Expert: Alan Kahn - 3/3/2006

Question
Hi Alan,
Thanks for reading my question. I consider myself a beginner on the heavy bag all though 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, left hook and a uppercut or two ect. 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 the 70 and 100lbs bags are the same dimensions only one is heavier so it's probably harder surface. No injuries in the least yet possibly from wrapping hands and using bag gloves. Do you have any advice for me on what to do? which ever I decide whether it's a 70lbs or a 100lbs bag it will be a quality one with a liner unlike the one I have. I know it's just advice but I would really like to know what you think...

David

Answer
HI David

Good to hear from you.  AT 6ft 2in and 175lbs I would recommend going to the heavier bag. If your hands are wrapped and gloved well, and you have no injuries related to punching, I would think the heavier bag would be better. It is difficult to work a bag that is really swaying too much, plus this also increases the chances of spraining a thumb or wrist. Go for the heavier bag. IMO, It will serve you better in the long run.

Good luck and train safely

Alan Kahn
author, The speed bag bible
http://www.putfile.com/speedbag