I first swung a kettlebell about 3 years ago, and I never knew this would become an integral part of my lifestyle. Though I was a coach, I was consistently hovering from one program to another in a haste to learn all at once. The result was not really bad, but not really good, too.
Then I listened to coach Dan John. He was talking about minimalism in program design and selection of equipments.
(Minimalism is a lifestyle that helps people question what things add value to their lives. By clearing the clutter from life’s path, we can all make room for the most important aspects of life: health, relationships, passion, growth, and contribution.)
I was really unsure how 2-3 movements and a single piece of equipment (a barbell or a kettle bell) can change the way my clients and I look and feel.
I tried out ‘Program Minimum,’ a highly recommended program to develop massive shoulder strength and overall explosiveness, by renowned coach Pavel Tsatsouline.
Just two moves, Turkish Getups and Kettlebell Swings, which I started doing half heartedly. But as the days progressed, I gained strength and it was getting easier to swing a heavier bell and perform a get-up with a beast like the 24kg bell.
I could see visible changes in my physique and strength without any fatigue after workout, and almost no recovery days needed during the entire program.
In fact, I realised after following this routine that training is for life, not the other way round. I had more time to spend with my family and friends, had more time to study and write, to connect with my clients better, and do whatever was missing before because I was too tired after work and workout.
Spiritual and mental aspect of minimalist training:
As I was doing just two moves, I was becoming more aware of my body and how it moves. It was impossible with 7-8 moves and plenty of sets and reps.
For the first time I felt what I used to preach to my clients, “Feel the move, swing with the bell, become the bell and so on.”
Being one with the bell is the greatest thing I achieved by doing these two moves (swings and get-ups).
Physical aspect of minimalist training:
When you pay attention to your moves, you are better connected with muscles, too. After all, your muscles are your brain.
My breath was more in sync with the need of the move, limbs were moving the way they should move. The needed muscles were firing, and the rest of them were taking rest till their turn.
In one line, everything was in synergy.
Take-aways from this article:
• Train to feel, train to imbibe the essence of the move, not to exhaust yourself or to pack muscles only.
• If brain and body are connected, then no matter how heavy
the bell, you and the bell will become one (in any move, including the kettlebell swing).
• Train to live a life full of energy.
• Cut all the crap from your life and keep what is actually needed, just like Tyler Durden says in the movie ‘Fight
Club’: “It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.”
Abhishek Singh
Master Coach
Ballistic Kettlebell Fitness Academy
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