The Best Method to Make a Homemade Punching Bag

We all have those moments when we just want to lash out...but we know better, so we don't. A punching bag can be a great way for you or your children to get out anger and frustrations as well as build upper body strength. It doesn't have to cost a fortune, either. You can make your own punching bag at home.

  1. Find the bag

    • First, get a large, old canvas duffel bag (or potato sack) to fill with soft materials. To prevent knuckle pain or injury, wrap some foam around the bag.

    Fill the bag

    • Finding the right material to fill the bag is not difficult, but you want something that will provide the appropriate weight for your size. It can take anywhere from 50 to 100 lbs. of weight to give resistance when you punch the bag. According to Doug Werner in "Boxer's Start-Up: A Beginner's Guide to Boxing," a basic punching bag weighs about 70 lbs. There are several materials you can fill the bag with: sand or sandbags, kitty litter, old rugs, towels or clothes. Be sure to pack kitty litter or sand in big plastic bags to prevent spillage everywhere should the punching bag burst. Surround these materials with other soft materials, like clothing or rugs, to keep them evenly distributed. Add the weighted material like heavy sandbags toward the bottom of the bag.

    Hang it up

    • Securely close the punching bag with its zipper and duct tape. Hang the bag from the ceiling by its strap on a strong hook. If you have a high ceiling, hang a strong chain from the hook and then connect the bag to the chain to get the bag to hang at your level. Be sure you hang the bag from a strong structure such as a ceiling beam.

    Stay safe

    • Remember to use good hand protection when punching any bag. Keep children away from any punching bag when others are using it.