I was first made aware of the Burn Machine Speed Bag when I saw this mechanism that Anderson Silva was operating on the Countdown to UFC 112. I noticed a fair amount of threads on Sherdog with queries regarding the contraption and after a bit of research, I discovered that it’s called the “Speed Bag” made by a company called Burn Machine.

It comes in 3 different weights. The “Novice”, weighing 4lbs at $129; the “Intermediate”, weighing 8lbs at $139; and the “Professional”, weighing 12lbs at $149.

Here is Fred George of Erik Paulson’s Combat Submission Wrestling showing us how the Burn Machine Speed Bag works:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynXniWKJfcQ

I know what you’re thinking, it’s just another overpriced piece of exercise equipment with an infomercial. Well, we don’t like generalizing here at MMAGearGuide.net and we gave the Burn Machine Speed Bag a thorough evaluation. Though I will tell you now, I would recommend that you try a unit out if you have access to one. With this contraption, experiencing is believing.

Ordering: Customer service is top-notch and will go the extra mile in literally answering any query you may have about their products either through phone or email. The product was also shipped in record time, and they also offer tracking of your package so you can follow it every step of the way.

First Impressions: The Burn Machine Speed Bag came in a box which contained the Burn Machine Speed Bag,  an instructional poster and an instructional DVD hosted by Fred George of CSW.

The Burn Machine Professional Speed Bag weighs 12lbs (5kg) though it does seem heavier than a 5kg plate. Think about it as comparing a 5kg kettlebell with a 5kg dumbbell. The kettlebell FEELS heavier, though they’re exactly the same weight.

Workout: I had it dead-set in my mind that working out with this thing was going to be a walk in the park but it sure was the exact opposite. If I were to summarize this portion to one sentence, all I would say is: It’s not called a Burn Machine for nothing. The apparatus does live up to its name.

I’ve lifted conventional weights for a long time, have gone through kettlebell training, weight circuits along with my MMA training and I can tell you right now that working out with the Burn Machine Speed Bag is an experience in itself. And no, working out with the Speed Bag isn’t an end-all workout but it is one hell of a great supplement to any routine, whatever your goals are.

The Burn Machine Speed Bag primarily works out your shoulders, biceps, triceps and trapezius muscles. It also helps with forearm strength/endurance, grip strength, hand-eye coordination, and footwork. It really depends on how you use it. If I was asked to categorize this piece into a free-weight or a machine, I would say it’s right smack in the middle.

The great thing about this thing is its versitility — you can choose how to use it according to your goals. For the first few days of having the Burn Machine Speed Bag, I naturally started a bit slow; focusing mainly on arm endurance. All the time hitting the bag, pads and sparring, I thought I had already developed a fair amount of arm endurance but working out with the Burn Machine goes beyond that.

For one, the most basic BMSB movements emulate working out with a speedbag and uppercuts, moves that directly translate into the standup aspect of mixed-martial arts.  It also teaches you not to hold your breath if you still haven’t mastered the art of doing so. Due to its design, you can either use it to do isolation movements and/or to do semi-compound exercises. For instance, you can either use it for a purely aerobic workout which will assist in improving your static arm and shoulder endurance, or you can incorporate it with your HIIT/tabata style workouts to work on explosiveness. The possibilities ARE endless due to the versitility of this product.

The Speed Bag is a semi-portable unit so I do have the option to bring it to the gym with me and add it to my circuit. Though, I do primarily use these for home workouts. Another thing that I love about the Burn Machine Speed Bag is the fact that it takes up virtually no space. I do live in a relatively small flat in the UK and as some of you may know, space is a big issue when it comes to having large equipment and for something of this size and for the amount of work that one can do with it, this thing is definitely a winner.

Overall: I do without a doubt recommend this to anyone. The price at $149 is a bit expensive to a couple of people but I would have to say that it is worth every penny. Again, I’m not stating that this thing is an end-all for your MMA workouts but The Burn Machine Speed Bag is a great supplement to any established, or aspiring mixed-martial artist.

PURCHASE: Burn Machine Speed Bag

First Impressions: I have had the Burn Machine for a little over a month now. The day that the Burn Machine was supposed to come, I was ecstatic. I was on the computer, waiting for the package to come. I noticed I heard music outside, and noticed that it had been playing for some time now. I got up to check what it was and realized that it was the FedEx Home Delivery truck. I imagine the reason that the truck was parked for so long was because the delivery man was having trouble lugging this thing to my door step. I felt bad. Anyways, I went outside to pick it up, and it was a lot heavier than I expected.

Construction: The entire machine is made out of steel, with half of it being chrome plated and the other half being what I believe is powder coated black. All of the welds are very clean and there are 8 screws which hold each 360 rotational plate in place. There appears to be a Delrin like material between the counterweight and the bar allowing the weight to slide smoothly. This thing will more than likely last a long, long time.

Measurements

Weight: Burn Machine – 9.98kg(22lbs) / Each Crescent Weight – 1.96kg(4.33lbs) With Crescent Weights – 21.77kg(48lbs) / Max with your own weights – 99.79kg(220lbs)
Length: Total - 91.44 cm / Plate Space - 30.48 cm
Width: Grips – 17.78 cm / Bar – 2.54 cm

Grips: Length – 12.7 cm / Width – 2.54 cm / Circumference – 39.88 cm

Workout: The first day I used the Burn Machine was the same day I received it. There were 2 instructional DVD’s in the box, one being a video Boot Camp, and the other a video Reference Guide. I figured the Reference Guide was simply that, a reference of the different workouts you are able to do, but you are not limited to just these, there are many more you can do.

So I popped the Boot Camp DVD in and started it up. You can choose to do arms/shoulders or legs/abs, or you could simply play them all. The Boot Camp starts out with a little Warm-up which consists of jogging in place, jumping jacks, throwing some jabs and crosses, etc. To be completely honest, I was beginning to think this was a joke, but as soon as the actual workout began, I was immediately proved wrong.

I have been working out on and off for some time now. From free weights, kettle bells, and cable machines, to my MMA training, this Burn Machine is a thing of it’s own. You can get a complete workout, using this single apparatus. You are not limited to just the exercises on the DVD either, there are many other lifts you can complete, although the DVD has most of workouts necessary to complete a full body workout, you even get a nice little cardio workout if you keep up the pace. However, if you do not have experience with basic lifts, I do recommend learning the basics with a normal barbell before using the Burn Machine.

The Boot Camp has 3 sections which last ~36 minutes, but it may take you much longer. They move along at a quick rate, and if you have added weights on the Burn Machine, I doubt you will be able to keep up. In this case I just pause the video until I catch my breath. The first section is a lighter workout, but may still be tough for beginners. It consists of lifts like the Good Morning, Squats, Curls, Rows and the Overhead Press. The second part is for more advanced users, this section mainly just combines the workouts into 5 and 6 count body builders, but you complete the circuit with the counter weight on the right side, then repeat the circuit on the left side. The third part is a nice cool down, where you complete the rest of the lifts laying down on your back and do workouts such as a modified bench press, and skull crushers. In the end, after the last section it takes you through a few stretches, but you should not stop there, because the first time I used the Burn Machine, the next day both of my bicep tendon’s were extremely tense.

The 360-degree rotating grips and counter weight are what make this product unique. The rotating grips allow you to isolate muscle groups, and you can definitely tell the impact they make when performing curls for example. The counter weight engages core muscles, and allows you to strengthen each side of your body independently from the other, although sometimes the weight can be annoying when it slides over to the opposite side of the bar. Most lifts we do in every day life, and lifts especially in MMA, are asymmetrical, but standard barbells are not. The Burn Machine, being asymmetrical, will create the muscle memory needed in MMA, as you perform each asymmetrical lift.

One thing I feel that I need to add, is how little space this takes up. I know a lot of people do not have the space in their home to add a bench or a cage, but you can store this thing almost anywhere. On top of that, it is pretty versatile. Since it comes with a nice carrying bag, it is easy to tote around if need be.

Pros:

Ability to add more weight

360 Rotating Grips

Counterweight

Great Construction

Cons:

Price?

Overall: If I had to rate this fine piece of equipment, I would give it a 4.5/5. Although it may be quite costly to some, it is sure worth it, especially if you have extra weights laying around to add on. With the Universal Burn Machine on sale for $149.99 it is a fantastic deal.

NOTE: I received the Ultimate Burn Machine Package, which includes the Universal Burn Machine, crescent weights, stand, carrying bag and 2 DVD’s. The Universal Burn Machine does NOT include the crescent weights, stand or carrying bag, and comes with the Exercise Reference Guide instead of both DVD’s.

PURCHASE: Burn Machine Speed Bag

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Lightweight and portable, the Zebra Home Mat conveniently rolls out every time for training and quickly rolls up for easy storage. Features the same great tatami-textured surface as the Zebra Grappling Mat providing you with sure footing and fast movement. The same open cell technology featured in the normal grappling mats prevents the break down of the foam over time, which would normally decrease the protection of the mats. Great for combative training, grappling, throws, and take downs.

Purchase: Zebra Home Mats

This lightweight and portable roll-out mat lets you train whenever and wherever you want – at home, on the road, outside, anywhere – so you can keep honing your skills even when you’re not in the gym. Because it’s a Zebra Mat, you‘ve got the support of the industry’s highest quality mat maker behind you with every move you make. Practice makes perfect, and Zebra’s portable roll-out mat is the perfect partner to take you where you want to go. Zebra recommends this mat for home use ONLY. 1.38in x 10′ x 10′. Combine 2 for a perfect 20’ x 20’ training area.Just roll it out and get it on. It’s easy roll set-up & store, it’s lightweight and portable! Available in black and blue.

PURCHASE: Zebra Home Mats

PURCHASE: The Gymboss Internal Timer

First Impressions: I bought 2 5x10x1.25″ mats about 3 months back. When I first received the mats, I was amazed of how large they were. 10×10 is bigger than you think. When I first unrolled them I was exceptionally pleased, you could smell how new the mats were. They were a little dirty, but nothing a quick wiping couldn’t fix. The mats were flawless, and the tatami surface looked even cleaner in real life.

Versatility: The mats do not weigh to much, nothing a martial artist can’t handle. They take a few seconds to roll out and roll back up. The only time that took a few minutes was taping the mats together. If you have someone help you it goes by a lot quicker.

Stand up: The mats work exceptionally well for stand up. They do not sink in when you stand on them and they allow you to be versatile and move around without restriction. The tatami is supposed to help the footing, especially for when the mat gets wet, and it works. The mats have a small Dollamur logo/warning printed near the end of the mat, but don’t worry, it is not an annoyance. One thing that was unfortunate was that I noticed a small tear on the top of one of the mats, right where the joint of the mat is. I was unhappy that I found it, but my worries were put to rest once I emailed them. They told me they could replace it, but I decided it would not be a problem so they told me if it gets any worse to let them know.

Ground: The mats are only 1.25″ thick, I was a little worried about them being to thin, and to some of us they might be. But for me, that’s perfect. Take downs do not hurt whatsoever, however when performing bigger “slams” you could feel some of the impact. When working on the ground, they work just like any other mat, perfectly. And don’t worry about the seam in between the mats, you cannot feel it once taped.

Pros:

• Look great
• Good protection
• Nice versatility
• Comes with a 3-year warranty

Cons:

• Price
• May be a bit to thin for some people

Overall: I would give these mats a 4/5. They are excellent mats for the money, if I could have I would of purchased a bit thicker version of the mat, if it were the same price, but other than that they are great! They offer everything you would find at a gym for a fraction of the price. If you do decide to purchase them, make sure you buy them from Dollamur’s store on eBay, they are much cheaper on there.

-CodyD, MMAGearGuide.net