Advice for a novice needed - thanks guys

[cody5150]

Hey all, I have been reading for quite awhile and have a few quick questions. I am setting up a home gym and need some tips. I have some videos to help with technique as I am not trying to get great but mainly wanting a hobby thats fun and good for cardio. I just want to go about it the right way so I don't get the wrong equipment or hurt myself with inappropriate gear.

- What heavy bag should I get? (80-100 dollar range)
- What gloves should I get for that bag?

I have cotton wraps, should I get mexican style?

Any advice will be awesome. Thanks guys

[gregimotis]

Hey all, I have been reading for quite awhile and have a few quick questions. I am setting up a home gym and need some tips. I have some videos to help with technique as I am not trying to get great but mainly wanting a hobby thats fun and good for cardio. I just want to go about it the right way so I don't get the wrong equipment or hurt myself with inappropriate gear.

- What heavy bag should I get? (80-100 dollar range)
- What gloves should I get for that bag?

I have cotton wraps, should I get mexican style?

Any advice will be awesome. Thanks guys

I say cotton wraps are fine - the mistake people make is to quit wearing thier wraps after a while. You can get away with it, but damage to your hands is cumulative... you might sprain your wrist right away, or you might slowly tear up the tendons and things in your hand and get carpal tunnel-like problems and arthritis over time.

For fitness I would get a heavier bag (80ish lbs) rather than a lighter one (40ish). The lighter bag is perhaps better for developing technique, the heavier for pounding.

There isn't any reason I can think of to not get 14 or 16oz sparring gloves. light bag gloves will be cheaper but will also provide less protection (obviously). Stay away from MMA-type fingerles gloves, they are inadequate for consistent heavy bag work.


Learn to jump rope. It's a great warmup and a great workout on it's own - giving you some rest from the bag without giving you rest.

[MidSouthMMA]

man, the best bag i ever had was a 32 pound water bag that was slightly larger than someone's head. you can work those for a while before your hands/elbows get sore. a pair of real boxing gloves work great, but i'd get some ten ounce gloves (hookNloop).