A Step Back to Move Forward
Here’s an interesting paradox: the more athletic you are, the lighter you will likely have to go with your bell… it’s about safety and progression when you’re starting out. Load is only one of many stressors in KB lifting; consider the ROM being tested, connective tissues extending, and cardiovascular conditioning. The bottom line is that there is a lot more happening than meets the eye.
That’s why technique must precede load. After all, true KB training methods are derived from KB sport (a filtering system for what works and what doesn’t). Like any sport that involves precision, accuracy, and power (weightlifting, rowing, and shot putting to name a few), the complexities of movement patterns are great. KB lifting requires adaptation at a level that begins with our motor neurons. This may be particularly difficult to grasp for beginner lifters who are strong and ambitious. They may feel like a given weight is too light even though it is probably the most appropriate load for their skill level. The risk of injury is great for anyone practicing with improper technique, but especially those using relatively heavy loads to prompt the feeling of a hard workout before they’re ready.
It’s pertinent that one stick to a relatively light load until he/she has demonstrated sound biomechanics and solid technique for extended timed sets (10+ minutes without dropping the bell). How many times have you seen someone running with poor form and thought OUCH? Well, jumping weight categories without a care for safe logical progression is like sprinting in a marathon with bad form. It’s just a matter of time before the injuries appear. The converse is true- if one takes the time to practice good technique and improve the subtle qualities of the lifts, perhaps then the journey would be like jogging 26 miles efficiently and at a comfortable pace.
Best,
Steven
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Stephanie Pardee just sent us this NY Times Article because of its relevance to KB Sport… very interesting read!
Nice.. Steven!!!
I like it.. You know I have nioticed that in this kettlebell nation of ours.. The people who stick around are the ones who are not afraid to let go of whatever kind of information they have and get ready to learn the skill of kettlebell lifting.
The people who “want to get in shape or want to lose weight are fixated on an outside effect, the most powerful thing you guys do for them is to have them take there eyes off of the result and get them thinking about developing a skill that will unavoidably produce a great result..
Bruce Lee said that the biggest hinderance to all physical achievement is the conciousness of self.. So, if I am thinking about myself and how I look, I am putting myself at a huge disadvantage if real progress if the goal.
The thing that I love about Kettlebell sport training is it makes you focus on the proper execution of the lifts. Not, how am I going to look in my bathingsuit next summer..
So, basically you are very correct in switching you people’s focus from the outside to the inside, what did that rep feel like, what did you do right, what did you do not so well, what was the timimng of your breath? Do you think you can go 1 more rep per minute next time, do you think you can work for another minute next week.. Are you feeling recovered enough to do another set.. All these questions have nothing to do with how you look in the mirror, they are questions associated with developing the skills set to lift kettlebells.. I find that this sort of thinking is much more powerful than vainly focussing on my bum constantly..
Nice Work,
Chris
Wow, looks like I’ll be sticking to the pink bells for quite a while!
Chris,
I remember when I tried to double clean the greens before I was ready and ended up straining my traps for 1 week. Now I train for technique and volume consistently, and test load every now and then. Thanks for the input. I hear you’re doing double maroons now
What are you trying to do, be the next jerk record holder?
Alright already Steve. I get it. I get it. The KB meet is more important than the marathon. Sheesh.
I loved workin’ the pink for a while, getting the form was really helpful when I finally did move up to blue.
Now, now Leslie – you know that I know that you know that the meet is the most important thing since toothpaste. Now go bell!