Posts Tagged ‘informed performance’

Kettlebell Challenge – Tough Workout Finisher

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Personally do not do as much kettlebell work as I’d like to because here in Ireland the mainstream gyms haven’t had them until recently. (most still don’t)

Truth is… Kettlebells are a great tool to ADD to your fitness regime.

They can build stability, endurance, mental toughness and all of the movements are very ‘functional’ in nature which is always good.

They should not be the only training tool you use but they can be an addition to a well rounded training programme. They have the capacity to develop a well rounded physique.

They WILL NOT make you really ripped, or really strong and even though they are known as being the best conditioning tool since sliced bread they aren’t… nothing beats a good >> Prowler Run << click here to see this bad boy in action :-)

Kettlebell high repetition snatches, for example, develops anaerobic threshold and can increase work capacity. Great!…but there are other methods that are better…

I am not slating kettlebells im just saying that you shouldn’t rely on them…you shouldnt rely on any new tool or gimmick that comes out… train hard, eat right and follow a STRUCTURED training programme…and you are definitely going to develop a killer physique.

http://athletephysique.com

Here’s an example of a kettlebell workout challenge I done recently as a ‘finisher’ to my workout…

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My Strength Testing Results And Athlete Physique Update

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

I recently took up in a new gym in Finglas…

I have been over there on a few reconnaissance missions, basically sussing the place out…

I’m delighted with the place, its perfect.

-Matted areas,

-Seperate weights/dumbbell area

-Kettle bells,

-Prowlers,

-Funky bars I’ve never used before (except in the states)

Don’t be put off either as it is not ALL hardcore equipment and man sweat :-)

There is equipment there to assist untrained individuals and beginners, much better than your standard commercial gym… Perfect for athletes and people training to look better naked alike.

There is no posing and nobody (except Will who may mock you at any given time…it is his place after all) staring at you.

It is the perfect training environment… I arrived one night and Barry told me I wasnt allowed train until I was tested … I done a sneaky little workout and even made a little soundtrack for Dan :-)

I got away with that day but I knew I had to get it out if the way…

I cling on to my personal records too much…they were as follows (like 18months ago and not on the same day)

Weight: 73kg

Bench: 140kg

Deadlift: 240kg (straight bar)

Squat 175kg (stupid femurs)

Upper Bodyweight 300 in 13:47

And i have been 4.2% bodyfat at one stage

Not Now :-)

But in Informed Performance:


‘Everyone tests…even the trainers’

Its stupid really…talking about personal bests…thats like saying

‘I used to be lean…now im fat’

Im stealing wills quote here:

‘I really dont care where you were last year, I want to know where you are now’

TEST, TEST, TEST…otherwise you will never be able to keep track of what is working for you and what isn’t.

If you are training for a good physique you might think that the mirror is good enough..it isn’t. You have to keep track of your performance first. Your performance will be directly related to your physical appearance.

So here’s the results…

Weight: 77.8Kg
Skinfolds: 47.3mm (8 site total)
Bench: 120kg
Pull Ups: 21 (oh yea I counted them and we missed one)
Push Ups: 73 in 60 secs
Inverted Rows: 35 in 60 secs
Trap Bar Deadlift: 220kg

And Last week i got 12:59 on the Upper Body 300

I’m carrying a little extra muscle and fat..some of that has to go for the up and coming boxing season!

Here is a couple of videos of the testing session… have the deadlift and clips from the others in…unless you want to count push ups? You have better things to do right?

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My goals are as follows:

Skinfolds: – 40mm
Bench: 140kg
Pull Ups: 25
Push Ups: 80 in 60 secs
Inverted Rows: 40 in 60 secs
Trap Bar Deadlift: 220kg +

You have to have goals…

‘You cant hit a target you dont hang’

My training has been somewhat disjointed lately and this testing session made me realize I had been just ‘working out’ lately not Training

The only time I am training with a goal in mind is when im fighting/ have a fight coming up. Since the season ended I have been showing up in the gym and rubbing my hands together and saying to myself

‘What Now’

I know better…I would NEVER let a client go on like that and there I was getting off the hook…

Not now… I will be training… working out is for @**holes

Thanks for reading

B

Athlete Physique guinea pigs going strong

Jay has a few thorns in his side but he is soldiering on:
Http://jaybeasley.wordpress.com

Bob Faust is into week 4 now and getting stronger:
Http://bobfaust.wordpress.com

Robbie made the Irish Golf Team, he’ll be travelling and adding some sport specific work to his programme but he’s still with us:
Http://robbiecannon.wordpress.com

Rob Crenshaw is doing a great job of keeping on track while travelling and training clients…
Http://robcrenshaw.wordpress.com

Take a look at the lads blogs and leave a comment

Thanks for reading!

http://www.athletephysique.com

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