Punching and kicking on a heavy bag is an excellent way to put in an intense cardio workout. Like many workouts, though, it will probably be much more useful if you can keep a detailed log of every touch you land on the bag. That’s exactly what Impact Wrap allows you to do.
An activity tracker for boxing and kickboxing workouts, you simply wrap it around any existing heavy bag to turn it into a connected workout equipment. Once installed, it will record numerous workout metrics, recording every punch, kick, elbow, knee, or whatever other strike you want to inflict on your inanimate opponent (yes, we think pro-wrestling butt bumps should work, too).
Impact Wrap can install onto any existing heavy bag (sorry your desktop punching bag doesn’t count) in around 30 seconds, securing in place using two straps with buckle closures and a Velcro-like fastener. Those dual closures ensure it holds on tight and doesn’t move around throughout the course of even the busiest workouts. A control pad with glove-friendly buttons near the top of the wrap allows you to specify a particular workout program, with the onboard display letting you view your performance after each workout. That same information, of course, can be accessed through the accompanying app.
What kind of metrics can you get using this? You’ll get a record of every strike you land (impact count), how hard it landed (impact force), how it compares with historical data (impact rank), and calories burned. Granted, that’s not a whole lot (it can’t even differentiate between a kick and a punch, much less a butt bump), but having access to that kind of information sure can add a different element to planning and adjusting your workouts.
A Kickstarter campaign is currently running for Impact Wrap. Pledges to reserve a unit starts at $189.