Since it looks like we are about to fall into a global recession, maybe it is time to look at cutting your fitness expenses. Maybe you have a gym membership that is not being used. Or, maybe you were planning on building a home gym but are now second guessing spending a couple grand on equipment.
Today's post is all about the lowest-tech and inexpensive fitness piece of fitness equipment that you can own. The sandbag. For under $30 you can build a mighty piece of strength and fitness equipment to keep you occupied while the economy goes down the tubes (sorry for the cynicism).
What you need:
#1. Sand - play or construction sand works
#2. Contractor bags - more or less heavy duty garbage bags
#3. Duct Tape
#4. Stuff sack - canvas is the best, but cotton works as well
The first three items can be picked up at any Home Depot, while the stuff sacks can be purchased at either an army surplus or outdoor shop (I bought mine at Mountain Equipment Co-op).
How to make it:
a. Pour the desired amount of sand into one of the contractor bags.
Beginners: 10-15kg
Intermediate: 15-25kg
Advanced: 25-45kg
Hardcore: 45kg +
b. Roll up the bag, push out as much air as possible, and seal the bag with duct tape.
c. Reinforce the bag by placing it in another contractor bag and duct tape again. Do this 3-4 times total.
d. Place the sand bag into the stuff sack, tighten the draw-string, and duct tape.
That is it. Enjoy your new piece of fitness equipment and remember you can never use to much duct tape.