Prima Ferrum

First Iron.

It has been four years since Ian O'Keefe introduced me to kettlebells at Pat Strong's group. It had been a long time since I had regularly had a serious worked out. Seeing the kettlebell at my niece Natalie's 1st birthday really got me going.

My first work out with Dr. Mark Cheng RKC II was on June 17, 2007. At that time I could do a Turkish Get Up (TGU) and Military Press (MP) the 24 kg on the right, but not the left. I weighed 152 Lbs. There was a two week break since the Sunday morning beach class took a week off.

I had about 4-5 private with Dr. Cheng starting July 10th and it really helped to get the basics down. I felt I made quick progress with Dr. Cheng. Kettlebell training had given me much more energy. I felt great and was getting my strength back.

On August 24 I was able to have a private with Mark Reifkin SRKC. He really helped me with the timing on my hip snap. I also got some good mobility exercises for my hips and shoulders. He said I had the best ankle (Achilles tendon) flexibility he's seen in a long time.

Once I can do 10 MP on the left w/24 kg, I can get myself a 32 kg.

Oct 5. I got my 32 kg. I remember when my 24 kg felt like this. At least my callouses are built up.

Oct 12. went for 50 x 1 swings with the 32 kg. Only got 15 left, 15 right, 10 two hands. At least they were shoulder high. Still can't MP the 32 kg on the left.

Oct 14 Sunday Beach work out. Dr Cheng still in Thailand. Leonard had us do a lot of heavy double work.

Oct 15, snatched the 32 kg on both sides! I don't remember my exact workout. But I'm getting more comfortable with my 2-pooder.

Oct 16, I TGU the 32 kg with my left hand for the first time. I think a lot of it was psychological. It is very distracting to have 70 pounds of iron over your head with your weak arm as the only support... I was not firing my lats enough. Once I realized that, the arm was steady.

Reading Mike Mahler's articles convinced me that I should journal my workouts.

Today's Workout was.

10 swings right, 10 swings left @ 32 kg
1 right, 1 left Turkish Get Ups @ 32 kg

2 x right Military Press @ 32 kg; 1 x left Push Press

swings:
8 x left, 8 x right , 4 x left, 4 x right @32 kg