Physical Culture
Level 5 Valued Member
On January 1, I started an experiment with my new beast kettlebell. I took a break from 2x24k long cycle and set out to do 100 beast swings and 100 2x24k jerks each training day. As of the 9th of January, I was at 600+ reps for both lifts.
I'm noticeably stronger. Swings and cleans are easier, and my legs feel stronger. I've had hypertrophy I can see in my traps and spinal erectors. I've hit a PR in jerks- 7m @ 6rpm with 2x24k. I've added chins to offset the jerks- 0ver 200 total since the first of the month.
My conditioning is up as well. My appetite went through the roof, and I've been eating everything in sight, but I'm only up half a pound. Lots of heavy swings and jerks are definitely good for you.
So why am I quitting?
My hands are ruined. In the last two and a half months I did 38 sets of long cycle with 2x24k that were over 5 minutes in length. Over 1,100 reps of long cycle in 8 weeks. I thought my hands were conditioned and tough. I do chin ups, and I've deadlifted for years, though I don't currently. I was a martial artist for years. Now I can't make a fist with my right hand, and fingers on both hands are bandaged because the skin is split open, all along the first bone from the knuckles. They have a deep pain like they are bruised. As long as I've been lifting kettlebells, it's never hurt my hands like this.
Too much, too soon. 2x20k long cycle does not hurt my hands, and 2x24k is okay in moderation, so I'm going to leave the beast alone until my hands heal, then come back to it, building up in volume.
It stands to reason, I guess. If the virtual weight of the beast at the bottom of the swing is 3x, then that's like deadlifting 315 for 100 reps per session. That's a lot for the hands to take.
Lesson learned. Luckily, I just type on a computer all day. If I were a fireman, paramedic, or soldier, I would have really compromised my ability to perform.
I'm noticeably stronger. Swings and cleans are easier, and my legs feel stronger. I've had hypertrophy I can see in my traps and spinal erectors. I've hit a PR in jerks- 7m @ 6rpm with 2x24k. I've added chins to offset the jerks- 0ver 200 total since the first of the month.
My conditioning is up as well. My appetite went through the roof, and I've been eating everything in sight, but I'm only up half a pound. Lots of heavy swings and jerks are definitely good for you.
So why am I quitting?
My hands are ruined. In the last two and a half months I did 38 sets of long cycle with 2x24k that were over 5 minutes in length. Over 1,100 reps of long cycle in 8 weeks. I thought my hands were conditioned and tough. I do chin ups, and I've deadlifted for years, though I don't currently. I was a martial artist for years. Now I can't make a fist with my right hand, and fingers on both hands are bandaged because the skin is split open, all along the first bone from the knuckles. They have a deep pain like they are bruised. As long as I've been lifting kettlebells, it's never hurt my hands like this.
Too much, too soon. 2x20k long cycle does not hurt my hands, and 2x24k is okay in moderation, so I'm going to leave the beast alone until my hands heal, then come back to it, building up in volume.
It stands to reason, I guess. If the virtual weight of the beast at the bottom of the swing is 3x, then that's like deadlifting 315 for 100 reps per session. That's a lot for the hands to take.
Lesson learned. Luckily, I just type on a computer all day. If I were a fireman, paramedic, or soldier, I would have really compromised my ability to perform.