Left: Contractor Bags and a 10 lbs double-bagged "filler bag" ready to go into the duffel.
Right: Play Sand.
Left: Military Duffel Bag.
Right: An assortment of canvas duffel bags makes up our fleet.
Required Items
- Play Sand (50 lbs bags run for about $3.00; where else can you buy 200 lbs of weight for $12?!)
- Contractor Bags (3- or 4-mil)
- Canvas or Duffel Bag
Steps
1. Take a contractor bag and fill it with your desired weight of sand. NOTE: I chose 10 lbs so that I can more accurately match the total sandbag weight to the skill and strength levels of various trainees. You may decide that 20 or 25 lbs filler bags work better for you.
2. Tie off the bag and put it into another contractor bag. Twist this bag closed then "double" it back on itself before tying it off. This will help prevent leaks and breaks.
3. Take your "filler bags" of weight and put them into the duffel bag. Clip or tie the duffel bag closed.
4. Many duffel bags often come with backpack-type straps. For safety and training difficulty purposes, I recommend that you cut these off.
5. Voila! You're done! Now go lift heavy shit!
More Information
Click HERE for a great video by San Francisco CrossFit which demonstrates how much more difficult a WOD can become when a sandbag is utilized instead of an evenly-weighted barbell.
Odd objects in general are simply GREAT for strength training: sandbags, kegs, logs, beach balls filled with water, etc... all make great implements to add a different stimulus to your training. Seek out and add these items to your collection! Pick a CrossFit WOD and use an odd object instead of a barbell for loading! To replicate similar metabolic demands, use 50-75% of the Rx'd loading. To make the WOD more strength biased, use the Rx'd weight and prepare for a grueling, grip-intensive grind.
For more information, head over to the CrossFit Journal and do a search for additional information regarding sandbag training. As always, at $25 per year, the CFJ is an amazing resource at an even more amazing price; if you don't have a subscription, head over there RIGHT NOW and get one...you won't be disappointed!
(PS: You might see some sandbag stuff come up towards the...ahem...end of the month, so it might benefit you to go make one and start practicing...)
