Redefining Strength Training: A Closer Look at FlipSled Workouts and its Revolutionary Impact
FlipSled is a powerhouse strength tool that's shaking up the fitness world, perfect for athletes, powerlifters, and fitness enthusiasts.
Originally making waves among football players in 2018, this versatile gadget recently stormed into the spotlight at the 2022 Wodapalooza, an annual CrossFit festival. But what, exactly, is the FlipSled all about? Let's dive in!
Sheer Brilliance in one Twin-Sized Package
The FlipSled has a simple yet clever design — it's essentially the love child of a tire flip and push sled. "The FlipSled combines the abilities of a tire flip and push sled into one," explains Luke Narveson, business development rep at Airborne Athletics, the brand behind the FlipSled.
This bad boy stands approximately the size of a twin-size mattress, with dimensions of 30 inches (width) x 24 inches (height), and length ranging between 61 to 67 inches (depending on the model). Featuring handles along its edges, the FlipSled offers a comfortable and easy-to-handle alternative to traditional tires.
Power-Packed Benefits
The FlipSled is crafted primarily for flipping and pushing, offering a host of benefits including:
- Boosting explosive power
- Aiding head-to-toe muscular development
- Improving comfort in multiple planes of motion
- Enhancing overall cardiovascular conditioning
These benefits may resonate with a wide range of exercisers, but they could prove particularly advantageous for football players, rugby players, strongmen, CrossFitters, powerlifters, Olympic lifters, and other strength-focused individuals seeking to enhance their power or refine their skills with irregular-shaped tools.
But don't be fooled — the FlipSled is more than just a tire-flipping, push-sled combo. This badass piece of equipment can also be lifted, pulled, pressed, and squatted!
"You can chest press, front squat, deadlift, and shoulder press with the FlipSled, to name just a few of the many exercises you can do with it," Narveson shares. So, buckle up — you're in for a wild ride!
The Road to Ownership
Since the FlipSled is still relatively new to the market, odds are your local gym or CrossFit box may not have one just yet. But fear not — you can easily scoop one up for your home gym or pitch the idea to your local gym owner.
Your best bet for nabbing one is through the FlipSled website. Currently, there are three models available:
FlipSled FS100
FlipSled FS200
FlipSled FS300
The different models boast the same functions, with the key variation being the load capacity. The FS100 can handle up to 350 pounds, making it ideal for younger athletes, quick-twitch jocks, and newbies to odd object training. On the other hand, the FS300 can handle a whopping 690 pounds, catering to hardcore lifters, team efforts, and those with serious strength goals.
"The FS100 model is also 6 inches shorter, which makes it the go-to choice for shorter athletes (like those under 5 feet 3 inches tall)," Narveson adds. Keep in mind that the weight plates aren't included with your purchase, so you'll need to snag some from a manufacturer like Rogue Fitness, Titan Fitness, or Rep Fitness. Narveson recommends opting for iron plates or Olympic rubber plates, advising against thick 3-inch plates that might be too cumbersome.
The Bottom Line
From innovative fitness props to strength tools, new gear hits the market at a rapid pace. But if the FlipSled's success within the CrossFit and football communities is anything to go by, it looks like this tool is here to stay. With its ability to deliver a full-body workout and target muscles for increased power development and enhanced cardiovascular conditioning, the FlipSled is the ultimate addition for athletes and home gym enthusiasts who want to take their fitness levels to the max.
Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a queer sex educator and wellness journalist who's on a mission to help people feel their best in their bodies. In addition to Healthline, her work has appeared in publications such as Shape, Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, Health, Self, Women's Health, Greatist, and more! In her free time, Gabrielle can be found coaching CrossFit, reviewing pleasure products, hiking with her border collie, or recording episodes of the podcast she co-hosts called Bad In Bed. Follow her on Instagram @Gabriellekassel.
Enrichment:
Apart from the basic information provided in the article, there are numerous exercises and workout routines you can incorporate using the FlipSled to make the most of your training sessions. Here are some of the top exercises and routines you might find helpful, along with safety considerations:
Effective Exercises for FlipSled
- Sled Pushes: Aimed at strengthening the legs and enhancing cardiovascular endurance, this exercise requires you to stand behind the sled, push it forward using your legs, and take turns between short sprints and longer pushes for endurance.
- Sled Pulls: Focusing on the back, shoulders, and arm muscles, this move involves attaching a rope or strap to the sled and pulling it toward you from various angles to target specific muscles.
- Tire Flips: Engaging the entire body, especially the core, this movement focuses on flipping the FlipSled over by using your legs and hips to generate power while maintaining proper form.
- Sled Rows: Targeting the back and shoulder muscles, this exercise requires you to pull the FlipSled toward you using handles or a strap, focusing on rowing motions.
- Sled Sprints: Developing speed, agility, and leg strength, this activity involves positioning the sled for short sprints and pushing it as fast as you can over short distances.
- Partner Sled Pulls: Encouraging teamwork and communication, this exercise has one person pulling while another person pushes, promoting coordination and camaraderie during the workout.
Sample Workout Routine
Warm-Up (10 minutes)- Begin with light cardio, such as jogging or jumping jacks, followed by dynamic stretching for major muscle groups.
Circuit 1 (Sled Focus)1. Sled Pushes: Complete 3 sets of 20 meters each.2. Sled Pulls: Complete 3 sets of 20 meters each.3. Tire Flips: Complete 3 sets of 8 reps each.4. Rest for 1 minute.
Circuit 2 (Core and Endurance)1. Sled Rows: Complete 3 sets of 12 reps.2. Sled Sprints: Complete 3 sets of 20 meters each.3. Plank holds: Complete 3 sets of 30 seconds each.4. Rest for 1 minute.
Cool Down (5 minutes)- Wrap up your workout with static stretching for all major muscle groups.
Among the countless benefits of using a FlipSled for full-body strength training, safety is paramount. Ensure proper form during exercises, warm up thoroughly before starting your routine, and select appropriate weights and resistance levels based on your fitness level to minimise injury risks.
The FlipSled FS100, FS200, and FS300 models are available on their official website, each catering to different load capacities and dimensions, making it suitable for various users, including those who are short in stature or seeking hardcore training. The versatile FlipSled offers numerous exercises such as sled pushes, pulls, flips, rows, and sprints, as well as routines like partner pulls, providing a full-body workout and enhancing power development and cardiovascular conditioning. To ensure safety while using the FlipSled, follow proper form, warm up properly, and choose appropriate weights based on your fitness level to avoid injuries.
