Want to take your conditioning and grip sessions up a notch? Throw in a bit of hammer work. Love it.
What to get
The equipment is pretty simple. I personally use sledgehammers from a local hardware store, and I’ve also used several of the ones available online
Depending on the type of workout you had in mind, you may want to get something to hit. Old car tyres are great (and usually free); or anything else that won’t break when you strike it repeatedly.
In terms of space, the workouts require more headroom than width. As long as you can swing the hammer comfortably – without damaging anything – you’ve got all the space you need. If you like the idea of training outdoors, this is the ideal time to start.
What to do with it
There are many, many ways to train with a sledgehammer. Here are a few of my favourites :
- Introduction to Sledgehammer Levering
NY Kung Fu’s Michael Parrella takes a look at sledgehammer levering. Make sure you check out Part II, and Part III. Good stuff.
- Incorporating Footwork in Sledgehammer Training
Martin Rooney notes an interesting way to incorporate footwork in simple sledgehammer work.
- Sledgehammer Walking
A personal favourite – Sledgehammer Walking (thanks PITT). Good fun.
- Vertical Tyre Sledgehammer Work
Another great idea via Ross Enamait. Securing a tyre (or tire, if you prefer) vertically for sledgehammer training.
Where to find out more
There’s actually quite a bit of info (both online and offline) available on hammer training methods, including :
- Hammering Strength into the Wrists (part II)
This is a superb series by Jedd ‘Napalm‘ Johnson which looks at the basics of using a sledgehammer to build wrist strength. Brilliant. - Things which deserve more attention : Forearm Training
If you enjoy sledgehammer training, you’ll love this – several varieties of forearm training. Good fun.
Final thought on sledgehammer training
Sledgehammer workouts are one of the few forms of training I perform daily. Once you try them, you’ll quickly see why. Love ’em.