Sandbag Training

[pete]

Does anyone train with sandbags?

I currently use kettlebells, but I've found that my cheapness tends to outweigh my desire to increase the size of the bells I'm using. I thought sandbags might be a better option.

What are the pros, cons, and how do sandbags compare to other "unconventional" methods?

 

[Arbutusbucks]

I have done some sandbag/stone training... you definitely work a lot of core especially when you have the weight in front of you or on one of your shoulders (pretty much the whole time lol). That said you also engage your core a lot during your kettlebell work. If anything it's a pretty cheap way to change up your routine. You're right, kettlebells are crazy expensive. Sandbags are easy to throw in your truck and don't roll around if you want to train with a friend or something, I used to take mine to a dike that was steep and about 35 yards from top to bottom.

Cons...damn things are heavy lol! I'd start with #50 then work your way up. You can just start with a regular tube of sand and just duck tape the heck out of it. If you move up in weight you can dump the sand in some contractor bags and put them in a seabag or something, then duck tape that thing up as well so there isn't extra material in your way. Good Luck!

 

[Brock A]

I use a 50# sand bag for some training. Ill throw it in my pack for weighted hikes or I will use it when doing some outdoor workouts from Train To Hunt. I had one blow up on me last summer though so you really have to tape the crap out of them!

 

[pete]

That's something I'm concerned about, because I do the majority of my training indoors. Did you do high impact exercises with the bags, along the lines of sandbag slams? Or did they just break down with regular use? I really like the idea of weight that shifts a lot, cause even with kettlebells I can feel myself grooving with some of the lifts.

 

[Brock A]

I was doing an exercise with my bow when it blew up. I'd basically run with it on my shoulder to retrieve my arrows. Well I dropped it from shoulder height too many times and Mr. sandbag went to sandbag heaven. I'd say it lasted about 25 drops from that height.

 

[quarbles]

love the sandbag.... i got one that has a shell and filler bags inside... quick to jump in 45# incriments. i also have one 20# filler. never had an issue with dropping or being agressive...

 

[westrnwild]

Love sandbags too...have a couple bags...45lb and 85lb. Got mine from Rogue....they won't break...also recommend bags from goruck.com...hand made in bozeman. Use them for lifting or just fillers in my pack to train with weighted pack

 

[Wapiti_Harvest]

The ITS Tactical website has alot of tips on how to build and workout with sandbags...

http://www.itstactical.com/fitcom/running-fitcom/how-to-make-a-sandbag-pill-for-weighted-ruck-runs/

 

[pete]

Great info guys. I had looked at the rogue bags a bit, but had never heard much that wasn't coming from someone sponsored by them. Will definitely check out the DIY stuff, I like that option.

 

[afteamroper]

We have Rogue sand bags at the fire dept and they have held up pretty good so far. I use it all the time between doing lifts with it and just strapping it to my bikini frame and packing it around. I think there is definitely cheaper ways/versions but sometimes you get what you pay for.

 

[pete]

How would you say they compare to kettlebell weights?

 

[westrnwild]

I use both kettle bells and sandbags....love them both and you can do a lot with each....if you buy rogue you bought it for life..they make legit equipment.... You get what you pay for. I look at my home gym as investment... Buy once...buy right

 

[Brock A]

The ITS Tactical website has alot of tips on how to build and workout with sandbags...

http://www.itstactical.com/fitcom/running-fitcom/how-to-make-a-sandbag-pill-for-weighted-ruck-runs/

This is exactly what I did when it blew up. Great for pack weight, not so much for aggressive dropping lol.

 

[Wapiti_Harvest]

Brock.. you just confessed to being an aggressive dropper on the internet! ..The web will never be the same ! LOL

 

[Brock A]

Brock.. you just confessed to being an aggressive dropper on the internet! ..The web will never be the same ! LOL

Wtf is an aggressive dropper? Lol.

 

[Tag stew]

My girl and I recently bought a gym where we mainly do boot camp classes. We do have kettle bells, but also make a bunch of our own kettle bells and slam balls of various weights with rice and wrap the entire bag or ball with decorative duct tape.They are super durable and some of them have been there from way before we purchased the gym. And if they ever do start leaking or break the rice is much easier to clean up than sand. But so far I have not seen one break. We also have large duffle bags and back packs full of them for a little bit of variety. Just some food for thought (pun intended) and another idea.

 

[Archelk]

I know your trying to keep it cheap but Rogue Fitness makes some burly ass sand bags to put weight in. They also sell the bladders to put the sand in to put in the bags but they are pretty expensive. I just bought the bag itself and use duct tape around garbage bags of various filled weights of sand to put in the outer Rogue bag. I can slam the thing and not worry about it.

The rice idea is not bad at all. Never thought about it.

 

[Travis1984]

Ftf and I did 5.15 miles 2200 ft of elevation with a 50 lb bag of sand.

Bumping it up as we go along

 

[Lawnboi]

I think I'm going to get one of those medium rogue bags.

I walk and run ski hills in the summer, would be great to haul one up, do a workout and go down, repeat.

Not to mention after this winter I'm really itching to do some outdoor workouts.

 

[ohhiitznik]

I think I'm going to get one of those medium rogue bags.

I walk and run ski hills in the summer, would be great to haul one up, do a workout and go down, repeat.

Not to mention after this winter I'm really itching to do some outdoor workouts.

Same here man. I can't wait to get back outside and workout