What are sandbags?
Sandbags are training equipment that is exactly what it sounds like, a bag with sand in it. Sandbags are often used by strongman during training and during competitions. The bags are a perfect alternative or complement to stones. You can use them for a variety of exercises such as military press, sandbag to shoulders, Zercher holds, shoulder squats and much more. They are also widely used in crossfit.
Why sandbags?
The first thing that comes to mind when you see a sandbag is how to grab it and lift it. If you compare it to a barbell, even an untrained person will lift a barbell in a reasonably correct way without having to think too much. With a sandbag it is different. Even a well-trained person usually first walks around the bag, thinks, feels the grip and tries to lift before doing the actual lift. Sandbags provide a completely different grip and strength challenge than other lifts.
Another feature of sandbag training is that they are unwieldy and unstable. During a lift, e.g. the sand in the bag is transported to one side of the bag and thus all the weight is on one side and then tries to slip out of your hands or arms.
There is a big advantage with sandbags and that is that the more you train with them, the stronger you will become and thus handle heavier bags. However, just because you can handle heavier bags does not increase the risk of injury, because if you feel that it is getting too heavy or that something feels wrong, you can just drop the bag straight down without injuring yourself.
What is special about your sandbags?
Our sandbags are made of 1050D nylon, which is a military grade material that was used during the Second World War to, among other things, stop shrapnel, which says a lot about how durable it is. 1050D should not be confused with cheaper materials such as 1000D nylon, as there is a big difference between these two. We use original YKK zippers, which is the world's largest and best manufacturer of zippers, to ensure the highest quality. Each sandbag is in two parts, an inner bag and an outer bag. You fill the inner bag (black) with sand and seal with Velcro and fold down the top to prevent unnecessary spillage. You close the outer bag (blue) with the zipper and then seal with double Velcro.
Sandbag Training
Training with sandbags is an effective and versatile way to strengthen the entire body. It's a form of exercise that not only increases strength and endurance but also improves balance, coordination, and body control. Sandbag training can be performed in many different environments, from a gym to your own backyard.
One of the major advantages of sandbag exercises is their functional application. The movements and lifting techniques you use when training with sandbags mirror movements you make in your daily activity, making the training practical and relevant.
Sandbag Exercises
There are a range of different exercises that you can perform with sandbags. Some of the most popular include:
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Sandbag Lifts: This basic exercise is great for building up your back, legs, and core. Start with the sandbag on the floor, bend at the knees and keep your back straight as you lift the sandbag up to your chest.
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Sandbag Swings: This exercise focuses on the explosive power and strength of your hips. From a standing position, swing the sandbag between your legs and then up to eye level, and repeat.
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Sandbag Carries: This exercise challenges your endurance and grip strength. Carry the sandbag over a distance, either in your arms, over a shoulder, or against your chest.
Benefits of Sandbag Training
One of the major benefits of sandbag training is its versatility. You can adjust the weight of the sandbag according to your ability, making it possible for everyone to use them, regardless of their fitness level.
Sandbag training is also excellent for improving grip strength, as you need to use your entire hand to hold the bag. Additionally, the irregular shape and weight of the sandbag can help challenge and improve your body control and stability.
Not to mention, sandbags are durable and long-lasting, making them a cost-effective investment for your home gym equipment.
In summary, sandbag training can help build strength, endurance, and coordination in a functional and practical way, making it an excellent addition to your workout routine.
Many Strongman Exercises with Sandbags
Strongman is not just a sport, it's a discipline that requires strength, endurance, flexibility, and strategy. One of the most effective tools for developing and improving these attributes is the sandbag. It offers a range of different exercises that can enhance endurance, explosiveness, and grip strength. Here, we will explore three popular sandbag exercises often used in Strongman training: sandbag loading, sandbag carry, and sandbag to shoulder.
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Sandbag Loading: This exercise requires you to lift a sandbag from the ground and place it on a platform or over a fixed, horizontal object at a certain height. Sandbag loading engages several muscle groups, including legs, back, arms, and grip strength. The unique shape and weight distribution of the sandbag means you have to use your entire body to complete the lift.
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Sandbag Carry: This exercise involves you picking up a sandbag and carrying it a certain distance as quickly as possible. This not only tests your strength but also your endurance and fitness. Your balance and grip strength will be challenged due to the unstable nature of the sandbag.
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Sandbag to Shoulder: This exercise requires you to lift a sandbag from the ground up to your shoulder. It's an excellent exercise for developing explosive strength as you have to use your entire body to accelerate the sandbag upwards. Moreover, sandbag to shoulder tests your ability to adapt and react to the shifting weight and shape of the sandbag.
These exercises are just part of the versatile arsenal that the sandbag offers for improving your Strongman performance. The best thing about sandbag training is its flexibility. You can adjust the weight and difficulty to suit your personal fitness goals and progression levels.
What is a throwing bag?
In the world of strength training, the throwing bag has carved out a place for itself as an indispensable tool. It is primarily recognized in Strongman and Strongwoman competitions, where these bags are designed to be thrown over various heights, challenging the athlete's power, precision, and technique. But the usefulness of the throwing bag doesn't end there.
For those familiar with CrossFit's dynamic movements, the throwing bag offers an alternative to traditional kettlebells. Its unique shape and weight distribution can provide a different kind of resistance, making the workout more varied and challenging. Whether you swing it, lift it, or, as the name suggests, throw it, this versatile tool can elevate your training routine.
If you want to vary your workouts or delve into the world of Strongman competitions, a throwing bag is a must-have in your training equipment.
What sizes are your sandbags?
All our sandbags have a diameter of 40 cm and different heights depending on the size/weight you choose.
- 45 kg / 100 lb - 23.5 cm / 9.2" in high
- 60 kg / 135 lb - 31 cm / 12.2" high
- 80 kg / 180 lb - 41 cm / 16.1" high
- 100 kg / 220 lb - 51 cm / 20" high
- 120 kg / 265 lb - 61 cm / 24" high
- 160 kg / 355 lb - 81 cm / 31.9" high