Abstract: A freestanding training bag includes a pedestal having a lower surface on which the pedestal rests during normal use and an upper surface spaced above the lower surface. The pedestal defines a substantially vertical axis extending through a general central region of the pedestal and has a recess in the upper surface substantially symmetrically aligned with the vertical axis and extends from the upper surface at least partially towards the lower surface. A generally vertical post has a resilient portion in the region of the lower end of the vertical post extending into the recess and supported on the pedestal at a point below the upper surface. The post is normally substantially vertically aligned with the vertical axis prior to being struck by the user. A striking pad surrounds the post for being struck by the user. The recess serves as a limit stop to prevent excessive deflection of the post from the vertical deflection before the post bounces back after being struck by the user.