Sandbag workouts are a relatively new way of training for many, and it is still a little rare to see sandbags in local gyms around the country.
If you were to tell your friends that are not fitness freaks that you were “doing a sandbag workout routine” they may look at you a little bewildered.
However, lately recently many have begun to recognize the huge rang of benefits that this type of training can bring to the novice and experienced alike.
In this post we’ll detail just a few of the many benefits of a sandbag workout, how sandbag training compares to conventional fitness and how you can incorporate a sandbag into your workout routine.
Let’s get started.
1.) PERFECT FOR SPORTS PERFORMANCE
There are not too many pieces of equipment that offer the variety of functional movements that the sandbag does. Sandbags can be applied in more unconventional dynamic and power drills such as drags, throws, sprints and other movements that can increase sports performance.
Should you be working out with a heavier sandbag, the strength and power required to train will develop strong shoulders, backs, legs and core strength.
2.) WORKOUTS CAN BE COMPLETED ANYWHERE
Sandbag training can be done anywhere. Because sandbags are so compact and take up very little space, they are perfect for the living room, backyard, beach or gym.
You’ll also be able to easily take your workout with you should you be travelling but simply pouring out the sand and refilling at your new destination.
3.) SANDBAG TRAINING IS CHEAP
Whether you go the super cheap option of making your own sandbag out of an old Hessian bag or buy a brand name product, your sandbag will always be incredible value.
Sandbag prices range from $50 to around $150.00 for a top of the range sandbag. Which when compared to the majority of other fitness equipment is a steal.
4.) IT REALLY DOES RAISE A SWEAT!
Whether you’re looking for an intense cardio workout, an incredible muscle pump or an ab blasting core workout. Sandbag workouts are the king of compound exercises and will enable you to work out your legs, arms, shoulders, back and core in under 30 minutes.
For those who are time poor but really want to squeeze in a high-quality workout, perhaps before breakfast or a quick session before dinner, there are plenty of routines to follow.
5.) GREAT FOR CORE STRENGTH
The nature of sandbag training is such that you’ll have to work hard to control the constantly-shifting center of mass.
Sandbag training builds core strength stability as the of nature of sandbag training is such that you’ll have to constantly work to control the center of mass of the sandbag. There are also many core-specific exercises that can be worked into a routine.
When working out with a sandbag, you find that you are working out your core and increasing your stability without having to put in that extra time to isolate your abs, back and obliques.
6.) FAST & EFFICIENT
A sandbag workout will enable you to work out your back, arms, legs, shoulders and core in the one workout, and because a workout usually lasts between 8 – 25 minutes, your workout will be over before you know it.
Because of the concentration that it takes to complete many sandbag movements, you won’t even realize that you are tired until each activity is over.
7.) GREAT FOR ALL LEVELS OF FITNESS & EXPERIENCE
No matter your level of fitness, from beginner to advanced, there is a workout for you.
Sandbags are available in weights from 10kg all the way up to 50kg so there are always bigger, heavier bags, and harder workout routines to try once you think you’ve mastered your sandbag.
We have posts with some of the best workouts online, from a beginner sandbag workout, to intermediate sand bag workout and advanced sandbag workout.
We hope that the above article has given you an understanding of the benefits of sandbag training. So what are you waiting for, buy a fitness sandbag and get started on your way to sweat, pain (the good kind) and progress.