Training Elbows on the Heavy Bag

[moonlightdrive2]

Hey guys:

Was wondering if you work Muay Thai elbows on standard Thai heavy bags? If so, do you have any problems with the bag being abrasive to your skin around your elbows? When I tried it, only after a few times it ripped my skin up a bit (I was working on a KO Fightgear 150 pound vinyl Thai bag).

I know that if the emphasis is placed more on the forearm rather than the elbow, the problem would go away. But would this be reenforcing bad habits since in Muay Thai you generally want to make sure your elbow makes the contact as opposed to your forearm?

Any general tips on how to work the elbows when using a Thai bag without messing with your skin?

Thanks!

 

[JackLancewell]

Two words: Man Up.

If you're gonna train elbows on the bag, you're gonna expect abrasions. Do it enough, and your elbows will get used to it.

Or you could waste money on elbow pads. I am strongly against that though, since in Muay Thai, you don't get to use elbow pads.

 

[Soulbane]

Two words: Man Up.

If you're gonna train elbows on the bag, you're gonna expect abrasions. Do it enough, and your elbows will get used to it.

Or you could waste money on elbow pads. I am strongly against that though, since in Muay Thai, you don't get to use elbow pads.

Most amateur MT comps don't even allow elbows, and require shin pads.

So, playing it safe is not a bad alternative if you're doing this casually. You will need the body hardening if you want to be competitive, professionally.

 

[TapSD]

Place more emphasis on the elbow..a sharp cutting motion..imagine your elbow as a razor. You don't have a callus built up yet..thats why it hurts..keep at it

 

[GCSD Fighter]

Winner, punch bag!

Nah, just kidding. It happens, keep at it.

 

[koreankid6413]

just keep at it, the skin roughens and it doesnt hurt after a while

 

[USP45CT]

sounds like you have some weak ass skin. Work through it and maybe the next patch will toughen up.

 

[MonstrositY]

No one dies from abrasions, what's the big deal?

 

[moonlightdrive2]

Thanks all.

 

[Jake Martin]

sounds like you have some weak ass skin. Work through it and maybe the next patch will toughen up.

It's a vinyl bag, I can see how it would easily rip through skin.

 

[woogie12]

Use a leather bag.

 

[Freestyler]

Use a leather bag.

Ditto

 

[Marvin Covar]

Your skin will toughen up over time.

 

[KOnah]

Conditioning.

Dig ditches and your hands get like leather, elbow a heavy bag and... ? :icon_surp

 

[TOPTOP]

That is what happens in this sport.. you get hurt and when you train you have to expect an injury at nay moment so be carefull.........

 

[Round1]

Sounds to me like you a "brushing" the bag with an elbow instead of "striking" it. I used have this problem too until I was corrected. The big thing was to bring my hand into my chest and throw the elbow like a hook. I later saw a good video on Utube which reinforced this.

Edit** here is the video HERE

 

[No Quarter]

This may sound woosy, and I may get flamed for it, but if you rub in a little good quality moisturizing lotion into elbows and knees before a heavy bag training round, it will help prevent them from splitting open as much.

Sometimes, especially during winter months, and if you are not adequately hydrating with water, your skin will become dry and brittle. When it is at this stage, it is more prone to injury from abrasion. Once you have a cut, then you are increasing risk of infection, especially if you are hitting a heavy bag that everybody else in your club hits and sweats on.

The application of lotion will not prevent you from conditioning/hardening these striking areas, however, it will help deter injury.

Just my thoughts.

 

[philong]

This may sound woosy, and I may get flamed for it, but if you rub in a little good quality moisturizing lotion into elbows and knees before a heavy bag training round, it will help prevent them from splitting open as much.

Sometimes, especially during winter months, and if you are not adequately hydrating with water, your skin will become dry and brittle. When it is at this stage, it is more prone to injury from abrasion. Once you have a cut, then you are increasing risk of infection, especially if you are hitting a heavy bag that everybody else in your club hits and sweats on.

The application of lotion will not prevent you from conditioning/hardening these striking areas, however, it will help deter injury.

Just my thoughts.

Nothing wussy about treating your body the best you can in oprder to minimize injuries.
I agree with Round1 too, it sounds like the OP is hitting too much of a glancing blow.

 

[~Tap_or_Snap~]

keep at it, vaseline works great for me

 

[Round1]

So yesterday I am going at on this heavy bag and it's starting to swing. I miss time my elbow and scrape it across the bag. This thread instantly popped in my head. LoL. Maybe I should have followed my own advice. I guess that my point is, that like bruised shins, it's just something you have to learn to deal with.