5/18/2008 Kettlebell Expert Steve Maxwell Discusses the Power of Sandbag Training (www.maxwellsc.com)
Further, neither kettlebell/gym-bunny could shoulder my 200-lb. sand bag. Yet one of my jiu-jitsu students--who'd never lifted weights, per se, in his life--wrested the bag off the floor, wrestled it to his shoulder, then, for good measure, sprinted with it across the mat, just to show 'em how it's done, heh.
My point is not to denigrate either deadlifts or kettlebells, but to point out that specializing in grooved lifts won't build the kind of strength needed for engaging in real-world activities. By all means, do deadlifts of you like them, but for my money, I prefer lifting sand bags. And Josh Henkin makes the best sand bags out there--definitely worth the investment. Click here to read more about sand bags.)
4/4/2008 Circular Strength Coach, Scott Sonnon, Praises the Ultimate Sandbag....
Nothing is better than getting positive feedback from coaches you admire. One of the most innovative coaches I have ever come in contact with is Scott Sonnon (www.rmax.tv). His methods on developing movement are simply amazing.
That is why I was so thrilled when he had this to say about our sandbags....
"After many years of homemade substitutes, I realized that I save significant money, time, effort and prevent injury and product failure by investing in the highest quality equipment that I'm intending to purchase. As my family practices under-consumption, we now exclusively invest in the best, longest lasting quality equipment from the beginning.
That was the history behind the eventual creation of the Clubbell®, as well. I don't tinker around with my health.
I also don't endorse many pieces of equipment because frankly, I'm more interested in spending a lifetime mastering a few essential pieces. The principle application of CST is perennial, and is best expressed in multi-planar, three-dimensional actions.
As sandbagtraining has been an important part of my history since I began wrestling competitively in junior high school, I have always enjoyed the creative movements which can be performed with sandbags.
However, homemade sandbags (and even all commercial brands that I've found to date) are notoriously inefficient, subject to catastrophic failure in mid-exercise, and have very short lifetimes when they're used often and even when used correctly (incorrect use accelerates their termination date.) This is another important point for me: I use my equipment: consistently, constantly and thoroughly. Homemade concoctions are fine when you don't bother using them hardly at all.
Josh has created an amazing, long-lasting, multi-purpose piece of equipment here, and I have absolutely no remorse in endorsing it. I actually have two of each size: small, medium and large.
If you are interested in a great workout and high quality equipment, then tell Josh you're from RMAX and he'll take special care of you like he did me."-Scott Sonnon
Check out How Coach Sonnon Implements Our Ultimate Sandbag
3/25/08 Crossfit Embraces Our Ultimate Sandbag
In the December 2007 issue of the popular Performance Menu Journal you will see our Ultimate Sandbag being taken for a ride. Crossfit coaches such as Greg Everett have become big fans of our sandbag and training.
"We're a bunch of big mean people who like abusing heavy equipment -The Ultimate Sandbag is the only bag that holds up with our training.The straps are well placed and sturdy and the closure system keeps the contents in while still allowing easy access for quick weight changes.This is the only bag I sell and endorse."
-Greg Everett, CSCS, USAW, RKC, Owner of Catalyst Athletics, Publisher of the Performance Menu Journal, national level weightlifter
www.cathletics.com
3/20/08 The Sandbag Revolution Continues to Grow!!
When great strength coaches speak I tend to listen. While I may have my thoughts on training I know I can always grow as a coach by taking in what other successful coaches have done.
I have been a big fan of Jon Hinds Monkey Bar Gymnasium for some time. Jon has been a consulting strength coach for many professional sports teams and is an innovator with his band training.
Coach Hinds liked our bags so much he has added it to the exclusive Monkey Bar Gymnasium website! Here was Coach Hinds had to recently has to say about our Ultimate Sandbag...
"Love Josh's Sandbag, by far it is the best in the market. Josh really did a great job and put a lot of attention to detail and simply made a super high quality product. We use his Sandbag for all of our workouts, inside on the wooden floors and outside in the dirt...makes no difference, the construction is solid and lets me know i can bang this product and it can take it!! Keep up the good work my friend!"
- Jon Hinds, Founder / Owner of Monkey Bar Gymnasium and Certified Natural Training course, Former NBA Strength Coach and Strength & Conditioning Advisor to NFL and MLB teams.
This is a three part review since Josh Henkin tossed in a few extras to go along with the Ultimate Sandbag (thanks for these, Josh).
High Octane Sandbag DVD
This is a great DVD for anyone starting off in sandbag training. There are over 60 exercises explained and demonstrated. Many of the exercises are sandbag variations of normal exercises (dead lifts, squats, etc.) that require some slightly different technique (hand placement or even weight placement). Josh does a good job of explaining the fundamentals for each exercise as well as emphasizing the need for proper body alignment (straight back, look forward, etc.) since injuries can happen quickly with a dead weight like a sandbag.
Those other exercises that aren't 'normal' are helpful for core training as well as for hitting some muscles in a totally different manner.
The video work and sound is fairly good. The video was made in an office but some good equipment was used (it is obviously not just a home video recorder).
Would I recommend the video? For anyone that is just getting into sandbag training and isn?t too experienced in the Olympic lifts (cleans, snatch) pick up a copy to get some good advice on performing these with a sandbag. For an experienced lifter, you probably won?t see much on here that is new to you.
I would recommend anyone using sandbags to check out his website www.sandbagexercises.com for articles about different ways to use sandbags that aren?t in the DVD. And if you aren't using sandbags check out the website to see why you may want to start.
Any negatives? The presentation is a little on the clinical side but it is supposed to be a training tool. Plus, it isn?t that long of a video. You can also quickly get to the exercise you want after watching it the first time via the menu.
Filler bags
The filler bags are tubular bags that can be filled with sand. They come in three different sizes, 50 lb, 20 lb and 10 lb. They are of a durable material and have a double Velcro closure. The first is like a zip lock bag and the second folds over like an envelope. Each bag is also double stitched around the seams for a secure bond.
I put each one of these bags to use in a variety of ways. First, I tested out the Velcro closure by holding a full bag upside down and dropping it. Of course, everyone knows why Velcro is used by NASA, it is a strong hold. Sure enough, the two closure method employed held up to being shaken and dropped.
Next, I used each bag for some basic exercises and let the bags fall (and get tossed) onto a variety of surfaces (tile, concrete, gravel, grass, carpet). These bags are made nice and durable. I didn?t scratch them up much and the threads of the material looked like they hadn?t broken. Even the stitching seemed to be holding up.
The material used allows for getting a good grip on the bags. Plus, the bags aren?t filled all the way to the top allowing the bag to flex/bend/cave in as needed.
These are great bags and allow for quick removal from a larger bag. Plus, they are easier to assemble then by using a lot of duct tape and they can be used by themselves.
Would I recommend the filler bags? Absolutely!
Any negatives? The bags are one shape (tubular) which means you need to have the space to store the biggest bag. It is only about 3 feet long so it isn?t much of a negative.
Ultimate Sandbag
The Ultimate Sandbag is good sized bag with some modifications. For starters, it has four straps. Two straps run along the length, 180 degrees apart. The remaining two run in the circumferential direction (around it) but are shorter (about 10 inches long). There are also two cloth ?handles? (one on each end). These handles have a collapsible rod inside to help with maintaining your grip (you still need plenty of hand strength but these rods give you something to keep your fingers from slipping).
Constructed from a strong, durable material, the bag isn?t easy to damage. The plastic zipper appears like the weakest piece, yet it is a thick, heavy duty zipper. The snaps on the closure help protect the zipper by removing some of the stress it will see as well as putting a strip of material over the zipper preventing anything (rocks, sticks) from prying the zipper open. The zipper, seams and straps are all double stitched for added security. The bag is also smooth enough to provide a challenge when trying to hold it for a long period yet pliable and textured enough that you can still get a grip.
I checked the bag out when I got it by pulling on all the seams. If the bag is designed to hold around 100 pounds of shifting weight the seams had better be able to withstand some pulling. They didn?t seem to mind at all. The straps were the next to be checked. I didn?t want to be using the straps with the bag weighted only to see the bag flying off in some direction or on my head if the straps tore. Those too, had no issue with me pulling on them. The way this bag is put together will also allow you to just fill it with sand directly instead of using any sort of smaller sandbags for the weight.
When I loaded the bag up with three filler bags, at first it seemed to resist. Turns out I just needed to pack the biggest bag in and pat it down a bit for the next largest size to nestle in nicely. After getting all three bags in, I saw that there was still some room for a couple of small bags if I wanted, although, that might make it a tight fit. Having some room allows for the weight to shift which is the idea.
I then proceeded to perform some of the exercises from the DVD. I started with some bent over rows to test out the straps (both sets). Aside from some creaking, they didn?t seem to mind the weight in the bag.
Afterwards, I moved on to doing some cleans. Once again, the straps didn?t seem to mind that I was using them to accelerate 80 lbs. Then, I moved on to doing some snatch style lifts. This is a much harder movement to control when using a lever arm (straps) rather than holding the weight directly (like a bar or dumbbell). Luckily, those straps held nicely.
I then progressed to doing some circuit type work (Litvisprints, relay type drills) and ended up dropping and tossing the bag on different surfaces. Once again, the bag showed that it can withstand a lot of punishment. It is a little scuffed and dirty from what I did but it still looks like it will last for a while before tearing.
Would I recommend the Ultimate Sandbag? Yes, I would. This is a great bag not only for its durability but for its versatility. Plus, you get the added benefit of being able to do a number of your favorite exercises in a small space. You only need enough space for you to move freely and to stand with your arms fully outstretched to the sides and overhead and you have a workout space.
Any negatives? Not that I could find. This is a really a great product for sandbag training.
Strength Conference I am very excited to announce that I will be a part of the first Annual West Coast Stregnth Conference. Some fantastic coaches will be speaking as well. If you want to learn how to move better, take your strength to new heights, and how to become the best YOU possible you must attend. Strength Coaches Steve Cotter, Franz Snideman, and Yoana Snideman will be presenting on some innovative, unique training concepts. Spaces are limited so sign-up today at www.revolutionlajolla.com.
T-mag Review Comes Out! Recently Testosterone magazine came out with a review of our Ultimate Sandbag. What did they think? The same thing our customers have said, they are fantastic! They solve many problems of traditional sandbag training and open up new options through our unique design. Check out the review for yourself! http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=965456
Become an Affiliate You believe in our products and want to be rewarded for telling others? Our Affiliate program is for you. By clicking on this link Sandbag Affiliate you can earn 15% on every sale your friends make by your referral. Nothing is more rewarding knowing that others believe in your service!!
New Articles We will keep bringing you, our readership, innovative and new ideas to keep your training productive and fun! Here at sandbagexercises.com we are fortunate to have a variety of experts that will share their theories and ideas on effective training methods. Check out our article section to get some new ideas on how sandbag training can help your goals!
Ultimate Sandbags
We are very excited to announce the release of our Ultimate Sandbag. This new sandbag is made from one of the toughest forms of canvas available. Not only is the canvas strong, but easier on the hands to avoid tearing of the skin. A finer canvas will also help prevent any leaking and messes.
Our new handles greatly expand the versatility of sandbag training. Not only are you able to perform classic exercises such as farmer’s walks and single arm work, but you can now make combination exercises that will kick your training to another notch. These handles also expand the use of sandbags to young people and women that typically have a hard time with the current sandbags available on the market.
The unique covering over the zipper prevents damage to the bag as well as any spilling out of the bag. It is easy to change weights and this new design makes it very practical to implement sandbag training into your gym, training center, or classes.
