Breaking in a punching bag

[somewhattossedup]

I got a heavy bag this weekend and have been beating the crap out of it three times per week hiit style. Man my hands are sore. I use the bag gloves and hand wraps when punching. Any ideas what else I could do to break the bag in or toughen up my knuckles?

[Chris Correia]

I don't know about breaking the bag in; I just get them and start hitting them.

In terms of sore hands/knuckles, if they are wrapped properly that will prevent hand problems. How is your punching form? If you're working the bag that hard, you should really make sure your form is good. If your hands are sliding at all, rather than making good contact, that could maybe be part of the problem. Otherwise, things will toughen up over time.

Title Boxing has some good, introductory boxing and training vDVD's. I know they have one on hitting/training with the heavy bag, which I viewed one time on loan. It was pretty good. That would likely help you approach your training with a bit more knowledge. $10 or $12.

[somewhattossedup]

Thanks again Chris. It is really just my right hand that is sore. I am wrapping my hands good as far as I can tell. I very well could be my hand is sliding a little instead of hitting the bag flush. I will work on my form in the morning. I might check out some of the dvd's you suggested.

[BjsAust]

Are you skinning the knuckles, or just getting sore? If its just sore, you're probably just not used to hitting the bag so much. Those hands arent invulnerable you know [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] . They'll get used to it over time.

[kuri]

Seeing as it's your right hand then is possibly because your hitting harder with your RH, not uncommon.

It's all too easy to hurt your hands so take precautions. Work on form first, then you'll have that much more power in your strikes.

Another thing is to make sure your fists are very tight. Keep your thumb curled tight around the index and middle fingers, and the rest should be curled up as tight as possible.

Flex your forearms and wrist at the point of impact, and make sure your wrist is straight. If it's not you'll know!

[diamondpete]

good point on the wrist Kuri ( that is one Good reason for the knuckle push ups)