Straight to the Bar

All Things Strength

HELPING YOU GET STRONGER SINCE 2004

Review : SandBells
Posted By Scott Bird
Filed In : Strength Training Equipment | Strength Training Product Reviews
SandBells

SandBells.

This is a very interesting idea – a cross between a sandbag and a dumbbell, the SandBell.
SandBells are available in a range of sizes, from 2lb right up to 50lb. Although there are a number of ways to use them (see the video below), the smaller ones are ideal for my favourite use – grip work.
Before I get into the many ways of exploring grip training with the SandBells, this video will give you a good idea of exactly what they are :

Grip Work

The SandBells increase the grip component of a number of exercises, by providing a shifting weight and a slightly more challenging target to grip. As shown in the above video, these exercises can occasionally take the place of your regular dumbbell, kettlebell and medicine ball work.
In addition to that, there are also several ways to use them specifically as part of your grip training. Here are just a few ideas :

  • Remember Jedd’s great article on shot-tossing? Substitute the shot with one of the smaller Sandbells and perform the same exercises. Variations on the ‘throw and catch‘ theme.
  • Eric Cressey recently demonstrated just a couple of the ways he uses medicine balls. If you’ve got a training partner nearby, exercises such as this are great with the smaller SandBells. Shoulder and grip work at the same time.
  • They’re also great for using as weight to add to odd-shaped objects. Throw a “SandBell”:https://straighttothebar.com/SandBells over the top of whichever grip toy you’re training with, and instantly add a few pounds that’ll stay in position during the lift. Much faster.

Materials

These things are tough. Made from Neoprene, they’re designed to take quite a bit of abuse. Throw them around, slam them against the wall – have fun. Indoors and out.

Filling the SandBells

SandBells are generally shipped empty (nice and light), and filled with sand/steel shot on site. As each SandBell has a nozzle (OK, Ngazzle) built-in for quick filling. Despite the silly name, the Ngazzle does make things quite a bit easier.
Essentially the SandBells are filled via a funnel, the nozzle is tied off with an elastic band and tucked back inside the bell itself.

Great, where can I get hold of some?

Ever used a Hyperwear Weight Vest? Same place. Available individually or in sets. Filled or Unfilled.

Final thoughts on SandBells

Overall, I like the SandBells Whilst I certainly wouldn’t replace any of my current training tools, they’re ideal for a substitute when it’s time to spice things up a little. Extremely versatile tools.

Incidentally, if this has got you thinking about grabbing one for yourself, swing by the SttB Strength Store. Massive range.

Over to you. Drop us a line on Twitter ( @scottbird ), or add a comment below.

Cheers.

 

NB : if you love talking about strength-training as much as I do, you might also like to check out the weekly newsletter. A regular dose of fitness-focussed discussions, absolutely free.

And if you'd like to check out any of the stuff mentioned above (or in the comments), swing by Amazon. Huge assortment of fitness gear.

0 Comments

What's This?

Straight to the Bar is the online home of fitness enthusiast Scott Bird, and looks at the many training approaches, essential techniques, uncommon exercises and superb equipment to help you become as strong as humanly possible. In short, this site is the home of all things strength.

images of strength

Strong.

Want to see (and learn) more Feats of Strength like this? Dive in.

Ever Tried Kettlebells?

If you’ve seen people using them but never taken the plunge yourself, here are the ones I use personally. You can also pick up a book/DVD/course if you want to learn how to put them to work.

Just Joined Us? Try These.

There are some incredible writers on the team here. To give you an idea, check these out :

If you enjoyed these, check out the complete ‘Best Of Straight to the Bar‘ list. Fantastic.

Atlas Stones of Various Weights

Converters and Calculators.

Before you start your fitness journey, it’s important to measure a few things.

Here’s how.

Logan's 'Quarantine Sale' Courses

As much as I love training with free weights (and the occasional machine, for specific things) I'm partial to the occasional dose of bodyweight goodness. Particularly when travelling.

If you're keen to dive into this training approach even deeper, you may wish to check out Logan's 'Quarantine Sale' Courses.

Various courses looking at the world of bodyweight training from many angles, perfect for when you're housebound for a little while.

Wherever You Are, We Are.

In addition to the main site, you can share your strength-training passion with a like-minded community on :

Wherever you like to hang out, get your regular dose of strength. Straight to the Bar.

Written By Scott Bird
Scott is a long-time fitness enthusiast (Jan 2004!), writer and photographer living in Sydney, Australia. If you share the passion for spending a bit of time under a bar, welcome. Love hearing how everyone else trains. You can connect via X (Formerly Twitter), Facebook and the various networks listed in the sidebar.
Drawing of Scott Andrew Bird performing a deadlift. Artwork by Vince Palko.