Sled training is a great tool for athletes, advanced trainees, those with orthopedic issues, older trainees, and everyone in between. Here are some great benefits to adding sled training to your workout routine.

1. Burn Fat

Sled training can be a great tool for anaerobic interval training which is great (and better) for fat loss than aerobic training. Set the sled up to push for a short distance at max speed possible, followed by a rest period and repeat.

2. Easy on the joints

Sled training is low-impact, which makes it a better choice for those with orthopedic issues. For those with bad knees, who have trouble with getting a deep knee bend, the sled offers a safe and effective solution to work the quads and hamstrings without too much stress on the knee joint. The chance of injury is very low.

3. Less likely to feel sore afterward

Since most sled training is primarily concentric in nature, there is less muscle damage resulting in less muscle soreness. If you want to get some training in but can't risk the possibility of soreness for an upcoming competition, then sled training can provide you that option

4. Indoors or Outdoors

As long as you have the room, sled training can be done indoors or outdoors. You can enjoy the sun or escape the rain with sled training.

5. Can work the upper body as well

Sleds are well known for training the legs and improving speed and power, but they can also be used for the upper body as well. Attaching ropes or a suspension trainer to the sled allows you to perform various row movements and horizontal presses. I also like to incorporate "explosive" chest presses by trying to push the sled as far away from you as you can each rep.

6. Great change of pace for some killer workouts

Sometimes variation is just a nice change of pace mentally and can have great returns physically by mixing it up with different equipment. Workouts can be short, but intense. You can include the sled in a circuit workout, where you rotate from one or a few exercises during a workout.