Sled drags provide a crazy quad pump and can do wonders for conditioning and leg growth, especially in those with back pain. They're also one of the most knee-friendly exercises.
How to Do It
Pull your shoulder blades back and down. Make a big chest.
Lean back to start the movement. Drive your heels into the ground.
Take small steps backward, keeping the tension on the quads.
There are more cheap sleds on the market than ever, so it's hardly an excuse any more if your gym doesn't provide one. There are nylon sleds safe for gym floors and durable metal sleds costing $100 that you can drag up and down the street. A sled and some Craigslist weight plates are a worthwhile investment.
"Bill Hartman is the smartest man I know," Alwyn Cosgrove said recently at a seminar. I don't know about you, but that's pretty esteemed praise, especially from someone like Alwyn who's considered one of the foremost minds in the performance enhancement industry.
Increase starting strength with this lift. Bring the bar down controlled and rest it for a half-second without letting the bar sink. Accelerate with as much force and speed as possible.