- Variable Weights
- Filled with inexpensive play sand
- Seven different grip positions
- Two internal bladders for durability and modularity
- Super Durable Outer Shell
- Won't Leak Sand
I'll cover building your own sandbag at a later date, but if you've got roommates, a girlfriend, or anyone who doesn't want to risk dumping twenty or more pounds of sand on the carpet, you may want to consider buying a real sandbag. Â This is the Ultimate Sand Bag from Henkin Fitness and, as far as sandbags go, it definitely lives up to its name. Â Mine is of the “strength” line which means it can be filled up to a weight of about 85lbs through two internal bladders. Â Once I filled mine up I tossed it on the scale and it measured about sixty-two pounds.
You don't want to overfill the bladders or the bag as this could eventually lead to a failure. Â Because of the quality construction, heavy stitching, double closure bag, I wouldn't be worried about sand coming out, however I would be sad to have destroyed the bag through overloading it. Â The bag has at least seven different handles on it which allows you to grip it any number of ways for any number of exercises. Â It's a versatile tool that doesn't take up much space and is one of the heaviest things you can keep in your home without getting a full weight set.
The core workouts here revolve around shouldering, squatting, and pressing, which are your big three moves for gaining mass or losing weight. Â There is an especially brutal workout where you shoulder the bag, squat, stand and press over the head and bring the bag down on the opposite shoulder. Â Then squat and repeat. Â This will have you sweating and panting in no time and is the most effective exercise to do with the sandbag. Â I'm also a big fan of utilizing the bag for power cleans and overhead presses.
The only downside to the bag is the price: $126.99 retail. Â What you get for this is a really durable bag that won't break. Â You're basically paying for the peace of mind that you're not going to dump sand all over your house, which may be very worth it to some. Â If you compare it dollar for dollar against other weight systems, it's not even that expensive. Â A fifty-some odd pound kettlebell is $80 and is a one handed instrument. Â The sandbag can do other exercises, recruit both hands, and weighs more. Â You do have to buy your own sand, though I got good, clean play sand from Home Depot. Â For a total of like $10 I got 80lbs of sand which filled my bag to sixty pounds and left twenty pounds for me to create my own smaller sandbag out of a book bag and trash can liners.
All in all, the price may be prohibitive to some, but the variety and intensity of the exercises make it a valuable tool in the home gym.
I got mine at Henkin Fitness Systems.