Expert: Alan Kahn - 4/7/2008

Question
thinking of geting a free standing speedball - the one on a base that is on a spring. i dont want to get into boxing in a big way, just want to use it for cardio and building up a bit of strength, for a short time, a few times a week - sort of build it into my exsisting work out programme.

trouble is im also a musician and dont want to damage my hands.

is using a speedball rather than a bag going to do any damage to them if i wear good padded gloves and wraps? or should i just not bother?

Answer
Hi Gerry

I'm not sure exactly what "speedball on a stand that is on a spring" is, unless you mean one of the specialty punching bags like http://store.titleboxing.com/sbrb-u.html

For a bag like this, you will mostly be hitting the front of your fists, so any standard training gloveof good quality like the one in that picture will work.

here are a samples.

http://store.titleboxing.com/gloves-bag-gloves.html

UK
http://www.sugarrays.co.uk/shop/Boxing-Bag-Gloves-p-1-c-316.html

UK
http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/store/dept.asp?dept_id=150&sorting_feature=y...

Using the light bag you describe with well padded gloves will offer a great exercise with very little injury potential.  I would not suggest hitting a large hanging heavybag without some personal instruction, for the potential to hurt your wrist or strain your thumb is much greater on the big heavybags.  But your decision is a wise one and you can proceed with little worry.  But remember, that bag on a spring can recoil back into your face, SO, keep your eyes open!
good luck and train safely.

Alan Kahn