Saturday, November 22, 2008

Get fit with sandbags

By Marcus Martinez

One of the main reasons kettlebells are so effective is due to how much effort it takes to control them. The energy expended not only builds a solid, overall strength, but also burns calories like nothing else. These are the same reasons sandbags are one of the most effective training tools available.

Sandbags are so effective because they are not a fixed weight where everything is perfectly balanced. It takes so much energy to control sand that wants to shift and move throughout the entire bag that you have no choice but to work every muscle in your body. You never have a chance to relax under the weight and you constantly have to keep your core tight.

Need a demanding workout? Try an overhead press using a sandbag. Not only does the shifting weight require persistent balancing using a variety of muscles, your grip is also getting an extreme workout. With sandbags, you can't really get a good grip anywhere, so to keep it from falling to the ground, you need to work your hands and forearms even harder to hold it in the air.

Similar to kettlebell training, sandbags are great for circuit routines. The full-body workouts will help you lose weight fast and build overall functional strength. Even better, sandbags are cheap, don't require a lot of room to use, and all you really need is a bag and sand!

Sandbags are great for athletes of all kinds, particularly those in the combat sports. Grappling, jiu-jitsu and any martial art that relies on the ability to grab a hold of someone makes grip strength vital to success in that field. These benefits are not limited to martial artists, but can be useful for those in law enforcement or the military, or just anyone who is looking to get stronger and burn so unwanted pounds.

I have tried to make my own sandbag from many different materials and bags, but when I finally ordered the Ultimate Sandbag. It's simple to load the sand and within no time, you're ready to go. I have given my Ultimate Sandbag a beating and it just asks for more. Sandbags weren't meant to be put down lightly!

Using a sandbag, whether it be the Ultimate Sandbag or one you made yourself, allows you to train anywhere you want, including parks, the beach, or your backyard. It can also help you avoid too much repetition in your workout routine, preventing boredom and injuries from overtraining. With just 10 to 20 minutes of sandbag training, you could get all the cardio you need.

Sandbags can help you reach your fitness objectives fast, while also providing you with an interesting new way to get into shape. The numerous exercises that can be done with a sandbag mean you'll stay entertained while building functional strength and endurance. Try it out! You won't be disappointed. - 15255

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