Some students have been asking about purchasing a heavy bag for their home gym. This can be a great way to get extra training outside of class, but because of the weight and size, you should consider several things before ordering. First of course is what your budget is. I will warn you, depending on the type of bag you order and the nature of where you will be hanging it, the cost of supporting the bag may be as much as the bag itself.
Hanging Options
There are several ways to hang a heavy bag, each one comes with its benefits and drawbacks. Please consider:
- Ceiling height limitation
- Height of the bag
- Which part of the bag should be at eye level
- The length of the Chains or Straps
- The Offset of the Hanger Attachment
- The Height Requirements of the Hanger Mount
- The type of material you will be mounting to
Exposed Brick – Wall Mount
The best option for hanging a heavy bag is an exposed brick wall. Wall mount hangers will typically be capable of holding 200-300 lbs using masonry screws (Tapcons), depending on the shape of the hanger. You may need a rotary hammer/hammer drill and special bits in order to pre-drill and screw in the masonry screws.
Wood Studs – Wall Mount
Wood is the easiest to work with, but it is important for a wall mounted hanger to span at least 2-3 studs in order to more evenly distribute the weight. If this is an issue, consider hanging a larger piece of plywood behind the Wall Mount Hanger. Be certain that the screws you use to attach the wall mount hanger attach directly to studs, and not just the plywood.
Wood Joists – Ceiling Mount
If you have exposed joists, depending on the type of joist, there are several options for this. If the joists are at least 2×6 in dimension, and the wood is strong, you can get a Joist Brace. This is a piece of angle-iron bracket that allows you to screw up through the bottom of the joist, as well as from the side of one face of the joist. This version comes with a shock absorbing spring in the mount itself, which can help to reduce vibrations.
The downside of using Joists is that they can transfer a great deal of vibration through the rest of the ceiling, and you are making permanent changes (drilling holes) into the structure, which is not always ideal if you are renting an apartment.
Wood Beam Hanger
If you are able to drill holes in a beam, there are simpler brackets that screw directly into the beam for support. The down side of this type of mount is that there is very little vibration reduction, so you will need to add a spring of some sort between the bracket and the heavy bag. The screws can also strip out if the beam takes a great deal of stress. Further, because this mounts to the bottom of the joist, you will lose some height, so if you are dealing with a low ceiling, there may be a better option.
Recessed Beam Hanger
One of the more expensive options is a bracket that will span the gap between to ceiling joists. This raises the placement of the part of the bracket that the chain attaches to, giving you an additional couple of inches of hanging height. Since this attaches to two joists, it is also a little bit stronger than the Wood Beam Hanger. The downside is that these can cost over $100 for the bracket itself.
I-Beam Hanger
If you are fortunate enough to have exposed I-beams in your home gym, there are specially designed I-Beam Hangers for heavy bags and other equipment, which clamps to either side of the beam, and will support a hanging bag. These are typically between $15 and $20 each.
Vibration Reduction, Longevity
To make sure you don’t piss off your upstairs or downstairs neighbors or family members, make sure you consider ways to reduce the vibration as you work on the bag. This will also make sure the mount and the chains or straps last longer. Some general rules of thumb:
- If you have the ceiling height, always use a spring.
- If you can afford the height, try to suspend each part by a climbing strap, so you don’t have metal rubbing on metal. Over time that will wear through, and you will drop the bag. Straps are easier to replace than metal parts.
350 lb Spring
This type of spring is the best thing you can do to remove the constant pounding from the supporting structures. Be sure to check the rating of the spring you use. The ones I sell go for $15.00 and are rated up to 350 lbs.
Climbing Straps
Climbing Straps are very strong and strongly sewed loops of fabric that are designed for rapeling and mountain climbing. These are best used between each metal component (between the hanger and the chain, between the chain and a spring, etc.) as it lessens the wear and tear on the metal parts. You can find these labeled as Climbing Slings in varying lengths at REI, and they are not cheap, ranging from $10-$40 each.
Floor Stands & Floor Mounts
Basic Floor Stand
If your ceilings won’t support a hanging bag, you may be able to use a floor stand. These typically have spots for adding weight to keep them from sliding around. Some versions come with an attachment for the back side, opposite of the heavy bag mount, either a Speed Bag hanger or a Pull up Bar. The downside of this type of stand is that it does not allow a great deal of access to the bag for kicking, because of where the weights are positioned, and they do tend to slide around a bit, which will scuff up hardwood floors. If you do opt for this, be sure to get a horse mat to put under the stand. This “Fitness Training Station” goes for $279.99
Cornerman Stand
The Cornerman Stand is the better of the two floor stand options, as this allows a great deal of access to the bag, without putting weights on the ground. This type of stand will also fit into a corner, so the structure of it will take up less room overall. They are also capable of hanging the bag higher than the basic floor stand. The downside is that these are expensive, going for $549.99.
Floor Mount Stand
If you can make holes in the floor, the Floor Mount Stand is definitely a great choice, as it will not move. The downside is that it will not move and you have to make holes in the floor. These can also be a bit tall for some residential apartments, with the top being over 8′ high. You will need to make sure you use lag bolts to secure the base, so it will not fall. Also, since these are made out of tubular steel, and they are more than 8′ long, you will have to pay for freight shipping, as they won’t be delivered by UPS or most shippers.
Free Standing Bags
Century Versys 1 Bag
This is an excellent Free Standing Heavy Bag, with a weighted base. The bag stands just over 5’tall, and is substantial for kicking. The downside is that it is heavy and awkward to move, and sometimes the base bag can sag, causing the bag to tilt slightly over time. This can be reset, but it is a chore. These bags go for $269.99 plus shipping.
This bag can be used as a floor striking bag for MMA, lying it on its side. There are also handles at the top of this bag that will allow you to pull the bag down while you strike when it is in an upright position.
Century Versys 3 Bag
This is one of my favorite Free Standing Bags, as it is very stable, and easier to move around than the Versys 1. The legs and the Upper part come in two separate packages, which make them easier to transport. The legs are solid and padded and can be kicked as well as the upper part of the bag. They are very hard to topple, and because of the nature of the legs, can even be used for movement drills in Jiujitsu. These bags go for $292.50 plus shipping.
Hanging Heavy Bags
Century Oversized Heavy Bag – 100 lbs
A decent normal sized heavy bag that is heavier than the cheap 60-80 lb Everlast bag you will find just about every sporting goods store. This and the 150 lb bag below are better for heavy hitters. The down side is that at normal size, you won’t be able to work leg kicks without hanging it very low. This bag sells for $139.99 plus shipping.
Century Creed 150 lb Heavy Bag
For more of a challenge, this 150 lb bag has a classic look and a solid feel. You will need a more substantial hanging system for this however. This bag sells for $329.99 plus shipping.
C2 StrikeTuff 80 lb Heavy Bag
For a lighter system, this is a decent economy heavy bag. Weighing in at 80 lbs, it is easier to hang and take down by one person. Cost is $214.99
C2 StrikeTuff Thai Bag – 100 lb Heavy Bag
For those looking to work leg kicks, this is a decent economy option that has the length of a banana bag and 100 lbs in weight. Cost is $264.99
C2 150 lb Heavy Bag
This is another version of a 150 lb hanging bag, solid for heavy hitters. Cost is $329.00
There are many other styles and options, and particularly lately with the shipping problems we have been having post-covid, I cannot guarantee what is in stock. So if you are interested in purchasing a heavy bag, talk to me about the space in which you will be putting it, the method you want to use to hang it, and the size and weight of the bag, and I will get back to you with current prices and availability.