Sledgehammer workout?

**Ryno** · Posted On: 7/19/2007 3:08pm

Yeah, I switch leads, and also switch which shoulder I'm throwing over. I'm not sure about the bounceback. It's really all about getting it up, over, and accelerating downward as hard as you can. A solid surface (i.e. concrete) will absorb and disperse the force by cracking/denting. Then you just pick up the sledge and get it going again.

I'm actually wondering if the bounceback might make the workout even tougher due to the fact that the energy isn't absorbed, it is actually redirected. As it bounces back, it seems like you'll be forced to expend energy controlling it so that you don't lose it off of the bounce. Then you'll have to reset and get it going again. So, rather than getting a little rest immediately after impact, as with concrete, you'll actually have to exert yourself controlling the bounce back. I'm really not too sure if this'll hold true or not, but I think that I might try it out.

**Ryno** · Posted On: 7/19/2007 3:13pm

Originally Posted by Shinkengata

Actually, no. Controlling the bounce-back is that much more of a workout.

Beat me to it. And being a stickfighter already, I do lots of these targeting types of drills, so hitting the marks would fit right in tandem with that. Incidentally, my targeting and sledghammering skills are good enough that anytime I go to a carnival, I make sure and play that little strongman sledgehammer/ring the bell game. I ring it every time.

**Red Elvis** · Posted On: 7/19/2007 7:13pm

I'm actually in the process of using a 16 lb to bust out concrete in my backyard. I busted out the rear patio to prepare for the last Gathering but still have the side yard to do. It's a bitch but a hell of a workout. Anyway, check out this link for some info from Ross Training. He puts it on an old cushion for indoor use and the accidental miss.

http://www.rosstraining.com/articles/sledge.html

**SFGOON** · Posted On: 7/20/2007 12:33am

WHOA!!! I didn't notice you lived in Ballard!! Okay - go around smashing those gh3y little lawn gnomes and all the quaint mailboxes decorated as fishing ships. Call me and I will assist if you'd like.

Off topic: Arnis or Kali? Where?

**Red Elvis** · Posted On: 7/20/2007 9:52am

Noooooooooooooooooo!!! Garden Gnomes are people too!

**Ryno** · Posted On: 7/20/2007 10:48am

Originally Posted by SFGOON

WHOA!!! I didn't notice you lived in Ballard!! Okay - go around smashing those gh3y little lawn gnomes and all the quaint mailboxes decorated as fishing ships. Call me and I will assist if you'd like.

Off topic: Arnis or Kali? Where?

There's a lot less nordic old-timers than there used to be in Ballard.

LESKAS (Lightning Scientific Arnis) in Ballard/Crown Hill. http://www.leskas.com/

**SupermanPunch** · Posted On: 9/27/2007 3:08am

sledges are great. Big tires are the best targets, but you can use a heavy bag or sturdy sandbag in a pinch.

**Super Dave** · Posted On: 12/03/2008 11:31pm

What about just using the dirt. I live in an apartment and really have nowhere to put a tire orbuild a sand pit. There is plenty of isolated woods I could get into though to slug away at the ground. Or even a fallen tree maybe?

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 12/04/2008 10:17am

Originally Posted by Super Dave

What about just using the dirt. I live in an apartment and really have nowhere to put a tire orbuild a sand pit. There is plenty of isolated woods I could get into though to slug away at the ground. Or even a fallen tree maybe?

That's a sure way to get arthritis and tendinitis. If you don't have space to put a tire, simply make a slam ball (this is one of the do-it-yourself equipment threads listed in the sticky thread (read the sticky thread if you haven't done it already).

Also, unless you live on a high rise building and are far away from a park, you can simply keep the tire standing and covered with a piece of canvas. That's what I do. I keep my tire covered with canvas and my sledgehammer in one of the closets. When it's time to use it, I simply carry them to a nearby park and plow away.

**Big Dozer** · Posted On: 12/04/2008 5:23pm

Originally Posted by SFGOON

Yeah, just big ass tires. Chopping wood is also a good way to go. Kettlebells offer a similar kind of workout.

Quoted for truth. I recently bought some kettlebells and I like them. Also in high school some of the best wrestlers on our team were rancher/farmers kids. Farm work has several great excersizes. Even milking a cow or a goat. My friend Ben grew up on a goat farm and his grip strength is insane.