The Benefits of Training with the Dog Sled

If you are looking for a user friendly, full body training tool then look no further than the Rogue Dog Sled. The Dog Sled is usually associated with pushing or pulling, but it has so many more applications, especially if you choose the Rogue Dog Sled 1.2 which has increased attachment options over the Echo Dog Sled.

Rogue Echo Dog Sled

• Upgrade this unit to an Alpaca Sled with the Alpaca Sled Kit
• Add a second pair of handles to quickly change directions
• Clip in with a strap for pulls and drags
• Attach optional skis to help reduce floor damage in an indoor gym space

Rogue Dog Sled 1.2

• Low Bar or High Bar Attachment options or the Double Handle Attachment
• Lawn Boy Attachment – focuses on the upper body
• Convert the sled into a wheel barrow carry
• Wrap Around Rail Kit – Allows users to quickly change direction when using a pulling strap or rope without having to swing the sled around or hook/unhook after each pull/drag—saving both time and energy

Sled work is not very technical, anyone can use a sled, but the benefits of sled work have long been acknowledged from those wanting basic grunt work to professional athletes alike.

Benefits of Sled Work

• Due to the nature of sled work you can do lots of it and it will not cause you to be super sore, so it won’t interfere with other training.
• Can be utilized to increase blood flow to the legs therefore help with recovery, and help rehab injuries. Go light with high reps if this is your goal.
• Hypertrophy (building muscle) and building strength – heavy pulls/drags will help build strong legs and help maintain knee integrity while not placing load directly on the spine.
• Knee and joint health – can be used to assist “bulletproofing” the knees. Sled dragging backwards will activate the VMO and build the quads.
• Sports Specific Conditioning – can be used to sprint resistance training building explosive leg drive.

Primary Uses for the Dog Sled

Push the Sled

• Use high or low handle attachments
• Build horizontal strength and power developing the glutes and quads
• Go light sled sprints for speed or heavy sled pushes for strength and power development

Pull the Sled

• Use a pulling rope, strap or harness
• Reverse sled drag great for building quad strength and knee rehab
• Forward drags will help develop hamstring, calve and glutes strength

Rope Pulls – Hand over hand

• Attach a rope for static or dynamic rope pulls
• Pulls are great for developing the arms, back (lats) and core

Sled Rows / Presses

• Use straps with eyelets or attach Rogue Gymnastic Rings
• Pull the rings, in the form of a dynamic row, this will develop arm, specifically bicep strength along with the upper back
• Press the rings, like a chest press will build chest, core and pressing strength
• Agility work – push the sled around cones in shuttle drills – athletic development
• Use different thicknesses of rope can help develop grip strength
• Combine sled drags with farmers carries to further challenge grip and core strength
• Static, or Isometric push and pull holds are a great tool to build strength

To quote Louie Simmons of Westside Barbell – “If you’re not dragging a sled, you’re missing out on the easiest way to get stronger without beating yourself up.”

It’s not flashy. It’s not complicated. But it works. And when you’ve got a tool this durable, this adaptable, and this effective, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

If you want a simple way to build strength, reinforce joint health, improve conditioning, and challenge your entire body—without the wear and tear of traditional lifts—the Rogue Dog Sled might be one of the most valuable pieces of equipment you add to your training.