Everyone knows that Kettlebell training is tough, exciting, and produces incredible results. However, if you don’t perform the exercises properly, you can hurt yourself. This is why learning proper technique is absolutely crucial to Kettlebell training.
There are two ways to improve your Kettlebell technique. The first method is free, but it has its limitations. The second method will cost you some money, but it’s absolutely worth it if you wish to excel with your kettlebell training.
Method #1: YouTube
For the past few years, individuals have been posting their kettlebell workouts and exercise demonstrations on YouTube. However, many people are not taking advantage of the real potential of YouTube: free, online coaching. There are hundreds of people out there that comment on exercise techniques of other individuals that post the video.
So, take advantage and tape yourself performing a workout or exercise. Post it on YouTube with a title such as “Kettlebell Turkish Get Up – Critique Technique Please.” I guarantee you within a few hours people will start commenting on your technique, and you will have lots of advice for absolutely free.
If you would like me to check out your form, then simply email me with a link to your YouTube video at shah@shahtraining.com. For an even faster response to your videos, post your YouTube video on Kettlebell training forums. One of the more popular forums out there is Dragon Door.
Method #2: Information Products
The second method of improving your technique is to purchase information products such as eBooks and DVD’s. Most world class trainers have Kettlebell training DVD’s and programs that you can use to improve your Kettlebell technique.
This method is much better than YouTube videos, since you’re getting access to professional help. However, it’s also cheaper than getting a trainer, since you’re not paying someone on an hourly basis. You usually pay a one-time charge, then access the information.
The best information product on Kettlebells is the Turbulence Training Kettlebell Revolution program. This is a program put together by world class coach Craig Ballantyne and his protege Chris Lopez. This Kettlebell program is perfect for both beginners and advanced athletes.
The bodyweight squat has been used for centuries by Indian Wrestlers to improve their strength, flexibility, and lower body power. Perhaps this is why the movement has often been called the Hindu Squat. The actual name of the exercise that indian wrestlers used was the Uthak-Bethak, or simply “sitting and standing.”
Just look at those two words for a second: Sitting and Standing. 80% of our daily activities are focused on sitting and standing, and yet the majority of people out there do not practice these two movements in tandem.
I even heard of some guy who stopped squatting because he claimed that no one can do it right, so no one should do them.
There are other substitutions.
Well, the guy I’m talking about actually stopped squatting with weights. I’m not sure if he’s heard of simply bodyweight squatting, because the movement itself is a great asset to any training program. In fact, out of my two training partners who also go to the gym a few days a week, I have the strongest legs. I developed this powerful lower body by performing 500 bodyweight squats per day.
Now, I REALLY advise people against performing 500 bodyweight squats per day. That is not a number you want to go for on a daily basis.
I know of a few websites out there that preach such ridiculously high numbers, but I for one am against such an abuse of a particular exercise.
Here is how to perform a bodyweight squat:
Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart, toes facing slightly out for balance.
Make sure to keep your back straight and chest out throughout the entire movement.
Bend your knees and follow with your hips as you slowly descend towards the ground.
Go as far as you can. Pause, then reverse the movement.
Repeat as desired.
Flat Footed or Heels Up?
Flat footed squats are where you keep your heals firmly on the floor while performing the squat. Heels up squats are where you raise your heels when you lower your body. These are the type of squats I was performing when I was doing the 500 rep workouts. Heels up squats put greater stress on your knees, and force your calves to work harder.
Currently, I am suffering from some knee pain that I believe is due to the 500 rep workouts. I believe it was the sheer number of squats I was performing, plus a lack of decent recovery that cause the problem.
But I’m sure another aspect of the problem was that I was lifting my heels up, placing undue stress on my knees.
What About a Video?
A already have a bodyweight squat video up on YouTube, but I found a better video than mine:
Workouts to Try
Here is a great squatting workout for you to try:
Complete as many rounds in 20 minutes of:
Run 400 meters
50 Bodyweight Squats
I was able to perform 4 rounds in 20 minutes, can you beat that?
Now if you’re really serious about changing your body through bodyweight training exercises, then you should check out Workout Without Weights. This eBook will give you the full picture when it comes to bodyweight training. Trust me, you’ll never need another resources ever again!
Workout Without Weights is a manual which teaches you how to use your bodyweight to improve your health and fitness. The eBook features not only exercise descriptions, but also teaches you how to develop your own effective training programs
If you purchase the Combo Pack, you can also get another eBook which Author Coach Eddie Lomax sells separately: “Ultimate Gymless Workout.” In addition, you will receive the Combo Calisthenic Audio Workout bonus, which is currently not for sale on the market.
The Basic version sells for just $19.95. The value of the Combo Pack is $73.95 but coach is giving it to you for just $47.00.
