Will Moore
Level 3 Valued Member
More seriously, yes. See below.Will, Did I correctly understand you to say you have been a kettlebell practitioner for a year and went to a one-day course somewhere along the way?
Much later than I should have. The instruction was excellent and the impact was significant. See below.If so, where in your journey did you take the course and how would you rate it's impact on your practice?
At this point, no. That may change as resources permit.Do you use a heart rate monitor?
Lew,
That is correct. However, there is some back story. I actually met Pavel at The Arnold many years ago. I cannot recall the year but I do recall that he was set up next to the USMC and they were doing a pull-up challenge. I missed my opportunity to dive in, at that point. I did pick up Super Joints and Relax into Stretch but did not go any further. So, I have been aware of kettlebells for awhile.
I spent a bunch of time and money on mainstream training most of my adult life. In May of 2013, I started at a community class offered by a competitive CrossFit box. The class is designed as a free extra class for members; free drop-in for CrossFitters traveling or at a box that doesn't have a Saturday class; or for individuals in the community who do not have the means to join. It is a class programmed for anyone who walks through the door, free to all indefinitely.
As a result, that meant no barbell work and any iron we used were kettlebells. So, I have been working with the kettlebell periodically since the Summer of 2013. Later in 2013, I started a 1 Million Meter rowing goal. As a result, I spent a lot of time in front of a poster with the following (emphasis added) listed:
1) Half squat produce half results.
2) Not Squatting is bad for the knees.
3) Heels down, chest up, knees out, butt back.
4) Breathe into your belly, not your chest.
5) Never use the tampon bar. Ever.
6) Smith machine squats aren’t squats.
7) If the Russians are doing it, you should too.
8) You ain’t squat if you can’t squat.
9) Women are encourages to out-squat their partners.
10) A squat is the foundation of all fitness programs.
As I unpacked the rowing goal, I was also doing a couple classes per week. Early on though, I decided that I would not do American Swings, period. If questioned, I just had folks see Rule #7.
Last Fall, October of 2014, I had completed my Million Meter rowing goal and was looking towards 2015 goals. Two things popped up on my radar. First, was the TSC. Second, was Simple & Sinister. I set me sights toward TSC without having a good foundation, read as Simple or Sinister, and began to work and refine with YouTube the Two-handed Russian Swing as well as the Snatch. My Deadlift was pretty solid. However, due to my weight, pull-ups were a no-go.
As I did research, I refined the work I was doing but it was more Snatch oriented than Swing. I also dabbled with the Yoke, Atlas Stones, Slam balls while doing 2-3 CF classes per week. It appeared I was making progress but you never know until you get in front of an instructor. Since I was putting in the time, my wife was extremely encouraging when I mentioned that StrongFirst was offering a course, locally.
Leading up to the SFG course, I tweaked my back pretty good doing Yoke walks. I saw a chiropractor and after some significant adjustments, ice and mobility work I was good to go. However, I was afraid that I might re-injure myself so I switched to "just" Russian Swings and Turkish Get Ups. I went into the class prepared to work and was exceptionally happy with how well I felt throughout.
Anyway, the SFG course I attended in Houston occurred in August of 2015 with Karen Smith. In hindsight, I should have taken the course much earlier. I believe taking the class offers more than just instruction. For me, it validated my decision. It also offered some credibility to my family and friends. Especially, those I train around. Mind you, I am still at that competitive CF box. Since it is an open space, I set up next to the kettlebells on the main floor alongside others or even a class, depending on the time. I stopped regularly attending CF classes in September and officially in October.
My local coaches are serious about CF, both method and sport. However, programming related conversation tends to start with "What are you goals?" Since, I have done my research; received instruction; have an answer and move well then there is no issue. It certainly helps that I can point to lists like the one above or Mark Sisson's Primal Template, both of which hang in the box, as responses, if necessary.
In conclusion, get into a class ASAP. Also, budget for continuing education. Read the previous as either periodically retaking the SFG course; taking another SF course (B or L) or moving on for certification. I mention taking another course because my impression is that the courses complement each other. Also, it would seem likely that one might run into an SFG instructor in one of the other courses who could cast a critical eye over your Swing and TGU either at lunch or after class.
Anyway, I hope this helps. Apologies for the long reply. Live well!
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