How healthy is punching a punching bag?

Question

Is that considered an exercise? What muscles are you working? I'm thinking of getting one :-)

NotJustAnotherGuy · Accepted Answer

For your ordinary, doesn't take his workouts seriously, guy? You'll probably be just throwing straight punches.. so you'll be building your Pecs and Triceps and, depending on well you throw your punches, also your core.

For a more advanced person, it can be an all around workout. Shoulders (hooks), biceps (uppercuts), quads/hams (knees), calves/ankles (footwork).

It's a great workout. I really don't know why some of the guys are saying it isn't. It's a lot like jump rope.. if you suck at it, it's not a good workout. If you're good at it, it can be a great workout. Just takes practice. You have to get into a rhythm. So maybe they just didn't do it enough to know what they were doing..

You're trying to drive your fist, knee or foot through an 80lb bag... You don't think that's gonna get tiring?

By the way, don't get a 40lb bag.. too light. Try to be versatile and move around frequently. Punch the bag as it swings towards you (not away- it isn't a pissing contest, you're not trying to see how far in the air you can swing it)

Work in combos. L-rib, R-rib, L-rib, R-head. Muay thai clinch and knees. Circle and jab. Jab-jab-straight. Big hooks. Low kicks, and work your way higher.

I use MMA gloves. Sometimes none. It cuts my knuckles up a little bit, but nothing all that painful.

Definitely healthy. Definitely an effective exercise. Works most all muscles at the advanced level (excludes Lats and Traps, unless you take it of the chain and do slams :] ). Definitely should get one.

I've used 40lb, 80lb punching bags. And I've also used this guy:

link

I really like the dummy punching bag. Much easier to uppercut. Gives you some relative height variation as you switch from body and head hits.

Don't be lazy on the footwork!. Always stay light on your feet. Don't forget knees! And to build up your kicks. Wouldn't want to be like Stitch and not incorporate the legs. ;)

kheserthorpe · Accepted Answer

Punches come from the ass, legs and core if you're throwing them right.

That said, its more conditioning then muscle building. you'll build some, but its mainly endurance and energy systems work.

If you're interested in hitting stuff, join a boxing gym. Just do it man. I've done some boxing, if I didn't have to get home to my kids I'd be at one 3 times a week.

Fat guys walk in to them all the time. Just do your best, listen, and push hard.

For training with, I use my double end bag far more at home, for the record.

toulouse · Accepted Answer

I have one in the corner of my room. it feels really good, & it saves me from saying things I don't mean to when I'm angry. tho its a bit tricky , since the only person I have to be careful about saying things in the heat of the moment, is basically living in my room. (its a really big room. but still. a punching bag- to me- is a very intense& solitary experience)

stoopid_beachgirl · Accepted Answer

I highly recommend them not only do you get amazing cardio you work your arms and abs (if you stay tight) and your legs (if you squat) but you get amazing cardio while working up a sweat its fun and you can get out all your pent up anger.

rachiee · Accepted Answer

Its a really good workout. You work your arms (obviously) plus your abs mostly. Add in some kicking and you can cover your legs. But it can be a pretty decent cardio workout if you do it intense.

martyfellow · Answer

You work most of your upper bdy muscles and core muscles doing this.  But don't do this too much, you can damage your wrist and elbow joints.   There are better ways to strengthen muscles uless you need to practice hitting something for boxing or such sports.

WoIIie · Answer

Its cardio, and somewhat ineffective cardio unless you do serious drills. It helps with form and  technique if you wanted to practice kicks/punches with contact.

MeridiansAAngel · Answer

Ha, that's so funny I want one tooo! But its more for angry than muscles /: -A

Anonymous · Answer

I wouldn't say its excersize, it can help slightly with your cardio if anything

Xx_DRE_xX · Answer

Not much cardio but hey, a good stress reliever & practice for hand to hand combat.

Anonymous · Answer

It can give you some cardio and some uper body workout. It's not the most consistent thing in the world though.

How healthy is punching a punching bag?

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