Many would’ve said start at a 35 or 53lber (16 or 24kg).
I started at a 32kg kettlebell (70lbs), already able to bottoms up press it – done a handful of times over the years, but lacking kettlebell experience.
It’s purchase was to get strength training with a wind effect, particularly having in mind doing lots of one arm swings.
Hilariously I haven’t liked the movement, and don’t much care for the two hand swing, though I prefer it to the former, and do it occasionally.
The first move that clicked for me was one arm cleans.
Peripherally I press with a pair of mismatch bells, this 32kg kettlebell and a 75lb dumbbell.
Occasionally I’ll see saw with this, but mostly the double bell is a two hands press.
The one bell front squat too was a seller for the kb for me.
At first I couldn’t hold rack for a full squat, I’d lose the bell. I’m now into the double digits on both sides.
While seriously debating when I purchase a heavier kb to jump bell size – firstly on this movement.
Kettlebell front squats a simple way to run squat every day, and we all know squat every day is magical witchcraft voodoo for, well a lot of good things.
Note, with a heavier bell I’d likely work in mismatch two bell front squats and heavier mismatch presses.
That’s how I roll.
I am well aware that the last few sentences are a matter of training just about only I would do.
On the one bell kb front squat there is more than one rack position.
I’ve found a vertical forearm is very easy to maintain, the bell supposed by the line of bone, basically a super sized hand in how it feels.
Having the handle of the bell nearer your sternum, the ball of the bell on your shoulder – that’s harder to balance for me.
Curling the wrist inwards, “arm wrestling” the bell helps here.
It took me a little to like the kb snatch.
It clicked for me when I mentally decided “old school dumbbell swing” and started putting it overhead in one big arc.
I like this better than the one arm swing in kettlebell sense.
To enjoy the kb snatch it has to be in that old school dumbbell swing context for me.
I think of the kb snatch as swing-snatch.
I have no idea what the proper kb snatch bar path is. If it’s similar to a barbell snatch my brain doesn’t grok it.
On purpose I have not read any kettlebell material since it’s purchase.
Take other’s brains out of it.
Only MY thoughts on the thing influencing MY practice.
There’s value to spending lots of time in the one kb rack, whether that’s holding f sq bottom position, doing front squat reps, holding the top position, or walking bell at rack.
It starts getting to you. Feels similar to when I hold, even light, deadlifts for time.
My body freaks out.
It’s a game changer stimuli. Torch fat. Get wiry strength.
I forgot to mention the thruster is on the table. I only rather recently realized this.
It took til today (2/22/23) for me to have headphones playing while I lifted the kettlebell.
Here I could go aside and discuss how I benefit by not sticking to these little challenges I do, instead being more chill, not obsessing.
Once the snatch clicked it opened up complexes.
I don’t do the exact same kettlebell workout each day, stuff varies, but most days I am getting my hands on the bell.
It is PERFECT LOGISTICS.
Own a kettlebell. Step outside. Put it overhead and/or to shoulder.
Have car? Kettlebell will travel.
The implement is strength AND conditioning. I suggest everyone own at least one fairly heavy kettlebell.
-J
And some cocky music to leave with!
kollegah – pharaoh
Persistence & Tenacity