[quote]nighthawkz wrote:
[quote]JonSupps wrote:
Rope climb is good, just ease into it and don’t expect be Tarzan on the ropes, it’s tough.
Get a 1.5 or 2 inch manilla rope.
http://www.functionalhandstrength.com/images5/manila_climbingropes3.gif[/quote]
I happen to have fair bit of experience with rope climbing.
Seriously, never ever try to use it for conditioning. A movement can be used for conditioning if a breakdown in technique is not dangerous and you are strong enough to do lots of reps. Since neither is the case for most people - don’t do it. Seriously, you could just as well do deadlifts for conditioning.
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Somewhat agree. Battling ropes might be a good way to go for upper body dominant rope based conditioning (never tried them myself).
Rope climbs? Less so. In a sense, I climb rope for a living (tree work). It can be a great workout, but it’s really all legs and abs with some grip elements. A person without at least decent technique will fatigue long before they get a decent conditioning effect, in my experience at least.
OP, I think you’re on track with the sledge hammer and tire thing. Great bang for your buck. Go to a tire shop and pick up an old tire for free, grab a sledge and you’re good to go.