Intro To Sledgehammer Training
By Coach Jamie Hale
I was outside of my facility (Total Body Fitness) a few weeks ago doing some Sledgehammer Tire Chopping when I heard some giggles as I pounded away on the tire. When I turned to see where the giggles were coming from I discovered it was one of my clients who I train 2x times per week. This guy is 50 years old and has significantly increased his over all fitness levels within the last year. He looks and me says “what are you doing out here hitting a tire while you have thousands of dollars of equipment inside?” I looked at him smiled and simply replied “getting fit.” I explained the benefits of sledgehammer work that cannot possibly be imitated in the gym He listened with intent but was still a little unsure. He was shocked when I told him at the end of your session today you are going to perform some sledgehammer work.
He has been performing sledgehammer work for two weeks now, and has shown improvement with each session. His anaerobic endurance has improved substantially, his range of motion has increased, and his core strength and mental toughness have soared as well. In my programs the sledgehammer plays an important role in developing fitness. Why don’t more people utilize this tool? I would say there are a couple of key reasons why people do not use this tool, as they should. The main two reasons are that it is hard work, and it does not look fancy. With proper use of the sledgehammer trainees report enhanced over all fitness. Below I have listed some benefits that can be expected when incorporating Sledgehammer Training into your regimen.
Benefits
- Rotational Strength and Power
- Core strength
- Increased dynamic range of motion
- Coordination
- Learn to transmit force from the ground up through the arms (key quality in most sports)
- Enhanced work capacity
- Mental toughness
- Restoration
- Wrist and forearm strength
- Multi-planar movement patterns
In the next article I will present a beginner workout with the sledgehammer.
Copyright 2003 Coach Jamie Hale
Visit Coach Hale’s site at www.maxcondition.com to learn more about coach Hale.

Jamie Hale
"In discussing Coach Hale, I think of someone who believes in that great "roll-up the sleeves" hard work and dedication that made this nation great. No fancy equipment - just a ruthless approach and drive to be the best at his profession, which has been supported by this clients results."
—Coach John Davies, founder of Renegade Training, author of Renegade Training For Football
"One of the best trainers in the U.S.A"
—Gary Bliss, Editor "Massive Lifestyles" Magazine
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My name is Jamie Hale and I am the owner of Total Body Fitness, MaxCondition Sports Conditioning and Winchester Golden Gloves Boxing. I am a sports conditioning coach, author, and conributor to various fitness and sports publications. I have trained hundreds of individuals and my clients all have one thing in common- they achieve results by following my programs...
To read more of Coach Hale's bio click here or visit his site above
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