Training Truck Pulling with a Car
As an ardent practitioner of the strongman sport, I've often faced questions like "Can I train for a truck pull without a truck?" The answer, much to the relief of beginners and enthusiasts alike, is a resounding yes. While having a truck to practice with can be beneficial, it's not an absolute requirement. You'll be pleasantly surprised to know that you can get in a vigorous workout of truck pull training without a truck. Wondering how? That's what we'll explore in this piece, as we delve into training truck pulling using a car.
Why a Car for Truck Pull Training?
Cars, being more accessible and less intimidating, make for an excellent training alternative. You might think, "Wait, isn't a car much lighter than a truck?" Yes, it is, but that doesn't mean it won't provide the resistance you need for a solid workout. The primary factor that makes a car a viable substitute is the car's handbrake. Using the handbrake, you can adjust the drag to mimic the resistance of pulling a heavier load, like a truck.
The versatility of a car, paired with the right training strategies, can create a routine that's not just about building raw strength but also improving endurance and technique. Here, we will delve into two main exercises: car arm over arm pull and car pull with a harness.
Car Arm Over Arm Pull
The car arm over arm pull is an incredible upper body workout. It involves pulling the car towards you using a long rope. The objective is to rely mainly on your upper body strength rather than your legs or body weight.
- Start with the car parked on a flat or slightly inclined surface.
- Attach a sturdy, long rope to the car.
- Stand a fair distance from the car, hold the rope with both hands and start pulling.
Car Pull with Harness
The car pull with a harness, on the other hand, is all about the lower body strength, primarily your legs and core. It simulates the truck pull event in strongman competitions quite accurately.
- Secure the harness around your torso.
- Attach the other end of the harness to the car.
- Dig your heels in, lean forward, and start pulling the car.
You can adjust the car's handbrake to increase or decrease the drag, thereby customizing the resistance to suit your training needs.
Optimizing Car Placement
An often overlooked factor in truck pull training with a car is the car placement on a slope. A slight uphill slope can add to the resistance and make the pull more challenging, thereby amplifying your strength and endurance gains. Remember, the steeper the incline, the more challenging the pull.
Training Intensity and Progression
Just like any other workout, it's important to start slow and gradually increase the intensity. For beginners, start with the car on a flat surface and a loosened handbrake. As you become more comfortable and your strength improves, gradually increase the slope and tighten the handbrake.
Safety Measures
Finally, safety should never be compromised. Always inspect the rope and harness for any signs of wear and tear before starting the workout. Use a spotter if possible, especially when pulling on a slope, to avoid any unforeseen accidents.
Just as a discretion, I'm not responsible for any injuries if you follow these guidelines. This post is only theoretical and is not professional advise. Consult your personal trainer before doing any of this.
With this information, I hope you are more equipped to kick-start your truck pull training, even without a truck. Remember, consistency is key in strongman training, and every step you take is a step closer to your goal.
