SmitsBrothers.tv

2 Man Push Test

Loading the sled

World Cup Brakeman Al Hough teaches the new recruits the skill of loading into the sled. Even a split second of wind drag from not loading quick enough can separate Gold and Silver. Timing is crucial, and so is not ripping the skin off your teammates back with your spikes as you jump into position. 

Single Man Push Test

This is a single man push test that is used to determine your best individual time. The key is to hit the sled hard and keep driving your legs until it is time to jump in.

Bobsled Group Push Test

This is a group push that tests your ability to work as a team. At the start, each individual must hit the sled at the exact time, otherwise a great deal of momentum will be lost. Then, after an intense push down the track, it is time to jump in and load the sled . This requires a great deal of guts and skill, and make the deference between 1st and 2nd place. I'm the athlete with the white sleeves.

Ass To The Grass

This is a successful attempt at 170kg in the 1 Rep Max Front Squat Test. If you do not squat full depth the attempt will not be accepted. Ass to the grass is the norm. 

Sled Pull

At the Start, immediately after the explosive push of the bobsled, it is crucial to have the speed strength to continue to accelerate down the icy track and gain momentum.

This is a 20m (15kg) resistance sled pull that tests your ability to run fast with a load. The goal is to be at full speed when you hit the timing lazier, and continue to hold that speed right through to the finish. This test will give the coaches an indication of the athletes potential to accelerate the bobsled once it has gained momentum. My time was 2.57 seconds.

Found my Limit! 180 kg

Failure is a sure sign of your limit, but only for that given day. The 1 rep max sets a standard so you can gauge your progress and customize your program accordingly so that the next time you will crush it. Its is humbling experience that takes a lot of bravery. Remember, this should only be done by expert athletes and under the watch of experienced coaches.

Get it Up!

A successful attempt of 135 kg power clean at the 2006 summer bobsled training camp in Calgary. This is a test of my potential explosive power that would be available to rapidly push the 400 lb sled from a dead start. This is a true test of your nervous systems ability to rapidly ignite. The objective is to generate the maximum amount of force into the ground so that you have enough momentum to catch it at shoulder hight. The Power Clean is one of my favorite exercises because I find it fun to lift weights at full speed, you must to be ready to react and be athletic if you are going to be successful. It also happens to be one of the most technically complex exercises and requires an extreme amount of focus and confidence.