by Liomas Thomas

Created on: January 11, 2011

Few gyms offer tire drags yet the workouts are said to be very intense, and a great way to build extreme conditioning. Tire dragging exercises offer the benefit of being cheap and can pump up any work out. Though working outside can be a disadvantage, doing a tire dragging exercise outside offers fresh air, cooling breezes and room to run. Most importantly, tire dragging exercises blast slow growing muscles, and can turn almost any workout into an extreme, fun high intensity low impact workout.

First, you need to acquire a tire. Though you can use a spare, it's really better to leave it on your vehicle in case of a flat. Many tire companies will give away huge tires for free, huge as in two hundred pounds or more. Tires are very expensive to recycle and dispose of properly, so tire companies will also give away well used tires for free. Since it is difficult and expensive to get rid of it properly, try to get only the tires you need. Make sure, if you are going after a tractor tire or something larger, that you have a way to get it home safely.

For equipment you need tow straps or bungee cord galore (large ones will take more than one) to drive the tire home. Then, to make the sled, you need to attach two bolts to the tire. This is usually just two holes drilled into the side, then bolts put in. Attach a rope or chain to it. Some people use a seat belt to make the harness part of the sled. If available, you can use the handles from various weight machines. A weight belt is optional, as is smaller weights to add as the muscles get bigger. The tire drag exercise is very good for leg building, along with other muscles.

To make most tire easier to drag, use a shorter rope. This way, the person doing the dragging is lifting the tire resulting in less friction. To add weight, try a longer rope. This way the entire surface of the tire is dragging. Some people like to add a small plank or bowl to toss weights in. concrete can be added to the tire to increase the weight, though the weights make it easier for more people to use.

For space, you need to determine where you want to pull the tire drag. A flat surface is recommended, though, honestly in Oregon I have a hard time finding one. Every parking lot is sloped for rain. When scouting for the suitable area, consider the amount of space you might need. Try a few simple drags first, to see how far you're going to go. Check to see if you have the space to turn around. Some day when you have blasted your muscles

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