Buying an empty punching bag is usually cheaper than buying a filled one. Filling your own bags allows you to control the weight and density. Filling a punching bag is very simple, but it's important to use the right materials and prepare them to keep yourself and the bag safe. If you're a beginner who just needs a light punching bag, use scraps of cloth or patchwork to fill it. In addition, you can add sand or sawdust to make it heavier and denser.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Selecting the Contents of the Samsak
Step 1. Consider the desired weight and density
A heavier, denser punching bag will be harder to move, and require more punch. Lighter punching bags tend to be less dense and swing easily when hit, so you don't have to hit them too hard. The material used to fill the object depends on the level of density and weight desired.
- If you're just starting out with boxing, start with a light bag. You can increase the filling to make it heavier and denser when you are stronger.
- In general, your punching bag should weigh around 0.25 kg per 0.5 kg of your body weight. However, this number can be increased or decreased based on your experience and physical strength.
Step 2. Use a cloth as a filling if you want to make a lightweight punching bag
There are many ready-made punching bags filled with patchwork or scraps of cloth. You can get the same effect by using old cloth or scraps of cloth you have at home. Just adding cloth to the bag will limit the density and weight of the item. So this stuffing is only suitable if you want the bag to swing when hit.
Tip:
If you don't have a lot of used fabric at home, buy cheap fabric at a thrift store. Any type of fabric can be used.
Step 3. Mix sand or sawdust with a cloth to make your punching bag heavier
Sand and sawdust will add to the weight and density of the object that cannot be obtained from cloth. If you want a heavier punching bag, sand or sawdust is the best choice.
- Don't just use sand or sawdust to fill punching bags. The object will feel too heavy and dense. However, mix it with cloth or patchwork.
- You can buy sand or sawdust online or at a local materials store.
Method 2 of 3: Preparing the Contents of the Samsak
Step 1. Cut buttons, zippers, and other metal objects from the fabric you want to use
This will prevent the bag from tearing. Do not hesitate to cut the fabric during the filling process. You won't see the cloth once it's in the bag.
Tip:
To make the punching bag denser, cut the fabric or patch into small, lengthwise shapes. Keep in mind that you will need extra cloth to do this.
Step 2. Pour sand or sawdust into a sealed bag if you have one
Do not put sand or sawdust directly into the punching bag as this can damage the material. However, pour it into a plastic bag that can be opened and closed, such as a 1 liter sandwich bag. After adding sand or sawdust, seal the bag tightly so that no material escapes.
Step 3. Wrap the bag filled with sand or sawdust with black duct tape to prevent tearing
The duct tape will make the bag more impact resistant. Apply duct tape to all parts of the bag, including the opening so that it can be closed tightly.
Step 4. Weigh the material you are using to make sure it is sufficient
To weigh fabric or patchwork, place the material in a large trash bag and place it on the scale. If you add sand or sawdust to a punching bag, weigh each material separately. After that, add up the weight of all the materials to get the total weight.
- If the total weight is less than what you want, prepare additional stuffing material. Add more sand or sawdust to make the punching bag denser or add cloth or patchwork to increase the weight without increasing the density.
- Keep in mind that a punching bag should weigh around 0.25 kg per 0.5 kg of your body weight, but the ideal weight will largely depend on your skill and fitness level. For example, if you weigh 91 kg, the punching bag should weigh about 45 kg. If you're just starting out with boxing, you can start with a 35-40 kg bag.
Method 3 of 3: Adding the Contents of the Boxing Bag
Step 1. Unzip the top of the punching bag
Most punching bags have a circular "mouth" that is closed with a zipper at one end. This is where the material is inserted to fill the object.
If your punching bag doesn't have a zipper at one end, check the manual that came with the sales package or look online for information to open it
Step 2. Insert the first layer of material into the bottom of the bag
If you are using only cloth or patchwork, add the material until the bottom of the bag is completely covered. If you are also using sand or sawdust, add one of these materials first, then cover with a cloth until the bottom of the bag is full.
Covering a bag of sand or sawdust with a cloth will prevent the punching bag from tearing
Step 3. Use a long tool, such as a baseball bat, to compact the contents of the bag
Compacting the bag filling material will eliminate space in the bag so the end result will be more sturdy. You can use any tool as long as it's long and can go all the way to the bottom of the punching bag.
Warning:
Do not press sand or sawdust directly when you are using the material so as not to tear the bag.
Step 4. Keep adding layers of fill material while compacting
If you're only using fabric or patchwork, stack the material on top of the previous layer, then compact it with a long tool. For bags filled with sand or sawdust, continue to insert it into the center of the bag, then cover with a piece of cloth or patchwork. Try to evenly distribute the contents throughout the punching bag. You may not need to add layers continuously, depending on the amount of material used.
For example, if you put 5 bags of sand or sawdust into a 1.5 meter long sack, you would need to put one bag for each 0.3 meter wide space. If each layer you create takes up 0.15 meters of space, add additional pockets for each layer
Step 5. Close the zipper of the punching bag once the material reaches the top end of the bag
Make sure you fill the bag to the brim so that there is no space left. However, if you're having trouble closing the top of the bag because it's too full, compact the contents again or remove some of the material on the top layer.
