The Sandbag Calisthenic Workout

by Michael Sahno, MS APK, TSAC-F

So, if you read the opening to the newsletter you know that we released a new program, the Sandbag Calisthenic Workout. Why is this SO important to us? Because, now that it is going to get warmer, it is a great way for people to get themselves outside and start grinding the rust off of their bones and get themselves back into a workout routine.

I take the winter off. It is my off-season. And, with this winter being exceptionally cold, my motivation was gone. Still, at about this time of year I start jonesing for a workout and this year I am going to start off by doing my new workout program. All that I need is a Sandbag and a pair of Boxing Focus Mitts. That’s it.

Because of this, this program can be done anywhere. I can literally put these two pieces of equipment into my truck and wherever I stop, there’s my gym. I’m saying this to help anyone who is reading this article to understand that this puts the responsibility onto you. This program is free. You don’t have to pay for it. The equipment is basic and cheap, and remember that I said that there’s only two pieces of equipment? It is literally that simple.

Also, this program was designed to allow you to grow over time. It starts very small. We take baby steps. Low sets and low repetitions. This is important for one very specific reason. If I break you, then I haven’t helped you. I’ve only set you back. This, of course, would never be my goal, but often, when we start a new workout program, we have an Olympian idea of how much we can do and often we forget to take into account the reality of our current physical readiness. Meaning, that we aren’t necessarily as strong as we think that we are. Did you feel that gut-punch to your ego? Don’t worry. We’ve all been there.

The reason that I bring this up is because if you don’t take a slower and steady pace, as the program prescribes, there could be a risk of injury. You could overdo it and hurt yourself and that is why the program is designed the way that it is. And, if you needed to, you could even start out doing less than the prescribed number of sets and repetitions. The point that I am trying to make is that there is always room in ANY program, including mine, to add or subtract from it to make it work for your level of fitness.

I want people to be healthy, and to be physically able to meet the challenges that life throws at us, and to do it with strength. I believe that this program can do that. So, if you want to start getting into or get back into shape, I hope that my program can be your choice for beginning that journey. You can find the Sandbag Calisthenic Workout here: www.sandlfit.com/programs/