Expert: Alan Kahn - 3/14/2007

Question
hello Mr. Kahn,
I am very interested in purchasing a freestanding speed bag platform.
This might sound out of the ordinary, but i would like to show my talent by
hitting the speed bag at a pageant. I was curious if its possible to manuever a
huge piece of equipment to an event like that? Also is there any freestanding
frame less than 1,000 dollars? its a bit pricey on some websites.


Answer
Hello Ellyn

Hitting a speed bag at a pageant would be a GREAT idea! Some of my most advanced speed baggers are woman, and here is a video you might enjoy featuring Doris Degreen from the 1930-40 era. Amazing speed bag skills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_03KIDtZv9U

You can find several good portable units for less than $1,000.00

Try Titleboxing.com
http://store.titleboxing.com/title-everlast-heavybag-speedbag-stand.html

or this model
http://store.titleboxing.com/title-professional-freestanding-heavybag-speedbag.h...

The Problem You may have will be to keep the unit stable because of the lightweight board and single vertical pole. Particularly if you hit from the sides as I do. This will cause the single pole to "twist" with the sideways force of the blows. The answer is to figure out how to use stabilizer straps to attach to the board and floor pods to tighten and keep the board and pole still by tension. You can see that here in some pictures of my own Freestanding floor stand. (scroll down page at link below to see how I added luggage straps to the unit..)  

http://www.speedbagcentral.com/ssp/speed_bag_setups#B

Here is a video that shows me actually adjusting the straps and adjusting the unit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHH8-sHRaZQ

I took this unit to several sporting goods shows and did live demonstrations.  I have also done demonstrations on other companies freestanding frames that were brought to sporting good shows. You can see some on the bottom of the page below.

http://www.speedbagcentral.com/ssp/events

If you could work up a routine hitting to music, using the bag beat as a drum part to the music, It will ROCK the house!  The judges and crowd will come out of their seats.

try this:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69vDYk8NO34

(* notice the freestanding unit above. without the straps, the shake would make impossible...)

Good luck and I hope you set a new trend for whatever pageant, fitness or beauty, your are planning to attend.  

You Go Girl!  Set the standard, and be the first real million dollar baby. Me and the rest of the speed bag gang will be rootin' for you.

Alan Kahn
author of The Speed Bag Bible