Beginner Kettlebell Training Workshop

Initially, I learned how to workout with kettlebells by watching others on youtube. I also bought a couple of Pavel Tsatsouline's books, and while they did contain helpful information, if you've read one, you've read them all. Pavel is reputed to have begun the kettlebell revolution in the West; however, in print, he seems to hold back information. Often, where an important point should logically follow from a given topic, Pavel referrers the reader to his other titles, for the purpose of selling more books. It also seems like the first quarter of his books are filled with nothing but appeals to the reader on the benefits of lifting with kettlebells as well as sales pitches for his books. I like to call them "printfomercials!"

Today I had the opportunity to checkout one of Mike Mahler's strength training DVDs, entitled "Aggressive Strength, Beginner Kettlebell Training Workshop". By now, I've been training with kettlebells for a few years; however, I was surprised at how much I really didn't know. For example, while I have by most standards respectable amount of core muscular strength, I have never been able to execute a Renegade Row, not even partially. During this, the final section of the DVD, I learned how beginners to that movement can make an adjustment, which is an excellent core-builder in it's own right. As well, I learned a better way to perform the double kettlebell Front Squat, shifting the kettlebells from the racked position to high on the backs of the shoulders. I also learned how performing alternating (see-saw) movements such as alternating Cleans and alternating Presses, further develops the midsection, which plays an essential role in stabilizing the body, during sport and exercise. It's obvious that I highly recommend Mike as a kettlebell strength and conditioning coach. Not only are his DVDs a more economic way of attending his workshops, but for us SOF types, who are constantly training and deployed, we can carry them with us for future reference.