Frequently Asked Questions

Will adding more weight to the XPO Trainer make it harder to push?

In a word, no. Unlike older style sleds, the weight on the XPO Trainer is only used to provide friction for the front wheel to keep it from skidding as you push it.  The eXPOnential resistance is produced by the resistance motor.  Although the maximum weight capacity of the weight plate post is 100 pounds, depending on the surface and intensity of the exercise, you may find that 35 pounds will keep the front wheel from skidding. On a slick surface like polished concrete, you may need two 45 pound plates.
 
Is this a push sled with wheels?
Basically yes! But with so many advantages! Unlike sleds with skids, the XPO Trainer will not damage your parking lot, sidewalks, or even your gym flooring. With this exercise sled, you won't have to change plates for each user, because the plates are only used for traction on the type of surface you're using it on.  And bonus - it's super quiet too!
 
Will it damage my flooring?
The XPO Trainer is designed to be safe for use on most flooring.
  
The XPO Trainer looks too easy to push.  How does this wheeled push sled work?
The secret to the XPO Trainer’s punishing workout lies in the resistance motor.  You can actually push it slowly with one finger, BUT, with its eXPOnential resistance, as you begin to push it in your workout, you will feel the resistance building as you try to accelerate.  As you push harder, the resistance continues to increase, meeting your force with increasing resistance to give you the intense workout you desire.
  
Is the XPO Trainer easily portable?
Yes. The handles slide off and it is easy to transport in the back of a truck or even a 4 door sedan. See our instructional video under the caption, "General Use: Pushing, Turning, Transporting", with demonstrations on pushing, turning, and transporting on the Videos page.
  
I have a garage gym with limited floor space. What is the best space-saving way to store my XPO Trainer?
We love this hanging storage option shown in the photo below by our friends at Omega CrossFit. While they have a custom solution, we have several customers who found unique off-the-shelf products for hanging their XPO Trainer. Check out our blog post we wrote featuring these great options!
XPO Trainer hanging on wall for storage
  
Which model of the XPO Trainer do I have?
To determine which model of the XPO Trainer you have, check this Blog Post.
 
Can the XPO Trainer get wet?
Ideally, it is best not to expose the XPO Trainer to rain nor use in wet or slippery conditions. If it is used in the rain, or does get wet, we recommend drying off the motor and chain area and wiping it down with a little oil or spray it with a lubricating film. There is no warranty replacement for rusted parts.
  
Will it help my CrossFit training?
YES! The XPO Trainer is specifically designed with CrossFitters in mind. Get ready for the workout of your life.
 
How does the resistance match the weight I usually load on my traditional push sled? What is the peak resistance, in pounds?
There is not a direct comparison to the amount of weight on a traditional sled, especially given that the resistance on a traditional sled differs based on the surface on which you are pushing it. The XPO Trainer is a conditioning tool, best compared to an airdyne style exercise bike or a Concept 2 rowing machine. The harder you push, the more it is going to resist. It will match your power output with exponential resistance.
  
The back wheels lift up when I push the XPO Trainer harder/faster; what's going on?
It is a common mistake to push or lift up on the handles while trying to push forward. This may cause the back tires to lift off the ground as the XPO Trainer begins to move. Apply force directly forward instead of lifting up to keep all tires on the ground. It will help if you place your hands lower down on the handles. 
 
How does the XPO Trainer perform on grass?
All of the resistance comes from the front wheel. On dry grass, the XPO Trainer gets okay traction. But if the grass is slick, especially wet green grass, it will be hard to get enough weight on the XPO Trainer to maintain the traction needed for resistance. If the front wheel slides, then it will be easier to push because there won't be much resistance.
 
Can the XPO Trainer be pulled or dragged? Is there a pulling attachment?
While the original XPO Sled had an optional pulling attachment available, the new XPO Trainer does not. We found that the pulling attachment did not always function as we intended and was cumbersome to use. It has been discontinued.
But, if you're still wanting to drag or pull the sled, many customers have found ways to do it. Read our pulling blog post here or watch our XPO Trainer sled pull and drag videos!
 
How much weight can you put on the XPO Trainer?
The weight limit for the XPO is 100 pounds on the weight plate post.  When using the original XPO Sled's pulling attachment, do not exceed 200 pounds total weight combined.
  
Why does the XPO Trainer have a duty cycle?
When the XPO Trainer is pushed, the resistance motor generates heat.  Under normal or even extreme use by a single athlete, the heat is effectively dissipated by the resistance motor and the duty cycle would not apply.

However, when used by multiple athletes in relays where the XPO Trainer is pushed back and forth over short distances with no break between laps, that heat cannot be dissipated fast enough. In those situations, the duty cycle would apply and a break of 5 minutes is required for each 5 minutes of continuous work.
 
What kind of maintenance does the chain and motor need?
Inspect the chain for alignment and proper tension daily or weekly, depending on frequency of use.  There are Alignment and Chain Tension sections in the XPO Trainer Owner's Manual found on our Support page. For general maintenance, periodically spray the chain with the same type of chain lubrication that you would use on a bicycle. You may additionally put a little oil where the motor shaft comes out.
 
What if I am not comfortable changing the chain tension on my own?
If you aren't comfortable doing your own maintenance on the chain, find a friend who works on their own bike, and they will be able to adjust the chain tension for you. Don't know anyone? Take it to a local bike mechanic or bike shop. They'll be able to easily make adjustments for you.