Punching bag?

[Lager]

So I'm trying to couple exercise with a healthier eating lifestyle...and since I'm not the gym type I would like to do this at home. Jogging is out - doctor's orders. So far I only have an Orbitrek.

This morning I had the idea of getting a punching bag as well to train with.....Does the size/weight of the bag matter? Should i get a lighter bag since i'm a beginner? Best deals?

Any other ideas you might have for me?

 

[HavocXphere]

Well swimming is the classic advice people restricted per doctor's orders. Cycling a close 2nd depending on the nature of the medical issue.

Punching bags - Don't go too cheap. The one I had tore apart one day after a solid punch.

 

[Fulcrum29]

It depends on the boxing/kickboxing exercises you will require. You can go Google the available workouts. The most important component to these exercises are the gloves. You will need gloves which are the right, weight, type, etc. I don’t train with my boxing gloves, but do train with trainee kickboxing gloves and my Harbringers. You can also consider wrapping; this is why I use my Harbringers.

Due to it being exercises I do not care about taping up, but it is recommended as it provides support. Taping up also allows your hands to be the boxing glove, otherwise it is a lazy exercise, also do a read up on this topic as it is important.

Read up on technique or your input will be wasted and you can end up hurting more than the bag.

 

[Grant]

So I'm trying to couple exercise with a healthier eating lifestyle...and since I'm not the gym type I would like to do this at home. Jogging is out - doctor's orders. So far I only have an Orbitrek.

This morning I had the idea of getting a punching bag as well to train with.....Does the size/weight of the bag matter? Should i get a lighter bag since i'm a beginner? Best deals?

Any other ideas you might have for me?

swimming
no impact, works entire body

 

[Lager]

Well swimming is the classic advice people restricted per doctor's orders. Cycling a close 2nd depending on the nature of the medical issue.

Punching bags - Don't go too cheap. The one I had tore apart one day after a solid punch.

Well that's the thing really...i have no idea about these things price wise, brand wise etc. Wouldn't know if it's cheap or weak brand...

 

[HavocXphere]

Come to think of it maybe buy a cheap one & accept that it might break in a year. Probably better approach on value for money. They're all going to be chinese specials anyway

 

[Lager]

Read up on technique or your input will be wasted and you can end up hurting more than the bag.

started watching some tips and technique vids this morning and it's not as easy or shall I say straight forward as one would've thought - the footwork, the balance, the upper body movements etc...if you don't get that right, your superdooper-hit-through-a-bus punch is worth nothing...much to learn.

My legs are also very weak I've realised on the Orbitrek yesterday. After 2 min my quadriceps were on fire....then i stop for literally 10 seconds for the burning sensation to go away and start again...stop start stop start...bloody annoying

 

[Lager]

Come to think of it maybe buy a cheap one & accept that it might break in a year. Probably better approach on value for money. They're all going to be chinese specials anyway

I see Makro has the Everlast brand medium bag (24kg) for R399

 

[Lager]

swimming
no impact, works entire body

don't live by the sea as you rich folks do ......also minus a swimming pool. If i had one that would be 1st prize

 

[d7e7r7]

You can always make your own using car tyres or other materials first to see if you enjoy boxing... http://rossboxing.com/2014/10/30/make-homemade-punching-bag/

 

[stricken]

Everlast heavy bag. Hands and wrists will hurt for a month or so then they will toughen up. Just strap your wrists properly otherwise you could damage them severely.

Nothing more emancipating (and tiring) hitting the heavy bag for 10 minutes straight at a time.

 

[Grant]

don't live by the sea as you rich folks do ......also minus a swimming pool. If i had one that would be 1st prize

1) for exercise you dont want to swim in the sea unless you are pretty fit and accustomed to open water swimming
2) there are public pools all over the city, and most are pretty nice. in summer, before 8am entrance is usually free. early in the morning the water is freshest & cleanest. swim a few laps before work every day - you may be surprised at how much better you feel for the day - apart from the exercise you will be getting.
3) home swimming pools are pretty much hopeless for exercise

rather go with a zero impact exercise - you joints will thank you in years to come

 

[Rocket-Boy]

Punch bags are great for about a week.
After that you will most likely never use it again.
Listen to Grant and go find a pool.

Why does your doctor say you cant jog?
If its related to heart rate then dont even think about a punching bag.

 

[biometrics]

Why not go for a long brisk hike? Also zero impact. So many options in Cape Town.

 

[Lager]

1) for exercise you dont want to swim in the sea unless you are pretty fit and accustomed to open water swimming
2) there are public pools all over the city, and most are pretty nice. in summer, before 8am entrance is usually free. early in the morning the water is freshest & cleanest. swim a few laps before work every day - you may be surprised at how much better you feel for the day - apart from the exercise you will be getting.
3) home swimming pools are pretty much hopeless for exercise

rather go with a zero impact exercise - you joints will thank you in years to come

mornings is out.
Also i don't want to go anywhere...must be at home. Guess swimming, though great exercise, is not gonna fly

Why not go for a long brisk hike? Also zero impact. So many options in Cape Town.

Too far to drive to get to a suitable spot...waste of time. must be at home

Why does your doctor say you cant jog?
If its related to heart rate then dont even think about a punching bag.

Knees won't last

 

[biometrics]

Too far to drive to get to a suitable spot...waste of time. must be at home

How about a treadmill, looks like they start from R1,500 on Gumtree. Or are you keen to learn boxing?

 

[Lager]

How about a treadmill, looks like they start from R2,500 on Gumtree. Or are you keen to learn boxing?

currently using an orbitrek, not really the same thing as a treadmill but it helps. Treadmill will mean running which is not that good for my knees (I'm top heavy remember?) The boxing thing is more about the quick movement around the bag + 'dancing' while punching now and then. It's not so much about learning boxing but i will have to get the technique right if i want to benefit from it. I also think it's an ideal home based option to get variety. A fast walk around the neighborhood for about 20min is also great.

 

[diabolus]

Another cheap home gym device is a rower, can get a full body workout with that (it is cheaper than treadmills but you can go crazy expensive) .. But alas as with all these goodies, must have alot of discipline to keep going. Rower works well in front of tv.

As for the punching bag, i have one of those that don't hang, it stands on the floor on a spring loaded pole, so it bounce back at you, definitely a big workout with kicks thrown in too. Just beware of the force it can bounce back....

 

[Lager]

Another cheap home gym device is a rower, can get a full body workout with that (it is cheaper than treadmills but you can go crazy expensive) .. But alas as with all these goodies, must have alot of discipline to keep going. Rower works well in front of tv.

So if i would be searching for this, is 'rower' the correct name? Sounds viable.

As for the punching bag, i have one of those that don't hang, it stands on the floor on a spring loaded pole, so it bounce back at you, definitely a big workout with kicks thrown in too.

think I'll prefer the hanging one

 

[diabolus]

So if i would be searching for this, is 'rower' the correct name? Sounds viable.
think I'll prefer the hanging one

Yes, rower is the term, here is a typical one at makro,

https://www.makro.co.za/sports-and-outdoor/trojan-colorado-360-rower-207681EA

What usually makes rowers more expensive is whether it uses magnets (very quiet) or a type of belt when applying force (much like you get with stationary bikes). You also get those that use water, but haven't seen them in normal shops.