Okay, so adding some of the best home gym equipment to your abode can be motivating enough to get you off your feet, but oftentimes, these treadmills, exercise bikes, and ellipticals turn into glorified coat hangers after just a few uses. Enter FightCamp — a high-intensity, punch-filled modality to help you conquer a sedentary lifestyle, which Dr. Raj Dasgupta, our expert reviewer, defines as “activities like sitting at a desk, watching TV, or using a computer for long periods without moving much.”

FightCamp’s boxing and kickboxing bundle offers a unique workout discipline for home gym enthusiasts. While not as versatile as other home gym staples — like free weights, functional trainers, or other profiles — the connected training modules and affordable price point make it a great pick for those that find more traditional at-home workouts somewhat dull. In this FightCamp review, we’ll outline the key specs of this intriguing fitness kit along with some hands-on experience notes gathered from our testing rounds.

For more information on how we test fitness equipment for all our reviews and round-ups, be sure to read the BarBend equipment testing methodology page.

Main Takeaways

You have the option to purchase one-person bundles or can build your kit out to support up to four FightCamp enthusiasts.

Per recent updates, FightCamp only offers bundled packages that include the bag, gloves, trackers, and wraps — you can no longer purchase the service without the included punching bag.

The all-new FightCamp console helps streamline your television connection and serves as a convenient charging station for your punch tracker sensors.

FightCamp Specs

As you can expect, FightCamp’s focus is on home boxing and kickboxing workouts, but the online workout program also features strength-, core-, and recovery-based sessions with more modules added weekly. Recently, the brand updated its boxing workout bundle so that FightCamp packages now include a punching bag, non-slip bag ring, heart rate monitor, punch trackers, quick wraps, and premium boxing gloves sized to your needs. Additionally, this new kit comes equipped with FightCamp’s brand-new console.

In previous iterations of the service, you needed to connect the included punch trackers via Bluetooth to a smart device such as your phone or tablet, subsequently streaming the connected workouts through that device. The all-new FightCamp console, on the other hand, essentially works like an Apple TV docking station, giving you a more streamlined pathway to follow workouts through your television screen. The FightCamp console also serves as a charging station for your punch trackers, which track your punch count and intensity throughout training.

Moving from the tech features to the more utilitarian side of the bundle, the FightCamp punching bag features a topple-free design with padding tall enough to support both boxing and kickboxing sessions. The fillable base serves as the anchor point of the entire setup, and is capable of holding up to 250 pounds of water or up to 350 pounds of sand for added sturdiness.

Our tester using FightCamp for a workout

Whichever fill you choose is up to you, but from my experience with other punching bags, I’d recommend opting for water — it’s far easier to fill the reservoir, and you can drain the vessel if you ever need to move the bag further than a few feet. Plus, I like how FightCamp also includes a non-slip bag ring in the base kit, which serves as a sort of guide rail for your bag’s base. With the ring in place, you won’t need to worry about your target slipping and sliding across your home gym flooring mid-workout.

The included boxing gloves and quick hand wraps are available in small (for those 5 feet, 7 inches and under) and large (for those 5 feet, 8 inches and over), giving you some room to customize your boxing equipment to your specific body type. You can also order bundles with up to four pairs of boxing gloves and quick wraps, perfect for active families with multiple FightCamp users. Think of it as your own little FightCamp tribe.

Finally, the FightCamp app is a subscription-based service costing $39 monthly. The platform features instructor-led workouts led by world-class instructors and offers real-time progress tracking similar to the in-studio feel you’d see on such silhouettes as the Peloton Bike. Of course, this service does require some additional financial planning. While you may be able to afford the initial equipment bundle, you should also ensure that the monthly subscription fees won’t compromise your yearly budget.

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use FightCamp

FightCamp can be a fun way to burn 100 calories or more each day, but those haymakers and jabs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Below are some groups we think could benefit from adding FightCamp to their living room gym, and those that may fare better with more traditional home gym essentials.

Recommended for:

Athletes looking to reimagine their home gym training with a new modality

People interested in boxing classes with more of a personal feel

Those that cannot fit more traditional equipment into their smaller training spaces

Not Recommended for:

Those more interested in traditional cardio and strength-training disciplines

Athletes not wanting to subscribe to another online workout program

Individuals that already own a heavy bag

Our Experience Training With FightCamp

While the boxing workouts offered through FightCamp were admittedly a deviation from our normal training routines, we have had experience with hundreds of home gym machines and equipment. We took the processes learned from those testing protocols and applied it here, examining FightCamp’s setup and assembly, in-training performance, tech features, versatility, and more. We then rated these findings on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Quick, Simple Assembly

One of the first things our tester noted when getting FightCamp set up for training was that it’s fairly plug and play. After all, you’re simply attaching the padded bag to its base and filling the reservoir for added sturdiness rather than bolting together multiple components like you would with some of the best rowing machines or exercise bikes.

“When the base is unfilled, everything is simple to move and arrange,” our tester states. “Plus, the padded bag attached quickly to the stable base, and throwing the workout mat down to get the ring into position is a breeze.”

We did rate the assembly process at 4 out of 5, though, given the filling process for the bottom reservoir. The brand states that water or sand should be used in quantities of 250 pounds or 350 pounds, respectively. Sand is the better option from a logistics standpoint as it won’t slosh around during heavy hits. However, the fill port is somewhat small and it can be difficult to fill from, especially if you don’t have the proper granule size.

Our tester squaring up for a punch across FightCamp’s free-standing punching bag

I’ve had free-standing punching bags before and definitely prefer the convenience of water. For one, it’s readily available and doesn’t require a trip to your local hardware store. Plus, it can be drained if you need to pack up your FightCamp bundle for an upcoming move or need to place it in storage for an extended period.

Lastly, we’ve yet to set up the new FightCamp Console technology, but from the brand’s tutorial videos and instruction manuals, it appears as simple as plugging in any HDMI device to your television screen.

Competitive Leaderboards

The Bluetooth-enabled punch tracker sensors are what turn FightCamp into its own connected boxing gym. The sensors allow you to track your punch counts through each session as they tally up across your screen. Plus, we like how FightCamp has given these combos a sense of competition in live workouts. Naturally, you’re not trying to knock anyone out, but rather, you’re “racing” against others to get the most connections.

“I also appreciate that you can stream your favorite playlists during workouts,” says our tester, who rated the tech features at 3.5 out of 5. “I believe this perk is only available to Apple users, but I don’t have an Android-powered device to compare.”

You may be wondering why the positive notes expressed above generated a mid-range rating. Well, that’s due to the punch trackers not necessarily picking up every jab and strike during our full-body workouts. According to our tester, there were a few hits that failed to register with the service. It may seem like a small bug to deal with when in the throes of training, but if you’re really duking it out with fellow classmates, every punch counts.

One Punch Pony

While FightCamp can be a fun, intriguing way to get your heart pumping, and the entire bundle is some of the best compact exercise equipment for athletes in small spaces, admittedly, it’s far more niche than other training staples. After all, your pace and intensity are directly related to the sessions you take, and there are few alterations you can make to your workout outside of choosing a non-boxing session from the library. Plus, there are no resistance levels to choose from, so you’re reliant on your pace when it comes to how challenging you want your workouts to be.

FightCamp also doesn’t feature any means to employ resistance training like you’d see with free weights or cable machines. Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and our expert reviewer, lists some of the benefits of resistance training as “increased muscle mass, strength, bone density and bone health, improved mental health and confidence, balance and coordination, and independence into old age.” (1)

Our tester using FightCamp for a training session

We also rated the versatility at 1.75 out of 5, as the kit relies entirely on your buy-in to the brand’s library of connected sessions. If you’re an athlete well-versed in combat sports and are just looking to hit the bag for a few minutes each day, odds are you understand which combos to throw to generate a caloric burn. If this is you, it can be cheaper to simply opt for a pair of high-quality boxing gloves and a free-standing punching bag, which can oftentimes come at a cost below the base $999 price of FightCamp.

We’re not here to say that FightCamp isn’t a worthwhile home gym option. However, we recommend that you think through your personal fitness goals before signing up for the service and acquiring your gear. Are you going to want to throw bows day in and day out, or is this a side quest you can soon lose interest in?

What to Consider Before Buying FightCamp

When working through the steps to building your home gym, you need to think of a few factors along the way, regardless of whether you plan on adding FightCamp to your roster or not. Below are some of the considerations we always recommend pondering over during this process when looking to add to your at-home training oasis.

Fitness Goals: What you want to accomplish in training can greatly determine which gear you need to support your performance. Think through your personal aspirations and align your purchases with what makes sense.

Product Dimensions: There’s no sense in ordering fitness equipment that won’t even make it through the door. Take some measurements within your training space and ensure your picks can fit comfortably. It can also be wise to extend these measurements to confirm you can get in, on, off, and around your gear without complications.

Training Interests: Your home gym equipment should serve as tools you don’t mind using day in and day out. For example, if you despise cycling, it doesn’t make sense to purchase one of the best exercise bikes, does it?

Price: No piece of fitness gear should compromise your budget. Crunch some numbers prior to purchase and confirm that you can comfortably afford the purchase as well as any required subscription services when relevant.

FightCamp Vs. Competitors

Okay, so comparing FightCamp to other home gym silhouettes can be a little tricky — there aren’t multiple combat-related products to choose from. So, to give you something to compare the product to, we’ve taken the different principles of the package and stacked them side-by-side to relative profiles. For the connected fitness aspect, we’ve compared FightCamp to Tonal. From a more utilitarian standpoint, we selected Century’s Wavemaster XXL Training Bag.

In terms of versatility, Tonal can be a great option for athletes looking to bring their workouts home. The plethora of accessories and multiple resistance-training sessions make it a go-to for calorie-burning sessions. However, the upfront costs and subscription price of Tonal trumps the numbers relative to FightCamp, so if you’re looking to save a few dollars, it may be best to step through the (virtual) ropes.

When it comes to free-standing punching bags, I cannot recommend Century’s Wavemaster lineup more. The 52-inch pad height is tall enough to support kickboxing endeavors, and I’ve yet to see a Wavemaster topple over after a hard hit or connection. However, you do need to have some sort of game plan together when training with this profile. There are no connected features like an on-screen instructor with this pick. As a standalone bag, it could be worth your time and money, but as a dedicated connected fitness vessel, FightCamp wins this one-on-one bout.

Ordering and Assembling FightCamp

Assembling the FightCamp bundle is as simple as connecting the padded bag to its base and filling the bottom reservoir with water or sand. Per FightCamp, you’ll need roughly 250 pounds of water or 350 pounds of sand to fill the vessel. Sand can be a sturdier option, but will require a very fine sand to pass through the porthole (as well as the extra trip to the hardware store).

We’ve yet to set up the all-new FightCamp Console, so we do not have notes on that process yet. However, the brand does have plenty of tutorial videos on how to connect the system to your television and get your punch trackers connected to your account.

Places to Buy FightCamp

FightCamp bundles can be purchased directly from the brand’s retail site. Currently, You have the option to purchase boxing glove pairs for up to four people. Multi-person bundles also come with up to two heart rate monitors and up to four punch trackers.

Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews

Per the brand, “FightCamp‘s values are rooted in traditional boxing culture. We believe in fighting through adversity, making meaningful progress, and building strong, consistent habits.” The brand’s combat-oriented home gym kit has garnered positive reviews online since its inception, earning a 4.9 out of 5 based on over 21,000 Apple Store responses.

Our tester using FightCamp for a kickboxing session

“This is kind of a life-changing program for me,” notes one positive customer response. “I do a lot of different exercises, and I have come to realize through FightCamp that the heavy bag training has become my absolute favorite.”

To reach the brand with regards to any inquiries, FightCamp is available via email at info@joinfightcamp.com. Additionally, you can utilize the brand’s Live Chat feature at the bottom right of the retail site as well as call (240)-307-5890. Support hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET from Monday through Friday, as well as 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET on Saturdays and Sundays.

[Related: Boxing Lessons for Powerlifters]

Warranties

FightCamp comes with a 30-day return policy, which can be helpful if you suddenly realize that boxing workouts aren’t your favorable discipline of choice. However, the brand must approve your reason for return prior to submitting your refund minus shipping costs.

Additionally, FightCamp offers a 1-year warranty for any defects in workmanship and materials. Of course, this is less substantial coverage than, say, the warranty bundle you’d see from some of the best treadmills, but at least there is some support in case you find an errant rip or tear across your bag or mitts.

Final Thoughts on FightCamp

As home gym equipment, FightCamp can be an excellent bundle for those wanting to mix up their daily workouts. Plus, this best treadmill alternative can be more affordable than the running-oriented profiles with packaged prices starting at $999. You’ll need to be dedicated to combat sports as a fitness endeavor, but the service and workouts can be more than enough to get those calories burning.

Before you finalize your cart, though, it helps to treat FightCamp as you would any other piece of home gym equipment. Take some measurements, look at your budget, and really think through your preferred fitness interests. If everything aligns, you’ll be on your way to knocking out your goals in no time.

FightCamp FAQs

References

Westcott, W. L. (2012). Resistance training is medicine. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 11(4), 209–216. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22777332/

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