a.k.a. The Sloshing Pillar of Pain
Inspired by Mark Twight’s 9 October workout (itself inspired by the mighty Dan John’s T-Nation article), I built myself a 10′ long Sloshing Pillar of Pain.
…and named her Charlotte.
I still haven’t put her on a scale yet, but she’s 10′ long, has a 4″ diameter and is holding approximately 4 gallons of water. I’d guess that puts her somewhere around 40#. She feels more like 240#.
So, as usual for Wednesday morning, my favorite drinkin’ buddy and across-the-street neighbor joined me.
- 5x
- P1: Kettlebell Stuff
- 20x (10x ea. arm) Figure-8 w/ hold
- 20x (10x ea. arm) 1-arm Swing
- 20x (10x ea. arm) Snatch
- P2: Charlotte 100m Zercher Carry + jog back
- Switch. Repeat.
I tried like hell to walk a straight line, at least stay within one track lane. Impossible. I was weaving like a drunk after closing time - all over the place - just trying to keep from falling over. The water sloshes back and forth and, no matter how hard I tried to just keep it even, the water refused to play nice.
I didn’t drop it once, but came really close at the very end of my 5th round. It’s tough.
You can hear the water rushing from one end of the pipe to the other…and once it starts, there is no stopping. You just have to tighten up everything, lean, squeeze, and try to hold on. That sound - that sloshing sound - really gets in your head.
After that, we each tried to press it overhead. Neighbor got it locked overhead once, for about 1/10th of a second, before it fell. I could sorta Continental it up to a front rack, but couldn’t ever lock it out overhead. I got close a couple times, but eventually gave up.
Then:
- 3x
- P1:
- Steinborn Lift Charlotte up to Back Squat position
- 10m Lunges, then put her down
- 10x sit ups
- 10x push ups
- Steinborn up to Back Squat position
- 10m Lunge back to start
- P2: 20x (10x ea. arm) 16kg KB TGU
- Switch. Repeat.
That was all for today. It’s remarkably tough. My biceps, lats, stomach, obliques, “cobra muscles”, and spinal erectors all had that tingly feeling even after a few hours. As we approach 7 hours later, that tingly has turned into soreness.
By tomorrow morning, it’s going to hurt to sneeze.
7 Comments
Nice!
I want one of those, but I think it might lead to divorce. I already have too many toys.
Next time you’re in town, we’ll get her out of the garage for a bit.
After reading the article mentioned above, I said to wife, “I’d like to go spend $20 at the hardware store. I’m going to buy some PVC.”
She, interestingly enough, didn’t bother to ask why.
She was surprised, but only asked “Where do you plan to store that?”
It fits quite nicely in the garage, standing on end. It’s almost unnoticeable. Only 12.5 sq. in. of floor space, but oh so effective.
And, for the record, it DOES hurt to sneeze today.
well, yeah that’s not going to be anytime soon, but appreciated none the less.
You forget, I live in a condo.. a small one. Though I guess I could store it in the back… things to think about.
Yeah. You can pretty much store it anywhere you want. It’s not as if anyone is just going to walk away with it.
…at least not quickly. =)
Question: Did you use standard Sch. 40 PVC pipe for this project? Or was it the thinner stuff? 10′ of pipe, endcaps, threaded plugs? That about cover it?
Much obliged.
You must be the good Dr.’s friend?
Yeah. That’s about it.
Schedule 40 PVC.
I didn’t use threaded ends, though I suppose one could. I just got two of those plain ol’ end caps and some of that purple cement.
The construction project took place over an entire evening, though actual labor was less than an hour.
Glue one end cap in place, let the glue set. Come back several hours later, deposit water, cap and glue other end. It’ll be ready for use in the morning.
Have fun and let me know how it goes, huh?
Yup, Dr. K frequently does vouch for me as a friend.
I’ll see if I can find some normal endcaps. The home depot didn’t have any. Might be a job for Menards.
I am looking forward to this in a twisted sort of way. I’ll keep you posted on the damages I inflict upon myself.
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