I Spent My Sabbatical Building a Power Meter for Sledgehammers

a day ago

The author built a power meter for sledgehammer strikes during a one-month sabbatical to make this explosive movement measurable.
The project, called Intensity Pad, aims to address a gap in fitness instrumentation, where activities like sledgehammer striking lack data compared to running or cycling.
Hardware development involved challenges such as component failures and design mistakes, emphasizing the hands-on learning and iterative process required.
The prototype successfully captured power data, transforming the idea from a concept into a tangible product that can be tested and improved.
The goal is not just to create a gadget but to enhance training legibility, motivation, and programmability through measurement, similar to how power meters changed cycling.
Next steps include further testing, refinement, and determining if the idea becomes more compelling with real-world use.

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