Sandbag Exercise

What Is Sandbag Exercise

Sandbag exercise is a lifting program that challenges both your strength and endurance. Those following a sandbag fitness routine for strength training also increase grip strength. However, when first starting out, some people find sandbags awkward to grab which can be frustrating. Once you get familiar with them, though, they offer great results, and you'll find the bulky nature is actually an advantage. It forces lifters to adjust to the awkward weight. This not only uses a broad range of muscles but also burns more energy. Sandbag exercise is a good choice for those who want a fitness plan that:

• Increases strength
• Builds muscle
• Is less boring than a traditional lifting routine
• Is reasonably priced
• You can work through quickly (about 30 minutes)

Benefits of Exercise and Sandbag Fitness

Sandbags are reasonably priced and more versatile than traditional weight lifting equipment. If you want to strength train but are worried about the expense or the amount of time it will take, sandbag lifting might be what you're looking for. Sandbags can be used in the gym but also open a whole new arena of possibilities as they can also be incorporated in:

• jogging
• climbing
• dragging
• throwing

When using a sandbag in place of a standard barbell for exercises like squats, clean and jerks, presses, dead lifts, and rows, as with any lifting or weight bearing exercise, correct posture is important while exercising with sandbags. This can be challenging as you learn how to lift and hold, but sandbags provide a great workout for the trunk as you utilize various positions and grips and are worth the effort. Sandbags mixes things up a bit with the assortment of hand positions and positioning options. For example you can do your squats while draping a sandbag over your shoulders, or just one shoulder, or hold it over your head. You lower body reaps the benefits of squats while your upper body enjoys an assortment of challenges that strengthen and build.

Another plus when using sandbags is that they make an excellent tool for group training because they are easy to transport and set up.

Sandbag Fitness Resources

If you're fairly new to lifting and strength training and are interested in learning more about sandbag fitness, the following resources are available to help you learn how to do sandbag exercises and where to get more information:

The Caveman's Guide to Fitness

The Caveman's Guide to Fitness promises to teach secret, old-school sandbag exercise techniques. These techniques get your body in shape fast while building muscle and losing fat. However, this workout may be different from what you expect. It goes against the bodybuilding norm of resistance training but still works your chest, biceps, quads, hamstrings, etc. You can see a demonstration of Caveman Sandbag exercises at YouTube

Perform Better

Perform Better is a source where you can buy exercise sandbags. They are available in five different weight limits and feature a padded interior and a vinyl exterior designed not to damage floors or training equipment. Their Power Weight Bag is ideal for rotational exercises performed with heavy loads.

I Want Six-Pack Abs

I Want Six Pack Abs offers another video highlighting how to use sandbags to sculpt your abs along with the SandBag Training Manual E-book. Sandbags are available in:

• Small - can be filled to 10-20 lbs.
• Medium - can be filled between 20-45 lbs of sand.
• Large - can be filled between 45-65 lbs of sand

Sandbag Fitness Systems

At Sandbag Fitness Systems you'll find not only the equipment you need but they also offer a sandbag exercise DVD titled High Octane Sandbag Training.

Set Goals and Get Started

Using sandbags in your exercise routine alone or with other equipment offers variety. The many options will challenge you but keep your fitness regime fresh and fun. Don't put it off. Set your goals and take those steps to a fitter you.