Training Punching Power Without Equipment

[SleepySasquatch]

To keep it short and sweet, does anyone know any exercises to improve punching power that don't require equipment? Aside from a couple of dumbbells I have no home equipment and most exercises that develop the likes of explosive and rotational force which contribute to punching power tend to require these things. Any suggestions?

[Shodai]

well to be honest.. when i dont use equipment..i pretty much work on my technique for power. I work on the proper way of pivoting the foot and leg and the rotation of the body and i go slow and i go fast. i just make sure my technique and body is where it needs to be to put power in to my punches, when i punch.

[Fish Of Doom]

do plyometric pushups, work on your technique as shodai said, do squats, core strengthening exercises, and pay attention to your footwork when you punch (your 'stance', for lack of a better term that applies correctly to non TMA'ists too)

punching is more than just getting power with the arms, so keep an eye on your whole body

[Kuma]

If you absolutely can't get anything else (which I would highly recommend getting at least something else), try a phone book.

[SleepySasquatch]

All good options thanks guys. No worries Kuma, there's plenty of equipment at my club but affording it at home could prove more difficult. Perhaps when payday comes around but unfortunately gotta have my...'sigh'...Priorities :rolleyes:

[YouKnowWho]

improve punching power that don't require equipment?

I truly don't believe punching in the thin air can be any useful. The ability that your body can take the counter froce coming back from your target object is important IMO.

You may appreciate open hand strike more than the fist punch when you get old and have arthritis on your finger joints.

[Kurtka Jerker]

Good power comes from good form. Study your movement and work on generating force without using a lot of intensity or muscle.


If you have to hit something but can't afford a bag, wrap a flexible tree with camping foam, couch foam, big blankets, whatever. Just remember, pro fighters still break hands, so don't take any shortcuts with what you decide on. If it feels the slightest bit unsafe, add more. Pack it down, too. Firm padding that you can't blow through is 100 times better than comfortable stuff that lets you feel a little of the target underneath.

[WhitePanda]

Eat lots of cheese burgers. The added weight will add power to your punches.

[Kuma]

All good options thanks guys. No worries Kuma, there's plenty of equipment at my club but affording it at home could prove more difficult. Perhaps when payday comes around but unfortunately gotta have my...'sigh'...Priorities :rolleyes:

Make a friend and buy a cheap striking shield. They won't set you back too much and they're fairly decent.

[karl52]

Theres some tips on here for building impact with light weights.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaZZcLzIELQ
I also think running through techniques slowly while visualising is a very good way to build familarity if you have very little equipment,on a door frame or something similar