How to Do the Sled Drag

The sled drag has you walk while pulling a loaded sled behind you with a harness or straps, building your legs and conditioning with little eccentric strain. It suits anyone wanting hard lower-body work that is easy on joints.

HamstringsGlutesOtherIntermediate
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Muscles worked

Primary

  • Hamstrings
  • Glutes

Secondary

  • Abs

How to do the Sled Drag

  1. 1

    Attach a harness or straps to a loaded sled and stand facing away from it.

  2. 2

    Lean forward slightly with your chest up and arms tight.

  3. 3

    Push through the balls of your feet and take a powerful step forward.

  4. 4

    Keep your steps short and driving rather than long reaches.

  5. 5

    Walk for your target distance without letting the straps go slack.

  6. 6

    Keep your torso steady and your core braced.

  7. 7

    Rest and repeat.

Form cues to remember

  • Drive through the balls of your feet
  • Chest up, torso braced
  • Short, powerful steps
  • Keep tension on the straps

Common mistakes

Leaning back

Lean slightly forward so you push the floor behind you.

Taking long, reaching steps

Use shorter, driving steps.

Overloading the sled

Choose a weight you can pull with steady, smooth steps.

Rounding your back

Brace your core and keep your chest up.

Sets and reps

Conditioning6–10 trips of 20–40 meters (22–44 yards), 60–90 seconds rest
Muscle growth4–6 heavy pulls of 15–25 meters, 90 seconds rest
Endurance3–4 rounds of 60 seconds of walking with a moderate load

Slippery floors and heavy loads can cause falls or back strain. Start light and keep your torso braced.

Superlift for iPhone

Track your Sled Drag and watch it go up

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Sled Drag FAQ

What does the sled drag work?

It works your quads, glutes and hamstrings, with your calves and core stabilizing. It is also good for conditioning without heavy joint impact.

Is the sled drag good for recovery days?

Light drags can add easy leg work, since there is little lowering stress. Keep the weight light and the pace steady.

Sled drag vs sled push?

The drag has you pull from behind; the push has you drive forward from the front. Both build leg drive and conditioning.

Sled Drag alternatives

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