Boxing is one of the most intense, interactive, a calorie burning activities you can do. It is a full-body workout, which takes mental and physical discipline to perfect. And while we always recommend going to a local boxing gym or studio, especially for beginners, that may not always be an option.
If you are unable to trek to your local boxing gym or studio but are still looking to get in a boxing workout, then bringing the gym to your home may be the next best option. Below, we are going to review how to make a home boxing gym similar to one that is found at your local boxing studio.
While you won’t have the support of your local boxing community with you, building out a boxing gym in your home is a great way to practice your boxing skills and drills, particularly on the days that you are unable to go to the boxing gym. While we always recommend joining a boxing gym to perfect your abilities, a home boxing gym is a great option for the days you’re unable to go to the gym.
Plan Your Boxing Gym Space
Before even getting started making your home boxing gym, you’ll need to begin planning on the space for the gym. While you won’t need too much space, you should provide yourself with ample space to move around and to place boxing equipment without blocking off any pathways.
Ideally, a home boxing gym should be between 100-200 square feet. This can be done in either an unused, spare bedroom, your home’s garage, or even a patio or deck outside your home.
However, do note that boxing is a high-intensity and loud activity. Therefore, you probably want to place your home boxing gym in a well-insulated, isolated area of your home. This will not only help you to concentrate while practicing but will also be less of a nuisance for others within the home.
Further, you will also want to measure your arm length and ensure the spacing between differing equipment is sufficient enough to not bump into while practicing. Though many boxing routines will utilize your own body weight, you will still want to consider spacing when setting up your home boxing gym.
Foam Mats
Although you could practice on carpet, hardwood, or concrete in your garage, these surfaces may be a little tough on your knees and joints. Rather, consider investing in interlocking foam floor mats. These floor mats are easily assembled and will help to protect your knees and joints while going through the boxing motions.
Personally, we prefer and recommend either the Yes4All Interlocking Exercise Foam Mats or the Balance From Exercise Foam Mats. Both mats provide sufficient coverage to protect yourself against the rough surface of your garage or patio.
If you’re looking to purchase foam mats from your local store, our recommendation would be to ensure that the foam mats measure in half-an-inch of thickness at a minimum. Though a one-inch thickness is preferable, half-an-inch will still protect you sufficiently.
Boxing Gloves
No home boxing gym is complete without a proper set of boxing gloves. You will want to purchase boxing gloves to protect your hands from the repeated hitting motions against the boxing bag. It is strongly advised to limit your interactions with the boxing bag without boxing gloves on as doing so can injure and damage your knuckles and wrists.
Personally, we are a fan of the Everlast Boxing Gloves brand. An iconic brand with their famous red coloring, these boxing gloves are great for amateurs and professional boxers alike.
Boxing Wraps
Similarly, for maximum comfort, coverage, and protection against the bag, you will also want to invest in boxing wraps. These are simple wraps which are wrapped around your hand prior to placing the boxing gloves and will help to protect your hands and ensure proper positioning while wearing boxing gloves.
Once again, we opt for the Everlast brand of boxing wraps for their simplicity, great price point, and established brand.
Boxing or Punching Bag
Perhaps the most important piece of equipment for when it comes to making a home boxing gym is the boxing or punching bag. When it comes to making your own home boxing gym, there are a few considerations to take before purchasing a boxing or punching bag.
The first is setup. That is, do you want a hanging boxing bag and one that is attached to the ceiling or wall in your home, or would you prefer a freestanding one that does not require any additional installation. While there are benefits to both, the choice is a more personal one and one that doesn’t really have a correct or incorrect answer.
The second consideration is weight. Boxing and punching bags can vary in total weight, from 60-pounds to almost 200-pounds. The general rule of thumb is that the boxing bag should be approximately half your bodyweight. So, a 200-pound individual should opt for a 100-pound boxing bag. However, if you are a more experienced boxer, then opting for a heavier boxing bag is generally preferred.
For hanging boxing bags, we prefer the Ringside 100-pound Powerhide Bag. This bag has a 2-inch foam liner around the bag providing a comfortable hitting experience and is made of durable powerhide which will hold up to repeated punches and impact.
For freestanding boxing bags, we prefer the Everlast Dual-Station Punching Bag. This punching bag is simple to assemble and comes with both a punching bag and a speed bag, helping to save you space in your home boxing gym.
Speed Bag
Similarly, no home boxing gym is truly complete without a speed bag. Many boxers rely heavily on speed bags because it helps them get down their timing and rhythm. In addition, boxers need to be able to anticipate their opponents’ movements and have an understanding of the timing of each punch, which a speed bag can help with.
While you may prefer the speed bag attached to the dual station in the Everlast machine mentioned above, many boxers prefer to have standalone speed bags. There are a plethora of options available online but we prefer the Moulyan Speed Bag. This speed bag can be mounted to the wall and the height of the bag can be adjusted even after installation, making it a great option for multiple individuals.
Hook and Uppercut Bag
If you’re really looking to take your home boxing gym to the next level, then a hook and uppercut bag is an absolute must. The hook and uppercut bag is an angled bag which enables boxers to work on their full range of punches and motions, including hook, uppercuts, and lower cuts.
Personally, we’ve used the Revgear Uppercut and Hook Box and have found it sufficient for our needs. You are able to practice uppercuts and hooks with this box and can take your training into more of the realm of Muay Thai with the ability to knee, elbow, and punch below the line.
Free Weights
While not necessary, it is always a good idea to incorporate weight training within your boxing routine. Weight training will help you with your strength and will provide you with more punching power and force. In addition, if you are looking for that lean, muscular boxers’ physique, then a set of free weights will help you to achieve that look.
We personally love the LEADNOVO Cast Iron Adjustable Free Weights, which can be combined to form a barbell. Individually, each free weight weighs in up to 44-pounds. And when combined into a barbell this set can be used for bicep, tricep, shoulders, and leg trainings.
Jump Rope
Last, but certainly not least, is the jump rope. Boxing and jumping rope have been hand-in-hand and are regularly seen together. Jumping rope is a great and effective way to not only burn calories but also to work on your footwork and your hand-eye coordination. Be sure to pick up a jump rope for your home boxing gym to make it more complete.