Pavel Tsatsouline - Enter the Kettlebell! ebook (PDF)

Table of Contents

Foreword by Dan John

Preface: A Step to the Left and I Shoot


"Do it this way!"… the no more guesswork, failure is not an option quick start guide to kettlebell success … Power to the People! for kettlebells.

Introduction: When We Say "Strength," We Mean "Kettlebell." When We Say "Kettlebell," We Mean "Strength."

How the Kettlebell Has Bred Weakness Out of the Russian Gene Pool


The Russian recipe for doubling or tripling your strength … Sergey Mishin—from 17-year old weakling to the number-one kettlebell lifter in the world… girevik as the symbol of strength… Pyotr Kryloff, the "King of Kettlebells"… Russian Olympic weightlifting or "heavy athletics" and Dr. Vladislav Krayevskiy, the father of kettlebells… the "courage corner"… the toughest troops… kettlebells as the backbone of Russian military strength training… Russian law enforcement and kettlebells… prison inmates and kettlebell training… why Soviet scientists gave the kettlebell two thumbs-up… the Voropayev study—kettlebells boost pull-ups, jumping, and running… the Vinogradov & Lukyanov study— kettlebells improve fitness across the board… the studies by Luchkin and Laputin—kettlebells improve coordination and agility… the Lopatin study—the stronger a soldier is with kettlebells, the faster on the obstacle course… the Soviet armed forces strength training manual—kettlebell training "one of the most effective means of strength development… new era in the development of human strength-potential" … the Shevtsova study—lowering the heart rate and blood pressure naturally… why this hardcore tool is surprisingly safe … the Gomonov study—consistently low body fat in kettlebell lifters… Rasskazov—balanced development of all organs and musculature with significant hypertrophy of shoulder girdle.

Chronicle of the Russian Kettlebell Invasion of America


Kettlebells and the American iron men of old… Bob Peoples and Sig Klein… rise of the machines… Marty Gallagher, MILO and the subversive Vodka, Pickle Juice, Kettlebell Lifting, and Other Russian Pastimes, 1998… John DuCane and the manufacture of the first Russian kettlebell in America, publication of first book and DVD, The Russian Kettlebell Challenge, 2001… national media explosion, 2002… kettlebells change the face of exercise in America.

Chapter 1: Enter the Kettlebell!

Which Kettlebells Should I Start With?


What is a kettlebell? . . . main benefits of kettlebell training… guidelines—choosing the correct size of kettlebell for men and women of differing backgrounds, strength and skills… do you need two kettlebells of the same size? … understanding your goals with kettlebells—why higher numbers or heavier is not necessarily better.

How to Make Your Hips, Back, and Shoulders Speak Russian Body Language


Stop driving with your parking brake on… developing flexibility in the hip flexors for greater power… the kettlebell preschool test… the kettlebell Sumo Deadlift checklist… flexibility remedy: Face-the-Wall Squat—how to make the fastest gains… the Halo for looser shoulders… the Pump Stretch… the kettlebell Sumo Deadlift Lockout checklist.

"It's Your Fault": Kettlebell Safety 101


Ten key tips to have your strength and your health too… checking with the correct medical professional… managing your environment… Party approved footwear for those who choose to say no to poor performance, punishment or injury… pleading no contest for space with the kettlebell… practicing safety to make safety permanent… why cool-downs, not warm-ups are essential for your health and safety… what you must know about your heart rate and kettlebell training… common sense and training loads.

Safety as a Part of, Not the Opposite of, Performance


Nine secrets for guaranteeing greater strength and reduced risk of injury in your kettlebell training… moving from the hips… the special hip-fold… why you must avoid slouching after workouts—and what to do instead… staying tight in the waist, to protect the back… when and where to stay loose in your movement… taming the arc… keeping the shoulders in their sockets… shoulder retraction drill… pull-up bar drill… how to avoid hyperextending your wrists… locking out the elbows—why and when… the secrets of proper hand care—for longevity in your kettlebell lifting… lotions, potions and other necessary evils for the task in hand… more expert advice from the hand-abuse-trenches.

Chapter 2: The New RKC Program Minimum

Practice Before Workout: The Break-in Plan


The two staples of the Russian Kettlebell Challenge program—Swing and Get-up… building skill by practicing, not working out.

The Swing—for Legs and Conditioning That Won't Quit


The single most effective strength and conditioning exercise in the world? … mechanics of a good and a bad Swing… the three essential standards for a perfect Swing … Swing mastery, Step #1, the Box Squat… powerlifters' secret for improving squat depth, flexibility, technique, and power… special tips, techniques and warnings… Swing mastery, Step #2, the Box Squat to a vertical jump… Swing mastery, Step #3, the Towel Swing… fast-forward your technique with this high-yield drill… taking the upper body out of the equation… self-correction and quicker feedback for faster progress… proper timing between hip movement and the arms… Swing mastery, Step #4, the Swing proper… correct and incorrect breathing… the one-arm swing… the hand-to-hand swing.

The Get-up—for Shoulders That Can Take Punishment and Dish It Out


Miraculous shoulder comebacks… developing shoulder mobility and stability… pressing heavier… the six essential standards for a perfect Get-up… Get-up mastery, Step #1, pick your kettlebell up and put it down safely… how to pick up the kettlebell without straining the elbow… the correct grip and shoulder placement… Get-up mastery, Step #2, keep your elbow straight and your shoulder in its socket… a great visualization from Iyengar Yoga… Get-up mastery, Step #3, the Half Get-up… magical fix for many a ruined shoulder… Get-up mastery, Step #4, the Get-up all the way… a word of caution… a typical mistake and how to avoid it.

The New RKC Program Minimum


For the most important and immediate concerns: world-class conditioning, rapid fat loss, a steel back, muscular, flexible, and resilient shoulders—and a skill base for the rest of the RKC drills… "simple and sinister" S&C routine.

The Next Step


What to do next, once you are rocking on the RKC Program Minimum.

Chapter 3: The RKC Rite of Passage

The RKC Proven Formula: Low-Rep Grinds + High-Rep Quick Lifts


The priority in RKC-style training… the value of "slow strength" training… a counterintuitive and rarely revealed secret of Russian athletic might… the advantages of slow strength for a fighter… definition of power… An American wrestler's first Russian kettlebell encounter… mastering the natural athletic rhythm of tension and relaxation… a killer one-two combination for the gym and the ring.

A Pull and a Press—Sound Familiar?


A PTP format for kettlebells… the essence of minimalist training… why for most pulls are preferable to squats… pulls to build backs… a dramatic way to reduce back injuries… building stronger abs… forging a vice grip… why kettlebell presses rule… how to go from regular guy to hard guy—a set of goals… and a set of goals for women.

The Clean—Crisp Like a Punch


Defining the RKC Clean… difference from Olympic Clean… the six essential standards for a perfect Clean… Clean mastery, Step #1, the grip… how to avoid weakness and injury with your grip… difference between grip for the get-up and other slow lifts… fine-tuning the grip… Clean mastery, Step #2, the rack… a method for accelerating Clean mastery… the perfect girevik posture… how to properly protect your back when you clean… correct elbow placement… a "forced relaxation" technique to improve your racking… Clean mastery, Step #3, the drop… how to build confidence with the drop… fine-tuning the drop… Clean mastery, Step #4, the Clean proper… retracing the drop trajectory… a helpful visualization… fine-tuning the clean…. using a wall to help your Clean technique.

The Press—for a Classic Torso


The five essential standards for a perfect Press… Press mastery, Step #1, the loaded Clean… the characteristics of a kettlebell pro's Press… how to wield awesome pressing power… bracing for the weight… Prof. Verkhoshansky's secret for improving your performance by up to 20 percent… Press mastery, Step #2, push yourself away from the kettlebell… correct shoulder and elbow placement for a maximal Press… a cool doorway drill to increase your pressing power… two prerequisites for great strength… how to avoid "leakages"… Press mastery, Step #3, the groove… the correct trajectory for the groove… key visualizations for Press success… correct hip placement for a safe Press… how to avoid leaning back in the Press… where to look when pressing, to save your neck and back… Press mastery, Step #4, use the breath to maintain tension… employing "breathing behind the shield" and other power breathing techniques… Press mastery, Step #5, lower the kettlebell… maintaining correct tension… the two ways to press for reps… the different benefits of the Clean and Press and the Military Press—and which to focus on, when… the RKC operating system for Presses.

The Snatch—for Android Work Capacity and the Pain Tolerance of an Immortal


The Tsar of kettlebell lifts… snatches for military and law enforcement… physical and mental benefits of the Snatch… The six essential standards for a perfect Snatch… Snatch mastery, Step #1, the High Pull… a method for accelerating the Snatch learning curve… strengthening the traps… Snatch mastery, Step #2, the lockout… the Snatch as a three-stage rocket… finessing the stages for an optimal Snatch… Snatch mastery, Step #3, don't bang your forearm… taming the arc for the snatch… the punch-up secret… Snatch mastery, Step #4, don't strain your shoulder or elbow… refinements… Snatch mastery, Step #5, the drop… Snatch mastery, Step #6, switch hands… the USSS Counter Assault Team 10-Minute Snatch Test… the history and philosophy of the 10-minute snatch test… exhaustion, horror, intestinal fortitude—and buckets… the RKC operating system for pulls.

Chapter 4: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Man Among Men

Have Your Borsch and Eat It Too: The Hazards of Variety and How to Dodge Them


A system for the really ambitious man… the cyclical nature of complex phenomena… constructive corrections and waving the loads… the function of variety days… working your "in-between strength"… schedules for the RKC Right of Passage.

The RKC Ladder to Pressing Power


The intensity and volume equation… intensity benchmarks… the "ladder," for highly effective strength building… sample laddering program for a Clean and Press… the perfect rest interval between sets… the role of density in your strength training… George Hackenschmidt's regimen… compressed rest periods… the RKC Rite of Passage Presses schedule and progression… Pull-ups as a great addition to your Presses.

Rest Less, Snatch More


The kettlebell rules for conditioning… when to do your high-rep kettlebell pulls… the heavy-light-medium template… how to log your workouts… the RKC Rite of Passage Pulls schedule… warning for shoulders and elbows in your first year of kettlebelling… "pumping the injury through"—handling a tweak correctly… "kettlebell rounds"… timed sets, not reps… how to get the same results for different fitness levels with the same workout… when your spirit is tougher than your hands… back expert's warning about posture after vigorous exercise… back bends and relaxation exercises… what to do if you have tweaked your back… from glass calm to storm—rolling the dice and the Russian science of periodization in your kettlebell training… high-intensity intervals—the new Rx for heart health.

From Boy to Man


Testing yourself for progress in the RKC Rite of Passage… how to best test your Clean and Press… the kettlebell Clean and Press rules… how to test your Snatch… the United States Secret Service kettlebell Snatch rules… three sample test days… the RKC Rite of Passage training plan summary… Nietzsche's formula for success… how to measure a man's true character.

Chapter 5: FAQ

Is kettlebell training a fad?

What makes the kettlebell superior to other weights and fitness equipment?


The kettlebell's one-stop-shop efficiency… the AK-47 of physical training hardware.

Should I train with the kettlebell as a stand-alone tool or mix it up with a barbell and dumbbells?


The two ways to train with the Russian kettlebell.

How can I combine kettlebell training with Power to the People! and The Naked Warrior?


The two new options.

How can I incorporate Bullet-Proof Abs exercises into my kettlebell regimen?

I have a bad back. Can I train with kettlebells?


The top five reasons RKC kettlebell training is great for your back… strengthening the glutes to combat gluteal amnesia and a dysfunctional back… promoting hip flexor flexibility… Dr. McGill and developing back extensor endurance… bracing for spinal stability… ballistic loading to reduce the odds of arthritis.

What diet do you recommend?

Will kettlebells help my sport-specific strength?


The pros and cons of sports-specific training… the kettlebell "what-the-hell effect" for improving at things you have not practiced… professional powerlifting and marathon running success stories… how to truly excel at a certain exercise… when to do "special strength" training… customized for what?... beware the moonshine—the dangers of home-brewed coaching.

Why are your exercise descriptions so detailed? Come on, kettlebells are not rocket science!


Reverse-engineering what the greats do naturally… learning how to move like the elite… refining the basics.

Can I substitute the . . . with the . . . ?

Once I have put up the RKC Rite of Passage numbers, where do I go next?

If Russian stuff is so tough, why did the USSR lose the Cold War


"Russian squirrel pack kills dog"—a lesson for the well-fed.

The Making of a Kettlebell


The kettlebell pattern… pressing the kettlebell mold… molding the BEAST… food for the fiery furnace… crucible for a hot kettlebell… pouring the kettlebell molds… breaking open the kettlebell molds… shaking out the kettlebell… hammer and kettlebell… sandblasting the kettlebell… grinding the kettlebell.

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