How to do a Sled Pull
Reviewed by JP Michelsen, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Sled Pull
Sled
Instructions for Proper Form
Sled Pull is an explosive exercise that involves pulling a weighted sled, usually for a distance or duration. This compound movement primarily targets the legs and back, but also engages the core and arms for stability. It's an excellent exercise for building strength, power, and endurance. It's often used to improve sport performance, particularly in activities that require strong pulling movements.
- Grasp the ropes, and face away from the sled in an upright position.
- Slightly lean your torso forward and begin projecting your body forward to pull the sled.
- Continue for an allotted distance or time.
Alternative Exercises to Sled Pull
1. Sled Drag
24.3 mSCORESWAPPED 498 TIMESSled Drag is an explosive exercise that involves pulling a weighted sled across the ground, usually for a duration or distance. This full-body exercise targets the glutes, hamstrings, and back muscles, and it can easily fit into lower body or pull days. Sled Drags enhance functional strength and are often used to improve athletic performance and overall conditioning.
- Beginner
- Quads
- Sled
2. Leg Extension
99.4 mSCORESWAPPED 488 TIMESLeg Extensions are an isolation exercise that target the quads. Due to a severe lack of isolation movements for the lower body, this is a great option for specifically targeting your quadriceps. The use of a machine restricts your range of motion, and adds some stability to the movement. This can help your focus more on exertion than stabilizing the movement. The downside to this exercise is that it places a lot of tension on your knee. Keep your weights light, and focus on pausing near the end of your range of motion.
- Beginner
- Quads
- Leg Extension Machine
3. Sled Push
37.8 mSCORESWAPPED 395 TIMESSled Push is an explosive exercise that involves pushing a weighted sled across the ground, usually for a duration or distance. This is a great full body exercise that can easily fit into your lower body or push days. This exercise has plenty of functional applications, and is often used to improve sport performance.
- Intermediate
- Hamstrings
- Sled
4. Machine Leg Press
95.1 mSCORESWAPPED 368 TIMESMachine Leg Press is a variation on the more standard Leg Press. Like the Leg Press, this is a compound exercise that primarily recruits the quadriceps. This is a great exercise for building strength and muscle mass in your quads. The use of a machine doesn’t change anything significant about this exercise, although your positioning may change depending on the machine you’re using.
- Beginner
- Quads
- Leg Press Machine
5. Air Squats
92.1 mSCORESWAPPED 273 TIMESAir Squats are a bodyweight variation of Squats. Like other variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. Without any added resistance this is easily one of the most beginner friendly exercises out there. It’s a great way to start building strength, and working your way towards more advanced variations.
- Beginner
- Quads
6. Leg Press
99.7 mSCORESWAPPED 260 TIMESLeg Press is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. The exercise itself is fairly similar to a standard squat, with some key differences. The biggest of these differences is the added stability from supporting your back on the Leg Press Machine. The end result of these changes is a more stable movement that further emphasizes your quadriceps. Leg Press is an excellent exercise for anyone looking to build muscle mass or strength in their quads.
- Beginner
- Quads
- Leg Press
7. Dumbbell Squat
94.1 mSCORESWAPPED 256 TIMESDumbbell Squat is a variation of the more standard Squat. Like other variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. The advantage of using dumbbells rather than a barbell is that you have more freedom in your range of motion which can make this a more accessible variation for anyone with mobility limitations. With that freedom comes a bit more instability with this exercise though, which can help you further improve your squat for, and build the strength needed for heavier, or more complex variations.
8. Dumbbell Lunge
97.6 mSCORESWAPPED 244 TIMESDumbbell Lunge is a variation on the more standard Lunge. Similar to other Lunge variations, Dumbbell Lunge is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quads. The exercise itself is the same as a standard lunge except for the added weight from holding dumbbells in each hand. This is a great variation for anyone looking to make their lunges a bit more challenging without adding more complexity to the movement.
9. Side Lunge
79.4 mSCORESWAPPED 222 TIMESSide Lunge is a variation on the more standard Lunge. Similar to other Lunge variations, this compound exercise primarily targets your quadriceps. By stepping to the side instead of forward or backwards, you can further recruit smaller muscles around your hips like your Adductors (the muscle that brings your legs together).
- Beginner
- Quads
10. Smith Machine Squat
94.3 mSCORESWAPPED 210 TIMESSmith Machine Squat is a variation on the more standard Squat. Like other variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets your quads. The use of a Smith Machine restricts your range of motion, and adds significantly more stability to the movement. This makes this exercise a great choice for learning proper squat mechanics, and developing strength in your lower body.
- Beginner
- Quads
- Smith Machine