How to Build a Weight Transfer Sled
Using a weight transfer sled as part of your fitness regimen can help you to better recover from harsh training sessions by increasing the flow of blood to your muscles. Sled dragging with a weight transfer sled is less damaging to muscles than traditional weight training methods, because it lacks an eccentric (lowering) phase that requires you to control the weight. Although you can purchase a weight sled online, making one yourself might be easier than you think.
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Things You'll Need
- Thin metal sheet (roughly 3' x 3')
- Metal pipe (roughly 2" diameter)
- Rope or nylon lead
- Handheld metal saw
- Soldering iron
Instructions
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Use a handheld metal saw (or any other tool capable of cutting a relatively precise hole) to cut a hole through the precise center of the metal sheet. Cut the hole to match the diameter of your metal pipe, which will attach to the sheet at this point.
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Insert the metal pole through the sheet so that it is level with the sheet on the bottom. Solder the pole into place with a soldering iron, allowing the metal to cool for at least an hour before continuing.
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Cut another, smaller hole toward the front of the sled, equidistant from either side. This will serve as the attachment point for your towing implement--either a rope or another type of lead--so cut the hole large enough to allow easy access.
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Thread the rope through the hole at the front of the sled, tying it securely so it does not come off as you train. Complete the process by loading onto the sled a number of standard Olympic size weight plates, stacking each one over the pole to prevent it from shifting around or falling off during your exercise sessions.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply a small amount of Crisco or other grease to the bottom of the sled to reduce friction between the sled and the ground while you pull it.
