Sled dragging

[pwrlftr2]

Anyone use a sled for recuperation and conditioning? If so do you have a good routine. For years I have ran on my off days from powerlifting and my squat has paid a price for it although it allowed me to stay lean and conditioned. Since I am experiencing so many knee problems from the running and squatting together I have decided to try to condition with the sled and some light biking. I have a sled but haven't got a clue how to train with it. Would appreciate any advice or routine.

[Velkar182]

I know what you mean about the knees going after a while of running and squatting. Luckily I haven't had that problem, which is primarily due to the fact that I warmup on a bike and do my cardio either on a bike, sled or in strongman events. I only do sprints 1-3 times a week (on a soft football field) depending on what I am doing. Distance running and especially on concrete in conjuction with heavy squatting is not conducive of good knee health. I am not sure what kind of sled routine you'd want. Just throw some weight on it and drag the somomabitch around. Did youy every see a rowing cardio machine? Those things are great. Elliptical trainers are good too.
One thing for sure is that treadmill's are terrible for you. Instead of moving forward and dispersing the impact from toe to heel like when you run outside, you are really just jumping up and slamming the full impact down on your knees.

[pwrlftr2]

Damn I'm glad I read your post because I like riding a bike and I was just wondering if that would be a good substitute as well as the eliptical which I once spent about ten minutes on and felt like I was gonna die. As far as the sled I'm just planning on throwing on about 110 pounds plus the forty pound sled and making trips up and down this big grass median which runs up and down my street. It is about 150 yards long so I figure a few trips up and down should do it walking forwards first and backwards coming back. I figured it would be a great way to get some blood in my legs and help them recoup from the squats. Thanks for the ideas.

[Velkar182]

sounds like your set to go