A satisfying combination on the punching bag, a few quick minutes on pads, and then heading home feeling accomplished. Cardio boksen is about movement, rhythm, and enjoying your workout. The right equipment helps: gloves that fasten comfortably, handwraps or gelwraps that fit well under your gloves, and a regular care routine for afterward.
But not every class with boxing in its name uses the same equipment. Sometimes you only punch the air. Sometimes you work on a punching bag or on pads held by a partner. This guide helps you choose for the training you actually do, with accessible gloves, separate bag gloves, and practical options for home.
What kind of cardio boksen do you do?
Start with what your punches will hit. That matters more than the name of the class. In a non-contact fitness class, you do not hit a punching bag, pads, or an opponent. In bag training, every combination lands on a training target. In pad training, someone holds the targets for you. Those are three different situations.
- Punching the air. You follow combinations, move, and work on your rhythm without hitting anything. BODYCOMBAT, for example, is a non-contact workout for which Les Mills does not prescribe any equipment. The glove choice for bag training does not automatically apply here.
- Training on the punching bag. You hit a filled target and repeat punches. Suitable boxing gloves or bag gloves, with handwraps or gelwraps underneath, are the basics here.
- Training on pads. You punch targets held by a partner. Boxercise describes this as a common form of training that does not involve hitting an opponent. Suitable training gloves and handwraps or gelwraps are important for the person punching.
A partner holding pads is not a sparring partner. When sparren, you make contact with each other, and that changes your choice of gloves and protective gear. So buy your equipment for cardio boksen based on what your class involves, not an imagined match.
A practical Fight2Win selection to get started
For a cardio class on the bag or pads, we like to keep things simple: an accessible all-round glove, Fight2Win handwraps or XPRT gelwraps, and practical care products to keep your gloves fresh. These are separate products, each with its own purpose, not a fixed bundle in a single size.
XPRT Top Gloves black
Our accessible glove choice in this selection. This leather model with a hook-and-loop closure is a practical option for anyone who wants to train on the bag and pads while keeping the cost down. The fit with your handwraps or gelwraps remains the deciding factor.
Fight2Win V2 Handwraps 450 cm
For those who like to decide for themselves how to wrap their knuckles, hands, and wrists. The V2 combines slightly stretchy fabric with a long hook-and-loop panel. Take the time to learn how to wrap evenly; that makes this small addition a regular part of your preparation.
XPRT EZ Padding black
The quick alternative to wear under your gloves: slip them on, wrap the wrist strap around and fasten it. Choose handwraps or gelwraps based on comfort and ease of use. Layering both on top of each other is not a standard part of this selection.
Rival deodorizer
A practical addition to unpacking and airing your gloves after class. Remove the deodorizers from your gloves before your next training session, and let the deodorizers themselves dry too. They do not replace cleaning your gloves and letting them dry completely.
Sukkiri spray
A practical spray for caring for the inside of your gloves, alongside airing and drying them. Aim the adjustable spray nozzle inside the glove and follow the instructions on the packaging. Do not use it on the exterior, even on synthetic material.
Affordable all-round boxing gloves for your classes
For varied cardio classes, all-round boxing gloves are a sensible place to start. You alternate combinations on pads with rounds on a punching bag and need to be able to fasten the closure yourself. A comfortable hand compartment, a wrist strap you can fasten securely and enough room for handwraps or gelwraps matter more than a flashy product name.
XPRT Top Gloves black
The black Top Gloves are the affordable entry-level option in this guide. They have a leather exterior, multilayer foam padding and a wide hook-and-loop closure. A simple, practical combination for recreational bag and pad training. When trying them on, check whether you can make a fist without forcing it and whether your thumb rests comfortably.
XPRT Conquest V9 Darkness
The Conquest V9 adds an affordable vegan option to the comparison. Its synthetic exterior is an alternative to the leather used in Top Gloves and Pro V3. This matte black training model also has multilayer foam padding, a wide hook-and-loop closure and ventilation holes in the palm. It's a practical option for bag and pad sessions when you want to weigh up budget, material and a subtle design. Try it on with your handwraps or gelwraps: being vegan is one factor, but fit matters just as much.
XPRT Pro V3 Midnight
Midnight is the all-black version of the leather Pro V3. It has multilayer foam padding, a wide hook-and-loop closure and ventilation holes in the palm. It's an accessible option in the Pro V3 range for anyone who trains regularly and wants an understated black design.
XPRT Pro V3 Crush
Crush combines a black exterior with a pink interior. The product is listed as a women's model, but choose your glove based on fit and how you train. A color or women's label does not prove it has a different construction or that it will fit. Try this version on with the same handwraps or gelwraps you wear in class.
XPRT Pro V3 Lavender
Lavender is the lilac version for anyone who wants a splash of color in their gym bag. This is also the leather Pro V3, with multi-layer padding and a hook-and-loop closure. Midnight, Crush and Lavender are three versions of the same model series. Available weights may vary by color; the product listing shows the current options.
Our practical order: compare Top Gloves, Conquest V9 and Pro V3 for fit, closure, material and budget. Then choose your color. That way, your purchase starts with comfortable training and ends with a version you enjoy putting on.
Twins and Rival for a broader comparison
If you also want to compare a more expensive glove, look at the model's intended use. A higher price does not automatically make it better suited to a cardio class. An all-round leather glove and a dedicated glove for sparren do not serve the same purpose in your selection.
Twins BGVL3 White
The white BGVL3 is one of our Twins examples: an all-round leather training glove with a wide hook-and-loop closure and a distinctive rounded shape. It is a useful comparison if you like the Twins fit and want to train outside cardio classes too. The white exterior needs to be wiped down consistently and left to dry thoroughly, just like the darker leather models.
Rival RS11V black
The RS11V Evolution belongs in a complete comparison, but with a clear label: this is a model for sparren. Its synthetic microfiber exterior and V-Strap Wrist Lock 2 closure are defining features. If you are specifically looking for a glove for repeated bag work, compare the Rival RB models in the next section. The RS11V does not become a bag glove just because your workout is called cardio.
Rival RS11V gold
The gold version brings a different look to the same RS11V series. It remains a model for sparren, with a synthetic microfiber exterior and a V-Strap closure. Compare the current options for each version, and keep this pair separate from intensive bag work.
Twins FBGVL63 Yaksha
The Yaksha is a leather FBGVL63 with a wide hook-and-loop closure and a striking black-and-gold print. It has a different model number from the BGVL3, rather than being just another color of the white glove. So compare how it fits your hand as well as how it looks.
Twins BGVL3 Army Green
Army Green adds a dark green version to the BGVL3 series. You are comparing the same all-round model type as the white BGVL3, with a leather exterior and a wide hook-and-loop closure. Color is a personal choice here; check which weights are available for each version.
If you want to sparren as well as do fitness training, consider that choice separately. The required weight and permitted equipment for that training also shape your choice for sparren. A pad partner who only holds targets does not turn your cardio class into sparren.
All-round, bag gloves or sparring gloves?
The difference lies in what the glove is designed for. An all-round training model is a versatile choice for classes that alternate between bag and pad work. A dedicated bag glove is designed for training on a punching bag. A sparring glove is made for contact with a partner. The oz rating alone doesn't tell you which group a model belongs to.
For many cardio boxers, that makes the choice straightforward: Top Gloves, Conquest V9 or Pro V3 for varied classes, an RB model for training focused on the punching bag, and a separate sparring option if you'll actually be hitting each other. Don't use dedicated bag gloves to hit a training partner.
Bag gloves for focused cardio rounds
If your training mainly consists of rounds on the punching bag, bag gloves deserve a separate comparison. They are not thin inner gloves and do not replace handwraps or gelwraps. You wear them as your outer glove when working on the punching bag.
Rival RB50 Intelli-Shock black
The RB50 is a compact bag model with leather, an Intelli-Shock element and a diagonal hook-and-loop closure. It uses letter sizes rather than the usual range of oz weights. So try it on as a separate model, with your handwraps or gelwraps. Size M in a bag glove is not simply the same choice as 12 oz in an all-round glove.
Rival RB11 Evolution blue
The RB11 is another dedicated bag option, with a microfiber exterior, foam and latex padding, and a V-Strap Wrist Lock 2 closure. Worth considering if you want to compare that closure for regular bag training. This model is intended for training on a punching bag, not for sparren.
Rival RB50 Intelli-Shock white
The white version is a color choice within the RB50 series. The compact shape, Intelli-Shock element and diagonal closure remain the model's defining features. Check the letter sizes with the inner layer you use; a different color doesn't change the glove's intended use.
Rival RB50 Intelli-Shock Gray
Gray offers the same RB50 model in a more understated color. Choose between black, white and gray based on appearance and the available size, not on an assumed difference in protection. All three are dedicated bag gloves.
Rival RB11 Evolution gold
The gold RB11 combines a microfiber exterior with the signature V-Strap closure of this bag series. It's the second color alongside blue in this comparison. This version is also intended for training on a punching bag, not for sparren.
For repeated rounds, don't choose based on a compact look alone. Your hand should stay comfortable, your fist should close without pinching, and the wrist strap should feel secure without being too tight. Stop if you feel pain or tingling, or if your wrist feels unstable, and check the fit, your handwraps and the glove's construction before continuing your workout.
Oz and fit: short and practical
Oz indicates the weight of a boxing glove. It is not a universal hand size or an indication of how much harder you can punch with it. Two models of the same weight can fit differently around your fingers and palm. Letter sizes for bag gloves also vary by model.
Try on your gloves with the handwraps or gelwraps you wear in class. Your fingertips should sit comfortably, your thumb should not be pushed out of place, and you should be able to make a natural fist. Tighten the closure securely without causing tingling or pressure points.
For a class with a specified glove weight, follow that class requirement. For your own heavy bag training, choose based on the model, fit and how you train. A heavier glove does not automatically make for a better fitness workout. The separate size guide can help you further, without treating this equipment guide as a full size chart.
Handwraps: your own wrap for every training session
You wrap handwraps around your knuckles, hand and wrist before putting on your boxing gloves. They absorb sweat and let you adjust the wrap to your hand. This takes a little more preparation than gelwraps, but also gives you control over how you distribute the fabric.
Fight2Win V2 450 cm
The V2 is 450 cm long, with a slightly stretchy polyester-cotton blend and a long hook-and-loop panel. This lets you distribute the fabric around your hand, knuckles and wrist and fasten the wrap flat. Lay the closure flat so no loose edge presses against your hand inside the glove.
XPRT Easy Stretch 450 cm
The XPRT Easy Stretch is a slightly stretchy polyester-cotton handwrap with a thumb loop and hook-and-loop closure. Its 450 cm length gives you room to distribute the wrap over your knuckles, hand and wrist. The various colors make it easy to choose a version to match your gloves.
Rival Mexican Stretch
These cotton-nylon handwraps have a slight stretch and come in various color and length combinations. Choose the specific combination on the product page; not every color comes in the same lengths. The slight stretch calls for even wrapping without pulling the fabric as tight as possible each time.
Rival Guerrero
The Guerrero is a 450 cm long poly-viscose and nylon handwrap. The fabric is thicker than the Mexican Stretch, a noticeable difference in how it feels and how much room it takes up under your glove. Compare the two if you want to choose between a lighter and a fuller wrap.
XPRT Nations 450 cm
The Nations combines a slightly stretchy polyester-cotton handwrap with flag colors. A thumb loop, hook-and-loop closure and 450 cm length provide the practical basics. The country colors do not change how it is used; choose the available version you like wearing.
After putting them on, slowly make a fist and open your fingers a few times. The handwrap should move with your hand without causing tingling, pinching your fingers or forming loose folds. Wash the handwraps regularly according to the care label, let them dry completely and then roll them up again. A second pair is handy if you train several times a week.
Gelwraps: ready quickly for your cardio class
Gelwraps are a practical alternative if you want to spend less time wrapping your hands. You put them on like a fingerless inner glove, then wrap the strap around your wrist. That is a different way of putting them on from a long handwrap; they may not feel the same.
XPRT EZ Padding black
The EZ Padding has a padded knuckle section, a textile construction and a hook-and-loop wrist strap. Make sure the knuckle section lies flat and the fabric between your fingers does not pull. Wrap the wrist strap without cutting off circulation to your hand, and check the fit again once your boxing glove is on over it.
XPRT EZ Padding pink
The pink version adds color to the same EZ Padding range. You should still choose based on how the knuckle section, finger openings and wrist strap fit. Check the available sizes for each color; the pink version is not a separate one-size-fits-all women's size.
XPRT EZ Padding gray
The gray EZ Padding is a more understated color option in the same model. Make sure the padding lies flat and there is enough room in your boxing glove. Color is a style choice, not an indication of more or less cushioning.
Hayabusa Quick Gel black
An alternative with a polyester-neoprene construction, knuckle padding and a wraparound wrist strap. It may feel different from EZ Padding. Pay particular attention to the space around your fingers and knuckles when you put on the outer glove.
Booster Power black
The Booster Power is a quick-to-put-on inner glove with gel padding and stretchy finger openings. It is offered in one size. That makes it especially important to check the fit under your boxing glove: one size does not mean every hand and glove combination will fit the same way.
Everlast Evergel
The Evergel combines gel padding over the knuckles with a wide wrist strap. It is another option to compare for feel and fastening. Choose from the available sizes and check that you can make a relaxed fist without the padding riding up.
Gelwraps are designed to be worn under boxing gloves. Do not use them on their own as bag gloves just because the name mentions padding. They absorb sweat and, like handwraps, should be washed regularly and dried completely according to the care label.
Our practical advice: choose handwraps if you like to control how you wrap your hands, or gelwraps if putting them on quickly matters to you. Take both options seriously as part of the fit. A glove that feels roomy without an inner layer can suddenly feel tight with a thick gelwrap.
A punching bag at home: start with the space
Having your own punching bag makes it easy to fit in short cardio rounds at home. You can choose when to train and repeat familiar combinations. Before buying, consider not just the length of the bag, but also the space to move around it, the flooring and how your home will handle the load.
For a hanging bag, the mounting must be suitable for both its weight and its movement when you punch it. An ordinary ceiling hook or a plasterboard ceiling is not a sound mounting plan. If in doubt, have the load-bearing structure and mounting assessed. Leave enough clear space all around, and bear in mind that impact noise and vibrations can travel to other rooms.
If you only train punches, the striking area you need differs from what you need to practise low and high kicks as well. Choose the bag length together with the hanging height. The bag should hang at the right height for your training, without making you raise your shoulders or finish your combinations unnaturally low.
XPRT Phantom
The Phantom is a filled hanging punching bag with a bisonyl outer layer and textile filling. It comes with a four-point chain and carabiner. It's a useful option to compare if you have a more compact space for punch training. Check the product page for the lengths you can actually select; a general product description does not show the current variants.
Super Pro Combat 2.0
The Combat 2.0 is another hanging option with a bisonyl outer layer, textile filling and an included chain. The longer versions provide a larger vertical striking area if you also include kicks in your training. Check the current product options to see which lengths are available to order.
The Phantom and Combat 2.0 mentioned here are available for collection only from our showroom in Waddinxveen. Plan for their dimensions and the space you'll need to transport them. An included chain does not mean every ceiling mount is suitable.
A freestanding punching bag as an alternative
A freestanding punching bag is worth considering if you can't or don't want to mount a hanging bag. The striking target sits on a weighted base. It moves and feels different from a hanging bag. You still need to consider the floor, room to move and impact noise.
Super Pro DeLuxe black
The Super Pro DeLuxe is the freestanding option in this guide. According to our product specifications, it is 185 cm tall, with a 146 cm striking area and a base 58 cm in diameter. The outer layer is synthetic. The base is filled with water, gravel or sand; filling material is not included.
The base needs its own space. So don't just measure whether the freestanding boxing bag fits in the corner, but also where your feet will be during combinations. A filled freestanding boxing bag is not like a lightweight fitness accessory you can easily lift after every round. Follow the product instructions for filling and moving it, and don't pull or push on the top to reposition it.
This freestanding boxing bag is also available for pickup only in Waddinxveen. If you want to set up your own training space, compare the specific benefits of hanging a bag versus using a freestanding one. No ceiling installation is a practical advantage, not a guarantee of quiet or unwavering stability.
Cardio training on your own bag
A good round at home does not have to mean hitting harder and harder. Start with gentle combinations you can perform with good technique, keep breathing, and bring your hands back after each combination. Alternate work and rest so you can maintain control of your technique.
Only increase your speed while you can maintain control. Chasing a wildly swinging bag makes for a different workout than keeping your distance and throwing punches again with control. Use the bag's movement to choose your position, and avoid pushing through a punch with a bent wrist.
Energy expenditure varies with the type of activity, intensity, rest periods, and individual. The Compendium distinguishes between different boxing activities, so there is no fixed calorie figure for a general cardio class. Choose equipment that helps you train comfortably and consistently, not based on a promised number of calories burned per hour.
Clothing and practical items for your class
Choose sportswear that lets you move your arms freely and step or turn easily. A towel and water bottle are useful staples for your gym bag. Choose shoes suited to the floor and class requirements so that unsuitable footwear does not restrict turning or sideways movement.
A gym bag is a handy way to keep your gloves, clean handwraps or gelwraps, and other items together. Keep wet clothing separate afterward and unpack the bag as soon as you get home. That way, care becomes part of your training routine rather than something you only think about when your gloves start to smell.
In a class without contact between participants, your equipment needs differ from those for sparren. If you later start training with a partner, add the right equipment for that type of training. Do not assume ordinary cardio gear is a complete sparring kit.
Care after a sweaty cardio workout
Take your gloves out of your bag as soon as you get home. Open the closures, remove any handwraps or gelwraps, and let everything dry in a well-ventilated place. A closed gym bag is not a place for drying. Do not use a heater, hair dryer, or tumble dryer to save time.
Wipe the outside of the gloves with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Do not use Sukkiri or FreshKO on the outer material, even if it is synthetic. A suitable leather cream is only a separate care step for appropriate smooth leather. That step does not apply to the synthetic microfiber exterior of the RS11V.
Rival deodorizer
The two connected pieces are a useful addition for managing moisture and odor in your gloves. Use them alongside airing out your gloves, let them dry too, and remove them before you train again. A deodorizer does not automatically make a wet glove ready for your next class.
Sukkiri spray
An option for caring for the inside of your gloves. Use the spray according to the packaging, keep it off the outside and let the gloves dry thoroughly afterward. The adjustable spray head helps you aim inside the glove.
FreshKO spray
Another option for caring for the inside, with a mint scent and a directional nozzle. The same applies here: use it according to the packaging and let it dry completely. Choose one suitable care product; using two sprays together is not a standard step in our routine.
Boxing gloves do not go in the washing machine, the dryer or a water bath. Wash handwraps and gelwraps separately according to their care labels. Let them dry completely before rolling them up again or putting them in your gym bag.
Checking your gear before the next round
Before your next class, check the closures, lining and striking surface. A loose seam, a noticeable hard spot or shifted padding needs attention. Also check that the hook-and-loop fastener still grips properly and that the inner lining has not curled up in an uncomfortable spot.
Consider not only how your gloves look, but also how they feel. New pressure points or the feeling that your wrist is giving way are reasons to recheck the combination of glove, inner layer and closure. Training through pain is not part of a good cardio routine.
A clean second pair of handwraps, dry gelwraps and gloves unpacked well before your next class make preparation easy. That way, you can start training as soon as you arrive instead of dealing with damp or uncomfortable gear.
Conclusion: choose for your cardio training
For cardio boksen on the bag or pads, comfortable gear starts with suitable gloves and handwraps or gelwraps. The black XPRT Top Gloves, the vegan Conquest V9 and the Pro V3 in Midnight, Crush or Lavender make the initial comparison easy. The Twins BGVL3 in white or Army Green and the FBGVL63 Yaksha offer other all-around options. The Rival RS11V has its own place as a sparring model, not as a dedicated bag glove.
If you mainly train on the punching bag, compare a suitable RB model. If you want to train at home, assess the space and mounting for a hanging bag, or the base and floor for a freestanding punching bag. Finish every session by unpacking your gear, airing it out and giving it practical care. That way, not only your purchase fits your class, but so does everything you do with your gear afterward.
