The prowler is a very effective conditioning and leg strengthening tool and is a great alternative to the sled.  For those of you who don't know what it is: In a nutshell, it is a big piece of metal equipment that you push.  An example can be seen here. Similar to the sled, you can go heavy, do sprints, go for time, etc. (See previous post) The problem for many people is the fact that an average gym will have nothing like a prowler or a sled.  I have my own sled but it would be kinda hard to drag a prowler around with me; thus, I have come up with a way to imitate this wonderful training device inside of the gym that I currently train some of my clients at.   Check it out. 

As you can see, I take a thick mat, fold it up, and place weights on top of it.  Its simple, convenient, and brutally effective.  You can use a mat like this, a box, or really anything that will slide on the surface you have available.  I have used it effectively with both athletes and fat loss clients.  They hate me when I make them do it but deep down I'm sure they all love it :). 

On a side note, in case if you haven't noticed, I have put a link to my video section on youtube at the top of the multimedia page.  Exercise and training videos will continually be added.  I've been swamped with training this week so hopefully I'll have a little extra time this weekend to get some more posted.  

One of my favorite and most effective forms of training is sled dragging.  You can drag in an unlimited number of ways and work on a wide variety of physical qualities.  You can go for intervals to get a good anaerobic workout; you can go heavy for strength work; you can go lighter for time to get a good aerobic workout; you can run sprints to develop running power; you can do upper body work; special lower body work; and best of all, you can bring the sled anywhere. 

I drag it in front of my house and I bring it with me to the gym I train clients at and do sled work in the parking lot.  One of my favorite ways to use it with clients is to go outside after their strength training is done, and do multiple trips usually ranging from 3 to 6 trips down and back.  It is a great form of cardiovascular work and instead of muscle wasting, (happens with long duration running) it builds and strengthens muscles, especially the entire leg.  It does not get boring and best of all, you get lots of confused stares from onlookers who wonder why and what you are doing. 

If an athlete lacks leg drive, the sled will make them get some leg drive.  If you need to strengthen your hips, the sled will do it.  If you want to firm up your thighs, the sled will do it.  If you want to do some cardio that isn't boring, and helps you lose fat and speed up your metabolism faster than an elliptical or stationary bike, the sled can help you there too.  The list goes on.  Check out these example vids.