A punching bag is a piece of exercise equipment that helps build strength from arm and leg resistance training and provides an intense cardio workout. It is interesting to know that you do not actually have to be a professional boxer to use a punching bag. Punching bags can be attached to the ceiling, wall, or to a stand, and can be successfully installed into your own home.
Hanging the heavy bag on the rafters or ceiling joints can destroy the drywall, so, it’s not too safe to hang a punching bag from the ceiling, unless needed caution is taken.
Most people suggest mounting a heavy bag to the ceiling in a basement or garage. However, installing a heavy bag on the ceiling can cause serious damage to your house if done incorrectly. That is why it is so important to find a beam strong enough.
Before we move on, check out our complete review of best punching bags in 2021.
Is it safe to hang a punching bag in garage or basement?
Now, let’s talk about installing or hanging a punching bag in your basement or garage. Below are some useful steps.
#1. Measure the distance between two of the joists in the ceiling of your basement. Choose joists that are free of any cracks, decay or other damage.
#2. Purchase a heavy bag mount that is designed to connect to two ceiling joists. The mounts are typically C-shaped or V-shaped. The two ends of the “C” or “V” should measure the distance between the two ceiling joists.
#3. Slide the mount between the two joists, so that the bolt holes on the mount touch the vertical sides of the joists. Make sure the hook on the joist points downward; that’s where the heavy bag will hang.
#4. Pre-drill holes through the bolt holes of the mount using a drill and drill bit and then turn bolts into the holes, securing the mount and bolts to the joists. Secure the bolts as tight as possible.
#5. Now, hang your heavy bag from the mount’s hook.
We have some interesting and educative videos for you too. Check them below!
How much weight can a ceiling joist hold?
Fine homebuilding notes that 2-inch by 6-inch garage joists will support a weight of up to 50 pounds per square foot. If you overload your garage’s ceiling joists, the ceiling may appear to sag from the strain. While your 2-inch by 6-inch joists can collapse from too much weight, such a scenario is uncommon.
Punching bags are often filled with grains, sand, rags, or other material, and are usually hung from the ceiling or affixed to a stand. Other bags have an internal bladder to allow them to be filled with air or water.
What are the right gloves for heavy punching bag?
Choosing the right gloves is really important for health and longevity of your wrists. Because of that, we decided to write a full review of different gloves for heavy punching bags. Be sure to check it out!
How high should a punching bag hang?
Consider your heavy bag as your opponent. With that in mind, the bag should be high enough to deliver a blow to the “head”, so the top of the bag should be about level with the top of your head. If you have a very short bag, you may need to adjust this height somewhat. You can use a 2×4, but a 2×6 or higher will provide more support for your heavy bag.
Use the head-height approach
One approach to determining the proper height for hanging a heavy bag is to line up the top of the bag with the top of your head. The rules and tactical approach of boxing favor the knockout strike to the opponent’s head, so it makes sense to hang your heavy bag at a height where it will be easy to practice punching a target at head height. However, if the bottom of the bag kicks back when you hit the bag, you need to make adjustments. When the bag is hung at the proper height, the entire bag moves backward with your punches
How do you hang a punching bag in the garage?
If you decide to hang your punching bag in your garage, it is important to know that it is not too advisable to build a home gym and park your car at the same time because of gas leak. Although it’s not impossible. You’ll have to make some compromises however.
Heavy punching bags is one of the best training equipment one can ever get without putting much effort. Also, even if you are eight years old or eighty years old, you can use this compatible fitness tool and start your exercise. If you look around, you can find it everywhere – from the gymnasiums to home, hotel, or office gyms.
Practicing with punching bags is not only help your punching and kicking moves but can also reduce fat, improve the strength of your muscles, and give you power. If you don’t have time to hit the gym, then hit the punching bag in your garage. Mounting a punching bag in the garage is an easy task if you know how to do it properly.
Know how to hang a heavy bag in the garage safely and steadily. You may know that heavy bags can be attached to the ceiling, wall, and even to a stand. You can successfully install it in your own home or garage.
Before you start trying these methods, make sure that the ceiling or wall of your garage is strong enough to handle the weight of the punching bag. Firstly, find a perfect location to hang the bag. Keep in mind that you must get 360-degree access to the bag and quite an open space. Also, try to know the type of ceiling and observe the size of your bag. You will soon realize which method is best for you and your garage. You can try any of these DIY and inexpensive methods.
#1: Using a Mount to Hang a Heavy Bag
Then, find the ceiling joists or support beams. You can use a stud finder or measure tape to do that. If you are not sure about the joists, try knocking on the ceiling and make sure that you don’t hear any hollow sound. When you find the joists, mark the place where all joists meet with a cross beam. You have to hang your bag on a middle joist, and a crossbeam will help you the best.
Use a level to drill holes into the ceiling joists. Keep the holes straight across the beams and then attach a hardwood board to the ceiling. You need to attach it to the base with the help of newly drilled holes and wood screws.
After that, attach the mount to the hardwood board. Before you mount it, make sure that you are not installing it into drywall. Then try putting heavy bag chain or springs. Hang the bag there. The purpose of placing the chain is that it reduces vibration and can protect your drywall.
#2: Hanging Heavy Bag Using a Beam
After deciding the place and repeating the same process, find an intense support beam. They are the narrow beams that run along with the space between the ceiling. Generally, the space between support beams is around 16 inches, but they can also be wide than 24 inches. The majority of us love to hang the bag from the ceiling so that they can get more flexibility.
Once you decide the support beam for hanging punching bag in the garage, drill a hole and place an eyebolt into this hole. Many people use hooks, but it is preferable not to use them as they can’t take up the weight of heavy bags. Once you are done with the fixing, hang the bag. Then, attach the chains to the corners of the bag and place an S-hook. Now you are all set to start practicing.
#3: Use a Wall Mount
If you are not sure whether your ceilings, beams, or joists can hold the heavy bag, then the best way to hang a punching bag in the garage is using a wall mount. You can find the wall mounts in any hardware or athletic store. So if you have masonry walls, try fixing a wall mount on that to avoid any other damages.
You need to drill the walls to do the setup. Then, the bracket of a wall mount will be screwed into the wall close to the ceiling. Once you have completed these tasks, you can hang your punching bag on the hook. Using a wall mount is one of the safest methods available.
#4: Mounting a Punching Bag in Garage Using a Stand
If hanging a heavy bag from the ceiling or wall is impossible, then you have to buy a stand that can hold the bag for you. There are many free stands available online as well as offline that works best for the heavy bags. You can also find positions having wheels. This feature works best for mobility. This way, you can even put it aside when not using the punching bag. These are the best four methods according to research and experience.
