BOB is bigger and better than ever—and he’s available from AWMA.com.
The iconic free-standing, man-shaped heavy bag known as the Body Opponent Bag took both the martial arts and fitness worlds by storm when it was originally released. Now its new model, the BOB XL, is ready to change the game again with an extended torso and even more realistic features. And he can be yours from AWMA for the price of $999.99 USD plus shipping. And if you order before 11:59pm on September 30, it can be yours for 50% off with the code SEP50.
The BOB XL is obviously very good at its primary job as a freestanding heavy bag. It’s a famous piece of fitness and martial arts equipment for a reason. But with a little creativity, your BOB XL can excel at some side hustles, too.
Here are 5 ways to get the most out of your BOB XL.
Martial Arts
BOB XL is like a heavy bag and a training partner who never complains or quits all in one. Which makes it an ideal choice for both group classes and solo training in martial arts that involve a lot of striking techniques like Muay Thai, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Karate.
With a long torso and adjustable height, this heavy bag can take almost any kick, punch, knee, or elbow that you throw at it. It can also accommodate a wide range of sizes, styles, and training goals.
This piece of training equipment can be useful for martial artists of all skill levels, too. BOB XL’s realistic design can be especially helpful for new students who don’t have a lot of experience training or sparring with other people yet, because it can help them understand where and how their strikes are supposed to land. And BOB XL’s strong base and solid construction mean that it can stand up to repeated attacks from the most seasoned veterans, too.
Fitness
Rookie martial artists aren’t the only ones who can benefit from BOB XL’s realistic design. They’re also great for anyone who wants the physical and mental benefits of combat training without having to engage in the actual combat part.
Working with an adjustable human-shaped heavy bag is a practical way for fitness enthusiasts to use techniques from Boxing, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and more in their workouts. The design of these bags enables exercisers to practice striking techniques with power and precision without ever having to worry hitting someone or getting hit in return. It also enables them to develop some of the cardio, muscular strength and endurance, mental focus, coordination, and agility that comes with contact training in a non-contact environment.
BOB XL’s shape and design can also add a little extra fun and novelty to classic Boxercise and Kickboxing workouts. You can picture any face you want on BOB and work some of your frustrations out. Or you can imagine that you’re a championship fighter or action hero.
Grappling Training
We don’t recommend Judo throwing BOB XL or taking him down. If you’re looking to do more intense or ground-based solo training, a grappling dummy is still a much better option.
But if you’ve got some free time and no one else to train with, a BOB XL can help you fine tune some of your positional work from the feet. The bag’s human-shaped head and neck can be used to practice your clinch, head and neck control, and choke setups. Its torso might even be useful for some takedown setups.
As long as you don’t come at it with your full strength, you should be good to go. The BOB XL’s stable base can handle a lot, but it’s designed to withstand powerful kicks and punches, not full blown tackles.
Fashion
With a little ingenuity, and a willingness to see how your fit looks on a big, buff torso, the BOB XL can be a decent makeshift mannequin.
If you need to see how certain pieces look together, or show off an outfit that you’re not ready to wear or photograph yourself in, why not try dressing up your BOB XL? It might look a little silly, but it’s a fun and creative way to explore and show off any fashions you want to share for fun or to sell.
In a pinch, BOB might even work as a dress form substitute.
Decor
Say you run a gym and you’re hosting an open house, in-house tournament, or community party in your space. Or maybe you have a home gym setup and you’re having guests over that might see it.
Why not dress your BOB XL up for the occasion?
Throw a jaunty little party hat on it for birthdays. Make it a ghost costume for Halloween. Drape it in lights for the holidays. Or put it in training gear that has your gym or team’s logo on it.
For businesses, this could be a fun and creative way to spark more interest in your services. For personal use, it can still be pretty fun.
