by Joseph Yannuzzi Jr.

Created on: August 19, 2008   Last Updated: August 22, 2008

If your a little bored with your current fitness program and want to add some real excitement to your routine, you may consider buying a punching bag. The popularity of punching bags in home fitness centers is burgeoning and the benefits are awesome.

A good punching bag offers us the ability to increase coordination, hand speed, power, and endurance. It builds confidence and is a great aerobic exercise; and when used properly, works the entire body. It is also a great training aid for self defense.

Before you consider buying a punching bag, familiarize yourself with each one, design a budget, and select a bag that fits your room, and routine. The two most popular bags are speed bags, and heavy punching bags. Speed bags are used to develop hand speed and coordination. Heavy bags are designed to develop sheer punching power. Your purchase depends on your training needs and preferences.

A quality heavy punching bag can cost between $60 and $300 depending on construction and features. Some are freestanding and others require ceiling and floor attatchments.
A good bag will feature a heavy nylon exterior, with tear proof construction, and is treated to resist stains and mildew.

Speed bags or light punching bags, are much smaller than heavy punching bags and range from about $30 to $100 on the average. They are inflatable and can be purchased in leather or vinyl. Leather is usually considered to be the more durable choice. Some models attatch to the ceiling, while others are mounted on a floor platform that adjusts to your height requirements. Many speed bags can also be mounted on both the floor and ceiling, and the bag itself can hang at various heights for striking.

Whatever your preference may be, the addition of a quality punching bag can elevate your exercise program to an optimum level of fitness and endurance. Start punching your way to fitness today; the benefits will last a lifetime.

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