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[new video] Unusual Tip to Improve Your Turkish Get Up

On By adminIn Basic Kettlebell Drills, Tips and Tricks, VideosLeave a comment

The Turkish Get up is one of the BEST kettlebell moves around.

It requires shoulder stability and control, core strength, and leg drive – all things essential to lifting heavy weights and being an all-around strong-ass person.

BUT – it’s also one of the trickier KB moves to master, and is probably the one I get the most technique questions about.

So check out today’s video for and “unusual” tip to improve your Turkish get up.

Since it relates to me learning a routine for the first dance at my wedding … you’ve PROBABLY never heard of it … but take the 90 seconds to watch the video, and I think you’ll find it very helpful!

Train hard, talk soon –

– Forest Vance
Certified Kettlebell Instructor
ForestVance.com

PS – For more tips to improve your kettlebell training technique, check out my Top 13 KB Training Mistakes – and How to Fix Them! home study course:

http://bit.ly/2cLzk6v

#1 “Rookie” Workout Mistake to Avoid

On By adminIn General, Tips and TricksLeave a comment

I bet you’re making this “rookie” workout mistake.

And I BET you can’t guess what it is! 😉

Ready for it? …

It’s programming your own workouts.

But don’t worry – it’s not your fault.

Most people make this mistake when they’re first getting started.

I made this mistake myself for the first few years of my own training.

I read a few fitness – related books, magazines, and websites … and thought I knew all I needed to know! 😉 …

So I wrote all my own workouts.

I DID get okay results – because I trained hard, and was consistent –

But I SHOULD have just found a program that was geared towards my goals – or better yet, listened to my college strength coach, and followed the program he gave us! – and I KNOW that my results would have been even better.

Then I made the same mistake when I first got started in the fitness industry.

I was a young trainer and I thought I knew everything.

So I would write all of my client’s workouts from scratch.

Not only was the programming *just okay* … and not as effective as it could have benn … I could have also saved a TON of time, if I had utilized some programs like this one:

=> 101 Bootcamp Conditioning Circuits

You see – there is SO much great “done-for-you” programming these days, that you can literally swipe and use … from all the top trainers in the world! … out there for the taking.

I have programmed thousands and thousands of workouts for thousands and thousands of clients at this point in time … so I DO do some programming myself at this point in time … and this is certainly a good goal to work towards …

But I also use MANY of these done-for-you workout progamming templates / packages to get new ideas and even to simply “swipe and deploy”.

So if you are still in the first few years of workout / training experience … I highly recommend you just use other people’s workouts that are designed with the goals you have in mind – for yourself, or for your training clients.

This way, you can focus on the workouts themselves … getting better at the movements … working hard … getting it done … and all the while, save yourself a TON of time.

– Forest Vance
Master of Science, Human Movement
Certified Personal Trainer
ForestVance.com

PS – A great new resource to get started with the done-for-you programming stuff – for trainers and trainees alike – is on sale this week. I picked up a copy and am loving it and already using some of the ideas in my own workouts, and with clients. Learn more and get YOUR copy at the link below:

=> 101 Bootcamp Conditioning Circuits

Your KB Workout for Today

On By adminIn Kettlebell WorkoutsLeave a comment

The purpose of today’s post is to give you an idea of how I run my Elite KB Coaching program.

As one of my Elite KB Coaching Clients, you have a workout that you follow each day, that is custom designed for you, your specific goals, equipment you have access to and time you have available to train, etc (the one below is just an example) –

And of course, I give you videos that show you how to do each movement with perfect form – again the workout below is just for example purposes.

So you follow the workout exactly as outlined by me … you record how it went, how much weight you used for each exercise, if you have questions about proper technique when doing any of the moves, or anything else …

And we work TOGETHER in this way towards your goals.

Can you see how POWERFUL this is?

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Here is your workout for today:

(warm up, do each exercise for 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds between moves, repeat for 2 rounds total) – seal jacks, side lunge with skip, inchworm with push up, bodyweight SLDL

1 – Barbell Deadlift – 5 sets, 3 reps each, work up to 87% of one rep max on last set.  Rest approx 3 mins between sets.  Take a quick video with your phone and send it to me to review to check form.

2 – 4 Rounds, As Fast As Possible –

— double KB push press – 5 reps
— KB snatch – reps / side
— burpee – 5 reps

(stretch tight muscle groups to cool down)

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Now that workout is short and efficient … but it is specifically designed for someone who is looking to gain more total body strength … lean muscle … and keep their conditioning levels up.

It’s one of three workouts they would do per week.

And it’s custom designed with the equipment they have available to train with in mind – just like your workout will be.

SO …

If you are looking to make a SERIOUS body transformation using kettlebells as your training tool of choice …

If you have some KB training experience, but are looking to take it to the next level …

If you have no major injuries or limitations with your workouts …

And you can commit to working HARD …

You can inquire about one of the four spots I have remaining in my Elite KB Coaching program by filling out the short form at the link below:

http://bit.ly/2bV9PfM

And I’ll get back with you ASAP.

Thanks – train hard – and have a great day! –

– Forest Vance
Master of Science, Human Movement
Certified Kettlebell Instructor
ForestVance.com

“555 Reps to Hell” (new KB workout for you)

On By adminIn Kettlebell WorkoutsLeave a comment

There is this program I recently got a chance to review, called Lean Bells –

It’s a solid resource, and wanted to pass the word about it along your way.

If you are a beginner or intermediate kettlebell trainee … and you are looking to lose fat with short and effective workouts you can do anywhere … it’s for you.

You’ll get a complete training plan, with 36 new KB workouts like this one:

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“555 Reps to Hell” Lean Bells workout

(warm up)

— Jumping Jacks x 30 secs

— Cross Body Mountain Climbers x 30 secs

— Plank Jacks x 30 secs

(main workout)

Must complete all reps listed below before moving on to next exercise … BUT, sets can be broken as needed.

Example – 100 reps total KB swings – 1 set of 20, rest approx 20 secs … 2 sets of 15, resting approx 15 secs between sets … 5 sets of 10, resting approx 20 secs betweens sets … done.

— KB 2-Arm Swings x 100

— KB Goblet Squats x 90

— KB Lunges x 80 (Hold the KB in the rack position)

— KB Cleans x 70 (35/arm)

— KB Slingshots x 60

— KB Alternate Swings x 50

— KB Renegade Rows x 40 (20/arm)

— KB Snatches x 30 (15/arm)

— KB Thrusters x 20 (10/arm)

— KB Turkish Get Ups x10 (5/arm)

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The course also includes video walk – thrus, a fully illustrated exercise library, a 7 day quick start guide, and MUCH more –

And it’s on sale right now for just 15 bux.

If you’re looking for a new KB program for fat loss, and/or some new, interesting, inspiring KB workout ideas, you should check this one out.

=> Lean Bells (on sale now)

And let me know how you like it!

– Forest Vance
Certified Kettlebell Instructor
ForestVance.com

SMOKED after this 14 min KB Challenge Workout (pic inside)

On By adminIn Kettlebell WorkoutsLeave a comment

You gotta give it to Facebook – they got it figured out.

The “See Your Memories” thing they do where a post from one, two, three or more years ago pops up in your feed, is brilliant for so many reasons.

If you really think about it, they likely saw trends of things happening like the “Throwback Thursday” pics people were posting, and figured out a way to kind of automate the process, and just make it easier to do … which ultimately increases increases engagement, and the time you spend on Facebook! …

So smart.

Anyway, the pic below popped up in a friend’s feed a couple of days ago, they shared it on my timeline, and I wanted to share it with you:

It was after what I think was one of the harder KB Challenge Workouts I have done.

My wife got a SUPER fast time, I actually thought she accidentally skipped a round … so we did it together a few days later at our studio … I was pushing HARD to get a faster time than her … we BOTH ended up smoked for the record, and if I recall correctly I beat her by 10 or 20 seconds … but she ended up taking a pic of me right after the workout, and posting it on Facebook 🙂

Check out the actual workout below, and try it yourself – it’s a simple one – but BRUTAL, if you truly push the pace, and get it done as fast as you can:

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14 Min KB Challenge Workout

(regulation weight = 16k for women / 24k for men)

7 kettlebell goblet squats
14 kettlebell swings
7 burpees
14 push ups

Complete 7 rounds as fast as possible.

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The fastest times people did this one in were right around 10 minutes … folks took up to 20 … with average times being right in that 14-15 minute range.

Give it a try if you want, and see where you stand.

And have a great day!

– Forest Vance
Certified Kettlebell Instructor

PS – The Lean ‘Bells program I shared with you the other day has dozens more workouts like this one if you enjoy it – you can get access to the workouts and the full program HERE.

[new video] Kettlebell Deadlift Variation to Nail the Hip Hinge

On By adminIn Basic Kettlebell Drills, VideosLeave a comment

The hip hinging movement is something a lot of people struggle with.

It can be hard to both learn and coach. But it’s CRITCIAL to master before you even THINK about swinging a kettlebell.

Here is a kettlebell deadlift variation – called the Face Away from Wall Deadlift – that will help you nail the hip hinge:

Some coaching points:

— Set up facing away from the wall, with your heels approx 18-24 inches away
— The KB is set up between the feet, even with the insteps or even a little further back towards the heels
— Start the move by driving your hips back towards the wall
— The idea is to get that feeling of loading up the hips and hamstrings, pushing your butt backwards, and keeping the back flat

One of the best ways to use this is to do 5-10 reps of the drill right before you do KB swings. It will help you get into the groove and feel the movement pattern and the correct muscles to be using in the swing.

Again – when you do this drill – you are trying to “reach” your hips back towards the wall. Do NOT let your back round. You should have a nice straight line from your hip to your shoulder to your ear when you are at the bottom of the move.

This is one of the drills we use that proves HIGHLY successful to help people “get” the movement. So if you struggle with the hip hinge movement, try this drill today, and see if it helps.

– Forest Vance
Certified Kettlebell Instructor
ForestVance.com

PS – Want more help with your kettlebell training form? We have a few spots left in our 21 Day Kettlebells for Fat Loss Challenge, where I’ll work with you personally to do just that – details and submit your application here:

http://forestvance.com/2016/07/21-day-kbs-for-fat-loss-challenge/

21 Day KBs For Fat Loss Challenge

On By adminIn General, Tips and TricksLeave a comment

Today is the day.

The 21 Day Kettlebells For Fat Loss Challenge Is LIVE!!

And we are now officially accepting applications.

This challenge is all about losing fat, getting in shape, and making a serious body transformation over the next 21 days … using kettlebells as the training tool of choice.

FVT 21 Day Kettlebells for Fat Loss Challenge Details

1 – This program is geared towards folks who want to lose fat, gain lean muscle, and make a serious body transformation in 21 days using kettlebells as their training tool of choice (with some body weight exercise mixed in as well).

We are looking for folks who have some training experience, but are looking to take it to the next level. Ideally have a basic idea of how to do basic body weight movements and / or kettlebell exercises. No serious, major injuries or limitations with your workouts. Must have a positive attitude, commit to working HARD, and no whining

2 – You’ll get a complete kettlebell and body weight – based training plan to help you lose as much fat as humanly possible in 21 days.

3 – You’ll also get a meal plan designed to help you rapidly lose fat over the 21 day period.

4 – We’ll be running the program though my full-blown online coaching platform … so you’ll be able to see your workout for each day on your phone or on your computer in both written and video format, you can log your workouts and progress easily, we can communicate within the app if you have questions at any time, etc

5 – If you have questions about your form / technique on any of the exercises in the program, you can also send me a video of you doing the movement to critique

Couple more things before we get to the application link:

The cost for the 21 day program is $97.

No, it’s not cheap – but it’s a great VALUE for what you get – and it’s significantly less than my Elite Coaching program.

I will be coaching you PERSONALLY over the next 21 days to help you reach your fat loss goals, and showing you how to use kettlebells to do it.

So requirement #1 is, obviously, that you have to be able to afford the cost.

You also need to fill out an application – taking some time, thought, and energy to do it – to be considered.

I want to work with people who are SERIOUS, and REALLY WANT to be in this program.

One or two word answers in each application question show me that you are not serious, and really don’t care about getting participating.

Also, given the online, “virtual” coaching format, I am are looking for folks who have some training experience, but are looking to take it to the next level. Ideally you have a basic idea of how to do basic body weight movements and / or kettlebell exercises. And you have no serious, major injuries or limitations with your workouts.

If you feel like you fit the requirements above and you think you’re a good fit, fill out the application form below, and we’ll see if we can get you in:

=> Apply for the 21 Day Kettlebell Transformation Program here

Please note – I will be personally reviewing each application … BUT, given that we typically get 100+ apps for these KB Challenges … I am only able to respond to those applicants who are approved. Sorry – thanks for understanding!

Also, we can only work with up to 15 folks for this program.   So, the first 15 folks to apply, get approved, and make payment will secure their spots.  I am all about making this an awesome experience for all who get in … and making sure that everyone gets my full attention … so that’s why we have to cap enrollment at 15.  Thanks for understanding about this as well.

Thanks – and look forward to (potentially) working with you!

Forest Vance
Owner, FVT Boot Camp and Personal Training
Master of Science, Human Movement
Level 2 Certified Russian Kettlebell
Certified Progressive Calisthenics Instructor
Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach
ForestVance.com
ForestVanceTraining.com

Kettlebell Fat Loss Workout + Why I’m Retiring

On By adminIn Basic Kettlebell Drills, Kettlebell Workouts, Tips and Tricks, VideosLeave a comment

This Saturday, I am doing a Spartan Race with a group that we put together from FVT. We have been training hard together for the last eight weeks for the event, and I’m very much looking forward to it!

That being said, this may be my last participating in an event that involves running any distace for a while. I may very well be “retiring” from obstacle course racing.

You see – one of the big reasons my football career got cut short was because of problems with one of my knees. I had two surgeries on it in a six month time span. And my doc basically told me that I shouldn’t be running for any kind of distance – EVER.

The thing is, I really enjoy getting outside and training – so I basically ignored his advice 🙂

This was ten years ago – and in that time, I’ve done numberous 5k’s, 10k’s, sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, and Tough Mudders … but anytime that I do any sort of running any distance regularly, my knee just absolutely blows up.

So after this race, the plan is going to be to stick to hiking biking and some sprinting – but no distance running.

The other big thing I’m going to rely on to stay in top condition is kettlebell training. In a recent study, KB swings were shown to burn 20.2 calories per minute sponsored by the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

(For sake of comparision, using an online calculator I just found on SparkPeople.com, a 150 pound person burns 10.1 calories per minute running at a 10 minute mile pace – so the calorie burn from the KB swings is off the charts!)

Plus, if you know how to do swings with safe and effective technique, they’re a lot easier on the body than running, too.

Check out one of my favorite kettlebell workouts for fat loss, below:

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Burpee – Squat – Swing KB Challenge Workout

*Men use a 24k ‘bell, women a 16k

1 burpee
2 goblet squats
3 swings

THEN

2 burpees
4 goblet squats
6 swings

THEN

3 burpees
6 goblet squats
9 swings

CONTINUE in the same fashion … increasing reps on the burpees by 1, goblet squats by 2, and swings by 3, each set … until you get to 10 burpees, 20 goblet squats, and 30 swings … and complete the full workout as fast as possible.

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Whether you are in the same place that I am when it comes to running … or you just want to incorporate another cool training tool into your fat loss plan … I believe that KETTLEBELLS are THE way to go, when it comes to fat loss.

And if you liked this workout, stay tuned, because we have another FVT KBs for Fat Loss Challenge opening for registration … tomorrow!

Train hard, talk soon –

– Forest Vance
Certified Kettlebell Instructor
ForestVance.com

[video] Improve Your Kettlebell Clean – 3 Simple Tips

On By adminIn Basic Kettlebell Drills, VideosLeave a comment

The KB Clean is an exercise a lot of people have trouble with.

Got a video up for you with three tips to help you get better.

Check it out:

(video recap)

Improve Your Kettlebell Clean – 3 Simple Tips

1 – Think around getting your hand around the ‘bell

Most folks clean the KB up, but when it comes around their hand, it just kind of flops over the top and ends up smacking them in the wrist.

If you can think about getting your hand around the kettlebell instead, it will help you slip your hand around and finish in a nice strong position at the top.

2 – Think about zipping up a jacket

The motion your hand should be making is not unlike zipping up a jacket. Think about this next time you do the exercise, and it will help you keep your hand in the proper position.

3 – Land in the proper rack position

When the kettlebell is racked at the shoulder, this is called the rack position. You should 1) be able to touch your thumb to your collar bone 2) have the KB resting on your upper arm 3) also have the KB resting on your forearm when in the rack.

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Give those tips a try at your next KB clean workout –

And see if they help.

Let me know how it goes, okay?

Talk soon –

– Forest

PS – Be sure to check out the Muscle and Fitness Giveaway we have going this weekend – 17+ free workouts for you on the page below:

=> Muscle and Fitness Gift Giveaway

PPS – We are opening registration next week for another 21 Day Kettlebells for Fat Loss Challenge. Stay tuned.

New Guest Article / Video – ‘Instant Performance Hacks’

On By adminIn Guest Posts, VideosLeave a comment

The concept of “performance hacking” – that is, INSTANTLY improving your strength, flexibility, agility, balance, etc – seems almost unreal until you see it first hand.

I remember how blown away I was when I saw it demonstrated at my first KB cert in 2009.

Pavel took someone up in front of the 100+ person group … had them press the heaviest KB they thought they could … then fixed their breathing, had them focus on activating certain muscles when pressing, and couple of other things … and they set a 15+ pound PR right there in front of the group!

It was a jaw – dropping demonstration.

Now I have little “performance hacking” tricks that I’ve picked up over the years, that I use in training on a daily basis, that make a HUGE difference – you get instant results, and well as faster progress towards your training goals.

So I am excited to share an article and video with you today from a colleague of mine – Dustin Williams – who specializes in this idea of “performance hacking”.

Hope it helps!

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Instant Performance Hacks
by Dustin Williams, creator, the Instant Performance Hacks system

Once I started realizing that we have to focus on so much more for each exercise than just the joints and muscles involved, my strength improved instantly.

Not only were my clients moving amounts of weight they never had before, my clients were seeing improvements in agility, flexibility, balance, and strength which was transcending into some amazing changes in the mirror and with daily activities.

The speed of the results was unmatched by anything they had previously attempted to achieve in a 4 to 6-week training program, and yet we were accomplishing this within a single session.

How was that possible?

With a pretty good working knowledge and understanding of how the body really functioned all together, I began to put several of these hacks all together at once.

My conclusion was that these hacks maximized a combination of training variables:

— Our Vision Plays A Huge Part In Movement
— Better Neurological Input = Better Output
— Bone Movement Needs Specific Rhythm
— Spinal Lengthening
— Shoes Affect Neurological Input

By using these variables in strength training, the body was forced to work more intensely, engage more muscles, adapt more quickly.

Check out this video that walks you through the “shoes for performance” hack:

The fact is, most resistance training approaches were lucky to address at best one of these variables …let alone all of them.

As a result, not only were my clients moving better and getting stronger, they were also still doing recreational things that they had given up on.

The reason no one else understood these benefits is that very few people were considering neurology to maximize strength and performance. That’s where Instant Performance Hacks comes in. The results are staggering.

Hope that sheds some light on why using neurology in resistance training has been so misunderstood and why it’s the missing link for so many people getting the results they want and deserve.

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Really cool stuff, right?

Dustin is offering 40% off of his full Instant Performance Hacks until tomorrow at Midnight – check it out if it interests you at the link below:

=> Instant Performance Hacks

And have an awesome day! –

– Forest Vance
Master of Science, Human Movement
Certified Personal Trainer