How to Safely Hang a Punching Bag In Your Garage

If you’re a gym-goer, hanging a punching bag in the garage can be a convenient alternative for when you can’t step out of your home for a workout but still want to get the benefits of exercise. 

A well-mounted punching bag is all it takes to take your training sessions to your garage so you don’t miss a day of physical activity. Hitting a punching bag has several merits to health. It raises your heart rate, helps you build muscles and relieves your stress. 

Factors To Consider Before Hanging a Punching Bag In the Garage

It requires planning to hang a punching bag at home safely. After all, you could damage the structure of your home or sustain an injury if done wrong. Here are two things to consider.

Weight of the Punching Bag

Punching bags come in different sizes and weights. Depending on where you want to install one, you must pick the right weight and dimensions for a suitable training space. 

The rule of thumb is that heavy bags must be half your body weight for a good workout experience. If you weigh 200 pounds, a 100-pound punching bag is ideal. Most men prefer the bag to pack at least 80 pounds for an appropriate density and weight.

Choosing Where the Bag Goes

Most people hang a heavy bag from the ceiling joist. You can also do this, but make sure the beam is sturdy enough to hold the weight. First, check if the joist has cracks or damage. If they do, you might need to add a beam to fortify the structure. Another place to hang a bag is on the wall using a wall mount.

Ways To Hang a Punching Bag In the Garage Safely

Hanging from a garage ceiling is easier for exposed beams. With this, you can quickly spot any vulnerabilities or damage and assess if setting the bag on top is plausible. 

If the beams are hidden and covered by ceiling boards, use a stud finder to locate the center of the joist. Run the stud finder along the ceiling and wherever it lights up is the center of the joist. Install a steel beam to reinforce more support if unsure of the ceiling’s durability. 

1. From the Ceiling Joist

Tools you need:

• Drill
• marker
• Eyebolt
• Wrench
• Punching bag and hanging kit

Instructions:

1. Once you’ve identified a support beam, drill a hole on it. 

2. Insert an eyebolt into the opening and use a wrench to tighten it and hold it in place. 

3. Chain the corners of the punching bag. The materials should be included in the hanging kit.

4. Use the s-hook to connect to the chain and attach the other end to the eyebolt. 

5. Check if the bag is secured in place. Hit it a few times. If it appears loose or weak, reattach it. 

2. From the Wall With a Wall Mount

Another option to hang a punching bag in the garage is through the wall using a wall mount. It’s recommended for masonry walls. You can purchase a wall mount from a sports store.

Things you need:

• Wall mount
• Drill
• Marker
• Wrench
• Stud finder
• Wood screws
• Concrete anchors for concrete walls

1. Estimate the height for the placement of the punching bag.

2. Use a stud finder to determine the best point for the wall mounting. Put a mark on it. 

3. Hold your wall mount on top of the stud and mark the placement for the screws. 

3. Drill to create holes in the marked spots.

4. Attach the wall mount on the stud. Use wood screws or concrete anchors to secure it in position. 

5. Connect the chains to the punching bag.

6. Hang the bag on the wall mount. 

7. Check if it’s anchored enough by giving it a few test punches. 

3. Using a Free Stand

Free-standing punching bags don’t involve hanging or drilling, but it’s also an excellent way to bring your muscle-building workouts home. It’s preferable if you’re unsure of the structural integrity of your garage or if you’re renting and any installation is prohibited. 

You can buy a free stand in an athletic store and choose between a mobile frame with wheels movable to any place or a stationary stand. Follow these steps to set up the free-standing punching bags in your garage.

1. Check the instruction manual for the assembling guide. You may need a wrench or another tool to assemble the base.

2. Ready the punching bag and attach the chain to the bag’s corners. 

3. Grab the s-hook and attach it to the stand.

4. Lift the punching bag and hang it on the end of the hook. If you can’t lift it alone, ask for help.

5. Check if it’s stable enough by throwing some test punches. 

Reasons for Wobbling Bases

While free-standing punching bags are the easiest to install, their common complaint is instability. The stand’s base wobbles for three reasons:

• Poor quality: Free-standing bag bases come in various designs and quality. Top-heavy kinds often come with a higher price tag. 

• Slippery floor: Most stand bases are made of plastic, so they glide through wood, carpet or concrete flooring in every punch. 
• Light base: Some bases have lightweight materials as foundations with poor design.

Ways To Stabilize the Free-Standing Punching Bag

Investing in a quality free-standing punching bag is practical as it lasts longer. Here are things to do to fix the base on the ground. 

1. Pour sand in the base.

Quality free-standing bag bases are fillable with water or sand to stabilize them. You can mix sand and water to fix it on the ground and prevent the foundation from moving while in use. 

2. Upgrade the punching bag.

Punching bags come in various forms. There are poles, balls, teardrop shapes and many more. If it’s your first time setting up a punching bag in your garage, invest in a high-quality, heavy-duty material. These are the kinds with stable designs.

3. Purchase a mat.

Get a quality non-slip gym mat to layer between the floor and the free-stand base. The mat underneath protects the floor from damage caused by moving bases and allows you to go all out with training without worry.

Consider Safety When Installing a Punching Bag in the Garage

While having a home gym at home sounds fantastic, safety is essential when fixing workout equipment in the garage. There are various options to hang a punching bag, but ensure the beam it will be attached to is durable. Consider reinforcing the ceiling with another beam for added support. 

You won’t have to worry about missing a day of training from now on if you have a punching bag hanging in your garage. You can stay active even at home.