Punch Bags: Static Trainers
Punch bags are static trainers which give ample scope for learning and improving one’s punching technique. They are sturdy bags hung at a specific point (hence the word static) and are punched repeatedly by the fighters in order to learn the tricks of the boxing trade. This kind of physical activity not only acts as a form of physical fitness exercise but also acts as a cathartic vent to one’s stress levels.
These punch bags find their extensive use in the areas of martial arts, combat sports and in military training too where the sportsmen can practice kicking and different varieties of striking maneuvers along with honing up and mastering their skills in punching.
Punch bags come in different types and shapes to suit the specific purpose it has to meet. They are given different names depending on the size in which they come in and also the mounting methods used. Most of these bags are either covered in synthetic materials like vinyl or leather or even canvas depending on the frequency of usage.
- Speed Bags: Are small and help the fighter to acquire various skills like honing up the eye-hand coordination, keeping his hands up and also learning to balance his weight on different feet while punching.
- Double-end Bags: Are also known as focus bags which help to master the skill of accurately hitting a target that is on the move.
- Maize Bags: Are used mostly in boxing training where the fighter learns to improve his head motion and can avoid the punch that comes from the opponent’s side.
- Pedestal bags: Also known as tower bags and as the name suggests they are mounted on a heavy pedestal.
- Heavy Bags: These are large cylindrical punch bags used to practice heavy-duty body punches.
And, these punch bags are often filled with sand, grains, rags or various kinds of other materials that suit the training stipulation.
Dave Toub is a strong believer in quality punch bags. Please check out one of my favorite punch bags and see the Punching Bags Pro homepage if you are interested in other gear as well.
