Expert: Lian Shoemake - 2/28/2006

Question
Hi Lian,
Thanks for reading my question.  I consider myself a beginner on the heavy bag but have been pounding on it for a number of years and have a huge interest in it. My question is I have a 70lbs bag and it seems after a couple of jabs a right and a left hook and a uppercut or two you can really get that hanging bag to swing like crazy, I am 175lbs and 6'2" and want to buy a 100lbs bag to limit the swinging thing but I wounder if my fists and joints will be more at risk being that both 70 and 100lbs bags are the same demensions only one is heavier so it's probably harder or tougher bag. No injuries in the least yet. Do you have any advice for me on what to do? and I know it's just advice but really like to know what you think...

David

Answer
Hi David,

Thanks for the question.
I'm very reticent to answer any question that has a medical aspect to it, so I'll start by saying that if you have any concerns about your fists or joints, you should check things out with your physician before you hit a bag of any size.

The swing of a heavy bag can be dealt with in several ways, such as having a helper hold the bag for you, or buying a double-ended bag that is secured at both the top and bottom. There are also heavy bags that are attached to a wide base that don't swing at all.

You could check out a site such as www.everlast.com and see which types of bags might meet your needs. There are also videos available that can be instructive as to the proper way to punch a heavy bag; you might be able to find those at the Everlast site as well.

I hope this is useful, David.
Thanks again for writing.

Regards,
Lian