There are many alternative training methods for athletes out there that aren't well known, yet can significantly improve their physical and fitness levels. Sledgehammer training is one of them, and while hitting things with a sledge hammer is nothing new, it's just becoming more popular among athletes and trainers worldwide.
This incredibly versatile training method has a lot of benefits. Sledge hammer training can improve hand strength, as you can perform movements with it that no other piece of equipment allows. Just by swinging the hammer, you improve your grip. Further, you improve overall wrist and finger strength, which are very underrated aspects in many sports. People that have strong hands are almost always one step ahead.
Furthermore, training with a sledge on a tyre can be a great way for improving your conditioning. The bounce provided by the tyre not only ensures you aren't destroying property and equipment, but the bounce back can help you get into a rhythm and help you facilitate the conditioning effect that comes from sledge training. This full-body, violent workout can also help you build explosive strength.
Building up tension and releasing it in the right moment requires timing and technique. You can use sledges of different weights to switch between strength and resistance training exercises. Hitting the tyre with a lighter sledge repeatedly with speed can be a great resistance training exercise, while hitting with a heavy sledge forcefully is a great way to improve strength. Simply put, sledge training is incredibly functional and you can even carry some of the benefits to everyday life.
Additionally, this type of training lets you mix things up, which is incredibly important when you consider that most athletes train repetitively, which can become quite boring after a while. Conventional condition and strength training are great, but they become boring quite fast. Alternative training methods such as this one allow the athlete's body to adapt to something new, and they'll be pushing themselves more as a result.
Lastly, sledge training forces you to move in all planes of motion, and all sports are played in various planes. With that said, it only makes sense to be training as many planes of motion as possible. You can swing the sledge overhead and from the sides, which allows you to get creative with your training. As long as you're having fun and are being responsible with it and safe, you're going to improve.
