How To Use A Punching Bag To Exercise

By: JBTodd

Break Studios Contributing Writer

When your workouts start to become boring or you hit a plateau, find out how to use a punching bag to exercise. You can improve your stamina by hitting the bag on a regular basis. Before you start to use a punching bag to exercise, make sure you properly tape your wrists to prevent injury. Consider buying some bag gloves or actual boxing gloves as well. Experiment with your punching bag workouts, and increase the intensity as your joints become accustomed to the pounding.

  1. Start slowly when you use a punching bag to exercise. Even if you are already physically fit, you should always perform a thorough warm-up before you hit the bag. Stretch your arms and also your legs, since you will be moving around the bag at different times. Set a timer for three minutes, and hit the bag lightly for this first round just to work out the kinks.
  2. Rest for one minute after the first round is over. Do some more stretching and see how your wrists and shoulders feel. Make sure to stay hydrated so you can maintain your intensity. Once you are finished resting, set the timer for another three minutes. Pick up the pace for round two, and circle the bag as you practice your punch combinations.
  3. Get a feel for the soft spots on the punching bag. Usually the lower portion of the bag is harder, so stay away from that area until you are accustomed to exercising with your punching bag. Mix up your punches, and remember to move your head as if you were slipping a punch. Take another break after the second round ends.
  4. Use the punching bag to exercise a few times each week. Gradually start to add rounds as you become more fit. Hitting a punching bag to exercise is a great way to work off your frustrations, but you do not want to overdo it. Incorporate bag work into your weekly fitness routine and you will see the effort start to pay off.
Posted on: Jul. 29, 2010