Are Sandbag Workouts Effective?
One of the hottest trends in fitness-- sandbag training-- saw a massive increase in popularity during the pandemic. With over 300 movements with a sandbag, many are ditching barbell setups in favor of the versatility of sand. So how do sandbag workouts compare to traditional weight training? Let’s break down some of the key benefits.
Unstable Load Training Works More Muscle Groups
While traditional weight training focuses on isolating muscle groups, the sandbags engages smaller fixator and neutralizer muscle groups. You get the benefit of training your primary muscle groups and those that are not easily engaged. If functional fitness is the goal, sandbag training adds an extra layer of complexity to movements. Sandbags enhance overall gains when compared to static training. Another advantage is that when you force different muscle groups to work together, you are enhancing neuromuscular coordination. Not only are you building muscle, but you are actually giving your brain a workout as well.
Train From Anywhere
We all know that when it comes to fitness, consistency is key. The compact and adjustable nature of fitness sandbags allows the functional athlete to tarvel with them easily. Instead of uncomfortable hotel gyms, why not throw an empty sandbag in your carryon and fill it at your destination? A sandbag can be kept in your car so that you can crank out a quick but effective workout.
Dynamic Movements Lead to More Efficient Workouts
Incorporating dynamic movements into your workout such as power cleans, thrusters or burpees give you a total body workout that will leave you feeling completely drained with fewer reps and less time spent switching between movements and equipment. Formats popularized by Crossfit such as a 20 minute AMRAP (As Many Rounds as Possible) or descending repetitions (21-15-9) are short and sweet, but pick 3 movements and you have an instant sandbag workout on the go. The combinations are endless, and the results will speak for themselves.
Train Like the Pros
Find out why sandbag workouts are the top choice for professionals who rely on functional fitness for their livelihood. Sandbag training is the go-to choice for police, military and fire athletes who need to cultivate peak performance in order to succeed on the job. The unstable nature of sand more closely replicates real world situations than traditional weight training, providing a key advantage in the field - when it matters most.
Understanding the true versatility of sandbag workouts will help you achieve consistency, strength gains and metabolic conditioning like very few other pieces of equipment out there. Let’s take a look at a classic sandbag workout to see why so many functional athletes reach for their sandbag first.
Descending Repetitions, 21-15-9 of:
Bear Hug Squat:
Brute Force Burpees:
A favorite here at HQ, the Brute Force Burpee takes the exercise everyone loves to hate and takes it to the next level. Starting with the bag on the ground, grab the handles, kick your feet back into a front leaning rest, do a pushup and then pop your feet back to the starting position. Now lift the bag over your head from the ground, fully extending into an overhead press. That’s one.
Shoulder Slams:
Start with the bag on the ground, grab the suitcase handles and yank the bag up onto your shoulder while keeping your hips low and back straight. Stand up fully, and then with as much force as you can muster, slam the bag onto the ground. (Make sure you are on a smooth surface to prevent premature wearing of the material). Functional, practical movement patterns showcase the unique nature of sandbag training.
When combined, these three movements will hit just about every muscle in your body - including the hard-to-train secondary groups we discussed earlier. Each of these movements featured are also unique to sandbags, showcasing why this training tool has gained such popularity in recent years.
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