Hitting a punching bag requires loads of energy and stamina. However it’s nicely definitely worth the effort: A complete-body exercise, it affords a number of advantages, together with a strengthened core, “stress aid, improved focus, and boosted self-confidence,” Dana VanPamelen, co-owner of Hit Home, a kickboxing health studio in New York Metropolis, says.
In the event you’re searching for a punching bag so as to add to your health routine, take into account the peak and weight of the bag. “If getting a standard punching bag, like a heavy bag, the overall rule is that the bag ought to weigh about half of your physique weight,” Chris Gagliardi, ACE-CPT, licensed private coach, well being coach, and group health teacher says. Inexperienced persons usually want a smaller, light-weight bag, whereas superior exercisers might require a heavier, longer bag. You’ll additionally need to take into account whether or not a freestanding bag or hanging bag is extra acceptable in your house.
To seek out one of the best punching baggage, we examined 15 baggage with instructor-led exercises in our Verywell Testing Lab. Six testers, together with a boxing teacher, accomplished exercises at three completely different depth ranges to judge the benefit of use, effectiveness, consolation, sturdiness, and worth of every bag. After 16 hours of testing, these are our prime picks for one of the best punching baggage in the marketplace.
Finest Total
Everlast Single Station Heavy Bag Stand with 70-lb. Heavy Bag Package
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Everlast’s Single Station Heavy Bag Package is an all-in-one set that lets you begin exercising as quickly because the setup is full. It’s additionally good for all expertise ranges, making it a straightforward selection for our greatest general decide.
The stand requires some gentle meeting, however the 70-pound bag comes pre-filled, and the equipment additionally contains gloves and hand wraps. The stand and bag are sturdy and durable, and we like which you can add weight plates to the built-in posts on the bottom to extend the stableness of the stand. Within the Lab, we observed that the density of the bag is especially good for newbies, and the set is constructed to final a very long time.
We appreciated that the bag was prepared to make use of moments after opening the field. And whereas it was stiff sufficient to take a punch, it is not so onerous that it’ll discourage newbies. Nevertheless, it is a bigger setup, so you may want an honest quantity of flooring house. It is also price noting that customers have discovered it is available in two separate packages when ordered.
Worth at time of publication: $319
Key Specs:
Weight: 70 kilos (bag) | Peak: 88 inches (stand) | Supplies: Metal, leather-based | Kind: Freestanding
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
Finest Freestanding
FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag
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Amazon
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Comes with boxing gloves
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Permits 360-degree use
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Simple to assemble
FITVEN’s Freestanding Punching Bag is simple to assemble and comes with boxing gloves, all at a budget-friendly value. Because of its 360-degree use, the bag lets you transfer all the way in which round it for a extra dynamic exercise, with a smaller footprint.
The bottom doesn’t come pre-filled. However we like that it may be crammed with sand or water, and that there are 12 suction cups on the underside to carry it in place. Within the Lab, we discovered that setup was easy after we adopted the included directions.
We observed that the density of the bag was excellent—not too onerous and never too comfortable. However we additionally famous that the suction cups got here free on some more durable hits, significantly uppercuts. These with restricted house ought to be aware that this bag setup ships in two separate packages.
Worth at time of publication: $200
Key Specs:
Weight: 205 kilos | Peak: 70 inches | Supplies: Artificial leather-based, foam, stainless-steel | Kind: Freestanding
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
Finest Finances
BoxerPoint Double Finish Bag Boxing Set
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Amazon
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Area environment friendly
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Adjustable peak
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Simple to fill
Enhance your timing, velocity, and accuracy with this finest price range decide that simulates a shifting goal. BoxerPoint’s Double Finish Bag is mounted from flooring to ceiling to supply a safe, space-efficient system for 360-degree use. And we love the totally adjustable cords, which let you change the bag’s peak to suit any ceiling peak or swap issues up between a number of customers.
Throughout testing, we famous that the motion of the bag is completely different than a typical heavy bag, and it takes some follow to get a superb exercise. We discovered that it was too difficult for newbies, because it tends to spring again shortly after every hit. However as a result of the bag is crammed with air, it’s very comfortable, so there’s a decrease threat of damage.
The set comes with hand wraps, an air pump, and a carry bag. So long as you do not thoughts getting used to this bag’s distinctive physics, we predict it is a stable purchase.
Worth at time of publication: $40
Key Specs:
Weight: Not listed | Peak: Adjustable; bag is 15 inches | Supplies: Leather-based | Kind: Hanging/flooring mount
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
Finest Heavy
Outslayer 100-Pound Punching Bag
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Amazon
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Material-filled
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10-year guarantee
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Density is adjustable
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Costly
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Doesn’t embrace gloves
At 100 kilos and 55 inches lengthy, Outslayer’s Punching Bag is heavy sufficient to face up to your hardest exercises. The bag is fabric-filled, so that you gained’t find yourself with onerous or hole spots like you’ll be able to with sand-filled baggage. We like that the bag has heavy-duty straps which might be sewn on (no want for noisy chains), and that it’s fairly sturdy.
We observed throughout testing that the padding felt good to hit, and we preferred that the bag did not swing round a lot after we punched it—not like Boxerpoint’s Double Finish Punching Bag Package. Since we knew the place the bag could be for the following hit, we discovered that we might put together and get higher photographs in.
Whilst you can take away a few of the filling, we famous that this bag is probably going a greater match for superior customers due to how dense it’s. However we do like that it comes with a 10-year guarantee. Simply be aware that you’re going to must buy boxing gloves individually.
Worth at time of publication: $240-$270
Key Specs:
Weight: 100 kilos | Peak: 55 inches (bag size) | Supplies: Material filling | Kind: Hanging
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
Finest Lengthy
Fight Sports activities Muay Thai 100-Pound Heavy Bag
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Amazon
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Simple to wash
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Comes crammed
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Sturdy
In the event you want a high-quality bag that’s perfect for working towards kicks and footwork in addition to punches, we advocate this extra-long heavy bag from Fight Sports activities. The bag’s further size lets you throw low kicks that different baggage on our checklist cannot deal with.
In testing, we preferred how sturdy and sturdy this bag was—it barely moved in any respect after we hit it. Because it did not swing round, we appreciated that we may very well be extra exact with our purpose and follow-through.
Constructed from robust artificial leather-based, this bag is simple to wash and may face up to highly effective kicks and blows. We famous that this bag may be very dense and heavy, so it’s a superb selection for kicking, however could also be too onerous to punch for some. The bag comes crammed to 100 kilos and has a heavy-duty chain for hanging.
Worth at time of publication: $200
Key Specs:
Weight: 100 kilos | Peak: 72 inches (bag size) | Supplies: Artificial leather-based | Kind: Hanging
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
Finest Human-Formed
Century BOB XL Physique Opponent Bag
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Amazon
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Sturdy
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Adjustable peak
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Simple to maneuver round
In the event you’d prefer to make your coaching extra life like, we advocate Century’s BOB XL Physique Opponent Bag. This freestanding heavy bag has a head and torso, permitting you to follow particular self-defense punches and kicks that aren’t at all times attainable with an everyday bag.
“This bag was sturdy and sturdy, in addition to simple to hit with a superb bounceback for newbie customers. I want it have been rounder for kicking, because it was considerably tough to hit,” our tester defined. “In any other case, I actually loved the form and its ease of use. I’d positively advocate it to a shopper.”
The physique of the bag is fabricated from high-strength PVC and crammed with urethane foam that creates a sensible feeling when punching. With an adjustable peak of 60 to 82 inches and a weight of 46.5 kilos, this bag is flexible for teenagers and adults of all sizes. The bottom might be crammed with water or sand, and our tester famous how simple the entire bag is to arrange, giving it an ideal rating of 5 out of 5 for ease of use.
Worth at time of publication: $420
Key Specs:
Weight: 46.5 kilos | Peak: 60-82 inches (adjustable) | Supplies: PVC, urethane foam filling | Kind: Freestanding
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
Finest Transportable
Aqua Coaching Bag
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Amazon
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Density is adjustable
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UV-resistant
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Distinctive teardrop form
Most punching baggage are crammed with material or sand. However this Aqua Coaching Bag makes use of water for punching resistance, which eliminates onerous spots. It is also simple to empty and transfer to a brand new location, which is why we chosen it as our prime bag for portability and journey.
We additionally love that this bag’s versatility, permitting you to regulate the stress by including or eradicating water. Whereas it fills in minutes, be aware that you’ll want entry to a backyard hose and a screwdriver to fill it. The bag’s teardrop form permits for every type of strikes and mixtures—together with hooks, straight photographs, and kicks.
Within the Lab, we famous that the bag is hard, sturdy, and really efficient for coaching uppercuts and hooks. We additionally like that it is UV-resistant, for Nevertheless, we additionally discovered that it might leak when it is crammed all the way in which up.
Worth at time of publication: $197
Key Specs:
Weight: As much as 75 kilos | Peak: 15 inches (bag size) | Supplies: Vinyl | Kind: Hanging
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
Finest for Inexperienced persons
Everlast HydroStrike 100 lb Water Bag
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Amazon
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Sturdy
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Finances-friendly
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Snug to make use of
In the event you’re occupied with attempting heavy bag exercises, we advocate Everlast’s HydroStrike Water Bag for its ease of use and affordability. This bag’s budget-friendly price is an efficient entry level for newbies, and whereas the bag might be hung from the ceiling, there’s a stand offered individually. Because it’s a water-filled bag, it’s additionally a bit extra forgiving when punched, making it snug to make use of.
Throughout testing, we preferred that this bag did not transfer round a lot. The HydroStrike is shorter than typical heavy baggage, so it is probably not nice for kicks, however we famous that the bag felt very sturdy and had a pure really feel when punched.
We additionally assume this bag could be a superb selection for newbies. We might additionally advocate it for anybody in search of to spherical out their different core coaching and coordination exercises, similar to exercising on steadiness boards, with some further stamina work.
Worth at time of publication: $150
Key Specs:
Weight: 100 kilos | Peak: 28 inches | Supplies: Plastic, rubber | Kind: Hanging
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
Finest for Small Areas
Everlast Energy Core Bag
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Amazon
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Sturdy
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Adjustable peak
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Compact base
This freestanding punching bag from Everlast is our prime decide for anybody who has restricted house. The bottom is compact and might be simply crammed with water or sand, and we like that the bag peak is adjustable. It additionally options an revolutionary switch ring that absorbs the affect of your punches to make it extra snug and improve the bag’s sturdiness.
Throughout testing, this bag didn’t carry out in addition to different baggage on our checklist. However we included it as a result of we love how space-efficient it’s—plus, it is easy to fill.
This bag doesn’t include gloves or wraps. However attributable to its small dimension, it will probably simply slot in any room, with house to maneuver 360 levels round it for an efficient exercise. The bag affords an ideal space-saving choice for residence gyms which might be already crammed with different health tools, like treadmills and elliptical machines.
Worth at time of publication: $230
Key Specs:
Weight: 250 to 370 kilos relying on filling | Peak: 54 to 65 inches, adjustable | Supplies: Tear-resistant materials, foam | Kind: Freestanding
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
Finest Sturdy
Ringside 100-pound Powerhide Boxing Punching Bag
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Amazon
Ringside’s 100-pound Powerhide bag is our prime decide for a bag that is constructed to final. The artificial leather-based cowl and foam filling are comfortable sufficient to guard your joints with no onerous spots, however nonetheless robust sufficient to face up to your hardest exercise.
Within the lab, we realized the bag is well-built, and we have been impressed with its general sturdiness. This bag features a chain and swivel for hanging, in addition to a D-ring on the underside to anchor it to the ground to restrict motion. It’s simple to arrange as a result of the bag comes pre-filled, and it is prepared to hold proper out of the field as soon as a bracket is put in.
It will also be held on a freestanding rack, however some customers have discovered that the included chains might should be shortened. It is also price noting that it would not include any gloves, so you may have to choose up a pair individually.
Worth at time of publication: $190
Key Specs:
Weight: 100 kilos | Peak: 42 inches | Supplies: Artificial leather-based, foam | Kind: Hanging
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
How We Rated the Punching Baggage
4.8 to five stars: These are one of the best punching baggage we examined. We advocate them with out reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These punching baggage are wonderful—they may have minor flaws, however we nonetheless advocate them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We expect these are nice punching baggage, however others are higher.
3.5 to three.9 stars: These punching baggage are simply common.
3.4 and beneath: We do not advocate punching baggage with this score; you will not discover any on our checklist.
How We Examined the Punching Baggage
To decide on which punching baggage to check, we first requested specialists for his or her opinion on which options set high-quality baggage aside. We spoke with:
- Dana VanPamelen, co-owner of Hit Home, a kickboxing health studio in New York Metropolis
- Chris Gagliardi, ACE-CPT, an authorized private coach, well being coach, and group health teacher
- Ediva Zanker, the co-founder of Grit Bxng in New York Metropolis
Then, six testers, together with a boxing coach, examined 15 punching baggage within the Verywell Testing Lab. Every bag was examined with three completely different exercises that included a straightforward exercise, a brisk-tempo exercise, and a high-intensity exercise. All exercises have been not less than 5-10 minutes lengthy and integrated higher and decrease physique strikes. The punching baggage have been rated from 1 (poor) to five (wonderful) in effectiveness, consolation, ease of use, sturdiness, and worth.
As soon as we rated every bag in all 5 classes, we averaged the scores collectively to provide you with an general score for every bag. We additionally thought-about issues like how secure we felt when utilizing the bag, who the bag could be finest suited to, and if directions have been included (and if that’s the case, whether or not they have been useful).
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
What to Search for in a Punching Bag
Kind
The phrases “heavy bag,” “boxing bag,” and “punching bag” are all interchangeable, and there are a lot of sorts in the marketplace. There are freestanding baggage that mount on a stand, hanging baggage that may droop from ceilings, aqua baggage which might be crammed with water, wall baggage which might be mounted to a wall, and velocity baggage which might be small and mounted with a brief spring.
It’s necessary to notice that every class of punching bag can have a number of types. For instance, FITVEN’s Freestanding Punching Bag and Century’s BOB XL Physique Opponent Bag look very completely different, however they’re each freestanding baggage. Ediva Zanker, the co-founder of Grit Bxng in New York Metropolis, says that the kind of bag you purchase must be decided by your meant use. “Velocity baggage are good for boxing coaching, heavy baggage are good for cardio, and aqua baggage are simply enjoyable,” she explains.
Peak and Weight
In the event you’re attempting to work on energy, Zanker recommends utilizing a heavy bag, like Outslayer’s 100-Pound Punching Bag. She notes that lighter baggage are higher for motion coaching, and that you must take into accounts what you’re attempting to attain to find out the best weight of your bag.
Extra superior trainees might want heavier, denser baggage, whereas newbies can use smaller, lighter baggage. Inexperienced persons ought to go for a shorter bag within the 3-to-4-feet vary, whereas extra skilled trainees might want one which’s 5 toes or longer. In the event you’re going to be working towards loads of kicks and footwork along with punches, you might have considered trying an extended bag with a bigger hanging floor, like Fight Sports activities’ 100-Pound Muay Thai Punching Heavy Bag.
Form
Most punching baggage are cylinder-shaped, making them sturdy, however bigger and tough to slot in small areas. For a more difficult exercise, attempt utilizing a human-shaped bag like Century’s BOB XL Physique Opponent Bag. In the event you’re searching for one thing extra moveable or one which’s simple to fill and empty regularly, go for a smaller, rounded bag like BoxerPoint’s Double Finish Bag Boxing Set.
Supplies
Search for baggage made out of heavy-duty, high-quality supplies. Though they’re pricier, baggage which might be wrapped in actual or artificial leather-based or high-quality vinyl are far more sturdy than these made with different supplies. Foam liners or fillers will supply a extra constant really feel if you strike. Ringside’s 100-Pound Powerhide Boxing Punching Bag is our decide for a heavy bag that is sturdy and may face up to common use.
Zanker additionally recommends paying shut consideration to your health objectives as a result of the fill materials might change from one objective to the following. She says that heavy, foam-filled baggage are higher for energy workouts, whereas aqua baggage (just like the Aqua Coaching Bag) are good for newbies or for lengthy exercises due to their shock absorption.
Stability
“There are some freestanding boxing baggage that transfer if you punch them,” Zanker says. “It’s inconvenient, and in the event you’re utilizing it at residence, it will probably scratch up your flooring.” In the event you’re selecting a freestanding bag, search for a really heavy base crammed with water or sand in order that it doesn’t transfer, irrespective of how onerous you punch or kick it.
Verywell Match / Nick Kova
Why Belief Verywell Match
As an authorized private coach and working coach, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, understands the significance of selecting the correct health tools. She is at all times researching and testing the most recent health and out of doors gear, instruments, and devices for her work as a health author and to advocate to her shoppers and fellow health fanatics.
Extra reporting by Jen Zeltwanger
Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified train physiologist and longtime health author. Jen has been concerned within the health business for over 25 years and has written articles and examined merchandise for quite a lot of health and wellness publications, like Sass Journal and Discipline Hockey Life Journal.
Extra reporting by Sarah Felbin
With over twenty years of dance expertise, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the most recent wellness analysis. As a well being and health author, she’s obsessed with discovering merchandise which might be of nice worth and that make life simpler.