Getting Stronger and Personal Records at Kettlebells

WOW!! I am sitting here just amazed still at my performance tonight at class. It was all about Snatching and using heavy bells. I normally use a 12kg bell (26#) for snatching but tonight that was not an option. I used it to start greasing the groove but quickly moved to the 20kg (44#) bell and I was able to rock out a couple of reps on the right and one on the left. It was time to move up a bell and see what happened. The next bell was the 24kg (53#), this too some time and I had to remember no angry face. I started with a one hand swing to get some momentum going and then attempted the snatch. No Joy on that effort that time. Time to regroup and rest for a few minutes; snatched the 20kg again a couple times each side. Next up the 24kg... this time same process a couple of swings for momentum then the snatch, this time was just a controlled clean.

A few minutes later; one last attempt with the 24kg. Again, a couple of swings to get it moving and POW, there it was over my head! I carefully brought it to my chest and then to the floor. I was jazzed.

The next effort was to take the heavy bell we could handle for one rep every 15 seconds doing a snatch; and this was going to last 6 minutes. 24 snatches total; 12 each side. I grabbed the 20kg and managed it the whole time. I was able to do really well (in my mind) with the right side but it did get a bit sloppy on the left every once and a while.

The final effort for the night was a light bell; I took the 12kg, and we going to snatch, swing switch, snatch for 7 minutes. I have done this for 10 minutes, twice, at New Years, but it was at the start of class not the end after heavy snatches all night long. I managed it and did not stop or rest too long at the top of the movement.

Last week we did a similar effort but pressing. I was able to strict press the 16kg (35#) and then the 20kg. I was able to cheater press the 24kg. Cheater press is where I bent my knees and the drive up, it is a momentum thing.

The other Linnea was able to cheater press the next heavier bell; I think that is a 28kg bell (62#). That was more than some of the guys were able to do in class.

In fact tonight the guy next to me and behind me were using a 20kg bell for the 6 minute drill; one every 15 seconds, the same size bell as Linnea and I were both using for the drill.

Michael wants us to start using the 16kg bell for everything during class. I am willing to step up and try to do that, knowing I have the choice to go back to the 12kg if I need to when tired and am having form breaks.

Off to the showers and then bed for the night...

Peace out!