The 3 Major Kettlebell Exercises

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THE 3 BIG KETTLEBELL EXERCISES. You should first know that you don’t actually “need” any equipment for strengthening the body. Our own body weight is enough. However, equipment can make things a bit more fun and challenging. My favorite piece of equipment is a single Kettlebell. In fact, this is what I use most often and have for the better part of a decade. There are many exercises that can be done using a single Kettlebell. However, there are 3 big ones that I see as essential. 1) Swing 2) Goblet Squat 3) Turkish Getup. In fact, these 3 make up the main components of the HKC Certification (Hardstyle Kettlebell Challenge). I use some version of these with almost every client I work with and have for many years. These may look easy but regular practice is absolutely essential to get the most from them and prevent injury. Kettlebells may not be for everyone but you’ll never know if you never try. If you do decide to give it a go, start slow and light. Build stronger over time. Perfect form and smooth-graceful movement should always be the goal. #kettlebells #austinpersonaltrainer #austinpersonaltraining #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Oct 28, 2019 at 8:43am PDT

Dumbbell vs. Kettlebell

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My last post earlier this week I demonstrated a workout consisting of 2 exercises using 1 Dumbbell. You could just as easily use a Kettlebell as well. Not everything, but most things that can be done using a Dumbbell can also be done using a Kettlebell. However, pressing a Kettlebell overhead requires holding it correctly in a specific way. In the photo collage above there is one picture of what NOT to do (it’s stated above the photo). The other photos show the correct way, from various angles. Keep in mind that it does take getting used to. For some, it may be quite uncomfortable for a few days/weeks. I would suggest using wrist sweatbands if so. The MAIN IDEA is to always keep the wrists STRAIGHT at ALL times while using a KB. Personally, I love Kettlebells so naturally I think it is worth the effort. They are quite unique and very versatile. If I could only have one piece of fitness equipment, it would be a single Kettlebell. In the end, do remember that they are only one tool of many. Find tools that works well for you and the job you need it for. The tool never matters as much as actually accomplishing the task at hand. #austinpersonaltrainer #austinpersonaltraining #kettlebellbasics #kettlebellpress #kettlebellrows #kettlebellsquats #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Oct 24, 2019 at 7:07am PDT

Minimalistic Dumbbell Workout

 

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MINIMALISTIC DUMBBELL WORKOUT. This works the entire body using only 1 dumbbell and 2 exercises. It’s simple and effective. The key is to challenge yourself while making sure your form on each movement is smooth and correct. I promise you…long workouts are not needed. Most adults are busy. The number one excuse for not exercising is a lack of time. There is no excuse why you can’t do this (or something very similar if modified for an injury or limitation). Make it all matter. Aim for 5-12 reps on both exercises, done for 2-5 rounds, 1-3 times each week. Don’t be scared to challenge yourself. #minimalisticworkout #1dumbbellworkout #austinpersonaltrainer #austinpersonaltraining #austinfitness #austintexas #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Oct 21, 2019 at 8:33am PDT

Fitness Equipment Minimalism

 

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STRENGTH TRAINING WORKOUTS NEED NOT BE LONG OR REQUIRE MUCH EQUIPMENT. Whether you exercise at home, at work or on-the-go, short workouts with minimal equipment are your best friend. No more excuses. In the next few weeks i plan to demonstrate a few simple routines. It’s important to note that equipment is not actually necessary for resistance training. It is 💯 % possible to work the entire body using only your body weight, for FREE. With that said, equipment can be very useful and help make things more interesting. My top 3 equipment recommendations are: 1) Resistance Bands 2) a single Kettlebell 3) a single Dumbbell. Resistance Bands are typically inexpensive and kettlebells or dumbbells can often be found used (and you really only need ONE of either). Last week I talked about the essential exercises for a short total body workout. Next week I will demonstrate an example. #austinpersonaltrainer #austinpersonaltraining #resistancetraining #strengthtrainingathome #dumbbellworkout #kettlebellworkout #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Oct 15, 2019 at 7:28am PDT

Thoughts on Jumprope

 

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When was the last time you tried to JUMPROPE? It’s probably been a while right? Skipping rope is a legitimate skill that requires practice. It’s not easy in the beginning and does take time but worth the effort. I consider Jumping Rope to be what I call a “fountain of youth” exercise. This would be anything that preserves or builds back movement abilities that we tend to lose quickly with inactivity and aging. The ability to run, hop and jump might seem trivial but it’s the difference between being a “spring chicken” or “old beef jerky”. Jumping Rope is an excellent way to put some “pep back in your step”. It’s also an excellent way to burn some extra calories and improve your conditioning, aka “cardio”. 5-10 minutes is typically all that most can handle in the beginning. It’s ok. Most folks won’t be able to last but about 20 jumps before resting. Some less. You may hit your feet every time the first few tries. That’s ok. Don’t quit. Any effort is good effort. Another thing I really like is that it keeps us on our toes, literally. Crashing down on the heals of the feet is not typically desirable. People often do this while jogging on concrete. This combined with poor running form literally destroys most people’s knees, feet and ankles. Jumprope is a great way to teach the body to absorb force using the calves, the body’s naturally shock absorbers. #bssbbooks #blueskystrongbox #jumprope #healthandfitness

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Apr 15, 2019 at 6:56am PDT

A sample of my own Workouts…

 

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I’ve had a few people ask about my own personal workouts lately. So today I filmed exactly what I did WHILE I was in the middle of it. I’m only showing this to illustrate an example of an effective, yet simple workout for an intermediate/advanced trainee. This entire workout took 30minutes and was completed during an hour break I had this morning, which gave me enough time to exercise+shower+eat. It’s nothing too fancy. I am only showing ONE rep examples of each exercise. Yes, I did more reps and sets. Yes, I did rest between most sets. I normally do only 2-3 sets for any exercise. I typically do 5-10 reps on most of my exercises, which is exactly what I did today. Some days I do more, some days I do less. I rest between sets long enough to feel like I’m in control before starting the next set or exercise (and not the other way around). Being too out of breath or to hurried begs for mistakes and injuries. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Today I supersetted Kettlebell Swings with Goblet Squats and Single Leg Deadlifts + Pull-ups w 1-arm holds and Upside Down Rows. On the next (last) round, I supersetted Dips + Handstand 1-arm Stability Holds. Yes, I even had some Cajun music 🎶 on for company. Do things YOU enjoy and understand. Have a reason for everything you do or don’t do. Don’t just do stuff because it’s popular or someone else is doing it. Nothing you to needs to be complicated. In fact, purposely keep things simple. Don’t do things you absolutely hate or dread either. Because how long do you think you’ll keep that up?! With that said, don’t skip the things you NEED to do to be better. Most importantly, whatever you do, just make sure it’s repeatable. #bssbbooks #blueskystrongbox #carltonsmixtapegumbo #carltonmusicatx

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Feb 11, 2019 at 7:52am PST

The Best Affordable piece of Exercise Equipment

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For those that prefer to exercise at home or while traveling, the best and most affordable option for strength-training equipment (besides your own body-weight) are Resistance Bands, aka Exercise Bands, Tubing Bands, etc. Basically, they’re nothing more than big strong rubber bands with handles on each end. Prices, brands, sizes and what they call them will vary greatly. My favorite are the “First Place Travel Bands” from the online company @perform_better. They include a door hanger, come in a Light, Medium or Heavy thickness, and currently cost $18.95 usd (I make no money telling you this.) They are superb for working the Upper Body. There are many exercises you can do with them. I recommend starting with the two exercises I demonstrate in the video above, which is a Horizontal Press and a Horizontal Row. Just make sure to attach them somewhere safely and correctly. Start slow, perfect your form, build strong. From time to time, inspect each band for any cuts or worn-out areas that may tear while using. Replace as needed. The thickness is important, because this determines how difficult they will be when stretched during use. Typically they range in thickness by colors. Different companies use different colors to represent how difficult they are. Some may be too easy, some may be too difficult. You will need to experiment. You should be able to do a minimum of 5-10 perfect reps with whatever size you choose. I do use these regularly myself and in fact used them exclusively for an entire year to train my upper body when I was age 31. Combined with a complimentary diet (and complimentary sleep), I became the leanest and most muscular I’ve ever been. I weighed almost 15 pounds heavier than I do now, mostly lean muscle (I did also squat heavy often using barbells, etc which made my hips and legs grow more muscular but also heavier). However, it did prove to be much more work than I would ever want to do again, especially eating enough healthy calories to support more muscle mass. My point though, Resistance Bands are a great option for doing upper body strength work. I’m always here if you have any questions! #bssbbooks #blueskystrongbox

A post shared by Blue Sky Strongbox (@blue_sky_strongbox) on Sep 24, 2018 at 9:54am PDT

Dumbbell Upgrade

New Weekly Tipz! This week the message is clear: don’t be afraid to use heavier weight. In broader terms: don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. I see it all too often, people using dumbbells (for example) that are far too easy and light. Of course, there are quite a few others ways to make any exercise more challenging but let’s keep it simple for now. If you can and know how to correctly perform an exercise, with near-perfect form, through a complete pain-free range of motion, then you are ready. How heavy? There is no real wrong answer here. But truth be told, 15+ reps are entirely over-rated for most. Personally, in general, I recommend a weight heavy enough to allow no more than 10 reps, no less than 5 reps. Don’t go too fast, don’t go too slow. In other words, smooth controlled reps. Carry on…

New Weekly Health & Fitness Tipz! This is a broad reply to the many various health, nutrition and fitness questions that i receive on a regular basis. Keep things simple. Figure out where you are and where (exactly) you would like to go. Then find the most appropriate path to get there. Educate yourself. Be consistent with whatever it is you need to do. Focus on doing the big fundamentals well. P.S. There is a small little bonus clip at the end :)

Great black rubber mat for weight training. 1″ thick. 4’x6′. $40 at Tractor Supply.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/rubber-horse-stall-mat-4-ft-x-6-ft–2219003