This could turn into a long thread but I'm going try not to go there.

Discrediting todays training and/or training aids by saying they weren't used in the past isnt really a fair convo. Its completely discrediting the "old school" lifestyle. While for diff reasons then training

they were swinging sledgehammers, axes, hammers, turning tire irons, wrenches, and lifting or dragging all sorts of things. Thru all that they were learning leverage, balance, and how to organize the entire body to make a tough job easier.

To add we hit rocks with broomsticks, pine cones with tree limbs, and anything else that resembled a bat and ball. We thru everything we could, big rocks, small rocks, acorns, and even eggs. Dont ask. If we dont think all of that aided to the ability and understanding to swing

Or throw then I think we are being shortsighted. So I agree. Todays training are not reinventing anything, but they may not be any more strange then things old school guys did that MAY have had an impact on their ability.