How to Break in a New Punching Bag

A punching bag is an essential piece of equipment for any aspiring boxer because it helps improve your striking power while conditioning your bones and joints to withstand the force of impact. Because these bags are designed to take tremendous physical abuse, brand new punching bags are often rock-solid with no give and can result in sore wrists and arms. Fortunately, there are a few ways to soften up your bag without resorting to a baseball bat or tire iron.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hang the bag lower than you normally would at first. Most new bags are filled with heavy material that settles at the bottom, making the top portion of the bag significantly softer than the bottom. By hanging it lower, you can work the top of the bag where there is more give.

    • 2

      Take the bag down and lay it on the floor. Use it to practice ground pounding with leg and knee strikes to let the material inside sift, then turn the bag upside down and use leg strikes again. This will temporarily jar the heavy material inside back to the top of the bag, allowing you to practice normally for a few days after you hang it back up again.

    • 3

      Strike the bag with plenty of fast, light punches at first. The best way to break in a new bag is to hit it repeatedly over a long period of time. Begin with fast, light jabs before gradually moving on to more forceful power shots. This will give your wrists and joints time to get used to the feel of the new bag.