Expert: Alan Kahn - 6/19/2006

Question
Hi, I want to hang a heavy bag in my garage but the ceiling is only 7 ft high (I'm 6ft tall).  Is this going to work and if so is there a specific type of bag I would be best off getting?

Many thanks,

-Gaz

Answer
HI GAZ

You could hang any heavybag in your garage, but it depends on how you will hang it. IF you will hang it from cross beams hanging under the ceiling, or sinking a large eye-bolt through the ceiling into a ceiling rafter, or hanging it from a wall or hanging it in the corner. Every method will have it's own advantages and disadvantages, but however you do it, you will want to use a short set of chains so the bag doesn't hang too low. Ideally, you will not be punching it up at the chain level, but down at least serveral inches underneath. And be sure the "rafter" is thick enough to hold the bag. A 2x4 stud will NOT do it. You want at least a 2x6 or thicker to hold a 70 - 80lb bag. If it swings into and hits a wall, you may want to reinforce or at least cover the wall with carpet or something.  

Any of the bags you find here would work:
http://www.ringside.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=2380

But another option might be a free standing floor bag
such as this one.
http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=24685

they come in several styles. But all tend to creep along the floor.

here is another link to some quality heavybags.
http://store.titleboxing.com/heavy-bags.html

Good luck with your bag hanging. Be sure to start out easy and make sure everything will hold alright, and your chains are adjusted evenly.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible