The Benefits of Training With a Weight Sled
Are you tired of the same old exercise routine and looking for a new challenge? Look no further than weight-sled workouts. This high-intensity workout has been gaining popularity among athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike and for good reason. Weight sled workouts offer a multitude of benefits for your overall health and fitness. These include increased strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health.
On a personal level, I have just come around to trying weight sled training. It’s definitely an intense form of cardio and also has some of the same benefits as weight training. I’ve been training for a long time and am just now starting to take advantage of the weight sled. It’s never too late to try something new when it comes to the fitness game.
But what exactly is a weight sled workout, and how can it benefit you? In this article, we’ll dive into the top benefits of adding weight sled workouts to your exercise routine. This way, you can see for yourself why this type of workout should be your new go-to.
What is a Weight Sled Workout?
Before we dive into the benefits of weight sled workouts, let’s first define what it is. A weighted sled is a piece of equipment that typically consists of a flat base with a handle or attachment point at one end. The sled can be loaded with multiple weight plates. Then the user pushes or pulls the sled across a flat surface such as a turf field, track, or gym floor.
Weight sled workouts can be done in a variety of ways, from pushing the sled for distance or time to using it for sprints, drags, or lateral movements. The weight and intensity of the workout can be adjusted by adding or removing weight plates and varying the distance or speed of the push or pull.
The Top Benefits of Adding Weight Sled Workouts to Your Exercise Routine
Increased Strength
One of the top benefits of weight sled workouts is increased strength. Pushing or pulling a weighted sled requires a significant amount of force and power, which can help to build muscle and increase overall strength. Weight sled workouts target the lower body muscle. These muscles include the glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps, as well as the core and upper body muscles.
For more strength gains, you can add more weight to the sled. The weight sled may be heavy enough for one push and pull down the track to be difficult. You may need some rest before going down the track another time. Heavy weights will really do the job of getting stronger, especially in the lower body.
Improved Endurance
Weight sled workouts are also a great way to improve endurance. The constant pushing or pulling motion requires both cardiovascular and muscular endurance, which can help to improve overall fitness and endurance levels. Additionally, weight sled workouts can help to increase the lactate threshold, which is the point at which your body begins to produce lactic acid. By increasing your lactate threshold, you can work out at a higher intensity for a longer period of time.
Lighter weight on the sled will allow you to train for more endurance. You can start by running the sled down the track, then pulling it back quickly as well. As you continue going up and down the track, you will get to the point when you can’t run anymore. Each trek down the track should have you going a bit slower every time. You can see how this would increase your level of endurance.
Cardiovascular Health
In addition to building strength and endurance, weight sled workouts can also improve cardiovascular health. The constant pushing or pulling motion can get your heart rate up, which can help to improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, weight sled workouts can help to improve blood flow and circulation throughout the body.
When you don’t have a lot of weight on the sled, you can push and pull the sled down the track multiple times without resting. Keeping it going will keep your heart rate up. As you go, you can decrease the weight to continue. When you get to the point where the sled is feeling too heavy, take a plate off and keep going. You can really get the heart pumping doing this and get the cardio work you are looking for.
Full-Body Workout
Weight sled workouts are a great way to get a full-body workout in. The lower body muscles are the primary target. However, pushing or pulling a weighted sled also engages the core and upper body muscles, including the chest, back, and shoulders. This makes weight sled workouts a great option for those looking to target multiple muscle groups in one workout.
Low Impact
Weight sled workouts are also a low-impact option for those who may have joint pain or injuries. Unlike running or other high-impact exercises, weight sled workouts place minimal stress on the joints while still providing a challenging workout. This makes weight sled workouts a great option for those looking for a low-impact workout that still provides a high level of intensity.
Versatile Workout
Another benefit of weight sled workouts is their versatility. Weight sleds can be used in a variety of ways, allowing for a wide range of workouts that can target different muscle groups and fitness goals. You can build strength, improve endurance, or just switch up your routine. Whatever the case, weight sled workouts can provide a versatile and effective workout.
Improved Athletic Performance
Weight sled workouts can also help to improve athletic performance. The strength and endurance gained from weight sled workouts can translate to better performance in other sports and activities, such as running, cycling, and team sports. Additionally, weight sled workouts can help to improve sprint speed, agility, and power, making them a valuable addition to any athlete’s training regimen.
Mental Toughness
Weight sled workouts can also help to build mental toughness. The high-intensity nature of the workout requires mental focus and determination. It’s not easy to push through the fatigue and complete the workout. Over time, this mental toughness can translate to other areas of life, helping you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
FAQs about Weight Sled Workouts
- Can weight sled workouts be done indoors? Yes, weight sled workouts can be done indoors on a gym floor or turf surface. However, it’s important to make sure that the surface is sturdy and can handle the weight of the sled and plates.
- Do I need any special equipment for weight sled workouts? The only equipment needed for weight sled workouts is a weight sled and weight plates. Some weight sleds come with a harness or attachment point for a resistance band, which can provide additional resistance and variety to the workout.
- Are weight sled workouts suitable for beginners? Weight sled workouts can be suitable for beginners, but it’s important to start with lighter weights and shorter distances to avoid injury. It’s also important to have proper form and technique when pushing or pulling the sled.
Conclusion
Adding weight sled workouts to your exercise routine can provide a multitude of benefits for your overall health and fitness. From increased strength and endurance to improved cardiovascular health and mental toughness, weight sled workouts offer a challenging and effective workout that can help you reach your fitness goals. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve performance or a beginner looking for a new challenge, weight sled workouts are a versatile and effective option that should be a part of your exercise routine. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a weight sled and start pushing your way to better health and fitness today!
