Working out at the park, driving around with the top off, and going to the beach for a little walk.
That's what I did last weekend, but now, I'm inside the house wishing it was sunny again!
I know...what a tease!
But were you READY for that type of weather? Is your training bringing you the results you've been waiting for? Make sure you stay on that straight and narrow path so when summer does FINALLY come, you'll have something to look forward to.
Last weekend was a reminder that sunny skies are just around the corner so we better stay focused on our goal(s) or else we won't be reaching the promised land this year. Don't let another year of regret and frustration pass you by because you are "too busy"!
If you are pressed for time, not seeing the results you want with your normal routine, or are just flat out intimidated by going to the traditional gym setting, pick up a kettlebell and start working towards a level of strength and conditioning that you previously may have thought was impossible.
Take last weekend as a boost to give you that extra motivation you may need. Just remember, this is a life-long battle, and not just a seasonal fad.
Train hard - but most importantly, train safe. Good luck!
Strength be with you,
Nelson
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
What is the RKC and why all the hype???
The Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) by Pavel Tsatsouline, Master of Sports, is the gold standard when it comes to kettlebell training and certifications. Pavel is considered to be the father of the modern day kettlebell movement in the west. The Russians have been using kettlebells for over 300 years. Comrades from teenage boys to elite athletes and military personel have been using them to build superhuman strength and endurance.
Pavel and Dragon Door conducted their first RKC certification in 2001 with only a few candidates and has now spread to cities coast to coast in the U.S. as well as internationally. A typical certification will usually host anywhere from 60 – 100+ victims.
There is a ranking structure, or levels, within the RKC community. RKC, RKC II, RKC Team Leader, Sr. RKC, Master RKC and there is the CK-FMS (Certified Functional Movement Specialist) certification by Brett Jones and Gray Cook which is rapidly growing in popularity among the community. Team Leaders and above are by promotions only and Pavel himself has his hand in the decision making process.
Ok, so I know what RKC stands for, but why exactly is it the gold standard? I’m glad you asked! It is the gold standard because everything done at an RKC workshop is hands on. Yup, no pencil and paper, no sitting at a CPU trying to memorize enough material in order to pass. This certification is earned through (in most cases) blood, sweat, and tears. It is most commonly known for its snatch test requirement which entails having to snatch a 24kg (53lbs) kettlebell for males and a 16kg (35lbs) kettlebell for female comrades for 100 reps in 5 min. In addition to that, we are vigorously tested on technique (It is typical for 20-30% failure rate a RKC workshop).
Just because we have to snatch that many times and we sweat a lot doesn’t make the RKC what it is. Nope, it’s the knowledge that Pavel and other RKC’s pass down to us in terms of strength and conditioning, and movement. The RKC is continuously evolving and working towards getting better rather than just going with the flow. The RKC is a system about precision and fine tuning, and can be tailored to your personal goal…whatever it may be.
Pavel calls the kettlebell “A gym in your pocket”, and it truly is. The versatility of the kettlebell lets you work out virtually anywhere! In your living room, your garage, backyard, open field, and beach just to give you an idea. It breaks up the monotony of going to the gym for 1-2 hrs and seeing the SAME results year after year. The kettlebell is also beneficial for people of all walks of life. Teens, athletes, weekend warriors, recreational fitness enthusiasts, high level athletes like martial artists and fighters. Oh…and the military and law enforcement have been making leaps and bounds as well.
The kettlebell isn’t the end all be all, it’s just our tool of choice because it gives you the best bang for your buck. The kettlebell is a great tool and can literally transform you physique, but alone, doesn’t necessarily work the way it should. Why take a chance of getting seriously hurt by using poor technique when you can have the proven and battle tested methodologies of the RKC system?
So that’s it! You can now forge your physique for show AND for go with the help of the kettlebell and RKC philosophies that go along with it. Enjoy the Pain!
When we say ‘strength’ we mean ‘kettlebell.’
When we say ‘kettlebell’ we mean ‘strength.’
Here's a video of my RKC experience...the April 09 RKC in St. Paul, MN
Strength be with you,
Nelson
Pavel and Dragon Door conducted their first RKC certification in 2001 with only a few candidates and has now spread to cities coast to coast in the U.S. as well as internationally. A typical certification will usually host anywhere from 60 – 100+ victims.
There is a ranking structure, or levels, within the RKC community. RKC, RKC II, RKC Team Leader, Sr. RKC, Master RKC and there is the CK-FMS (Certified Functional Movement Specialist) certification by Brett Jones and Gray Cook which is rapidly growing in popularity among the community. Team Leaders and above are by promotions only and Pavel himself has his hand in the decision making process.
Ok, so I know what RKC stands for, but why exactly is it the gold standard? I’m glad you asked! It is the gold standard because everything done at an RKC workshop is hands on. Yup, no pencil and paper, no sitting at a CPU trying to memorize enough material in order to pass. This certification is earned through (in most cases) blood, sweat, and tears. It is most commonly known for its snatch test requirement which entails having to snatch a 24kg (53lbs) kettlebell for males and a 16kg (35lbs) kettlebell for female comrades for 100 reps in 5 min. In addition to that, we are vigorously tested on technique (It is typical for 20-30% failure rate a RKC workshop).
Just because we have to snatch that many times and we sweat a lot doesn’t make the RKC what it is. Nope, it’s the knowledge that Pavel and other RKC’s pass down to us in terms of strength and conditioning, and movement. The RKC is continuously evolving and working towards getting better rather than just going with the flow. The RKC is a system about precision and fine tuning, and can be tailored to your personal goal…whatever it may be.
Pavel calls the kettlebell “A gym in your pocket”, and it truly is. The versatility of the kettlebell lets you work out virtually anywhere! In your living room, your garage, backyard, open field, and beach just to give you an idea. It breaks up the monotony of going to the gym for 1-2 hrs and seeing the SAME results year after year. The kettlebell is also beneficial for people of all walks of life. Teens, athletes, weekend warriors, recreational fitness enthusiasts, high level athletes like martial artists and fighters. Oh…and the military and law enforcement have been making leaps and bounds as well.
The kettlebell isn’t the end all be all, it’s just our tool of choice because it gives you the best bang for your buck. The kettlebell is a great tool and can literally transform you physique, but alone, doesn’t necessarily work the way it should. Why take a chance of getting seriously hurt by using poor technique when you can have the proven and battle tested methodologies of the RKC system?
So that’s it! You can now forge your physique for show AND for go with the help of the kettlebell and RKC philosophies that go along with it. Enjoy the Pain!
When we say ‘strength’ we mean ‘kettlebell.’
When we say ‘kettlebell’ we mean ‘strength.’
Here's a video of my RKC experience...the April 09 RKC in St. Paul, MN
Strength be with you,
Nelson
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Welcome!
Finally....I got this up and running! It's still under construction but I hope to work on it a little bit at a time each day. I'll be posting articles and helpful advice frequently so be sure to check back every once in a while.
Strength be with you,
Nelson
Strength be with you,
Nelson
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