Punching bags are a great way to decompress yourself. Whether you’re at the gym or come across one at a park, the first thing you do is ram your fists against the thing. And let’s face it, it feels good. Although, you probably don’t expect it to have other benefits besides helping let go of all the pent-up rage and tension. But guess what, it does!
Punching bags have myriad health benefits, from the obvious stress release of losing calories to the lesser-known coordination improvement. But there’s more, and we’re revealing them all.
So, without further ado, here are punching bag workout benefits that will guarantee you get a lot more done than just pretending to be Rocky Balboa!
5 Benefits Of Punching Bag Workouts
The great thing about punching bags is that their advantages transcend age and gender. Anybody of any age can benefit from working out with punching bags. It not only strengthens your body and gets your anger out but also sharpens your focus, attention, agility, and reflexes.
So, let’s take a look at 5 main benefits of punching bag workouts,
1. Increase Power and Strength
Punching bags pack a punch in boosting power and strength. Your muscles engage in a full-body workout as you land those punches on the bag. This dynamic activity targets the arms and activates the core and lower body, strengthening your whole body.
The repetitive nature of striking the bag conditions the muscles and makes sure those punches aren’t just hitting the bag but toughening you up, too. It is a simple and accessible way to make you stronger, and you don’t need a lot of stuff either, just your fists and a nice punching bag.
2. Boost Endurance
When you throw those punches at the bag, your heart and lungs work together, getting better at supplying oxygen to your body. This increased oxygen flow helps build your stamina, letting you last longer during workouts and other everyday activities.
Imagine climbing a flight of stairs without feeling out of breath. Wishful thinking? Not if you’re regular with your punching bag workouts! It’s like giving your body a nice tune-up, like a machine. So, if you want to feel more energized, punch away at the bag and gain all the strength you need!
3. Improve Coordination, Balance, And Stability
One standout advantage of punching bag workouts is that it improves your coordination, balance, and stability. Your body learns to work together in unison as you jab, cross, and weave. This boosts your overall coordination and hones your balance and strength, keeping you firmly grounded during this flurry of moving and shifting.
These benefits are not far-fetched either. Within a few weeks of training, you’ll start experiencing improved coordination and feel more balanced and stable. It’s your way of keeping your body united and in accord.
4. Burn Calories
Punching bag workouts deliver a double whammy of fun and fitness by helping you burn calories like the champ that you are! Each punch and kick you throw at the bag becomes a calorie-busting move, turning each sweat drop into the calorie loss you wanted. You’re building muscles and burning away those pesky extras. It’s the best combination you can have!
And don’t think the burn stops when you do, oh no, no! These workouts will boost your metabolism, keeping the calories burning even after you’ve landed that final punch. Yes, it can all happen by punching away at the bag you ignore at the gym. It’s your sign not to neglect it anymore!
5. Decrease Stress
You already know this, punching bags might be renamed as stress busters. When you unload your stress and tension with every punch on that bag, the physical force triggers the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones). These natural mood boosters help kick or punch stress to the curb, leaving you feeling lighter, relaxed, and happier!
The repeated thumping and fisting feels therapeutic, allowing you to have an almost cathartic outlet for pent-up stress and tension. As you let loose on the bag, all those worries of the day seem to melt away and disappear. So, the next time you’re feeling the weight of the world, strap on those gloves and let the punch bag take your punches while relaxing you in the process.
4 Tips For Punching Bag Workouts
Now that you know all the great benefits of punching bag workouts, we’re sure you’re all pumped to get it going on your next session! But wait up. Before you go thumping away, we’ve got 4 important tips so your workouts are always smooth, safe, and productive!
1. Always Wrap Your Hands
The most common injury from punching bag workouts is bruised or strained fists. This happens because the hands weren’t wrapped or secured properly. Always wrap your hands properly for an effective, safe, blood-pumping punching bag workout.
You risk your wrist and knuckles when you land those hard punches. Wrap your hands for added support and comfort, and punch away without injuring yourself!
2. Ensure You Warm Up
Kick things off with a good warm-up session! Warmed-up muscles are more flexible and less prone to injury. Do simple exercises like jumping jacks and light jogging for about 5-10 minutes to get your blood flowing and your body and hands ready for action!
If you aren’t warmed up and prepared for your punching bag exercises, you’ll be more prone to get injured easily. You’ll also be more fatigued faster. So make sure you’ve properly warmed up.
3. Practice Proper Breathing Techniques
This is something to help you before any exercise, so before your punching bag workouts, nail down your breathing. It’s a game-changer. Practice steady and controlled breathing to keep your stamina in check. Proper inhalation and exhalation boost your endurance and help you maintain focus during those intense bag sessions.
Remember to start slow and steady, and as you land those punches, maintain that rhythmic breathing rate. Of course, as you ramp up the intensity of your punching, your breathing will also intensify but try to keep it at a balanced and an even pace. You can also count in your head if you need to.
4. Train with Proper Technique
You must train with the right technique for the best punching bag workouts. Start with a solid stance, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and fists guarding your face. Focus on the one-two punch combo, jab with your lead, and follow through with a strong cross from the rear. Rotate your hips and shoulders for added power and resistance. Don’t forget to keep those hands up to protect your precious noggin.
To learn the perfect form and technique, watch tutorials and videos to nail it down. If you’re training at the gym, ask trainers for advice and form correction. Landing hard punches in the wrong form and using incorrect techniques can lead to serious injury and straining of muscles. So, focus on these properly.
Conclusion
There you have it! We hope these punching bag workout benefits were enough to get you excited! If you want to give it a go on your next gym session, be prepared by properly wrapping your hands, warming up, and practicing correct breathing forms and techniques. The last thing you want is to injure yourself on your first try.
Punching bag workouts are highly beneficial if you’re doing it right. It isn’t a crazy demanding exercise, nor does it have restrictions for age or gender. Anybody and everybody can reap the rewards of this powerful workout