JKConditioningDepending on where you workout, some of the more modern, up to date gyms (no, not with fancy machines and cardio equipment with TVs) might have more options for you with regards to resistance training. In addition to traditional barbells, dumbbells and medicine balls, other pieces of equipment are available to help you in your quest for strength, stability, mobility and of course, faster running times.

Enter the sandbag, the Ultimate Sandbag to be exact.

Here are a couple articles I wrote on sandbag training:

Sandbag Training Exercise Videos

Ultimate Sandbag Training

Also, here’s an Ultimate Sandbag running specific workout that I had the pleasure of participating in last week over at Envision Fitness, in Maple Ridge, BC. Steve and Kari did a great job of putting together this program with progressions and regressions. It was tough! Check out the highlights:

If you want to get an Ultimate Sandbag for your own at home program, check out the Ultimate Sandbag website.


Picture courtesy of UltimateSandbagtraining.com

Well, that’s it for now. Adding Ultimate Sandbag Training into your program will add variety and new challenges. It’s portable and great for every home gym (I have 6 bags!). The options are endless and I think this type of training is invaluable and an important addition to any runner’s strength and conditioning program. Not only will you train your major muscle groups, but because of the dynamic nature of the bag, your core muscles will also be hit hard as well.

-Jon

Astrid Billfalk-Kelly

Personal Strength Training by Thomas King

I wanted to add strength training to my cardio, but have always felt gyms to be a bit intimidating, and was worried I would hurt myself without some supervision and help. JKC was highly recommended by several work colleagues. Thomas and Jon are both fantastic, making sure that everyone gets a highly personalized work out in a very supportive environment. The attention to detail and professionalism are second to none. The groups are very small, but very supportive and make the workouts even more fun. Since getting pregnant (36 weeks as I write this) I’m so happy that they continue to help me get stronger while always being safe.

JKC was recommended by a previous trainer who followed Jon online. He thought Jon’s approach to training was excellent. JKC employs well educated trainers who are very particular about technique and form. I have never injured myself because the trainers know what they are doing. They can always answer any questions I ask about my training. As well the trainers are friendly contributing to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the gym.

I’ve been weight training on and off for years but never really had a specific goal or target in mind so routinely stalled out, plateaued or stopped training all together. Before I joined JKC I was definitely in a fitness slump and needed something to motivate me and get me back on track. I did a bit of digging online, looking at various personal training options and gyms around town but JKC seemed like the best option by far. I’ve tried big box gyms and other personal trainers in the past but none of them have had the perfect combination of goal specific fitness programming, welcoming and supportive environment, and the knowledge and passion to back it all up that you’ll find at JKC. Jon and Thomas are great to work with, they know how to motivate you if you’re having an off day and are well versed in all the different ways to make your muscles burn! I also have noticed some major improvements in my deadlifts since I started with JKC and was really happy with the result.

I’m 40 years old & started training at JKC in 2015. The gym I was working out at closed and my husband recommended JKC. JKC meets you where you are in your fitness journey and tailors the work to help achieve your goals. I’ve trained with Jon & Thomas pre pregnancy, while pregnant and now post baby and they have helped me enormously to stay fit through all life phases.

I joke with the guys often that I’ve seen no change in my fitness level since joining the gym, but the reality is I’m in far better shape at 40 than I ever was at 30 thanks to them.

I was referred to JKC by my sister-in-law and had heard good things about it from many people in the running community. I also saw Jon’s picture on the wall at lululemon years ago! I really like the personalized training and the variety the guys provide. I started for strength training for running. I love cardio and do tons of it but wasn’t motivated to do much strength work on my own. Jon mixes up my strength work week to week so I don’t get bored but also lets me work in a hard circuit for the last 20 minutes of most sessions to get my cardio fix 

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