Cross-train with juggling?

[JimR]

I'm a big believer in cross-training. For example, when you overwork one set of muscles, they tend to become short and tight, while the opposing muscles stretch out and weaken, which in turn leads to a vicious cycle of posture imbalance and pain.

I think I was attracted to speedbagging for the same reasons I started juggling when I was a kid. Something about the challenge of learning a set of intricate skills that not many people do. As soon as I started the speedbag, I thought the 2 skills looked related but opposing to each other.

Here's my comparison (just add the word "mostly" to each description - obviously reverse punches work the biceps more than the triceps, bag can be hit with open-hand chops, etc.).

Speed Bag

Shoulders: abducted and extended
Elbows: extend (triceps)
Fingers: flexed (closed)
Process: large arm movements to move a large object in subtle patterns

Juggling

Shoulders: adducted (relaxed)
Elbows: flex (biceps)
Fingers: extended (open)
Process: subtle arm movements to move small objects in large patterns

Both

Co-ordination: Arms can work in balance or independently
Rhythm: Wide variety possible within a few rules