6 Tough Heavy Bags You Can Knock the Heck Out of at Home (2024)

"I think the ringside bag is one of the best for long term quality," says Pegram. "If you buy this bag, it will last you literally for years and years and years."

It's genuine leather, and very, very thick. Sturdy and soft-filled up to 100-pounds,, this thing gives you some incredible resistance when you hit it. I've used this bag myself in many legit gyms, and it is a bag that I would buy myself if I had the space and ability to setup in my New York apartment. Which brings me to the problem with this bag, and hanging bags in general.

According to Pegram, most people don't have the setup to put a bag like this in their home. It's got a traditional chain design that you will have to hang, but it does come with a heavy bag chain and swivel included.

It's a little bit of a higher price, but Ringside is a great brand that offers long-term value. The synthetic leather brings the overall cost down and feels smooth enough to land softer punches without gloves, but it's still pricey. Like real leather, we also found the construction heavy duty and durable.

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The thing about freestanding bags is that most do not give you solid resistance the way a heavy bag does, according to Pegram. "Since it swings from the top instead of from the bottom, these things can be really interesting to hit. They swing a lot, especially if they're not secured the best." Meaning most freestanding bags might swing back and hit you in the face if you hit it hard enough. Unless you're throwing atomic punches, you won't need to worry about that with this 205-pound freestanding bag.

It's one of my all-time favorites bags to hit at home and a #1 best-seller on Amazon. At approximately 70" tall, it's suitable for punch and kick combos for novice boxers. A pair of gloves are included with the purchase of this bag, which we appreciate for saving time and money.

Dual absorbers and four springs between the base and bag not only deliver a good range of movement and fast rebound, but great shock and noise absorption, making it perfect for home use. For more intensive training with added resistance, users can minimize vibration by removing the spring completely. Beneath the base, strong suction cups work exceptionally well to keep the bag from moving on smooth and even floors.

At just under $200, it's not necessarily cheap, but seriously competes in quality, performance, and durability with bags we've tested that cost 4x as much.

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New to boxing? No sturdy ceiling mount for your heavy bag? No problem. This free-standing unit from Everlast stands up to a beating, and with adjustable height to make sure you can hit the sweet sport.

"This is one of the most compact punching bag options I've tested that can actually take a beating without taking up too much space," says Williams.

It can be hard to throw combos on freestanding bags like this if you throw hard because of how much they move, so you might have to be careful when you really unload a powerful punch or kick. However, it gives you a great base to start home training on a tighter budget.

"For anyone who just wants something to hit on and doesn't really care about technique too much, this is a great option. In general, freestanding bags are great for beginners," Pegram explains.

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We first demoed this package, which includes a stand-up heavy bag, floor mat, wraps, gloves, and trackers, back in 2021. Our verdict? This heavy bag is hands down the best freestanding punching bag we've used.

"FightCamp continues to hold up as the best free-standing punching bag I've ever used, almost three years after my first punch," Williams explains. "I keep it in my yard under a tarp, and it's just as effective as if it were in my living room. I don't always use the app to take classes, but any time I need to let off steam, I know it's there for me to kick."

The bag ring it sits on (a small circular mat with plastic rails connected by heavy-duty velcro) helps to ensure that it doesn't slide all over the place once the strikes begin to fly, a common issue with other bags.

The brains of the platform are actually in the smallest piece of gear included in the set, according to him. Users slot the tiny tracking devices into the provided hand wraps worn under the gloves, and the gadgets log every punch you throw during a workout via the connected app. (The trackers are not an essential to use the bag, though. It still works great without them.)

You can spring for a set that adds extra wraps and a pair of gloves, or this option that includes only wraps, trackers, and membership to the platform.

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This 80-pound faux leather bag is the runner up to the Ringside bag on this list and makes a great starter for any basem*nt ring setup. It's a good option for somebody who wants to spend a little bit less money, but still wants a good hanging bag. It won't last quite as long as the Ringside bag, but Everlast is a brand we trust for mid-range quality at a reasonable price.

It comes filled and with chain assembly and sturdy nylon straps included to make hanging a breeze, but it still requires at least two people for setup.

The special mix of sanitized synthetic and natural fibers feels seriously absorbent and took our heavy punches well, dampening strike sounds to make it practice enough for home use. Synthetic leather brings the price point down, and is reinforced with webbing for truly made-to-last durability.

One thing to note: We do not recommend this bag for outdoor use, so if that's your thing, opt for something with more weather-resistant materials.

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Made in the USA, this six-foot bag from Outslayer is a great solution for those who train Muay Thai or those who feel like they're always punching down on their traditional four-foot design. Some call this style a banana bag, according to Pegram.

Once we got a feel for its heft, we realized this fabric-filled monster is not for casual jabbers—only consider this bag if you're really set on giving fight training your all. Unlike sand-filled options, you won't experience sinking or hard/hollow spots over time with this bag. The construction and durability are also expert-approved (standing up to our beating impeccably). So good, in fact, it comes with a 10-year warranty to prove it.

"Because it is longer, you'll need tons of room to facilitate low kicks, high kicks, roundhouse kicks, or anything like that," he says. It's a great bag for those who need something more specialized, but it's also expensive. If you just want to practice kicks, you can find cheaper bags.

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Punching bags, similar to other home gym equipment categories with a flood of options, can be overwhelming to shop for. A long-lasting, durable bag is essential for anyone who wants to improve their strength, endurance, and technique in boxing, martial arts, or other combat sports. But it's hard to know which options are worth the investment.

So, whether you're new to boxing or a seasoned vet, let's dive in.

Training goals: Before you even start shopping, think about what you want to achieve through your training. Do you want to improve your boxing skills, increase your endurance, or strengthen your upper body, lose weight? Knowing your goals is a crucial launching point to start from to choose the right bag.

Type of bag: There are a ton of different types of punching bags, including heavy bags, speed bags, and double-end bags. Heavy bags are ideal for developing power and strength, while speed bags are great for improving hand-eye coordination and speed. Double-end bags are designed to improve timing and accuracy.

Size and weight: One size does not fit all in the case of punching bags. Heavy bags typically range from 60 to 150 pounds, while speed bags are much lighter, usually around 10 to 40 pounds. If you're tight on space or looking to hone speed, go for a speed bag. Otherwise, opt for a full-sized hanging or standing bag ranging from 80 lb. - 150 lb., depending on your fitness level. Don't be afraid to go heavy, as it doesn't hurt to buy something that can grow with you.

Material: Quality punching bags are made of durable materials that can withstand regular use. Look for bags made of leather, vinyl, or synthetic materials that are reinforced with sturdy stitching. Nothing worse than a bag tear post-warranty period.

Adjustability: Some punching bags come with adjustable heights, which can be helpful for people who are sharing the bag with others or want to adjust the height as they progress in their training.

Additional features: Some punching bags come with additional features like target zones, hooks for attaching resistance bands, and padding for extra protection.

Return and warranty period: Return and warranty policies represent the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. With most home gym equipment manufacturers, the better the quality, the better the warranty. In the case that something goes wrong with your bench, it’s important to know your investment is protected, so look for benches that come with a 30-day money back return period and at least a 1-year warranty.

Price: Punching bags can range in price from under $50 to over $1,000, so it's important to consider your budget when shopping. Consider the features and durability of the bag when making your decision.

You can find punching bags in a bunch of different weights (ranging from around 50 to 150+ pounds), and each weight serves a specific purpose. The weight affects how the bag responds when you hit it, and that, my friends, can have a significant impact on your training. We asked strength and boxing coach David Pegram, NASM, how to selecting the perfect weight punching bag. He gave us three specific metrics to help you choose an ideal weight to start your boxing workout on the right foot:

For beginners: If you're new to boxing or just looking to boost your fitness level, kick things off with a bag weighing between 60 to 80 pounds. This weight range offers enough resistance for a great workout while allowing beginners to master punching technique without straining the wrists. Going too heavy too soon can lead to injuries due to improper technique, trust me, we want to steer clear of that. Absolute beginners may also consider a freestanding bag, which is easy to set up and generally less expensive starting out.

"I think freestanding bags are the best for anybody who's an absolute boxing novice that does not want to bother with a setup or learning proper technique, and just wants to hit something," explains Pegram.

For intermediate and advanced boxers: Now, for those with some rounds under their belt and solid technique, Pegram recommends upping the ante. Think about heavier bags in the 100 to 150-pound range. These bags are your ticket to building raw power and muscular endurance while perfecting longer combos. Heavier bags are ideal for experienced boxers due to the added resistance of the bag. They don't want their punches going through the bag; they want the bag to push back. These heavier bags tend to be more expensive and require a secure hanging setup, making them better suited for serious enthusiasts that are willing to spend more for a quality bag.

Training style/purpose

As the name suggests, filled bags come ready to rumble right out of the box. They're pre-filled with various materials like sand, water, foam, or a combination of stuff that gives them that solid feel. The beauty of a filled bag is that it's good to go once it's set up. "It delivers that satisfying "thump" when struck, offering consistent resistance that's perfect for refining your power and technique," says Pegram.

Pre-filled bags tend to offer a more consistent feel throughout the bag, too. You won't encounter any lumps or uneven areas that could mess with your training. One drawback is that they are bulky and heavy, which can result in higher shipping costs if you're buying online.

"An 'unfilled' heavy bag is a bag that comes without any filling material inside," explains two-time Golden Gloves champion and trainer Ngo Okafor. "These bags are typically sold empty to reduce shipping costs and allow users to choose their preferred filling material."

The most significant advantage of unfilled bags (other than easier/cheaper transportation) is that you can customize the weight and density according to your preference, making it lighter or heavier depending on your training goals. "An unfilled bag is a blank canvas for boxing enthusiasts," explains Pegram. "It's an empty shell that you fill with your chosen material, whether it's cloth rags, sand, or foam."

The downside? Filling up a bag requires a bit of time and effort on your part. It's not overly complicated, but it might take some muscle and patience.

When it comes to filling a bag, the idea is to stuff the bag firmly but not too tightly, allowing it to maintain a consistent shape. Start by filling the bottom and work your way up, ensuring that the weight is spread out evenly. You can use a broomstick or dowel to help push the filling material into the corners and tight spots. The right filling density and material can make all the difference in your punching experience, so take your time to get it just right.

You can use a variety of materials like old clothes, towels, rags, or fabric scraps in addition to sand. "If you're using fabric scraps, old clothes, or rags, cut them into small pieces. If you're using sand, make sure it is actually dry," recommends Okafor.

You'll likely need to experiment a bit to get the right feel for your bag, and it might take some trial and error to find the perfect feel for your desired punching experience.

Pro tip from Okafor: For precise control over the weight of your heavy bag, he recommends weighing your chose filling material using a home scale. This step is optional (and can be a bit tedious), but is great to achieve precise weight.

When it comes to bag workouts, a warm-up is always a good idea. Gideon Akande, Men's Health Top Trainer and Golden Gloves champ, suggests perfecting your strikes on air with some shadowboxing before hitting the bag. Here are the basic punches you'll use on a bag, plus a warm-up to practice them:

Jab: A quick punch using your forward hand (left for righties, right for southpaws)

Cross: A punch across your body from the back hand (right for righties, left for southpaws)

Hook: A sweeping strike from across the body using either hand (not demonstrated above, but used in the other workouts below)

Uppercut: A punch upward using power from your hips to strike with either hand.

Warm up: Start shadowboxing by stringing together punch combos for 30 seconds to one minute. Strike for 3 to 5 rounds, resting for a minute between each one. (For an extra challenge, add 2.5 lb. or 5 lb. wrist weights for the drill.)

We asked Frank Mir, Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight, about his favorite bag workouts, here's what he said:

"Once you're warmed up, you should be throwing each punch at full blast."

He uses this demanding six-round routine to build mental and physical tenacity.

Clock each round at 3 minutes, resting 1 minute between rounds. With each round, you'll add one punch to your sequence.

Punches per round:

1. Warmup. Strike the bag at 50 percent with a variety of punches

2. Up your power to full strength and launch jabs

3. Jab, throw a cross, and repeat

4. Jab, cross, hook, repeat

5. Jab, cross, hook, uppercut, repeat

6. Jab, cross, hook, uppercut, body punch, repeat

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