Rise Above Down Under

There were a few things in my life that I said I would never do.  One was to get a mobile phone and the other was to be active on social networking sites.  Well I caved on both accounts and while the jury is still out on the mobile phone thing, social networking  has been very fruitful especially because I am able to meet and correspond with some great people from all over the world.

Two of the best trainers whom I have never met in person are Kira Clarke and Brendan Dart.  These two enjoy connecting with other trainers as much as they like training themselves.  I have to thank Kira for helping me hook up with other trainers in the industry who I would, most likely have never met at all.

I sent him a few shirts and Brendan (nipples and all) took one for a test drive up some steep stairs toting along a ton of kettlebells in the process.  Check out the video that Kira calls…

“one of our favorite ‘conditioning’ workouts actually (putting a heap of plates/kettlebells/sandbags etc. at the bottom of some stairs and get it to the top using various lifts) … It also works really well for small groups (ie. put 200kg at the bottom of the stairs and get three people to move it to the top as a team … and put the timer on ”

It is sadistic and comical enjoy!

Also please check out Kira’s site The Pound Online for tons of videos, articles and my favorite; the fitness related comic book “Gruntman and Geek.”

Tags: Conditioning, Kettlebells

How I Super Charged My Training with Kettlebells

Guest Post by AJ Lee

Hello everyone, my name is A.j. and this is my first article for the <strong>Rise Above</strong> Blog and hopefully not my last!  I wanted to share with all of you my experience with the RKC II seminar that Doug and I attended in February.  But before that, let’s start with a brief intro into “what is a kettlebell?”  For some this may seem like a growing fad and it is amazing how many bells and whistles come with equipment, training sessions or exercise classes today. But in my years of experience the buzz turns into a dud!

The kettlebell however has been around for centuries!  It is just a cannonball with a handle on it, very simple in design but devious in its’ application when implemented in your strength and conditioning program.  Unlike traditional weights such as dumbbells, kettlebells allow for a swing movement, which utilized more micro-muscle groups needed for balance.  The handles are designed for a “quick release” action enabling someone to pass the bell from hand-to-hand or partner-to-partner smoothly.  These features make kettlebells great for quickly developing explosive power, dynamic strength and endurance.

My primary reason for getting certified through a professional organization like Pavel’s Dragon Door instead of watching You Tube videos is because while the kettlebell is a simple piece of equipment, the moves are actually quite complex.  Kettlebells can be very dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced user.  In order to yield their highest benefit and increase weight quickly without injury you need to use proper techniques.  Without proper training, all the benefits of kettlebells can be taken away with one faulty move.  This is why it is extremely important to be trained by a certified instructor no matter what the style (RKC, AKC, WKC to name a few).

Unlike other certifications, you have to actually train for months before testing, and you better be on top of your game.  This isn’t for the weekend warrior and you just can’t take a written test after a few hours of instruction.  You actually have to execute each move perfectly and be able to teach them effectively.  The information at both seminars are mind boggling and incredibly thorough.  Just when you think you know everything, you’re presented with a new technique or drill that blows your mind!  I have to say that getting my RKCI and RKCII certifications were very proud moments for me.

Kettlebells have brought me to a level in both my strength and conditioning that I have not experienced training in the traditional methods.  I feel like my training has been SUPER CHARGED by this cannonball!  My overall strength has increased dramatically and my conditioning has improved as well.  One of the reasons I love kettlebells is that it’s like “sprinting with weights” without the boredom of treadmill or stairmaster work!!

Let us help you add this multi-dimensional training into you life, it is hard work but well worth the effort!!

It’s time to GET STRONG! Check out our new videos and come train with us.

Check out these videos of Aj in action:

Tags: Kettlebells