How to set up a speed bag, How to hang a speed bag in an apartment, Installing a speed bag, What is a speed bag

A speed bag is one of the most engaging, fulfilling pieces of exercise equipment out there. Unfortunately, unless you’re a regular down your local boxing gym, finding an accessible speed bag to use can be a bit tricky.

That being said, with a bit of research and a few spare hours, you can easily find and set up your own peed bag station at home.

In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at how you can go about setting up your own speed bag, allowing you to cram in a few sessions here and there, without having to leave the comfort of your own home.

Let’s get to it.

What is a Speed Bag?

But first, what exactly is a speed bag?

A speed bag is a small, tear shaped punching bag that hangs down above the user. When you strike the bag, it will then swing backwards and forwards, usually extremely fast, depending on how hard you hit the bag.

The aim is to strike the speed bag every 3 or 4 rebounds, typically punching twice with your right hand and then twice with the left hand. Although this may sound easy, the bag must be struck in the correct place at the right time in order to maintain the rhythm.

Speed bags come in varying sizes, however if you’re a beginner it is best to start on a larger bag. These tend to rebound slower and have a larger surface area, making them easier to hit. As your ability to work the bag improves, you can progress to smaller models.

What You’ll Need

To set up your speed bag at home you’re going to need a few things:

  • Somewhere to mount the speed bag platform. This is usually a wall, however mounting a speed bag platform to the wall will cause some damage, therefore may not be suitable for people who rent their home. If not, finding a free standing speed bag platform will be the next best option.
  • A speed bag platform. This is usually a wooden drum that can be attached to a wall. Some of the top speed bag platforms allow the height of the drum to be adjusted in order to suit the height of the person is using the bag.
  • A speed bag swivel. This is the part that attaches the speed bag to the platform. There are a number of different types of swivel, however no one type is deemed ‘the best’. Moreover, it’s down to personal preference and a case of trying each to see which is your preferred option.
  • A speed Bag. Finally, of course you need a speed bag. As I mentioned earlier, if this is your first time using a speed bag start on a larger model.

How to Set Up a Speed Bag

Ok, now that you’ve got everything needed, it’s time to start putting together your speed bag station. Be prepared, this is can take a little while to get right, so make sure you’ve got a few spare hours and someone to help put the platform against the wall (they’re heavy).

Step 1: Find Somewhere Suitable to Mount the Platform

When looking for somewhere to hang your speed bag, there’s a couple of things that you need to bear in mind. Firstly, speed bags are fairly noisy, so if you’re living with your family or house mates, it should probably go somewhere that won’t annoy them.

Secondly, make sure that it’s somewhere you’re comfortable causing a slight bit of damage. If done correctly, minimal damage will be caused, however there will be holes in the wall where you mount the speed bag platform.

Once you’ve found somewhere suitable, on to the next step.

Step 2: Mount the Platform to the Wall

This is by far the trickiest step. If you’re speed bag platform is not adjustable, getting the platform at the correct height is incredibly important.

You want the bottom of the speed bag to hang near your chin area. You need to work out how high the platform will need to be mounted in order for the speed bag to hang at the right height.

To do this, get someone to hold the speed bag platform against the wall, place the speed bag in the center of the drum and adjust the height of the platform until the speed bag is in the right place.

Once you’ve found the correct position, using a pencil, mark the screw holes on the wall. Now, drill holes into the wall, making sure that the holes are the right size to accommodate the screws that should come with the platform.

Now using a power screw drove and screws, mount the platform to the wall. At this stage, it is important to make sure the platform is as tight to the wall as possible, with absolutely no gaps. If there are gaps, repeated use of the speed bag can cause the platform to wobble and eventually come loose.

Step 3: Attach the Swivel to the Platform

If you’re platform doesn’t come with a swivel already installed, you’ll need to screw it on yourself. This is fairly easy, just be sure that you’re attaching the swivel in the center of the drum, which will normally be marked.

Step 4: Attach the Speed Bag to the Swivel

Attaching the speed bag to the swivel will vary depending on the type of swivel you have. Typically, there is an attachment pin that you pull out, hook the speed bag onto the swivel and then place the pin back in.

Step 5: Start Working the Bag

Now it’s time to start using the speed bag. Start slow to begin with and make sure that there’s nothing out of the ordinary going wrong.

If the speed bag platform is vibrating, you may need to tighten the screws. If this doesn’t fix the issues, you can use sandbags on top of the drum to keep it still whilst you hit the bag.

Final Thoughts

That’s about it, it may sound a bit confusing but once you’ve got all the equipment in front of you, it’s a fairly straight forward process.

It is definitely much easier when you’ve got someone to help you, as measuring the height of the platform can be tricky if you’ve got to hold it against the wall yourself.

Thanks for taking the time to read our article, if you’ve got any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.