Bristol Kettlebell club Member Profile

 

 

Learn more about kettlebell training, the people who do it, the results they have had and why they enjoy it so much.

This is a series of blog post’s showing exactly who trains at Bristol Kettlebell club and what they have to say about it.

Kicking the series off is Paul Doddrell

 

When did you get into kettlebell training?

I started attending in November 2011 but have been training 3 times a week (when I can) since January.

I had been struggling to lose weight for some time and was finding other exercise just wasn’t doing it. I had heard good reviews about kettlebell training so thought I would give it a try.

It is an intense exercise, however Pete explains things carefully and starts you off on your own ability, this way you can increase how hard you push yourself but with guidance from Pete.

I used to enjoy zumba and Kung Fu, however I feel that kettlebells is more beneficial to me providing an all over body workout, strength and conditioning.

I started off using a 12kg bell for all workouts and now I am using a 20kg bell for swings and a 16kg bell for all other workouts.

To gain more lean muscle, strength and conditioning, and to be able to snatch a 28kg bell.

Word from Pete – Paul shows us exactly what can be achieved through hard work, consistency and dedication. He is always keen to train and very rarely misses a session. His strength is building and he was particularly impressive in the recent strongman contest where he won the sled pull event. Given his attendance and perseverance I have no doubt Paul will reach his goals and get in even greater shape. Well done mate!

More profiles to come, check back to the blog very soon.

If you want to get involved with the club click here and sign up to the next intro lesson.

So you may or may not know that I am currently training for the most prestigeous of kettlebell certifications the RKC level 1. To pass this gruelling 3 day event, trainees have to not only show excellent technique and form in the 6 main exercises, and show competence in instructing others in these exercises but they also have to pass a conditioning test which for men is to perform 100 snatches in under 5 minutes with a 24kg bell. This all takes place over the 3 day certification in which trainees will also under go numerous daily workouts and form critiques. On the last day (if you are still alive) you will go through the graduation workout which I understand is pretty tough. Throughout the course men typically work with 24kg bells and ladies with 12kg and 16kg.

I have tailored my training towards increasing work capacity performing two workouts most days, a strength based session in the morning and a conditioning session in the evening.

Every month or so I test myself with the RKC snatch test. Today I did pretty good

Take away points for me are

Its definitely better to try not to put the bell down and rest in the lockout position if needed.

Breathing could have been better, at the beginning my breathing was all over the place, need to work on that.

Hands/callousses weren’t a problem so no worries there.