – If you’re looking for a vegan or an affordable option as opposed to the top-notch leather, you’ve got synthetics like synthetic leather and vinyl. Both are cost-efficient, and comfortable choices, though if you put them through heavy use they won’t serve you that long. So, you have to weigh in how long and how much you’d plan on using them.
- Canvas – While not the most comfortable choice, especially for bare hands, it’s an eco-friendly option that also happens to be very resilient.
In terms of popular options for the inner layer, you can choose from:
- Regular foam, which is a choice added to most options for the impact absorption as well as injury minimisation.
- However, if you need more resistance for more high-impact training, then consider the high-density foam counterpart.
The Punch Bag Stability
As this isn’t the traditional hanging bag, you need all the stability you can get to make the most of this workout tool. In terms of popular choices, you’ve got:
- The water-filled base – As indicated by the name, this type of freestanding punching bags has a base that’s filled with water. It’s a practical design because you can easily fill and drain the water as needed.
- The sand-filled base – This is a design that offers even more stability as it’s a heavier alternative, which could be considered as its drawback too if you’re after a more lightweight product that’s easy to move, or fit for light punches and kicks.
- The hybrid base – There are those designs that allow you to make the most of both water and sand to get the stability you’re after.
The Punch Bag Adjustability
Adjustability is a property that’s useful and needed especially if more people would be training with the same punch bag tool, whether in a personal or commercial gym. A bag that provides you with the chance to change the height from 120 cm up to 180 cm is beneficial for people ranging in heights. If it’s only you who’d be using it, then you could do with the fixed-height design if you already know your striking height, and know what you’re looking for in a bag.
The Punch Bag Portability
In case you’d be moving it often, or you’d be travelling with it, you need to make sure your chosen bag offers utmost portability and easy storage. Focus on finding one with neat features like lightweight bases, or even one with wheels to make for easy moving.