Great Workout Circuit with kettlebells, rope, and a pull-up bar!!

So today I finally received my first set of ropes (40' x 1.5" & 6' x 1.5") and I couldn't wait and had to try them out. They provide a great way to get a cardio workout in just a matter of minutes. I was a bit taxed after trying the different undulations that can be done with the rope. I went to full intensity with the rope being so excited. I was also able to hook it to a cable crossover pull-up bar and make a set of climbing ropes with it. I was definitely hooked and it was a great purchase.

Today's workout looked like this.

3/26/09

Warm-up-
Push-up- 25 reps
Handstand Push-up- 10reps
Hindu Squat- 25 reps

Workout- 4 times
Pull- ups- 15 reps
Clean and Jerk @ 24kg- 5/5 reps
Floor Press @ 2 x 24kg- 10 reps
Deadlift @ 135lbs- 10 reps
Rope training- 45 secs

Then -
Snatches @ 16kg- 15/15 reps, 24kg- 2 x 12/12 reps

Cool down- rope training - 2 mins

After that I was done. Snatches really got me afterward. Ropes got my arms and lungs tired (good thing). It was the second time i was able to workout out this week. Work is a bit tough but I will deal. More to come!!! This is going to be GREAT!!!!

Ropes Gone Wild/ Battling Rope!!

Today I receive my first set of ropes. I recently purchased a 40' x 1.5" rope and an Outlaw 6' x 1.5" rope. I will be incorporating these new tools into my workout. I have seen a few videos on Youtube and on the Art of Strength website. This looks like it will not only be taxing on the body but fun as well. With all the other tools I have a vailable to me I should be able to get a great circuit in like never before. I will get back on hopefully later today to let everyone know how it goes.

Kettlebells and Rope training!!!

R.K.C. tries A.K.C....What a weekend!

So I am sure I am not the one who has tried the AKC method but I just want to try it out and see what it was for the experience. I went down to Long Island to visit Master Trainer Mike Stefano. He has been with AKC since the beginning. He and Valery Ferderenko are a few of the only Master Trainers that are part of the AKC. Coach Scott Sonnon was part of the WKC but no longer is due to a fallout. But back to the weekend. I attended the one day workshop to prepare for the AKC coach workshop that is a weekend long. While I was with Mike, he discussed the differences between the American Kettlebell Club and Pavel's Hardstyle System.

In the simplest way to explain the difference between the two systems or protocols; the AKC method is developed for sport and endurance. They focus a lot of detail and effeincy of the basic moves which are the Jerk, Snatch and Long Cycle. They do talk about progression using the Push press and the Swing and Clean. Much detail is given to the Clean (Rack) position because in the Jerk and Long Cycle that is where most of the rest is taken place. Work is done with one kettlebell and then after all of the levels (20) are reached then you progress to a heavier weight. With the bells, they are all the same size to help create efficiency so the position doesn't have to change when progressing to the heavier weights. After learning the exercises, Mike then put us through a workout testing our technique. We did the level 9 workout with the Jerk for 2min per hand then Snatch for 2 min per hand and Long Cycle 2 mins per hand. We were able to rest for 2 mins between each exercise. It was a killer day. I did learn a lot and appreciate the toughness of Kettlebell Sport. It requires a lot of smart training and patience.

The RKC dealt with strength and conditioning by using power lifting protocols while mixing in rehab and flexibility training. It used the kettlebell as a tool to reach a goal instead of its sport. The weekend I spent in Minnesota was a great and tough experience. I taught me how to train others using a protocol to help people get a better form. Mixing this training with other equipment make the kettlebell a great tool. Let alone the kettlebell can be used on its own.

The difference I have experienced from both systems is that with the AKC I can lift a weight for numerous amounts of reps with out getting exhausted till hitting the 3rd and 4th minute while being at 25 to 30 reps per arm with a moderate weight 16kg or 24kg. With the RKC protocol I am lifting heavier weight but for only a few reps but being strict with the movement (32kg or 40kg for 3 to 5 reps).
Personally I like and respect both systems because it all depends on your goal. They are both a yin and yang to kettlebells for me. I will be attending the AKC cert in June in NYC.

Recent Workouts and some News

Haven't really posted my workouts lately due to the amount of work that has increased. But I still have been able to get in a couple workouts. I also recently purchased a couple of 16kg Perform Better Competition Kettlebell. I am hoping to get a set of AKC Pro-grade Kettlebells but they may be a bit too pricey. I also got Scott Sonnon's Official Kettlebell Foundation DVD. I watched all three DVDs and must say there are many good things about it. He deals mostly with the sport of Kettlebells. Coach Sonnon breaks down every detail needed to preform the exercises efficiently and correctly. He also gives you a rep range to do within a certain time limit. In the warm up dvd he goes through exercises that loosen the body up and prepares it specifically for kettlebell lifting. I found this to be very helpful. It is similar to the joint mobility of the RKC and Steve Maxwell. Overall its a great DVD set and one that is a "must have" for any kettlebell enthusiast.
The Competition Kettlebells I purchased seem to work well with the exercises on the OKF DVD. I started to do more GS exercises in my workout just to try it out and test my endurance and a pace I can work at. I also do my RKC presses and pulls. I believe that there can a good blend of RKC and AKC in a workout.

Speaking of workouts here are some I did in the past few weeks. I will begin to bring my intensity and volume up.

1/13/09
Warm-up-
Joint Mobility- head to toe- 10 mins
Hip Raise- 2 x 10/10
Straight leg raise- 2 x 10/10

Deadlift-
155lbs x 5
185lbs x 5
225lbs x 5

MP ladder 1- 5 reps x 4 @ 24kg
Pull-up ladder- 1- 5 reps x 4

Goblet Squat @ 32kg- 3 x 5

1/15/09
Warm-up-
Joint Mobility- head to toes- 10 mins
Halo @ 16kg- 1 x 10

Swings @ 16kg- 2 x 20
Double cleans @ 2 x 16kg- 3 x 15
Jerk @ 2 x 16kg- 4 x 15
Clean + Jerk@ 2 x 16kg- 3 x 15
1 arm Jerk @ 40kg- 3 x 3 (soon to go up)
2h Swing @ 40kg- 4 x 10
Pistol @ 16kg- (Racked)- 1 x 3/3

Dragon Flag- 2 x 5
Farmer Walk- 20 yards @ 2 x 110lbs

1/19/09
Warm-up-
Inchworm- 1 x 10
Hindu Push-up- 1 x 10
Hindu Squat- 1 x 20

Swing @ 16kg- 3 x 2mins (1 min/1 min) avg- 25 reps/min
Clean @ 2 x 16kg- 3 x 15
LCCJ @ 16kg- 3 x 12/12
Snatch @ 16kg- 4 x 15/15

1/23/09
Warm-up-
Joint Mobility- 10 mins

Swings @ 16kg- 3 x 1 min/1 min (25 to 30 reps/ min)
Press @ 16kg- 3 x 1 min/ 1 min ( 8 to 12 reps/ min)
Jerk @ 16kg- 3 x 1:30min/ 1:30min ( 15- 20 reps/ min)

Bike- 10 mins- 3 miles

A Kettlebell, is a kettlebell, is a kettlebell

is similar to the saying a calorie, is a calorie, is a calorie. The reason I bring this up is because the fitness industry is just like the all the other industries out there that try to get you to do something or follow some way that they say is right. As most people know I am open to anything new. Everyone has to find their way in life and follow what suits them best. If you are into Kettlebell training there are many routes you can follow. There are RKCs, AKCs, CKTs, AOSs, KBCs, Crossfit, all out there to help guide you as the client on how to use the Kettlebell correctly to 1. help reach your goals no matter what they be, 2. instruct you in proper form so you don't get hurt , 3. provide a fitness experience that you won't forget. As a kettlebell instructor I can't wait to learn about the WKC and GS style as I have experience the "Hardstyle" of kettlebell training. What I am trying to get at is that there is a new so called system out there. First it was Kettlenetics and now there is KettleWorx. Both of these require that you use light Kettlebells to get you to your goals. I am not going to judge these styles I am just not a big fan about them. Check them out and if you like them please try them. If not go to something else. Kettlebells seem to be a new craze nowadays and when I worked out with them in Sports Fitness and Fun about two years ago I was looked at weird but when everyone started to hear about them, I was the first person they ran to. Kettlebells will always be around because they are a fitness tool just like dumbbells and barbells. Find someone who is certified to teach and you will be in good hands. There is no one leader in kettlebell training because there are so many. Good Luck to all and keep on swinging!!!

Go Eagles!! that for my gf =) R.O.P. workout!!

Today was a great day for the Eagles!! as they won their game against the The New York Giants. It was a tough game as both teams were tough offensively and even tougher defensively. I am not dedicated to any one team because I personally love one on one competition. I participated in team sports but it was where it was only me out there competing with my opponent. Sports like wrestling, boxing, swimming and diving, grappling, martial arts is what I was really interested in. So now that Boxing and MMA are main events that is where my interest go. As for my workouts now combining boxing/mma conditioning and old school strength exercises.

Today's Workout- Right Of Passage 3rd Rung

KB Military Press @ 24kg + Pull up @ BW- 1- 5 reps, 3 rungs
(1 min rest between rungs)
Total 45 presses, 45 pull ups

Bent press @ 24 kg- 3 x 5
2KB Snatch @ 2 x 16kg- 2 x 10
Bottom up TGU @ 16kg- 3 +3

Thats all for today...continously working on my grip strength. Will be using CoC through out the day now GTG the crush. more to come!!

Today's Workout...boy i can't wait for the summer!!!

Hey all, it's snowing up here in New York and we are getting a good amount. If you do winter sports then cheers for you. I personally love the hot weather. So summer you better be on your way. So on that note I got really warm during my workout today which felt great. I needed to warm up the shoulder and the rest of the body. I was a bit stiff and sore from the past workout. I did take off yesterday to recover but I went back at it again.

Warm-up:
Jump rope- 10 mins
Indian club Movements- 5 mins
Shadow boxing- 1 x 3 mins

Workout- with 16oz gloves
Boxing- 5 x 3 mins

KB Swings @ 32kg- 3 x 1 min 2 hand swing, 3 x 30sec Alternating swing
Farmers Walk @ 2 x 110lb DB- 3 x 20 yard
TGU @ 32kg- 2 +2

That was all for today. Tomorrow I will go back to strength and some endurance/ cardio training (VO2 max).

Till then don't forget if you trained with me, please leave a review at the instructor website on Dragon Door. http://www.dragondoor.com/instructor/1298
Thanks for all of those that left review.