KB Trainer Question

[sue320]

I went to a kb class, given by an RKC certified instructor. I did kb last year for a little while but moved back to traditional workouts for the second half of last year. I decided to start back up with kb about a month ago. All that to say, I have only just started back up and aren't doing full workouts yet (brushing up on RKC moves...just got Lauren Brooks dvd).

Went to the class and while I enjoyed it and appreciated the input on form (which I was told was excellent), I question the approach.

I've been using a 15lb kb, realizing I probably needed to get a 20lb. She started me with an 8 kg (17.6 lbs) and a 12 kg (26.5 lbs), both weights higher than I have used.

I only did swings, which is what she starts first-timers (to her class) on. Two-armed then one-armed. 100 two-armed swings with the 8kg, 100 two-armed w/ 12 kg. Then I moved to one-armed swings...each side x 100 @ 8kg, then each side x 100 @ 12 kg....600 swings total.

She did say that she usually starts people at 50 swings/per but my form was so good that she increased my reps.

Is this approach common? No warm-up of joints, no stretching at the end.

I can hardly walk today. The class was two days ago...I realize 2nd day DOMS are normal but to have a class so impact my weeks workouts...

I'm not really finishing my thoughts here so I guess I'll just ask, "Is this norm?" I usually work out at home so haven't had experience in a class or with a trainer.

Thanks!

 

[lioness]

Sue,

I used to attend a fitness boot camp. The instructor did have a certification in kettlebells but she was not a RKC (although she is now). We always began the class with a warm up and finished with a cool down. I can't remember what size kettlebell I started with but I believe it was 15 or 20 pounds. You were encouraged to go heavier when your form was good.

If you haven't done kettlebells in a while, it is normal to have DOMS for 2 days. I know that many newbies that came experienced the same thing. I would think at least a warm up would have been the norm.

 

[morningstar]

If you look at Lauren Brooks first DVD, she has a separate joint warm up - not the same as a traditional warm up like Cathe does. She takes each joint and moves it very specifically to loosen them up, rather than does a cardio warm up. Pavel says that warm ups are not necessary, so that may be why the instructor didn't do one. He does recommend a cool down.

 

[Gayle]

If you look at Lauren Brooks first DVD, she has a separate joint warm up - not the same as a traditional warm up like Cathe does. She takes each joint and moves it very specifically to loosen them up, rather than does a cardio warm up. Pavel says that warm ups are not necessary, so that may be why the instructor didn't do one. He does recommend a cool down.

I'm currently doing Pavel's ETK right now, and the joint warm up/limber up is pretty much what I'm doing. It works out to be just right.

Sue - Ask your instructor. If she has a limited amount of class time that she can devote to kettlebell work, she may be expecting the attendees to come early and warm up on their own if they feel they need it.

 

[sue320]

After thinking it over for a few days I've come to a conclusion regarding the class.

What I want is someone to check my form (for the various moves), maybe teach me how to put my own workouts together, and answer any questions that I might have.

I got what was advertised. It was way more than I was expecting or needing at that point.

I would still like the input, but figure the only way to get that is to pay for a personal session ($50/hr). Even then, I'm not sure that she'll tweak her usual for what I'm looking for.

Thanks all for the input. I appreciate the respectful, balanced input that was offered.