06 Jul Kettlebell Training For Lacrosse (The Ultimate Guide)
In my experience as a strength coach, kettlebells are the most underutilized strength and conditioning tool for lacrosse athletes. This is because most lacrosse athletes (and field athletes in general) do not understand how these simple training tools can help them translate to better field performance. This is a sad fact. The appropriate and correct applications of kettlebell training will not only help athletes improve performance but also greatly contribute to reducing risk for injuries, yet few athletes use these highly accessible tools. Why is that? I have many thoughts, but the bottom line is this article will shed some serious light on the topic. By using kettlebells, most athletes could improve speed and power measurements in just 6-8 weeks by following a well designed kettlebell program. That's not to mention the improvement of other intangibles - such as broad-movement skills, breathing efficiency, and overall durability to reduce injuries. I know these might appear to be bold statements but I have first hand experience in seeing these benefits through the years. My goal is to make what you're reading right now the most comprehensive article available on the internet on the topic of kettlebell training for lacrosse athletes. You won't find much on this topic, until now. If you're a lacrosse athlete, parent, coach or anyone who works with lacrosse athletes, you can't afford to miss out on this information, especially if you want to stay ahead in today's game.
02 Dec How To Build A Strong Posterior Chain You Can Be Proud Of (Part I)
... In part II of this post, I'll have a simple and effective double kettlebell program you can use. Yes, you can use this as single kettlebell program, as well. When do you swing doubles? Only after you have a strong foundation with the single kettlebell swing. Remember that doubles...
29 Aug Big Problems With The Latest In Kettlebell Science
I love research. We can learn a lot from it. Each and every study I read, I respect the work that went into it. I know how much time, effort, and commitment goes into doing a research study at any level. No study is perfect. Yet, each one is a potentially important piece of the puzzle, right? So, I was really excited to see the title of the latest research study about kettlebell training. Shortly after immersing myself in the study, I found myself feeling let down and disappointed once again that another kettlebell study missed the mark. This one in a major way, which I'll explain. This article is an attempt to "bridge the gaps" between the scientific research and the "real-world" practical applications.
24 Apr How The Turkish Get-Up Benefits Everyone
The more I learn about human movement and strength, the more I'm convinced of one thing. A well executed Turkish get-up (TGU) or get-up will make anyone who performs it better and stronger. The get-up is beautiful strength. That is, moving better and moving stronger. It's being more resilient. How phenomenal is the get-up? While, I hate to use the word "magical" about any one exercise or approach, the get-up is about as magnificent as I've seen. It's truly a "one-stop-shop" for many things. Here's a quick list of benefits from this "ancient" exercise:
07 Feb Struggling With The Kettlebell Snatch Test? Try This
(*If you're struggling with kettlebell snatch test or simply want to make it a better experience, this article offers 2 great solutions.) One thing is certain. High rep kettlebell snatches will get you in great shape and forge a leaner, stronger, and more conditioned athletic body. The truth is, the kettlebell snatch test is not my favorite thing. I'd much rather do heavy deadlifts or clean and jerk a loaded barbell. With that said, building strength-endurance is a very important quality because it allows you to "do more" and perform better over a longer period of time. While there are many qualities of strength, strength-endurance is the ability to produce force over time, it's the ability to continue to produce force over a given time period. That is essentially what the snatch test is - sustained force over a given time. Snatching a *24 kg kettlebell (see below) in 5 minutes or less can be very grueling for most people, but it's outstanding for building a high level of conditioning, improving strength-endurance, developing explosive hip power and dynamically enhancing shoulder and upper body strength. It's a wicked exercise and explosive movement.
24 Jan 3 Unbreakable Rules For A Resilient Turkish Get-Up
When I think of a Turkish get-up, I think of the word, resilient. It's an amazing movement and extremely valuable exercise for any athlete or fitness enthusiast. Gray Cook (Author, Physical Therapist, and creator of Functional Movement Systems) stated at one time that if he was limited to only one exercise, it would be the Turkish-get-up. If you have at least a basic understanding of how to perform a Turkish get-up, then these are the essential rules that are important when performing this exercise. If you think about the 3 things I share with you here and apply them, your get-up will be stronger, safer, and more efficient. These 3 rules will allow you to get more out of your get-up - that I guarantee.
16 Jan Kettlebell Training And Olympic Weightlifting – An Analysis Of Hip Power
Here's a training topic that no one else talks about.
In this article, you'll learn about the single biggest difference between kettlebell training and Olympic weightlifting. While there are many differences between these 2 explosive training methods, there is one thing that makes each of these strength skills so unique.
Make no mistake, these 2 training methods are very different from each other, yet also complementary.
There’s one thing that is central to both and no one seems to talk about this.
When I started to learn the Olympic lifts (the snatch and clean and jerk) - after establishing a strong foundation with hardstyle kettlebell training - I thought that my kettlebell skills would somewhat easily transfer to the barbell.
I thought that lots of technically sound swings, snatches, cleans, and other kettlebell exercises would set a good baseline that would transfer to the Olympic lifting.
I was wrong.
There's a key difference between kettlebells and Olympic weightlifting that requires new motor learning and skill development to excel in either.
It comes down to hip power.
Yes, there are many technical differences between training with a kettlebell and a barbell, but the biggest difference comes down to one important distinction.