Darius' RKC Blog: Time For A New Challenge!

There are number of reasons why I lke to train with Kettlebells, but I must say there are three things that stand out the most. First, it's such a luxury to be able to train for strength and endurance at the same time. Combining these two properties of exercise are a way for us to elevate our Growth Hormone levels naturally. When I'm done with a good session working with heavy bells I feel like I've just found the fountain of youth!!

Another reason and a huge factor for me, is the amount of time it takes to get the job done. Our "Gauntlet" workout takes about 10 minutes to complete. Now you tell me how cool is that? I remember years and years ago, I would spend that same amount of time on my calves alone. George Hackenscmidt, the Russaian Lion, believed that 30 minutes a day was plenty enough to preserve and enhance one's strength and endurance. So, if your goal is to get healthy and change your physical appearance in only minutes a day, then the Kettlebell is to be your best friend!!

Lastly, and this is the icing on the cake. All of the challenges that are so popular within the Kettlebell style of training is the ultimate reward. You have the 10 minute Secret Service Snatch Test (S.S.S.T.), VO2 max testing, the Long Cycle Clean and Jerk for reps and the Beast Tamer Challenge are a few that come to mind. The one I'm liking the most right now is the Sig Klein Challenge! It's you against two 32 Kg Kettlebells, performing the infamous Double Clean and Press.

I wanted to have someone to push me, so I had to get the Doc, to go at it with me.

Sig Klein, one of the strongest men to ever live, says he considers a man to be strong if he can perform a double clean and press 12 times with two 75 pound weights. Neither the Doc or I had ever attempted this challenge, but we thought it was time to give it a try. No practice, Friday was the day!!

I never thought I wouldn't be able to do it, but I knew it was going to kick my -ss! After receiving some much needed A.R.T. from the Doc I gave it a shot. No warmup, I wanted my punishment right away.

If you take a look at the video you'll see we make it look easy and that was with a 13th rep for good measure. But, let me tell you this was way tougher than it appeared on video it. It reminded me of a 400 meter run, but you're testing your anaerobic threshold by taking two pieces of iron from the floor and pressing them over your head.... instead of sprinting as fast as you can for a 1/4 mile.

We did it and now have a new challenge.....2/40 Kg bells for 10 reps. Add this along with doing the Gauntlet with a 32KG and you'll see I have two amazing challenges to work towards in the near future. You'll never hear us say we've plateaued!

Have a look....