I’m not committed to any one tool in my training programs. In fact I love a variety of training tools. Kettlebells might be one of my favorite, there’s no doubt to that, but I will say that when it’s time to get strong and work on my deadlift, I’m always heading right toward the bar.

Kettlebells are great for a variety of reasons.

My biggest reason is the ease in transitioning from one exercise to the next. I don’t have to think, I can just go.

My workouts are over in 25 minutes or less, and I know I’ve worked hard.

I also love a good barbell workout.

(It might have something to do with loving the strength component.)

I’m a huge fan of barbells for deadlifts, after all deadlifts are supposed to be relatively heavy, right?

Barbell complexes are also amazing for a quick workout.

So here’s the challenge…

I’ll upload my video attempt tomorrow, but I want you to try it first. Hopefully you have access to both a barbell and a kettlebell.

With the Kettlebell for left/right reps of 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, –

Deadlift
Clean
Push Press
Front Squat
Jerk
Racked Walking Lunges

Then later in the day, or on a different day, with the Barbell go 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 –

Deadlift
Clean
Push Press
Front Squat
Jerk
Racked Walking Lunges

Now, I know we’re comparing apples to oranges…or in this case kettlebells to barbells.

Completely different tools!

BUT, you can do the same movements with different tools and experience a completely different workout.

Let me know what you think. And remember to check back, I’ll post a video of both.

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I celebrated my birthday this past Sunday, and it was really great to be able to spend the entire day, and I mean the entire day, with family and friends. I’m sure I already mentioned all that, but here’s a short clip of the ultra embarrassing Happy Birthday cake and candles tradition. Thankfully I had two trusty little guys to help with all 30 of those candles!

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Yesterday was a really great day for me.  I spent the entire day, from 7am to 7pm with friends and family.  Some I saw all day, others came and went as their schedule allowed, but nonetheless it was a really great day.

Yesterday was my 30th birthday, a big deal to lots of folks, but more just another birthday to me, with the exception of everyone make a big deal out of it for me!  Thanks!  I had a blast, I really did, and it touched my heart that most everyone was able to make it, and that the day just kept going and going.

The biggest part about yesterday was the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Walk.  It’s just a short 3 mile walk that occurs every year, but I’ve participated in it almost every year for 20 years!  JDRF is one of my top charities, and one I’ll always encourage the support of.  Every year as an adult I have listened to their opening speech, when most people are talking, and every year I get a little teary-eyed with the hope that the following year we won’t need to have another walk.  This year wasn’t the year, but I’ll still pull for next.

The past few years I’ve had groups of friends and family do the walk with me, and it’s made it that much more meaningful.  Thanks for all who were able to make it this year.  And to those who couldn’t, I was thinking of you.

Thank you.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk 2009

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Losing It.

To be honest, I’m going to ‘Lose It’. 

The star studded fitness trainer, Jillian Michaels will now have the chance to ‘touch’ many more lives accross the country.

She just signed a deal with NBC to produce the new series, Losing It.

Michaels says she won’t be yelling at 10 year olds on this show. 

Well, I seriously hope not!

In fact yelling at people to workout harder and faster might not be the best motivating factor when trying to encourage a morbidly obese person to consider their health and lifestyle. 

Jillian Michaels will travel the country teaching people how to lose weight and lead healthier lifestlyes without having to go on the show, The Biggest Loser.

Will she also be teaching these obese people to do box jumps and bad kettlebell swings? 

Probably.

Last I checked, plyometrics and ballistic movements weren’t the best for people caring around an extra 100lbs or more.

Michaels also states that on the show, Losing It, we’ll see different aspects of her personality, and the show itself will be more about the big picture not just about being skinny.

That’s awesome!

In other words, The Biggest Loser is narrow focused, and doesn’t really teach the contestants about healthier lifestyle options in regard to exercise and nutrition.

I’m so glad such a narrow focused show has captured the attention of so many. 

Technically, it would make sense for both shows, regardless of their mindlessness, to at least be on the same page on the topic of exercise and nutrition.

Instead, one’s just about being skinny at all costs, while the other is really going to change people’s lives.

I doubt it. 

You can read the story yourself here.

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Whenever I can a take some short road trips to visit my friends and the training facilities they own and operate. It’s nice to have someone else put you through a workout. This time I took a few clients up to Zach Even-Esh’s Underground Strength Gym. It’s one of the first times that Erica and Katie have done workouts like these. Take a look…

Erica has two 24kg kettlebells for farmer’s walks, Katie has 5 plates on her sled, that’s 225lbs, I have 6 plates. Let me just say it’s a lot harder for me to drag that sled backwards!

Another fun day of lifting heavy stuff and releasing how strong I really am.

What type of heavy lifting or non conventional lifting do you like to do??

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