A few training questions...

[tdellaringa]

I'm a little confused on what bag to buy, with all the crazy choices. I just need something basic I can hit that won't fall apart. What's the difference between synthetic leather and real leather, water filled or not, etc? I was hoping not to spend too much money on this, but some of these bags are really expensive.

Also, I don't really want to pay shipping for something so heavy. Is there a good sports chain where I can buy one?

[RagingBullx5]

I'm a little confused on what bag to buy, with all the crazy choices. I just need something basic I can hit that won't fall apart. What's the difference between synthetic leather and real leather, water filled or not, etc? I was hoping not to spend too much money on this, but some of these bags are really expensive.

Also, I don't really want to pay shipping for something so heavy. Is there a good sports chain where I can buy one?

yes shipping is expensive depending on where your from or just in general. so is there any sports shops anywhere near you? usually theyll have bags you can check out. Id check out speed bags to, but take things slowly. you can also search for other online stores.

[BigSkinny87]

yea man either a good double end bag would be a great choice for hand-eye coordination, timing, and reflexes.

When it comes to heavy bags, water filled would be a great option because obviously the shipping will be cheaper, it's easier on your hands and joints, and has some give to mimic a shot to the body.

Leather bags are for the serious pounders, professional gyms, fighters, etc.

Title boxing has some excellent freestanding bags as well. The headhunter, which is spring loaded, and one other model I believe.

Look to spend $80-150 on a bag. and roughly $40-100 on quality gloves. your hands are important, you want good gloves that will last a few months.

I would personally avoid Everlast, as they tend to be about quantity, not quality.

[Fran@myboxingcoach]

Some real good advice here. Wonder whether I might add a couple of points.

• Double end bags are great. Just be careful to use it properly, that is no power shots, all fast, light shots with some nice head movement. I've seen many a sheepish looking boxer standing over a broken double end bag because they hit it too hard.
• You may wish to consider an angled bag. This type provides some nice options with uppercuts and hooks that you would normally get with a Maize Bag. The link below gives some advice on bags.
• The advice on hand protection is real smart. The hand wrap video below might help.
• A 30 minute session is quite short, but if you work it right you'll be good. Make sure you do a short warm-up, followed by a round or two of shadow. When building stamina, an option is to do a 15 minute round, slow and steady, but no breaks. On a timer that's 4 x 3 minutes plus the 3 x 1 minute rests - work right through. Do this a few times a week for a couple of weeks, then switch to rounds.
• Structure is very important. As RagingBull said, you'll need a timer. There are free timer apps out there, there's also a good on-line (free) one as well, if you can have your laptop nearby. Do a search on google on "free workout timer".
• Try to finish on some ground work, sit-ups, press-ups, plyometrics and so on. Then some static stretching.

Boxing Punch Bags

Boxing Hand Wraps

Hope this helps, Good luck mate.