How to Stay Motivated During the Lockdown (my daily routine)

Working from home for a couple of weeks, as a lot of us originally thought this whole thing might go, is one thing…

…being ordered to stay at home for weeks upon weeks, with no real end in sight, is another thing entirely.

For me, it’s becoming very challenging.

Staying motivated and positive – something I normally have to make no special effort to do – is, quite frankly, becoming something I’m actively having to work on, daily.

I am doing one thing that is helping a LOT, so I thought I would share it with you, maybe you will find it helpful too.

See, years ago, I started a short morning reflection routine. I learned about it reading the Autobiography of Ben Franklin. It’s something he used to do, and so I started doing it too.

First, I write down one great thing about the day before. Then, I write down another thing that I think could be improved.

Cool thing is, you start noticing patterns when you do this regularly. You can see things that you’re doing well at, and other areas of life that you can work on improving.

Something I’m noticing as a re-curring theme is that if I have a routine, and stick to it as best as I can, my day goes much better. I am able to much more easily keep a positive mindset.

This is what my daily “checklist” looks like.

(Obviously yours will be different – but the idea is, write down everything that’s important to you in your life. What your priorities are. That’s how you spend your time. And you plan your day around it!)

  • Get my morning movement – 5 to 10 minute stretch / core work
  • Get my morning positive reading time
  • Get my morning reflection /prayer time
  • Have a (semi) structured work schedule for each day – write, shoot videos, work with remote coaching clients, run/manage ad campaigns, follow up with potential new clients, communicate with staff members, admin to keep the business going
  • Block off time for helping with home learning and just playing with the kiddos
  • Block off time for spending with my wife
  • Block off time for connecting – Facetime, calling, text, however I can for now – with family and friends
  • Block off time for my own personal workouts, outdoors if possible
  • Block off time for just relaxing and chilling out

If I hit everything on this list, and keep my regular daily routine as best as I can, I can keep my sanity, keep pressing ahead, and see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Stay postive, stay safe, hang in there –

-Forest Vance
KettlebellBasics.net

PS – Last call to join the 28-day “500” Kettlebell Challenge. We’ll give you the workouts and the nutrition, PLUS the daily motivation and accountability to stay on track. Click here for details and to sign up => https://bit.ly/500kbchallenge

NEW: 28-Day “500” Kettlebell Challenge for Men and Women Over 40

There are seemingly endless at-home workout routines floating around right now.

But what most of these tricks and routines LACK is:

– They are NOT designed with the 40+ crowd., and their unique considerations in mind

– They are more “one-off” – type workouts to try, instead of being actual structured routines

– There is nothing to keep you motivated and accountable to actually DO it

That’s why we came up with the 28-day “500” Kettlebell Challenge.

In this unique new program, I am going to take you by the hand, and help you keep and gain strength, lose weight, and stay fit.

You’re going to do it with special 500-rep kettlebell workouts that will test you physically and mentally, but also go easy on your body and joints, and help you with specifics like:

– Strengthening your bones

– Gain strength

– Gain cardiovascular strength

– Improve skin elasticity

– Improve core strength

– Reduce back pain

…and MUCH more…

And all you need is a couple of kettlebells, and about 20 minutes per day.

Here’s how it works:

1 – On signing up, you’ll be officially “in” for the Challenge. We send you a detailed workout plan each week to follow, so you’ll know exactly what to do every day, no guessing. These are also NEW workouts each day, so that you won’t ever get bored. And each workout builds on the last, so that you can feel and see your progress throughout.

2 – NEW – we’re going to do live walk-thru videos of each workout. This way, you can see us demonstrating all the exercises, breaking down the form, and more.

3 – We will keep you MOTIVATED and ACCOUNTABLE in our private group we have set up. You will post here every time you complete a workout and we’ll cheer you on as well as answer any questions. This is something most programs do NOT address.

4 – NEW – I am going to include my “rapid shred” diet plan – this breaks down exactly what you need to eat to get the results, no matter what is happening out there in the crazy world

5 – NEW – I am going to include my “REGENERATE” program FREE when you purchase, so that you know exactly what to do on off days to recover faster and prevent injury

6 – BONUS – we are going to include bonus interval workouts that you can do on your “off” days, to burn extra fat and get even better results. These can be done running or with any other mode of cardio (we’ll break it down and give you options)

This is the COMPLETE program you need to get results during the quarantine. 

Details and sign up now at the link below – and hurry, we start very soon!

=> https://bit.ly/500kbchallenge

-Forest Vance, former pro football player, master personal trainer, kettlebell expert

(new video) the Kettlebell Clean and Press

the Kettlebell Clean and Press

The mighty kettlebell clean and press!

It’s a complete workout in itself; working nearly every muscle in the body.

Here’s how it’s done:

1 – Swing the kettlebell back between the legs

2 – In one clean motion (hence the name), bring the kettlebell to your shoulder, having it end up between your forearm and biceps (rack position)

3 – From the rack position, press the kettlebell straight up to lockout

4 – Drop the weight smoothly into a swing without jerking your arm

If you like today’s video, be sure to grab the full CORE Kettlebell Beginner’s Guide (FREE for a limited time) at this link: http://bit.ly/corekbbeginner

…and stay tuned for more kettlebell exercise videos like this one!

– Forest Vance
Master Trainer
Kettlebell Expert
KettlebellBasics.net

Kettlebell Ladders 28-Day Challenge is LIVE

Okay – the Kettlebell Ladders 28-Day Challenge is LIVE!

=> Kettlebell Ladders 28-Day Challenge

You can use this secret “Eastern Bloc” kettlebell training method for 12% more GAINZ, in 40% less time.

=> Kettlebell Ladders 28-Day Challenge

The Challenge is 100% distance-based, so you can do all of the workouts with just a single kettlebell, three to four times per week, 20-30 minutes per day.. in the comfort of your own home.

If you are concerned, or if you are in a part of the world that is currently affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this could be a great choice. You don’t need a gym, and you can stay on track with your workouts! 

But hurry: we start this coming Monday, March 16th:

=> Kettlebell Ladders 28-Day Challenge

Look forward to working with you –

– Forest Vance and the FVT Team
KettlebellBasics.net

20 Minute Halloween Kettlebell Workout

How was your Halloween?

I went trick-or-treating with my wife, our two daughters, and a couple of other families in our neighborhood.

It was a lot of fun. And I got an extra cardio workout trying to keep up with them, lol!

I know it’s technically a day late, but check out this 20 Minute Halloween Kettlebell Workout. You’ll burn some extra calories after yesterday’s festivities, plus you’ll train your heart, burn fat, build strength, and have fun in the process 🙂

All you need is a single kettlebell and 20 minutes:

20 Minute Halloween Kettlebell Workout

Do as many rounds as you can in 15 minutes of:

– 10 push ups (Elevate your hands on a box or bench if 10 regular push ups are too hard. Elevate your feet on a box or bench if 10 regular push ups are too easy.)
– 31 jumping jacks
– 19 kettlebell swings (Recommended weight: 16k women / 24k men)

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This one’s so simple, yet it’s so powerful.

You get a full-body strength workout, working your pressing muscles and core with the push ups, then the entire back of the body with the swings.

You also train your cardiovascular system, and burn fat.

As always, focus on form, be safe, and be sure to use weight that is appropriate for you and your current fitness level.

And here’s to your continued success!

– Forest Vance
Kettlebell Specialist
ForestVance.com

PS – If you liked this 20 Minute Halloween Kettlebell Workout, you’ll LOVE the 28 Day Kettlebell Body Revival Challenge. Program access at the link below:

=> 28 Day Kettlebell Body Revival Challenge

28 Day KB HIIT Challenge

Kettlebell and HIIT– style routines both offer a great way to get a quick, intense workout that burns a ton of calories in a short amount of time.

And we’re going to combine the two, so that you can get the best of both worlds!

We are looking for 38 ambitious kettlebell fans worldwide who are willing to undergo a 28 day journey to get into the best shape of their lives.

Over the next 28 Days, we will be taking you through every aspect of strength, cardio, and nutrition that’s needed to make this your fittest fall season yet.

Here are the requirements:

1 – You must be wiling and able to follow a completely done-for-you, kettlebell-based plan that has been tested and proven to deliver great results.

2 – You must be able to dedicate three to four times per week for 20-30 minutes for your kettlebell workouts.

3 – You must have access to a kettlebell or two and a small space to do your workouts – at home, in your garage, or in your back yard.

4 – You must be willing to focus on your nutrition, and /or (optionally) follow our done-for-your healthy eating plan that tells you how to eat and when to eat it.

5 – You must be willing to put in the work to get the results.

And here’s how the program works:

First, you sign up below. You’ll instantly get an overview of how the program works, along with a sample week of workouts you can start on right away.

Then, at the beginning of each week, we send you a unique training plan to follow.

This is new and different each week, so that you never have to guess as to how to structure your training, or know if you’re doing the right thing to reach your goals.

The theme for this Challenge is “Kettlebell Tabata” – so it will be HIIT – style Tabata workouts that use a kettlebell that you can do in three to four times per week in 20-30 minutes.

The workout plan is written in detail, and also has videos of each exercise so that you know how to do all the moves with perfect form.

Second, we send you an easy-to-follow meal plan to help you lose fat, gain lean muscle, take all the guesswork out and get the fastest results. This is the same plan hundreds and thousands of FVT clients have followed over the last 10 years to get amazing, life-changing results.

Third, we have you check in every day after you work out in our private group. That’s right. Accountability. It’s what you’re probably missing right now from your workouts if you’re not getting the results you want. And we have perfected this piece of the equation … it’s almost like you’re at FVT training with us at our of our physcial studios, but you can do it from anywhere in the world.

Sound cool?

Awesome. Confirm pricing details and register now at the link below:

==>> 28 Day Kettlebell HIIT Challenge

Look forward to working with you!

– Forest and the FVT Team, ForestVance.com

12 week KB Swing Mastery program

Not too long ago, I was just like you.

I thought I could grab a kettlebell and start swinging it around after reading a few articles and watching a couple of YouTube videos.

Boy, was I wrong.

Let’s face it, kettlebells are an awesome training tool, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, you at best won’t get the benefits from training with them that you should … and at worst, you’ll badly injure yourself.

What you need is this:

==>> 12 week KB Swing Mastery program

See, after trying to teach myself kettlebells, and failing … I realized I needed some quality instruction to learn how to use kettlebells properly.

I started with books and DVD’s from Pavel Tsatsouline (the man responsible for bringing the current kettlebell craze to America and the master of modern HardStyle kettlebell training).

Next, I spent thousands on personal training sessions from a local kettlebell instructor.

I’ve since travelled across the country and paid thousands more (and untold blood, sweat, and tears) for seven separate kettlebell certification events.

And through it all, I’ve uncovered the secrets to simply and effectively teaching the HardStyle kettlebell swing:

==>> 12 week KB Swing Mastery program

In the Kettlebell Basics Swing Manual, you’ll be taken by the hand as I walk you through the ins and outs and technical details of how to perform the kettlebell swing – and how to use it to lose fat and get into phenomenal condition in record time.

Discover inside:

— How to master the fundamentals of the HardStyle swing, and all of its variations – you’ll be able to get a fast, efficient swing workout any time you want.

— A 12 week “swing mastery” plan – a complete workout program to take you from KB newb to HardStyle ninja.

— You’ll learn if you’re making some of the most common kettlebell swing mistakes – and how to fix them. The most common KB training problems, solved!

— FVT – approved KB YouTube videos – there’s a lot of info out there on the internet about kettlebell training – some good, but unfortunately, mostly bad. Here’s a list of my personally-approved videos to learn from.

— Turkish Get Up basics – you’ll also learn the basics of how to do the Turkish Get Up – the next logical kettlebell exercise in your education.

And much more.

But, we’re re-organizing our online store, and this course is coming off the market.

So if you want to grab it while you can at 50% off, details and order now at the link below:

==>> 12 week KB Swing Mastery program

Here’s to your HardStyle kettlebell swing mastery –

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

How to Fix KB Lower Back Pain

Another thing we focus on in Lifetime Kettlebell Fitness is making sure you AVOID many of the common mistakes made when training with kettlebells.

For example – a common thing I hear is that people end up getting lower back pain.

Now. If you have specific conditions you’re working with – a back injury, for example – that’s a different story, and is something you should get checked out before starting. Giving recommendations on that sort of thing is beyond my scope of practice and area of expertise.

However – if you are otherwise healthy, lower back pain is NOT something you should be experiencing.

Here are three common KB training mistakes that could be a cause, and how to fix them:

1 – Swinging the KB too close to the ground

Many people swing the Kettlebell too low to the ground as it comes down.

This makes the move much harder and less efficient … and it is also potentially dangerous.

Instead, make sure that the handle of the KB stays above your your knee level as it comes down. This will give you the best leverage and keep the pressure off of your back.

==>> More common KB training mistakes and fixes detailed in Lifetime Kettlebell Fitness

2 – Using sloppy form to pick up the Kettlebell

As people get set to swing the ‘bell, a SUPER common mistake is that they simply use sloppy form.

People will round their back and give zero thought to engaging the core muscles.

This is a BIG no-no, and very dangerous.

It puts your back in a poor starting position, and it also sets you up for bad technique during the exercise.

Make sure that your back is flat and your abs are engaged when you pick up the KB and get it set for your first rep of a set.

3 – Overextending at the top of the movement

It can be easy to let your hips go too far at the top of a KB swing.

This is hard on the back, and also you lose power when you do it.

Instead, think about finishing the exercise in a “standing plank” position.

At the finish of the exercise, your knees, hips, shoulders and head should all form a perfectly straight line.

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To sum up, Kettlebells swings are a fantastic exercise for rapid fat loss and sending your conditioning levels through the roof.

But make any of the mistakes outlined in today’s article when you do them, and you put yourself at risk for lower back pain.

Stick to the recommendations to improve your form, and you will be on your way to SAFE rapid fat loss with Kettlebell swings!

– Forest Vance
Certified Kettlebell Instructor
Master of Science, Human Movement
creator, Lifetime Kettlebell Fitness

PS – Have you checked out these kettlebell workouts for men and women over 50?

We focus on training techniques like we talked about in today’s article that are specifically for making sure you’re using kettlebells safely and effectively to reach your goals.

And, it’s on a dime sale this week – so check it out now for the best deal:

==>> Lifetime Kettlebell Fitness – KB program for men and women over 50

Kettlebell “CPO” Method

This week, a lot of people have been asking:

“HOW are your clients getting such great results in 6 weeks with Kettlebell GAINZ?”

It’s with what I call, the “Kettlebell CPO Method(CPO stands for Creative Progressive Overload).

You’ve probably heard the term, “Progressive Overload”.

The Progressive Overload principle basically states that, in order for a muscle to grow, strength to be gained, performance to increase, or for any similar improvement to occur, the human body must be forced to adapt to a stimulus that is above and beyond what it has previously experienced.

Here’s a basic example:

— You bench press 100 pounds for three sets of five on Monday.

— The following Monday, you bench press 105 pounds for three sets of five.

You continue to increase the weight on the bar each workout, and your body adapts accordingly, and gets stronger and stronger over the next few weeks and months.

And this principle is a KEY if you want to make continued progress.

But most people don’t really do it – at least in an intentional, specific, focused way.

And that’s why they stall out in their gains.

So now you know you need to use Progressive Overload in your programming.

But here’s where it gets tricky.

When you are working with kettlebells, often you only have a few – or maybe even just one! – weight(s) to pick from.

So pressing a heavier kettlebell next week might not be possible.

Plus, even if you do have access to a variety of ‘bells, the jumps are typically pretty big – for example, you go from a 12k (26 pounds) straight to a 16k (35 pounds) with most kettlebell brands.

SO – what’s the solution?

Well, what I use in Kettlebell GAINZ is something I call “creative progressive overload”.

You increase stimulus each week, but you just have to get a little more creative.

So, instead of adding weight to your press, you have to look at other variables.

You can still progress, but you have to know what you are doing.

You might go from pressing a 26 pound KB for three sets of five one week, to one set of six, and two sets of five the next week.

These incremental increases add up over time … and pretty soon you CAN go up in weight.

Or, you might go from doing a single arm swing with a certain weight, to doing hand-to-hand swings with that same ‘bell – no added weight, but added complexity / stimulus to the body, therefore still incorporating the principle.

We get a lot more detailed and specific on how to do this in the GAINZ – 6 week program.

But moral of the story is – if you want to get stronger, increase performance, or see improvements in your workouts in general over time, you need to use progressive overload principle in your workouts.

And specifically if you are training with kettlebells, the “CPO” concept works like a charm.

Details on Kettlebell GAINZ at the link below (Anniversary Sale ends soon):

=> Kettlebell GAINZ

And here’s to your continued success!

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

“Break the Chains” 15 Min Bodyweight (and KB) AMRAP Workout

Bodyweight Training Fans Worldwide:

Our famous 42 day Challenge is BACK!

And we’re doing this one different than EVER before.

See, it’s the time of year where you want to “Break the Chains” from the gym.

You’re on the road, you’re getting outside, you’re on the go for the summer.

But you still have goals!

And you still want to keep the workouts going.

So we are putting together a bodyweight-based 42 day Challenge … so that you can do your workouts any time, any place, ZERO equipment required!

(We will also have the option to add kettlebells for those who have them and/or want to take their training intensity to the next level)

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We’re looking for men and women who are SERIOUS about getting in shape this summer … who want to CHALLENGE themselves … and make RAPID progress towards their fitness goals!

If you can commit to working out at least three times per week for the next 42 days …

If you can follow our meal plan that shows you how and what to eat …

And if you are SERIOUS about making this happen …

Fill out the interest form below, and we’ll get back to you ASAP with details:

=> 42 Day – “Freedom from the Gym” Challenge

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When you sign up for the “Freedom from the Gym” – 42 Day Challenge, you’ll be doing workouts like this:

“Break the Chains” 15 Min Bodyweight (and KB) AMRAP Workout

AMRAP in 15 minutes

20 BW Squats OR 10 KB Goblet Squat
10 Push-ups (hands elevated on bench or box if beginner – standard push ups if advanced)
20 Total Body Extension OR 15 KB Swing (video demos and full explainations in Challenge program)
8 Reverse lunge per leg (non-alternating) (add kettlebell in suitcase position if you have one and / or as needed for intensity)
8 Plank Tap/sit Through (per side) (video demos and full explainations in Challenge program)

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Here’s how the program works:

1 – It’s a 42 day distance coaching program, and it starts Mon, July 8th, 2019.

2 – New workouts are delivered to you every week – tell you exactly what to do and how to do it, very detailed, with video demos etc.

3 – The only thing required for this Challenge is your own bodyweight. You’ll be able to use the body you have to get the body you want 🙂 A couple of KBs will be OPTIONAL (ideally a 8k or 12k and a 16k or 20k for women, and a 12k or 16k and a 20k or 24k for men_ – we’ll show you how to add them in if you have them for extra Challenge and to take your training up a notch – but they are NOT required to do the program.

4 – I give you a copy of my “Feed the Beast” diet plan – includes a full 18 meal plans, with ‘general balanced’, paleo, and vegetarian versions to pick from – so that there are options for almost ANYone, and so that you know exactly what to eat and when to eat it to get the results.

5 – We have a private FB group for all folks in the Challenge – you check in after every workout, get feedback, accountability and support.

The total cost is $99.

If you are interested, the next step would be to fill out the interest form at the link below:

=> 42 Day – “Freedom from the Gym” Challenge

We’ll chat more in depth about your goals, give you more info on our program, and make sure it’s a great fit for both of us.

Click the link above to reach out.

Look forward to connecting!

– Forest Vance
ForestVance.com