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

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.

log overhead press

I had tried JKC based on the recommendation of a parent of one of my students. I originally started by attending Saturday drop in classes. I was hooked. I decided to join full time when I I had taken a year off from teaching and it was the best thing I have done for myself.

First and foremost the trainers at JKC are extremely knowledgeable. I feel like they are as dedicated to my success as I am. The workouts are tailored to me, my skills and my goals. This is important. Jon and Thomas truly want the best for their clients no matter what level of fitness they are starting from. I also like being able to book a session at a time that suits my schedule. This also helps keep me accountable. Once the session is booked I am not likely to cancel!

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 

I chose JKC because I was looking for something different. I’ve seen and done the trendy workout programs before, I was looking for something that I knew I could see myself still doing a year from now! JKC has a lot of clients that have been going for years. That was a huge motivator for me! The small group coaching sessions are great and I really enjoy the format. It’s nice having 2-4 people working-out with you during your session. The camaraderie is great, everyone is very upbeat and positive – zero gym judgment!

Kathryn Sparrow

Nutritional Coaching by Julia Howard

From my initial consult with Julia, she was professional and knowledgeable as both a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and athlete. She was interested in my nutrition and fitness goals and the development of a plan that would set me up for success.

Julia designed weekly meal plans that were complete with recipes and shopping lists. The food choices were nutritious, easy to prepare, and ensured that I felt well nourished and energized throughout my training and non-training days. Not only do I feel leaner and more fit, but I have more energy and I feel much more in tune with my body and food choices. Julia really helped me put everything in place so I can continue this process going forward- I cannot thank her enough!

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