New guy here, I am 34 yrs old, 225lbs and I am looking to lose weight and get in shape. I started taking a boxing class at the local YMCA and I enjoy it, but I can only get down there after work, and once I get there, get changed, and stretched, there is only 30 minutes left in the class. Ive hit the mitts and hit the heavy bag, worked on footwork and technique, and some cardio work, but I am not getting the full advantage of the class. My question is would it be more beneficial to get a heavy bag and do the workouts myself at my home? I would have more time to hit the bag and do my cardio on my own. Thinking about a speed bag as well. Since I do not have any previous boxing training would I be missing out on any types of drills or technique from a 1 on 1 training? Any advice would be appreciated.
All I can tell you is that going to a gym and being under the eye of anyone is better than being trained by yourself. Now, if you don't plan to box at all you can work out at home which benefits you because you will work out more. It depends on how hard you can push yourself. Most people can't work out at home because of all the distractions.
Do you want to learn how to box do you just enjoy the training? If you want to learn how to box then there's no substitute for being in the gym getting instruction from an experienced coach. Even if you can only do the last 30 minutes and you're getting some good instruction, that's better than nothing. However, if you just enjoy the training and are using it purely as an avenue to get in shape and shed some weight, then there's no reason why you can't do a similar workout at home. And forget the speed ball.
Thanks for the input. I just want to lose some weight and get in shape, not really wanting to get in the boxing game. Looks like I will be purchasing a heavy bag. What size do you recommend? 70lb or 100lb?
I personally prefer 70lb but you should go check it out yourself in the gym and what you find more comfortable
Get the heavier one, you'll benefit from it more. I use the sandbags that i use for strongman training, that way ive got different weights. Iv'e got 6, from 50kg to 100kg All i needed was a bracket to hang them. The 100kg bag is my favourite. Their old army duffel bags that i got cheap, then got a load of sand from work. Cheap to make but effective. Do speed, power and non stop punching drills. 3 mins on, 1 min rest but In the rest periods do press ups, burpees, squats,skipping, crunches etc instead of resting. Just alternate the exercises. Medicine ball squat press/throws are good too. Again, mine's homemade. Just rip a basketball open, fill it with sand then tape it up. Sorted. Mine weighs about 10kg or so. I made my son one too from a smaller basketball, and used 15kg of sand for the pair.
I can only get to the boxing gym once a week or so myself. The rest of the time I workout at home, where I have a double end bag, speed bag, some mirrors up and a 100lb heavy bag. If you are just working out, the speedbag won't hurt you. Its fun and works your shoulders and triceps but doesn't do as much for improving boxing skills as the double end or heavy bags. I use the 100lb bag because it moves less, which I prefer.
