Month: September 2021

KB Metcon Challenge – week 1 / day 1 (free sample)

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The 28-day KB Metcon Challenge kicks off today! This is your very last call to sign up. Details and join us now at the link below:

-> 28-day Kettlebell “Metcon” Challenge

If you’re still on the fence, I wanted to hook you up with a free sample workout from the program so that you can get a feel for what it’s like:

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KB Metcon Challenge  – week 1 / day 1

PART 1 – 10 mins AMRAP:

– 5 reps per side – 1 arm swing (beginner) / snatch (advanced) (recommended weight = 16k women / 24k men)
– 5 reps per side – KB suitcase step ups (recommended weight = 16k women / 24k men)
– 15 recline rows w rings OR 8 1 arm KB rows per side ((recommended weight = 16k women / 24k men)

PART 2 – perform sequence below as fast as possible, 10 min time cap:

– Kettlebell squat to box – 12 / 10 / 8 / 10 / 12 (recommended weight = 16k women / 24k men)
– “Modified” wall walks w feet on box – 6 / 4 / 2 / 4 / 6

PART 3 – do as many rounds of the circuit below as you can in 5 mins:

– Side-to-side push ups – 5 each way
– Skater hops – 10 each way
– Jumping jacks – 30

Full video breakdowns showing you how to perform each move inside the Challenge HERE

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If you liked this workout, you’ll love the full 28-day Challenge!

Details and sign up now at the link below:

-> 28-day Kettlebell “Metcon” Challenge

– Forest Vance, Kettlebell Expert, Over 40 Training Specialist

Kettlebell Metcon Complex

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Kettlebell Metcon Complex – from the 28-day KB Metcon Challenge: https://bit.ly/28daykbmetcon

Complexes are a great element to incorporate into a metabolic conditioning workout.

You can build muscle, boost conditioning, and burn body fat, while avoiding the cardio section of the gym.

We did one this morning with our online KB bootcamp group that was extra spicy. Give it a try:

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Kettlebell Metcon Complex – from the 28-day KB Metcon Challenge: https://bit.ly/28daykbmetcon

Do as many reps as you can of each exercise in 30 seconds. Rest minimally between moves, “flowing” from one to the next without putting the KB down. Rest for about 60 seconds between rounds, do three (beginner) to five (advanced) rounds total:

RECOMMENDED WEIGHT = 16k / 35 pounds for women, 24k / 53 pounds for men

– 1 arm KB rack squat – right side

– 1 arm KB swing – right side

– 1 arm KB suitcase lunge – right side

– 1 arm KB rack squat – left side

– 1 arm KB swing – left side

– 1 arm KB suitcase lunge – left side

– burpees

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My unique kettlebell methods are creating new success stories every month. Get lean and strong in half the time, without the gym… and learn the secrets of pain-free training in the process. Learn more and sign up for my upcoming 28-day Kettlebell Metcon Challenge at the link below: -> https://bit.ly/28daykbmetcon

– Forest Vance – Master of Science, Human Movement – Kettlebell Expert – Over 40 Training Specialist

KB QnA: Heavy vs Light for Getting Lean

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Heavier weights for lower reps are best if you are trying to get lean!

Maintaining your strength and muscle mass as you shed fat should be a top priority. The best way to do this in your training is to stick with heavier weights for lower rep ranges.

The other hugely important component of getting lean is your diet. Different workouts, more cardio, etc. does have a SMALL impact on fat loss – but not nearly as much as your diet does. So the main focus of your training should be to maintain muscle and strength, while at the same time getting into a consistent calorie deficit with your diet.

Lighter weights for higher reps DOES have a place in your training, it’s probably just not best used when you are focusing on getting lean. For example, you can do a “deload” phase where you take a couple / few weeks every couple / few months, lighten up your loads, bump up your rep ranges, and give your body a break.

To sum up, if you are trying to lean down, heavier weights for lower rep ranges are the way to go. This way you can maintain or even build muscle while you shed the fat and get into peak physical condition!

Train hard, talk soon –

– Forest Vance Master of Science, Human Movement – Kettlebell Expert – Over 40 Training Specialist

PS – My unique kettlebell methods are creating new success stories every month. Get lean and strong in half the time, without the gym… and learn the secrets of pain-free training in the process. Learn more and sign up for my upcoming 28-day Kettlebell Metcon Challenge at the link below:-> https://bit.ly/28daykbmetcon

20-min Kettlebell Metcon Workout

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“Metcon” is short for Metabolic Conditioning. It describes a type of workout that combines strength and cardio conditioning, as well as both aerobic and anaerobic exercises.

Because you recruit all three of your body’s energy pathways – phosphagen, glycolytic, and oxidative – all at the same time, you get one of the most fat burning AND lean muscle building workouts that is humanly possible!

Here’s a sample training session:

20-min Kettlebell Metcon Workout

Set your timer for 20 minutes. Do as many rounds as you can of the circuit below. Recommended weight for this one is 24k / 53 pounds for men, 16k / 35 pounds for women:

– 20 two hand KB swings (recommended weight = 24k / 53 pounds for men, 16k / 35 pounds for women)
– 12 push ups (perform from knees or with hands elevated for beginners; perform from toes for intermediate / advanced trainees)
– 10 KB goblet lunges per side (recommended weight = 20k / 44 pounds for men, 12k / 26 pounds for women)
– 7 burpees (pick version / modification that is right for you)

Like this workout? Take the next step by signing up for my 28-day Kettlebell Metcon Challenge. Registration opens later this week!

– Forest Vance, Kettlebell Expert, Over 40 Training Specialist

Top 4 Beginner Kettlebell Exercises

On By adminIn Basic Kettlebell Drills, Tips and TricksLeave a comment

Kettlebells are an awesome training tool for strength, flexibility, and endurance. The amount of different exercises we can do with them is vast, but which exercises are best for beginners trying to learn the basics? Here is an outline of my top 4 kettlebell exercises for beginners:

1.) The Sumo Deadlift

A great exercise for the legs, hips, core, and back. It’s also key to learn this one before moving on to the swing.

With the kettlebell between your feet, start the movement by pulling the hips back. Imagine there is a wall behind you and you’re tapping it with your hips.

You should feel a nice stretch in the back of the legs at the bottom of the movement. Grab the KB with both hands and stand up with it. That’s one rep.

2.) The Swing

The beginning of this movement should be nearly identical to the Sumo Deadlift. Now, instead of simply picking the weight up, snap the hips (like you’re jumping) and let the kettlebell swing up to about chest level.

This is a totally lower body – driven movement. If you’re doing it right, you should feel the hams ‘load up’ at the bottom of the move, and the weight should float for second at the top.

Keep the arms relaxed and the shoulders down and back!

3.) The 1/2 Get Up

Start lying on the floor with the KB at shoulder level. Pull it into the body, roll over to your back, and press the weight in front of your chest, kind of like you’re doing a dumbell bench press.

‘Punch’ the weight up towards the ceiling while pivoting on the opposite elbow. The same leg as arm is up and should be bent at this point with the heel planted on the ground. Come up until the arm on the ground is straight, and then simply reverse the movement. That’s one rep.

The 1/2 Get Up is another great beginner kettlebell exercise. Next comes the Squat.

4.) The Squat

Holding the KB by the horns with both hands, perform a squat. Keep the chest up and shoulders down and back! And remember to sit back – and keep the knees behind the toes.

Learn these basic four beginner kettlebell exercises before you move on to more advanced ones. They can be done by themselves in sequence, for 2-3 sets of 12-15 reps each, for a great total body workout, or ‘vertically loaded’ – done one after another with minimal rest – for a killer circuit.

These are just a few basic kettlebell drills to get you going; if you’d like to learn in more detail about how to perform these exercises, get some sample workouts, check out some great kettlebell training videos, and a whole lot more, check out a free week of my “300” Kettlebell Training plan here: https://bit.ly/300kbchallengesample

-Forest and the Team at KettlebellBasics.net

4-Minute Tabata Abs Workout

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4-Minute Tabata Abs Workout

Do as many reps as you can of each exercise for 20 seconds. Rest for 10 seconds between moves. Do 4 rounds of the sequence total:

– Bird Dog (beginner) / Sit-Out (advanced)
– “Modified” Hollow Hold (beginner) / Standard Hollow Hold (advanced)

Add this short and powerful sequence to the end of your next kettlebell workout for some extra work on your abs!

-Forest Vance, Master of Science – Human Movement, Kettlebell Expert, Over 40 Training Specialist

TT Bootcamp Workout #4 – “Tabata Time” (Advanced)

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Bodyweight training is the perfect compliment to kettlebell work.

By strategically blending KBs and calisthenics, you can hit all five aspects of fitness:

  • Muscular endurance
  • Flexibility
  • Cardiovascular fitness
  • Muscular strength
  • Body composition

Today’s workout is from the “Turbulence Training Bootcamp Workouts” ebook. I highly recommend you pick up a copy and get some great ideas on how to incorporate bodyweight workouts with and into your kettlebell program. (Turbulence Training Bootcamp Workouts is actually oriented towards trainers and fitness professionals, but truly ANYONE looking to reap the benefits of bodyweight exercise can benefit.)

Check it out:

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TT Bootcamp Workout #4 – “Tabata Time” (Advanced)

*Check out full exercise descriptions in the main program HERE

Warm-up (30 seconds per exercise) – 10 minutes

• Run in Place
• BW Squat
• Inchworm
• Cross Crawl
• Prisoner Forward Lunges
• Shuffle
• Rest 1 minute before repeating 1 more time.

TT Strength Circuits (30 seconds per exercise) – 10 minutes

• Vertical Jump & Stick
• Spiderman Pushup
• 1-Leg Deadlift (30 seconds per side)
• Rest 2 minutes before repeating 1 more time.

TT Tabata Circuits – 10 minutes

• BW Squats – 20 seconds BW squats plus 10 second hold in bottom position x 8 rounds
• Rest 2 minutes and take water break
• Pushups – 20 seconds pushups plus 10 second hold in top position x 2 rounds

Water Break – 2 minutes

TT Big 5 Conditioning Circuit (30 seconds per exercise) – 10 minutes

• Siff Squat
• Close-Grip Pushup
• Prisoner Sumo Squat
• Walking Lunge
• Mountain Climber
• Rest 2 minutes before repeating 1 more time.

Water Break – 1 minute

Total Body Abs Circuit (30 seconds per exercise) – 5 minutes

• Cross-Body Mountain Climber
• Plank
• Reverse Bridge
• Rest 1 minute before repeating 1 more time.

Cool-down, Stretching & Water Break – 10 minutes

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To sum up, bodyweight training and kettlebells are like a match made in heaven. Master the basics of both, and you’ll have everything you need to stay lean, strong, and athletic – at ANY age. Be sure to check out the full TT Bootcamps program HERE. And here’s to your continued success!

-Forest Vance
Master of Science, Human Movement
Kettlebell Expert
Over 40 Training Specialist
KettlebellBasics.net

“Kettlebell Body Revival” Week 1, Day 2 Workout

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This is a sample workout from my “Kettlebell Body Revival” program.

(It’s a full 28-day training plan that is included free when you pick up Lifetime Kettlebell Fitness.)

This program is designed specifically with the 40’s, 50’s and beyond crowd in mind… but it’s also NOT just an “easier” version of our regular kettlebell workout plans.

We just look more closely at the big picture in terms of programming, take into account things like volume, intensity, and frequency, and more.

Here’s the workout:

Week 1, Day 2 “Kettlebell Body Revival” Workout

PART 1

This workout starts with kettlebell presses. You’ll do five reps on the right, and five reps on the left … rest as needed, and continue on to do four sets of five total on each side.

*video exercise demos linked in full program
*recommended KB weights included in full program

PART 2

Do three rounds of the following circuit, moving quickly but resting as needed:

— walking lunge with kettlebell at side (complete all reps on one side before switching to other side) – 10 per leg
— hanging leg raises – 10
— 12 push ups

PART 3

(beginner) One hand kettlebell swing

OR

(advanced) kettlebell snatch

Do 50 reps as fast as possible, using any combination of reps on either side. Prioritze perfect form! Time yourself, and see if you can get slightly faster every workout.

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Remember – my 28-day Kettlebell Body Revival course is a program you get FREE when you pick up a copy of Lifetime Kettlebell Fitness.

And the cool thing is, you get the amount of strength you need, AND total-body conditioning… so that you can do workouts like this three or four times per week, and get a complete fitness solution.

So, if you’re looking to:

— Improve the ability to do what you love
— Eliminate the pain of getting older
— Feel up to 20 years younger
— Gain strength
— Prevent injury
— Build functional fitness at ANY age

Check out my Lifetime Kettlebell Fitness program today at the link below.

=> https://bit.ly/lifetimekb

And here’s to your continued success!

-Forest Vance
KettlebellBasics.net

18 Minute Turkish Get Up + Swing Workout

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Lifetime KB Fitness for Men and Women Over 50 – https://bit.ly/lifetimekb

18 Minute Turkish Get Up + Swing Workout

sample from – Lifetime KB Fitness for Men and Women Over 50 (week 5)*

Video demos, detailed progressions, exercise breakdowns and more in the full course here – https://bit.ly/lifetimekb

Warm Up

– Box Squat – 10-15 repetitions

– Hamstring/Hip Flexor Stretch Combo

Perform these two exercises back-to-back without rest; repeat the pair of warm-up movements twice without rest

Workout

– swing progression (sumo deadlift – 1/2 swing – full swing)

– 15- 20– ‘Active Rest’- :30

– ½ OR foot sweep Turkish get up – 3 reps each side

– ‘Active Rest’- :30

Continue this sequence non-stop for 18 minutes

Cool Down

5 minutes of static stretching – tight muscle groups only

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Full 6 week training plan at the link below:- https://bit.ly/lifetimekb

And here’s to improving your ability to do what you love, eliminating the pain of getting older, and feeling up to 20 years younger!

– Forest Vance

Master of Science, Human Movement

Kettlebell Expert

Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist

Beginner / Modified Turkish Get Up Variations (video)

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Turkish Get Ups rock!!

No other exercise simultaneously trains both stability and mobility, across so many joints, and in so many positions.

However, if you are working around an injury, are just learning the exercise, or just don’t quite yet have the strength to do the full version, it can be quite tricky.

Check out today’s video! show two beginner / entry – level variations of the movement – the “1/2 get up” and the “foot switch get up”.

And if you like this one, also be sure to check out my Lifetime Kettlebell Fitness program for men and women over 50 – we show you how to do different versions of all the different kettlebell moves, so that you can make faster progress and avoid injury at the same time:

=> Lifetime Kettlebell Fitness

-Forest Vance
Kettlebell Expert
Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist
KettlebellBasics.net