I am often asked, “What is a cattleball?” or “Do you teach that cannonball training I see on TV?” Better yet, I often hear, “Kettlebells are just another new weight loss gimmick. Why use them, when I can use dumb bells or barbells, which have been around long before kettlebells?”
I go on to explain that kettlebells have been around a lot longer than the modern concept of fitness and exercise. I must thank great coaches such as Valery Federenko of the American & World Kettlebell Club (AKC/WKC), for introducing the Russian national sport of Girevoy Sport style of training, as well as Pavel Psatsouline, who essentially founded, introduced and help popularize the RKC (Russian Kettlbell Challenge) “Hard Style” of kettlebell training, to the West.
Both Russian natives, have made great strides in introducing this small, powerful tool, which has been a staple of strength in their home country for well over a century, as an efficient and effective all-in-one tool for strength, joint mobility, flexibility, fat loss, muscle building, increased endurance, prehab, rehab, stability, and much more.
Since the formal introduction of kettlebell training to the U.S. in the late 90’s & early 2000s, additional kettlebell instructors such as: Steve Cotter of the IKFF (International Kettlebell & Fitness Federation), Mike Mahler, Steve Maxwell, and Anthony DeLuglio, have championed with great passion, professionalism, and expertise, the use of the Russian kettlebell via various certification programs, workshops, seminars, books, DVDs, and more.
There are few training options, other than the human body itself, that prove more efficient and effective as a more complete tool for creating full body strength (mentally and physically). However, the point of this post is to showcase a video I found on one of my favorite web sites, http://oldtimestrongman.com. Take a brief “visual” journey at the history of the Russian kettlebell.
Be sure to subscribe to this blog, as I continue to bring you more videos, workouts, and info regarding the use of tools such as Russian kettlebells, bodyweight training, and other tools to help today’s New Warrior & Warrior Goddess build the mental and physical toughness needed to win in today’s tough world.
By the way, what is your tool of choice to build mental and physical strength, and why is it your favorite? Be sure to share your comments below.
In this new video, you’ll see another Diesel Crew original, Kettlebell Rocks. They are named rocks because you have to remain rigid and unwavering during the partner engagement. This drill is excellent for fighters, athletes, and even the everyday trainer who just want a stronger core, or add some variety to their training arsenal.
Instructions:
Again, this drill requires the help of a partner. The partner will throw the kb side to side at the peak of the swing. This is the exact moment that the lifter will brace, flex their lats, contract their abdominals and entire posterior chain to keep the kettlebell path in line with a conventional swing.
The partner should be forceful and not tentative with their part of the movement. This movement is very CNS intensive and because of this, the gang at Diesel Crew recommend anywhere from 8-12 reps to ensure quality.
Make sure you check out the Diesel Crew at http://dieselcrew.com for more Diesel articles and videos!
What are some hardcore kettlebell exercises you use to build core strength, that you may have created on your own? Share your comments below.
Ok, in wrapping up my series of X-Men Origin inspired workouts, which began with Wolverine and Sabertooth, I am wrapping things up with one of my favorite mutants of all time. With such a heavy creole influence here in Houston, thanks to our Louisiana neighbors next door, how could I not have love for the Cajun mutant that is, Gambit.
Gambit’s, (aka Remy LeBeau), primary ability is the manipulation of potential or kinetic energy. This is manifested both internally and externally, energy charges his body giving him greater strength, stamina, and agility than any non-powered human, as well as being able to charge matter resulting in the violent and powerful explosion of said matter through touch. The objects that he charges explode with a force somewhat proportional to the size of the object, though a playing card is as powerful as a hand grenade in Gambit’s hands.
In response to the Wolverine Style workout I posted, in honor of the release of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine, here is a great bodyweight workout that will help you get mobile, strong, explosive, and jacked like “Wolverine” character, “Sabertooth.”
Sabertooth is known for being able to be explosive, mobile, and agile, just like a cat. The following workout, does just that for you.
Whether you want to be lean and mean like your favorite super hero, heroine, villain, or vixen, this workout is definitely for you.
Let me know what you think, or if you have any questions. Also, if you get the chance to see “Wolverine,” be sure to stay during the closing credits. There are two extra scenes. I’ve seen the movie twice, and there were two alternate endings for the final scene, during the credits. That’s a good way to build hype for the DVD release, right?
BTW, let me know what you thought of the movie? Share your comments below.
In honor of the release of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine, here are two different workouts that will help you get lean and jacked like “Wolverine” star, Hugh Jackman. Hugh got lean and ripped for the movie by incorporating workouts centered around lifting heavy weights, and using compound exercises. The following workout, does just that.
Whether you want to be lean and mean like your favorite super hero, heroine, villain, or vixen, this workout is definitely for you.
One supersets w/ 2 kettlebells and a jump rope, while the other utilizes bodyweight only and a jump rope.
1a) DBL kettlebell swing+clean & jerk+overhead twist x 5
1b) Jump Rope x 100 For 5 rounds or
2a) Burpee + push up w/ knee tuck & tuck jump x 10
2b) Jump Rope x 100 as many rounds as possible for 10 min.
Let me know what you think or if you have any questions. Also, if you if you had a chance to see “Wolverine,” what did you think of the movie? Share your comments below.
