Punching Bag Size Chart And How To Choose The Right Size
A punching bag is a great way to release stress and increase stamina. You need to look into various factors when buying a punching bag. There are size and weight issues. If you are looking to buy a punching bag, follow this guide as I talk about various punching bag size charts and how to choose the right size.
Types of Punching Bags
Let's learn about the various types of bags that are available first.
1. Free Standing Punching Bag
These free-standing bags are used for martial training as they provide a sturdy standpoint.
Features:
- Portable
- Adjustable height
Dimension:
The average length of this type of punching bag is 67 inches or 5 feet 7 inches.
2. Standard Hanging Heavy Bag
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The hanging heavy bags are perfect for smaller spaces as it doesn't require floor space. You can suspend or hang it on the walls or ceilings. These hanging punching bags can be used for hooks, straight punches, and kicks. So these are suitable for martial arts training, boxing, and kickboxing.
Features:
- Available in different lengths
- Doesn’t require much space
Dimension:
The hanging bag should weigh half your body weight. They are usually 28 cm to 32 cm wide.
3. Wrecking Ball Heavy Bag
Photo by Temple Noble Art on Unsplash
Boxers use this bag to train the uppercut. It is specifically popular among them.
Features:
- Sturdy hitting exterior
- Bulky
- Slightly swing
Dimensions:
These bags measure 30×25 inches. The standard weight is 60 pounds which can be increased or decreased accordingly.
4. Speed Bags
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As the name suggests, this speed punching bag is used for a quick and fast workout punch. It is used to improve timing skills among boxers. This one is also very common like the free standing and hanging bag.
Features:
- Air-filled reflex bags
- Spring to increase the bounce
Dimensions:
They are available in sizes 5×8 inches and 6×9 inches.
5. Uppercut Punching Bag
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The uppercut bag is the smaller version of a wrecking heavy bag. It is designed to help the athlete train at the waist level.
Features:
- Tie-down straps
- Heavy, sturdy chain
Dimensions:
The bag is available at 105 by 45 cm. The width differs from 45 to 30 cm.
6. Wall Bag
The wall bag is designed for smaller spaces. It is used to improve uppercuts and mixed martial arts.
Features:
- Thick upper section
- Wall-mounted brackets
Dimensions:
It is usually available in 32 by 16 inches.
7. Traditional Double End Bag
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This bag is the same size as a basketball, strung between two coils. This bag is used to work on reflexes. They are also known as Mexican double-end bags. I hope I don't have to explain the double-end part. This bag helps you with agility, reflexes, and movement.
Features:
- Leather construction
- Rubber bladder
Dimensions:
The popular sizes include 7 inches and 9 inches.
There are some other variations of punching bags. Read about them in this article from Home Gym Supply.
This article is exclusively written for MeasurementOf.
Why Do You Need the Right Size?
Punching bags come in various forms and sizes. There is no one size, shape, or weight that fits everyone perfectly. Every bag is designed keeping certain skills and segments in mind. The right size will complement your training needs and help you improve your skills.
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Factors Affecting Punching Bag Buying Decision
When purchasing a punching bag, consider the following additional factors as the most important ones.
Weight
The weight should be one of the first factors you look into. If you take a lightweight bag, you will not be able to throw punches. It will end up bouncing and moving in unintended directions. This might result in injuries, not to mention poor training.
The bag should be sturdy and rigid. It should move only slightly like the heavy bags. Again, don't go on buying the heaviest you can find. You don't want to injure your wrists and knuckles.
Length
Length is a crucial factor. The longer the length, the larger the magnitude of movements. People who are working to improve punches and kicks require longer lengths. Your body height should also complement the bag length.
Type
Each type of bag caters to a certain set of requirements. For instance, free-standing bags are a fresh option for improving kicking techniques. If your requirements are precisely kicking or related to such, this is the one for you.
For increasing strength and timing, you should go with speed punching bags. They also help with enhancing cardiovascular endurance.
Space available
There are also space concerns when selecting punching bags. If you have a small area, then a hanging punching bag is the one. They don't require space, just enough to hang themselves (pun intended). You will find the standing bags or heavy bags mostly in commercial gyms or at houses where there is a dedicated room for fitness.
We will discuss more about the weight factor in the next section.
How To Select the Right Punching Bag Weight?
After you have decided on the correct type, size, and budget, it’s time to narrow down the list to the right one.
If you have the money and space, then go with the heavy punching bags. These are great for working on your kicks and punches. If you are looking for something portable, go with free-standing bags. They don't need heavy maintenance and installation. They can move with you anywhere.
Image by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels
Another factor is what kind of exercise you will be doing. The body composition and weight of the bags depend a great deal on each other.
In the case of resistance training, measure your weight and divide the number by two. This will be the ideal punching bag weight.
Again, your punching bag needs to be lighter if you are working to enhance your speed and time. So, it can bounce back faster.
Take your fitness level into account. If you have just started working out, choose a lighter one to balance the weight. If you are fit and have been practicing for some time now, go for heavy punching bags.
Look at the handy chart below, keeping the weight and height in mind.
| Weight | Height | Bag Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 140 lbs | Up to 5’5″ | Up to 60 lbs |
| 160 lbs | Up to 5’8″ | Up to 80 lbs |
| 180 lbs | Up to 6′ | Up to 100 lbs |
Use our pound to kg calculator to find the metric value weights.
You must follow the resistance training weight rule if you are purchasing for your child. Divide their weight in half and you'll get the bag's weight. For children, inflatable bags are more suited. They are affordable and lightweight.
How To Select the Right Punching Bag Height?
Women usually take the 3 feet bags while men take the 5 or 6 feet ones. The punching bags are made between sizes 2.5 feet to 6 feet. Here's our feet to cm calculator in case you want to convert.
Consulting with a fitness expert to choose the right bag is a good idea if you are feeling confused.
Conclusion
Punching bags are great for cardio exercise. They have plenty of health benefits apart from the athletic point of view. Always jot down the intended use and expertise level before you go on to buy a punching bag. Remember you can always adjust the weight and size. So don't put too much pressure on yourself. Take a deep breath, follow the guide, and you will be fine.
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