2 questions

[axis_d]

about heavy bag training. First of all, I'd like to know, when you're using a heavy bag, is it best to clench your fists really tight? Sometimes when I clench them tightly, it feels like too much energy is dedicated to clenching, and it takes away some punching power, but then if your fist is too lose, then it wont be as effective either. So is it better to clench as tight as possible, or loosen them up a little?
second, is it bad to hit the bag bare handed? I have some gel gloves that i use when my knuckles get sore. But some have told me hitting the bag bare handed makes your hands stronger. Others told me its bad, and can give you arthritis. Which one is right?

[Verstyle]

First off,when you hit the bag,have your hands loose,then when you come to the target then tighten them,then when you're done punching loosen it up. It will also increase your speed also.

As for the bag,you should always wear wraps and gloves,you can scar your hands up real good without them.You can also hurt your wrist,because hand wraps put pressure on your wrist to protect them.

[egonct]

first, i'd say not too tight, not too loose. Find a good medium that is comfortable. As far as hitting bare-fisted, I would definitely say to wear gloves or at a minimum hand wraps. Your worst scenario is a broken hand, best is just scraping up your knuckles, either way an injured hand is a fighters worst nightmare, so I always wear gloves when doing any kind of punching.

[egonct]

First off,when you hit the bag,have your hands loose,then when you come to the target then tighten them,then when you're done punching loosen it up. It will also increase your speed also.

As for the bag,you should always wear wraps and gloves,you can scar your hands up real good without them.You can also hurt your wrist,because hand wraps put pressure on your wrist to protect them.

haha, exactly....you must have just posted right before me.

[punchDrUnK MONK]

first of all man, hittin the bag with just gloves or no gloves at all will **** ur hands up... u need quality handwraps, properly wrap them, and THEN throw some gloves on...

and i recommend if ur tryin to teach urself how to box bags, start off with less power so u wont hurt ur hands learning ur form... once u find a comfortable way to punch, increase power, with good ernough gloves and properly wrapped hands, u shouldnt hurt ur hands or mark them

good luck