Target training is a fun and effective form of exercise for almost every age, skill level, and martial arts background.
Working with focus mitts and targets helps seasoned boxers, Muay Thai fighters, Karateka, and Tae Kwon Do practitioners fine tune their techniques, speed, overall conditioning, and mental clarity. This type of training can also help beginner martial artists and combat fighters develop the hand-eye coordination, precision, and sports specific cardio they’ll need to take their skills to the next level.
Even people who have no interest or background in martial arts can benefit from target training. Punching and kicking things is fun and a great way to relieve some stress. And it can improve your cardiovascular fitness and tone your muscles while you’re blowing off some steam.
Just because almost everyone can benefit from some form of this workout doesn’t mean that everyone should be using the exact same target training equipment, though. Some types of focus training gear are more suited to specific disciplines and skill levels than others.
To help you figure out what type of focus training equipment will be the best choice for your training goals, we’ve put together this spotlight on 4 popular ProForce focus training products. Let’s take a look at what they’re made of, what they’re designed for, and how you can use them.
ProForce® Lightning Hand Targets
The Stats: Made of 2” thick foam padding reinforced with durable vinyl coating, Proforce® Lightning Hand Targets are built to withstand the toughest blows with exceptional durability. They’re also built to provide maximize safety and minimize impact for pad holders with a secure grip that will keep the target in place during intense workouts, and 1/2″ reverse padding that gives coverage for both sides of your hand. This allows everyone involved in training to focus solely on perfecting their techniques. Measuring 9.5″ long x 7.5″ wide, these hand targets are the perfect size for honing your skills, whether you’re practicing punches or perfecting your kicks. Available in three vibrant colors that will both look cool and provide a visual aid for precision strikes.
The Demo: Lightning Hand Targets are a useful multi-purpose tool for aspiring ninjas of all ages. They’re especially good for younger martial artists and pee wee training curriculums, though, because their soft cushioning is gentle on young hands.Thanks to their size and shape, these hand targets are easy to store, which also makes them a great option for anyone who is training at home with limited space. Or anyone who wants to pack a pair in their luggage so that they can train while they’re travelling.
ProForce® II Double Paddle
The Stats: Practical and durable, the ProForce® II Double Paddle features a double foam core with a reinforced vinyl cover. A elastic wrist strap helps the holder secure their grip and an oversized Proforce® logo helps the striker focus on their target. It also makes a satisfying clapping sound when you strike it.
The Demo: This double paddle’s design can be used in combination with both hand and kicking techniques, making it well suited to martial arts that involve a combination of upper and lower body strikes. They’re a popular choice for gyms that teach Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Kickboxing.
The ProForce® II Double Paddle’s solid design and construction make it a smart choice for any skill level. But it’s also a particularly beneficial option for beginners—or anyone who needs a little more encouragement—thanks to its clapper. The sound that the target makes each time it’s successfully hit provides instant positive feedback to the striker, allowing them to develop their confidence with each use. This sound can also help some students improve their focus during training.
ProForce® Body Shields
The Stats: The ProForce®: Gladiator Curved Body Shield is a striking shield made from a heavy gauge reinforced vinyl shell and a reinforced closed cell high density foam cushion. This 29” x 15” x 6” shield is adaptable, with multiple handles that allow trainers to hold the shield in a variety of positions and a curved design that gives strikers multiple angles to attack. But it’s also solid and stable, with an adjustable hook & loop main closure strap for a secured striking target that provides comfort and protection for the trainer. It also looks cool, with a striking black and red design.
For the same great construction with a slightly different look, the ProForce Velocity Curved Body Shield offers all of the above materials and features in a solid color design scheme. Available in black, blue, red, and yellow.
The Demo: As far as target training gear goes, striking shields might have the easiest learning curve. Both strikers and holders can pick up the basics pretty quickly, which makes shields like the Gladiator Curved Body Shield and the ProForce® Velocity Curved Body Shield a great choice for anyone who is new to striking training—or working with other people who are. This includes beginner training sessions, fitness classes, and any situation where you might have to recruit an untrained friend or family member to help you with at-home workouts. (If you can’t find anyone, striking shields can also be used for solo ground-based MMA drills.)
These shields are also a multi-purpose tool that is easily adaptable for use with a wide variety of striking techniques from Boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, MMA, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and more. This versatility makes it a good option for anyone who is practicing multiple martial arts. Or anyone who isn’t sure what their exact training goals are yet.
