Which of Pavel’s books for stretching do you guys recommend, “Beyond Stretching” or “Relax Into Stretch”. Nate Dog, which size kettlebell did you end up getting and do you find it better than just using a dumbbell? Is it worth buying?
Relax into stretch is more current. Good book. I’m looking inot getting kettlebells myself. If you get them let me know what you think.
Beyond stretching is a great book and I recommend it highly. Regarding Kettlebells, I would recommend that your order a KB handel from ironhorse at www.piedmontdesign.com. You can load it up to 110lbs or start as low as 10lbs. It is much more versatile then the KBs at dragondoor and much more economical as well. The dragondoor one’s look like they would be more fun to handle. However, they are damn expensive and you are not even sure that you will like them. Kettlebell training is much more difficult than dumbell training and much more enjoyable as well.
Dan, I got the 16kg (~36lb) kettlebell. It just came in yesterday, so I messed around with it a little bit. I think it’s cool as hell! I’m looking forward to using it. And I think it was worth every penny. The only thing that sucks for me is that I have small hands and a weak grip. So it’s going to take some time getting used to the thick grip. I’m glad I didn’t get the heavier kettlebells. I would not be able to use them!
I tried doing some one-arm snatches last night, and I almost dropped the kettlebell on my head because I couldn’t hold onto it very well. I can easily do one-arm snatches and cleans with a 45lb dumbbell. So this will be a new challenge for me. But that’s cool because I’ve always had a weak grip and training with the thicker handle will be good. I have Pavel’s kettlebell challenge video, so I’m going to check that out tonight to learn how to do the exercises correctly.
ND, glad that you are ginving KB a shot. I have been doing it for about two months now and love it. I can snatch a 90lb for sets of 10 know and press 75lbs for reps without any difficulty. However, I remember how awkward it was when I first started. The KB video is invaluable and will get you excited about KB training. My goal is to do snatches with 110lbs for reps and I am sure that I will hit that goal soon. I am noticing great development in my traps, shoulders, triceps, and biceps from Kb training and my lower back feels stronger than ever.
Thanks guys. I’ll probably just get both of his books. I could definitley use both as my flexibility kinda sucks. I’m in the same boat as you Nate Dog. I have a small frame with small hands. My grip has always been a weakness. I’ll just start w/ the 16kg kettlebell and go from there. Thanks for the input and how’s the Renegade training going. I hope to start next week.
Mike, I checked out the Piedmont Design page but it’s a web design company … you sure you want to link us there? I’m interested in the attachment. Thanks!
I’m really excited that someone already started this thread. I’ve been on a severe flexibility kick lately and have attempted to construct my CPT workouts around it. I have very good flexibility (can do a near-full split) but would like to get it into that “sickass” range. I’ll be picking up the book, K-bell and video from DD soon. Lata.
"MB Eric: Rollins Band:Yellow Blues, out tonight."
-Eric
Mike, that is impressive! This little kettlebell is a lot harder to use than I thought. It’s going to take some time, but hopefully, I’ll be knocking out reps in my exercises soon. I’m about to check out the video now. I’m sure that will help teach me proper form, and as you said, it should get me excited to do it! Great job! I too hope to have the carryover in muscle on my traps, shoulders and arms!
Dan, don't underestimate the 16kg kettlebell. It's so weird that a heavier dumbbell feels so much lighter and easier to use than the kettlebell. I'm having a tough time at the moment, but of course, I only just got it. So I should do better with it soon! Sounds like we're alike in that we both have smaller hands and weaker grips. You definitely don't want anything heavier. In fact, It would have been nice to start out with a 25lb kettlebell. As for Renegade training, I have mixed it in with some Westside training as well. The Renegade training is great, but after a month of it, my joints became very sore and I felt extremely overtrained. So now I do my weight workouts (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) set up Westside style. I do my Renegade training (GPP) on Tues, Thurs and Sat. So far, so good!
Great thread! I just got my Power to the people and beyond stretching books this morning. I was tempted to skip work just to read these but I will jump into them tonite when I get home. I wanted to ask Mike Mahler, which should I get first concerning kettlebells, the book or the video? I ask from an economical standpoint (since I can’t afford to order both).
Bronx, Mike Mahler recommended the video over the book since it actually shows you proper form with the kettlebells. But I have just ordered the book as well because I want to know some of the other exercises, history and training programs that Pavel recommends. So your best bet is to probably get the video first. When I get the book, I’ll tell you how it is and how it compares to the video.
Bronx, Mike Mahler recommended the video over the book since it actually shows you proper form with the kettlebells. I enjoyed watching the video and will watch it again as I get better at some of the basic exercises and graduate to some of the more difficult stuff. Pavel has a great sense of humor and the tape is good quality.
I have just ordered the book as well because I want to know some of the other exercises, history and training programs that Pavel recommends. So your best bet is to probably get the video first. When I get the book, I’ll tell you how it is and how it compares to the video.
Thanks nate! Bronx Bomber, I do think that you should get the KB video first. Recently, I ordered the KB book for similar reasons as Natedogg(Training programs, history etc) I will post a report regarding the book after I get it. GrowthH, sorry about the confusion, go to www.fractionalplates.com to checkout the PDa KB handle.
Thanks Nate and Mike! I read the books and was really amped by them. I do have a question: Where do I add aerobics? I want to get used to running (in preperation for the Marines). Can I also add some pushups and Pullups? I know that it’s based on not stressing the nervous system so I don’t want to go overboard. I’ll just cycle the pushups and PTP program, but I’m not sure of the running portion. Thanks again for your responses.
Sorry, another question. Would you recommend the corresponding video for the books? Should I pick up PTP Video? Thanks.
Hey, great to hear you want to get into shape for the Marines. Your training should just be simple and focus on ab work, lots of pull-ups and just run, run, run, run…
Don’t forget one thing, depending on your MOS, bootcamp is fairly easy on the physical side compared to what you may be doing in the fleet. If you’re going infantry like a true Marine, you’ll miss those easy bootcamp runs. The only thing you may try to concentrate on with the running is lengthening your stride. It makes it easier in the long haul. Good luck,
Gary E