Everlast Freestanding Reflex Bag – $59.54
Because it’s all about fit, and your clothes fit better when you fit in your clothes.
Eating right is only part of the equation. Exercise is key. And if you’re looking for something to add onto your cardio routine that’s not ten more monotonous minutes on the treadmill, give this a shot.
This is the grown ups version of those old inflatable bobo the clown punching bags. You hit it and Newton’s third law takes over. There’s a big industrial sized spring at the base that flexes, the bag and metal post go backwards, and then it comes right back at you. Punch it again, throw in a combination, or practice dipping and dodging the bag as it works off that energy you unloaded on it.
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It’s free-standing so unlike a heavy bag you don’t need to anchor it to the ceiling. They claim you can fill it with sand, but the way the base is designed that route would take a funnel and a few hours. Fill it with water instead. The few criticisms levied against it on Amazon have yet to turn up for me, and I’ve been using mine for about a month. Just 10 – 20 minutes after my Tues./Thurs./Sat. morning runs, and it’s completely broken up my cardio rut.
Feeling extra worn out? Let it hit you. Seriously. Not in the face or anything, but give it a good strong cross and let it come back and catch you in the shoulder or chest. Do that two or three times and you’ll perk up.
Look in your local sporting goods store if you don’t want to wait on shipping. Adjustable for height, but if you’re super tall it might not go high enough. You’ll need gloves too. Even though the UFC logos are a little hokey, these will do nicely
Got any other ways to break up the standard cardio and strength training? Leave it in the comments below…
Great find, Joe. I’ve been looking for a punching bag or something similar for months that’s affordable and doesn’t require drilling in the walls (I live in an apartment).
Is it pretty loud when you’re wailing on it? How far away do you have to keep it from a wall so the bag doesn’t hit the wall when you hit the bag?
*dipping and dodging
If you are going to buy one of these, please learn how to punch properly first. Your local boxing gym should have a free introductory class which will cover the basics: Keeping your wrist straight, not locking out the elbows, putting your thumb in the correct position. Badly thrown punches can lead to some painful injuries.
If you want muscle go to stronglifts.com, start their 5×5 program, and become a beast. It works. At least check their articles to make sure your weightlifting technique is safe and effective.
Another option, for about $20/month, you may be able to join a local park district boxing gym. That will get you 3 months, which is how long you’d use this punching bag before you use it as a coat rack. Either way, you’ve spent $60.
’bout 3 – 4 feet. Depends on how much you extend the bar. And as far as how loud it is, I don’t think it’s that loud, but if the walls of your apartment are thin, the neighbors might here it.
Gotta agree with Butch I’m afraid, (whilst usually my purchasing habits are worrying influenced by this website) having done quite a bit of kickboxing since turning 16, I’d love to have a heavy bag (or suitable equivalent) in the house. This however, will not do. Like they say above, join a boxing class.
Casual use after a run? Go nuts. But I’m afraid its strictly for scrawny types?
I shouldn’t prejudge of course. Maybe its a lot stronger than I think. I’m probably a more demanding user than your average Joe. (No pun intended 😉
I’m no boxer, but I wouldn’t call myself scrawny. Lemme quote from up there^ “And if you’re looking for something to add onto your cardio routine that’s not ten more monotonous minutes on the treadmill, give this a shot.” It’s just something to add to your routine. To me, and a lot of guys like me, a boxing class would be a waste of time and money if you’re already happy with your strength training and cardio training. I spend enough time at the gym and hitting the pavement on my runs. I don’t want to spend more time driving around getting to a boxing class. I just want something different and fun to use in the garage. This is it for me. That’s all.
Hill sprints and Starting Strength, FTW.
At least YouTube it, haha. Form isn’t terribly complicated, but doing it wrong can ruin your weekend.
If you want muscle, do the Stronglifts.com 5×5 program. It’s no-nonsense weight lifting and includes a lot of information on proper, safe technique as well as nutrition (for free!). Even if you don’t want to change your routine I suggest going there to review their technique articles. Most gym rats use bad form and wonder why they blow out their shoulders and such.
Agree. It would be hard to break your wrist or fingers on this type of bag since there is not too much resistance. However, jammed fingers, sore wrists and hyper extended elbows are easy to do if you don’t know how to hit or are not paying attention.
@Kris, I’m about to start 5×5, I know people who have had great success on it, and the information is all free, good recommendation.
For sure. I’m 3 weeks in and totally addicted. Before I was intimidated by squats, and now they’re my favorite exercise for how they test you each day. I also suggest looking up Mark Rippetoe technique videos on youtube. Mehdi’s instructions are great but Rippetoe gets into more detail and gives easy to remember tips.
Fair play. To be honest no one should be discouraged from what ever exercise works for them. Not doing any at all is the biggest issue. One which I am too guilty of myself. Criticising individual preferences is splitting hairs and of no value.