I recently had a realization that when I look at modern kettlebell workouts and programs, there’s something missing from most of them.
And yeah, even including some of mine.
But before we get to that, here’s what got me thinking about it…
I’ve read multiple forum posts and received multiple emails from guys either saying they had to stop training because of or asking what to do about injuries.
Things like:
Hurting their lower backs on Swings…
Hurting their lower backs on Double Cleans…
Hurting their shoulders from Presses…
Hurting their shoulders from Snatches…
Hurting their knees from Squats…
Hurting their elbows from… something…
… Those sorts of things.
Maybe you can relate…
Now maybe it’s technique work - or poor technique causing some of these injuries / issues…
And you may be right.
But that’s not what I’ve noticed.
And you might think that some of these guys - all of them even - should probably do some form of restoration / mobility / flexibility work.
But believe it or not, that’s not what I’ve noticed - even though you might be right.
But I think the #1 issue is causing the issues we just covered.
In fact, I think this issue is much “deeper,” and yet much easier to understand and to embrace.
Here it is:
Most kettlebell programs do not include systematic core training.
Why is that important?
Well, let me share with you a common myth that I believed for a LONG time until I got severely injured, because maybe you’ve heard it too…
It goes something like this:
“All you need to do is train the ‘Big Lifts’ to work your core.”
And the “Big Lifts” in this context are the Squat, Deadlift, Press, and the Olympic Lifts and their variations.
In the “Kettlebell World”, it's Swings, Get Ups, (especially!), Cleans, Presses, Snatches, and so on.
And while there is some truth to that, it’s not the WHOLE TRUTH.
See, I believed that “half-truth” from about 1997 to 2002.
Then, in January 2002, I injured my lower back - severely - on a medium load set of Deadlifts.
I injured it so badly, I couldn’t bend over, and I couldn’t take a deep breath - for over a week!
That injury was ultimately the catalyst for two major hip injuries 3 years later.
And then, it took me almost 10 years - a full decade - from the time I injured my back to “heal up” so I could return to and compete again in my sport of choice - Olympic Weightlifting.
So look, maybe if you’re picking up nagging injuries…
Can’t seem to get rid of old injuries…
Or your results have just plain old stalled out…
It might be time to visit or revisit the concept of core training - even if you’re currently doing some now.
Because the truth is, not all core exercises and core strategies are appropriate for every person all the time.
Some might be too easy and some too hard.
Some could just be totally wrong for you and your current situation.
And worst case scenario, some could be causing more harm than good.
I thought it’d be helpful to discuss this idea more with you in future videos and give you some ideas you can use to speed up your kettlebell training results.