Expert: Alan Kahn - 7/28/2007

Question
hi,

i'm 54 and just started hitting a heavy bag and speed bag at the local gym
and i love it. i've signed up for a free boxing lesson at l.a. boxing here in
denver on monday. i'm not interested in boxing other  boxers but i am
interested in the training aspects. people who box tell me that it's the best
total body workout around. i'm physically active, kayking, mountain biking,
hiking, some weight lifting, lots of yoga etc. but now i want to install a heavy
bag at home. i weigh 210lbs. there's an 80 pound canvas everlast on sale for
about 60 dollars...is this a good weight? what else should i have to begin
training?

thank you,

dean

Answer
HI Dean,

Boxing is a great total boxing workout and that training will help you in many other sports. The 80-lb bag should be plenty of weight. A canvas convering is old school and most people now favor the more cushioned foam lined water core, but the old style canvas standard fill bag should work. Just be sure to wrap your wrists correctly and use quality training gloves when you punch it. some links are below

wrapping your hands
http://www.ringside.com/WrapYourHands.aspx

training gloves
http://www.ringside.com/boxinggloves.aspx?CategoryID=2368

other than that, follow your trainers advice on how to proceed with the home punching. Do not start out pounding the bag. start punching easy, and get your hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders used to the strain, impact and motions.

good luck and enjoy your boxing training.
sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible
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