Buying Punching Bags in Singapore – Tips and Suggestions

Increasing popularity of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and boxing has made the punching bag a high-selling item. People are getting more aware of the health benefits of using them. A punching bag is the only tool that provides a cardio and strength workout at the same time. It not only pushes your body to apply more strength in punches and kicks but also revs up your heartbeat and creates a balanced workout.

In order to maintain a right posture, you have to move your full body and balance yourself. Each time you kick you lose your balance and you have to achieve it again to come back to the previous position. This also activates your core muscles and improves body balance.

Punching bags come in a variety of sizes and weight categories and choosing the correct one depends on your height, body weight, and training level. One should consider these factors while buying a punching bag.

Type of bag: The weight of the punching bag is an important aspect. It determines the level of the resistance it can offer. A lightweight punching bag is good for beginners but as they grow in strength and advance through their training, the kickback and the resistance will reduce. A heavy weight bag is always good and is a must for professionals and fitness enthusiasts. It will not only offer more resistance but also is good for long term usage. A heavy bag offers more resistance and gives a more conditioned workout. Of course, the choice of the bag depends on the user, but a heavy bag is always better than other options.

Filling: The filling of the bag also determines the resistance it will provide. Some brands provide a sand filling where some provide foam filling. Sand filling is always better than the foam ones as it can absorb more force and does not cause the bag to sway as much. The only disadvantage that sand filling has is that it sinks and settles down at the bottom making the bag heavier at the bottom and stiffer. This can be resolved by occasionally taking the punching bag off its harness and rolling it on a flat floor for a few minutes.

Brand and Price: Choosing the right brand is also important. You should choose the brand that not only has the popularity but also delivers the best quality. The price of the punching bag will depend on the quality and material of the bag. Leather and canvas bags are always a favourite choice as they are long lasting and provide a good matte surface. Avoid synthetic and glossy covers as they may cause your hand or leg to slip, potentially leading to severe injury.

3 Tips to Consider When Using an Online Fitness Store for Fitness Equipment in Singapore

It is hard for the fitness enthusiasts to stay away from their fitness routine. For them it is not just about being fit. It becomes their lifestyle and exerts itself as a passion. On the other hand, there are people for whom fitness becomes a necessity because of their health issues and poor lifestyle choices they once made.

Buying fitness equipment online can be confusing as there are too many brands and different types available in the market. But considering some aspects might help you in choosing the right product in your budget.

Budget: Deciding a decent budget is the key to buying the desired product. You should definitely decide on your budget as but try to keep it a little flexible. This is so that you can easily increase or decrease it if you find a particular product or feature that you like. You may also be able to save on others and find room to include new equipment that you had skipped when planning your setup.

Research: Before choosing any sports equipment, narrow down your search and shortlist the brands that are not only popular but also deliver good product quality and after-sales services. Narrowing down your search will prevent you from entering into a state of confusion. Plus, read consumer reviews about the products and the brands on the shopping website. This will give you a good idea about the products’ performance and quality. Also, check out the company’s warranty and guarantee policies and maintenance network and services. This reflects on their quality because after-sales service is also an integral part of package and indicative of a good brand image.

Product Information: When you are sure about the brand, check the product information for everything you are looking to buy. It will inform you about how you should use the product and its maintenance. You can learn about the extensions and attachments that can be bought with a product. Depending on the cost and your needs, you can buy them at the same time or in the future. This will allow you to enhance the scope of your workout so that when you are want to step up the routine or add more exercises. You also do not have to look for other equipment and just buy some attachments, saving money and space in your home or gym.

Ways to Exercise with a Foam Roller for a Stronger Body

Foam rollers are amazing at relieving stress. Foam rolling significantly increases the range of motion and the combination of static stretching while leading to flexible body movements. It helps strengthen the body by leaps and bounds. One becomes less susceptible to injuries as the body muscles become less tight. The deep compression of self-myofascial release allows normal blood flow to return and promote the restoration of healthy tissue.

Here are some ways to exercise with a foam roller to get fitter and stronger:

 

Upper Back

Rest your back against the broad side of a roller positioned underneath your shoulder blades. Bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor. Lift your butt and place your hands behind your head, or cross your arms over your chest. While keeping the core muscles tight, slowly roll forward and backward so that the roller moves up and down between the middle of your back and the top of your shoulder blades.

Latissimus Dorsi

Lie on your right side with your right arm extended parallel to the floor and the roller directly under your right armpit. The roller should be perpendicular to your body. Bend your left arm and lightly place your left hand on the floor for support. Roll up and down so the roller moves from your armpit to just above your waist. Switch positions to work your left side after you through with the right side.

Iliotibial Band

Place your left hip against the broad side of the roller. Cross your right leg over your left and put both hands on the ground for support. Take support from your left arm to assist the motion and roll your thigh back and forth over the roller from just below your hip to above your knee. Switch positions to work your right leg.

Quadriceps

One has to lie faced down with the roller positioned directly under the thighs. Bend your elbows so that your forearms are flat on the floor to support your weight. Also keep in mind that your feet should be suspended above the floor. Keeping your abs drawn in and core muscles tight, use your arms to gently roll your body forward and backward to move the roller up and down from your pelvic bone to just above your knees.

Glutes

Sit on the floor with your legs straight. Extend your arms to lift your glutes and place the broad side of a foam roller under your butt. Bend one leg and angle your body in such a way that cheek supports your total weight. Move your glutes back and forth across the roller keeping the range of motion small. After finishing one side, shift your weight to the other side and repeat.

Ways to Use a Punching Bag in Your Daily Exercise Routine

Punching bag routines are a great way to train your body for strength and endurance. It is also essential for training in combat sports like boxing and karate. Simply hitting a bag does not do much, but it can be used to learn good form. The routine also increases muscle memory. The body instinctively repeats the punching or kicking motions when facing an opponent.

Punching bags help achieve measurable results within a short period of time. Besides, they also aid in improving overall health and fitness. Punching bags are mostly used by athletes for building punching power and improving technique. Hitting the punching bag is physically demanding and tests an individual’s strength and stamina.

A punching bag is a simple piece of equipment. Yet, it leads to fantastic results. Some of the desirable benefits of using punching bag are a full-body workout, sharpened self-defence skills, and a defined, muscular body. These qualities are not limited to athletes. Here are some of the ways you can use a punching bag as part of daily exercise routine.

Jab punching bag routine: In this workout, move around in a circle around the punching bag while shooting out jabs as fast as possible. The amount of power you use has to be restricted. Focus must be on speed and movement, not power. Cycle your direction by alternating from clockwise and counter-clockwise circles around the bag.

Left-right punching bag routine: This routine is called right-lefts if one is left-handed. Start by throwing a fast jab at the punching bag then immediately follow with a hard straight punch with the other hand. The straight punch should be generated from the feet and hips for maximum power. Go for a few repetitions to get a better feel for the timing. The punches must be quick and agile. It is also important to keep working on your footwork.

Body shot punching bag routine: in this workout routine, the punches are aimed at a height that reflects an opponent's ribs. Bend the knees slightly to sneak under the guard and circle the punch from waist level. The knees are then to be straightened while you swing your hips as you strike the punching bag. The routine consists of a series of lefts and rights to the center of the punching bag. One needs to focus on bending the knees and raise up with every punch. This routine may prove difficult at first to get everything right, but with practice, it can yield incredible results.

Resource URL- http://gymsportz.sg/blog/articles/ways-to-use-a-punching-bag-in-your-daily-exercise-routine

Buying Guide for Elliptical Trainers in Singapore

Elliptical trainers are considered to be one of the most effective gym equipment. It is excellent for cardio workouts with low knee impact. One does not need to worry about stress on the knees. Elliptical trainers are also feasible and effective options for weight loss programs.

Elliptical trainers mimic the motion of running but without impacting the knees. They are beneficial for people suffering from bad knees or recovering from lower-body injury. The trainers have strong grips and an adjustable resistance which allow a person to turn a cardiovascular routine into a full-body workout.

There are many in Singapore who prefer elliptical trainers in their homes. There are several home elliptical trainers and equipment from various brands and manufacturers in Singapore. Options come in handy but may get a little confusing. One can purchase elliptical trainers online or directly from a fitness store. However, if possible, try out the machine in person before you buy it. The knees might bump against the framework or the machine may not move to your liking and comfort. Consider a few points while purchasing elliptical trainers in Singapore.

•    Size: Most of the elliptical trainers are big enough for most people. Smaller sizes are also available for certain needs. Elliptical trainers have a higher elevation compared to treadmills. Make sure that there is enough space with a sufficiently high ceiling in your home. Remember that you will need space to get on and off safely from the trainer as well.

•    Features: Every model and brand have varied and versatile features. Try to look for a unique feature or option that can make a difference to your needs. It is advisable to go through all the features and understand the details before making the purchase.

•    Check for Proper Functioning: The hand grips of the equipment must be comfortable and the foot pedals must not be placed too far apart. The stride length and elliptical path should also feel natural.

•    Adjustability: Some elliptical trainers are inclined. One must check and see if the incline angle is automated or adjusted manually. If it is the latter, then how it set may be an important consideration too.

•    Warranty: Look for a model or brand that comes with two to three years of warranty, at least for all major moving parts. There should also be at least a year’s warranty on other parts.

Resource URL- http://gymsportz.sg/blog/articles/buying-guide-for-elliptical-trainers-in-singapore

Ways to Exercise with a Chin-up Bar for a Stronger Body

Believe it or not, you can use the chin-up bar (also known as pull-up bar) to do many different workouts. For some, the chin-up bar is the ultimate instrument for some of the best challenging and rewarding workouts. The best part about having a chin up bar is that you can even install it in your home and like most other fitness equipment, it does not require much space at all. This makes it a great tool for gyms as well. You can install it at a place where there is just enough room for you to master its uses. 

Chin Bars for staying fit

There are different kinds of pull up bars available, and you can do many different workouts using them. Single chin-up bars can be fixed between the support columns of doors. There is a wall-mounted variety which can be fixed on ledges and walls. You can also find wall mounted chin-up bars with sections in the bar that afford different grips.

Chin bar workouts

• Pull-ups: This is a classic workout which impacts your shoulders and back. Test your strength against gravity and be hardcore!
• One arm pull-ups: This is the ultimate level of bragging rights. Use one hand to grip the bar and try to pull your weight using that hand. You can use the other hand to grip the wrist of the hand with which you are holding the bar.
• Chin-ups: Grip the bar with your palms facing you and lift your body weight up. This workout targets your biceps.
• Knee raises: Grip the bar normally. Get your legs together and lift your knees to your chest. Repeat this in a set and you will feel the burn in your abdominal muscles.
• Windshield wipers: Grip the bar normally and then bring your legs up till they are almost perpendicular to the bar. Move them from side to side. This affects multiple muscle groups for a strenuous and effective workout.
• Negative pull ups: Stand on a platform (like a bench) while gripping the bar and use it to push down to the ground till your arms get fully extended. Instead of pulling yourself up with the first move, you will be going down. Then try to pull yourself up to get back on the platform. This helps build strength for people who cannot do regular pull ups. Regular repetitions will quickly build up your upper body strength and more on to regular pull-ups and chin-ups.

These exercises are extremely basic, but they are not easy. If you are someone new to the chin up bar, then you would need to build your strength first. Start by just gripping the bar and holding your weight for 30-60 seconds.

Source URL - http://gymsportz.sg/blog/articles/ways-to-exercise-with-a-chin-up-bar-for-a-stronger-body

Benefits of Using Sports Towels in Singapore

Having the right kind of equipment and accessories is very important for anyone who works out regularly. Whether at the gym, at home, jogging on the streets or parks in Singapore, or any other forms of active sport - some basic gear are universal. Believe it or not, having even the smallest piece of accessory can make a big difference at times. You may have the best shoes, dry-fit t-shirts and gym gloves which will help you to work out brilliantly. But when you break a sweat during those herculean exercise routines, a good towel is what you need.

How would you pick the best towel you need during your workout sessions or when you go for your practice in the field? There are different kinds of towels easily available. You can have your pick from cotton, polyester or microfiber. Sports towels are made from these materials have some advantages compared to regular towels.

•    Durable: Sports towels need to be durable. Even with repeated use, they maintain their form and not lose their shape.

•    Highly Absorbent: Sports towels are highly absorbent and can absorb a large quantity of fluid easily. They are designed to be used multiple times in one session. They are also easy to dry and clean.

•    Portable: A sports towel will fit in anywhere inside your gym bag. Even large towels can be folded into a small size. The small size is useful for more than you gym bag. They can also be carried easily in your pocket while jogging.

•    Convenient: A sports towel is very convenient to own. It dries easily even though it is highly absorbent. High-quality towels come coated with skin safe chemicals that prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. This also helps avoid any unpleasant odors.

Always make sure you have a sports towel in your bag. Their use is not only limited to the gym. You can also carry it whenever you go cycling, trekking, hiking, jogging, etc. Sports towels are also a good accessory to have when you go swimming.

Source URL- http://gymsportz.sg/blog/articles/benefits-of-using-sports-towels-in-singapore