Brutal Workout, yet fun

[Crankin]

Wahine, what do you think of a class that has people running (sprints or up to 2-4 minutes) holding hand weights?
When I was a fitness instructor, this would have been a huge no-no. What's the point? I can keep up with the real runners, but I use lighter weights than what she is telling us (2 lbs. vs. 5). I am so tempted to drop the weights next time. Thankfully, she's subbing for the regular person and i make a point not to take her regular classes.

[Irulan]

Here's one of our workouts, just for grins.

[Wahine]

Wahine, what do you think of a class that has people running (sprints or up to 2-4 minutes) holding hand weights?
When I was a fitness instructor, this would have been a huge no-no. What's the point? I can keep up with the real runners, but I use lighter weights than what she is telling us (2 lbs. vs. 5). I am so tempted to drop the weights next time. Thankfully, she's subbing for the regular person and i make a point not to take her regular classes.

I'm generally not a fan of holding weights while running. Running with extra weight can be helpful, but it's best if the weight is on the torso in the form of a vest. Holding hand weights, or having weights on the ankles puts the weight on the end of a long lever arm which increases torque forces at the joints quite a lot. But keep in mind that I'm kinda old school.

[Catrin]

I'm generally not a fan of holding weights while running. Running with extra weight can be helpful, but it's best if the weight is on the torso in the form of a vest. Holding hand weights, or having weights on the ankles puts the weight on the end of a long lever arm which increases torque forces at the joints quite a lot. But keep in mind that I'm kinda old school.

I had wondered about this when Crankin posted it. Even to a non-professional this just doesn't sound like a good idea. Sometimes we do "Farmer Carry" around the track (walking laps with kettlebells in our hands) in class and they are very clear that no running is allowed.

Irulan, that looks like fun

[Crankin]

I'm kind of old school, too. I keep thinking joint issues, too much stress in the wrong places, as well as the 1-2 regulars who are barely fit enough to do this amount of running. It's 5:30 in the morning and I don't need extra stress on my 58 year old joints. Not that I have any problems here, but I really think it might open you up to some.
I guess that training I got in 1986 really did teach me something.

[Veronica]

I've done some running with a weight vest and some pulling of a sled with weights. That's a lotta fun! You think you're running, but you're barely moving.

I've also done some walking on the treadmill set to an incline holding kettlebells. Not something you do by yourself.

Veronica

[Wahine]

I've done some running with a weight vest and some pulling of a sled with weights. That's a lotta fun! You think you're running, but you're barely moving.

Done this way is really cool, especially pulling a sled. We do sets where we partner up and run with those really burly giant elastic bands around the pelvis where one partner resists but both are headed in the same direction or even with both partners running "forwards" but in opposite directions so really they end up running on the spot. It's great for when we're stuck inside.

[Catrin]

Interesting you mention the sled. I know the group training class I just joined uses those, sort of dreading/looking forward to when I first do that He doesn't start off with people running with the sleds of course - first you get to pull empty, then loaded sleds down the sprint lane using this harness thing that drags the sled behind you.

I am really challenged in the pull-up department, but he had me doing, basically, a pull up from a prone position on the TRX (a really flat row) where my head was under the anchor point and I started with my head just about a foot or so off the ground - if that far. I really didn't think I could do it - but I did it more easily than I thought possible

Wahine, that sounds fun!