GUIDE ON CHOOSING A PUNCHING BAG

If you are a boxer or you just want to get fit, a punching bag can be an excellent outlet to vent out all that extra energy. However, there is a number of factors that you need to consider while choosing a punching bag. Here’s your guide to choosing a punching bag.

Quality vs Price

Budget plays a major role in choosing a punching bag. Though you may be tempted to opt for less expensive options, they may end up feeling like hitting a toy bag. By investing a little bit more money you can buy a bag that will give you quality and the feel of the real thing.

Filled vs. Unfilled Bags

The next thing that you need to consider is whether a punching bag is filled or not. A majority of punching bags come filled, however, a few of the premium bags are unfilled and require you to fill them. The best of the punching bags are the ones that you can fill yourself, as you will have the choice of the material to fill in to have the perfect firmness.

Materials Used

Another thing you should look for in a punching bag are the materials used in the bag. Bags made from genuine leather are the most expensive, but they are the most comfortable and durable as well. Synthetic leather is another popular material used on the outer shell of a punching bag. It is a little cheaper than genuine leather. Canvas punching bags are the cheapest, however, the material does not feel good against the skin when you punch or kick it.

Size

Size is yet another factor that you need to consider. It affects the weight of the bag. Bigger bags will be heavier while smaller bags will be lighter.

Shape

One more factor, probably the most important one, is the shape. Different shapes of punching bags are used for different types of training.

This information should help you out while buying your first punching bag.

4 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHILE BUYING A TREADMILL

Treadmill is the most popular gym fitness machine, loved by people all over the world. One can walk, jog, and run in the privacy of one’s home or in gyms. It is the best cardiovascular exercise for burning maximum calories and for overall fitness.  In the inbuilt monitors, the heartbeat, pulse rate, calories burnt can be tracked. In this blog, we will see the mistakes people make while buying a treadmill. This will be helpful to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

4 mistakes to avoid before buying a treadmill:

• Buying off-the-catalogue: Putting blind faith in quality and performance of a machine can cost you heavily. Instead, read consumer reports of the equipment first. The consumer reports give a clear picture of the products. Compare the prices, when making big investments to make informed decisions.

• Not preparing yourself and your home/space for the equipment: Your treadmill purchase should not be based on a whim. Prepare a space in your home to house the equipment first, and prepare yourself to use it regularly. Also keep in mind that you will have to deal with whatever repairs and maintenance the machine demands.

• “One size fits all” approach: Nothing can be more disastrous while purchasing a treadmill than this. It is important to check the motor (2.25-4.25 CHP), belt, and electronic setup before buying a treadmill. A 22″ wide belt and 60” length is recommended for tall runners with a long stride and 20″ width and 50” length for walkers. Track cushioning protects the joints from the impact of the exercise.

• Overlooking or forgoing seller and manufacturer responsibilities: Many of us, in a rush to own discounted and/or cheap treadmills, decide to give up on after-sale services. This is a big mistake. You must ask for onsite, after sales service for repairs and maintenance. Every treadmill model should offer a motor warranty of at least one to three years.

HOW TO PROPERLY USE A FITNESS BALL FOR YOUR EXERCISES?

For those who haven’t seen this “equipment” at someone’s place or at a gym, a fitness ball is a huge ball (about 14 to 34 inches in diameter) made of soft elastic. Also known as Swiss ball, it is helpful for those who wish to strengthen their spine. You may also use it for general exercise. In this blog, you will learn how to properly use a fitness ball for your exercise, because there are so many exercises that can be done with this one equipment.

Exercise use #1: Squats

For the legs and back, to be repeated 8-15 times.

• Find a wall.

• Stand with your back to the wall, and with the ball in between, in contact with your lumber (lower back).

• Start to get in a sitting position with knees bent at a right angle, and with the ball still between your back and the wall.

• Get back in standing position, trying not to let the ball fall.

Exercise use #2: Push-ups

For the arms and abdomen, to be repeated 8-10 times.

• Lie face-down with the ball under your belly, legs out straight, and palms flat on the floor.

• Use your palms to pull yourself ahead, rolling the ball underneath. Get into plank position, with the ball placed anywhere between ankles and hips. Keep your spine aligned – your ears, shoulders and hips should be in the same line.

• Do push-ups.

Exercise use #3: Balance

For overall balance, to be repeated 8 times.

• Sit on the Swiss ball. Place your hands on your hips.

• Place your feet on the floor, close together.

• Lift one foot off and hold position for 5 seconds.

• Repeat with the other foot.

There are many more exercises that can be performed using a Swiss ball. One just has to get creative with their fitness trainers and device a routine that suits one’s fitness needs.