Looking Good (for a mom) » Kettlebells http://www.lookinggoodmom.com One mom's journey through health and fitness as she reclaims the body she had before kids Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:38:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 Getting Started with Kettlebells http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/getting-started-with-kettlebells/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=getting-started-with-kettlebells http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/getting-started-with-kettlebells/#comments Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:49:49 +0000 Liz http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/?p=639 In my last post, I explained how to identify some of the multitudes of bad information and products available to those seeking kettlebell workouts. So now, I’m here to offer you some options that will help you get proper training and equipment. FYI, some of these links are affiliate links. I have to support this website somehow! However, I do not link to any products that I do not personally support or think are helpful... Read More

Similar posts:3 Reasons I Love Kettlebell SwingsHow to spot Kettlebell posersHow to get a jeans-worthy butt]]> In my last post, I explained how to identify some of the multitudes of bad information and products available to those seeking kettlebell workouts. So now, I’m here to offer you some options that will help you get proper training and equipment. FYI, some of these links are affiliate links. I have to support this website somehow! However, I do not link to any products that I do not personally support or think are helpful... Read More

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]]> http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/getting-started-with-kettlebells/feed/ 0 How to spot Kettlebell posers http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/kettlebell-poser/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kettlebell-poser http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/kettlebell-poser/#comments Tue, 14 Jun 2011 04:14:10 +0000 Liz http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/?p=635 Since most of my friends think of me as “that girl who works out with those kettle ball things,” I often get questions from people intrigued by the kettlebell phenomenon, asking me for my opinion on a product they saw in an infomercial, on a shopping network, or in their local store... Read More

Similar posts:3 Reasons I Love Kettlebell SwingsGetting Started with Kettlebells]]> Since most of my friends think of me as “that girl who works out with those kettle ball things,” I often get questions from people intrigued by the kettlebell phenomenon, asking me for my opinion on a product they saw in an infomercial, on a shopping network, or in their local store... Read More

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]]> http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/kettlebell-poser/feed/ 3 Wordless Wednesday – Kids can do Kettlebells http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/wordless-wednesday-kids-kettlebells/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wordless-wednesday-kids-kettlebells http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/wordless-wednesday-kids-kettlebells/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:07 +0000 Liz http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/?p=584 IMG_6067We’ve finally found a good use for those tiny little “mini kettlebells” sold in some of the local stores. Turns out my 7 year-old is a budding kettlebell enthusiast! Here she is this past weekend, taking some basic instruction from my RKC instructor on how to deadlift and swing. (She’s asked for her own 10lb kettlebell so she can train like mommy.).. Read More

There are no similar posts. Showing most popular posts:Help LGM Support Haiti ReliefMy second 12 weeks of Turbulence TrainingMy Day at Martha Stewart’s ShowMy Turbulence Training Experience]]> IMG_6067We’ve finally found a good use for those tiny little “mini kettlebells” sold in some of the local stores. Turns out my 7 year-old is a budding kettlebell enthusiast! Here she is this past weekend, taking some basic instruction from my RKC instructor on how to deadlift and swing. (She’s asked for her own 10lb kettlebell so she can train like mommy.).. Read More

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]]> http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/wordless-wednesday-kids-kettlebells/feed/ 2 My HKC Experience http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/my-hkc-experience/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=my-hkc-experience http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/my-hkc-experience/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 02:40:56 +0000 Liz http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/?p=550 IMG_6032 I had the most amazing experience this past weekend at the Hardstyle Kettlebell Certification (HKC)! After a year of training with kettlebells under the watchful eye of a Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) instructor, I decided I wanted to take a bigger step. Instead of just working out with kettlebells, I wanted to prove I had what it takes to be certified in their use and instruction. For me, that meant attempting the HKC, a one-day course that provides in-depth instruction on kettlebells, and certifies attendees to instruct others in the kettlebell swing, squat, and Turkish get-up... Read More

There are no similar posts. Showing most popular posts:Help LGM Support Haiti ReliefMy second 12 weeks of Turbulence TrainingMy Day at Martha Stewart’s ShowMy Turbulence Training Experience]]> IMG_6032 I had the most amazing experience this past weekend at the Hardstyle Kettlebell Certification (HKC)! After a year of training with kettlebells under the watchful eye of a Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) instructor, I decided I wanted to take a bigger step. Instead of just working out with kettlebells, I wanted to prove I had what it takes to be certified in their use and instruction. For me, that meant attempting the HKC, a one-day course that provides in-depth instruction on kettlebells, and certifies attendees to instruct others in the kettlebell swing, squat, and Turkish get-up... Read More

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]]> http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/my-hkc-experience/feed/ 7 Make Every Rep Count! http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/make-every-rep-count/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=make-every-rep-count http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/make-every-rep-count/#comments Sun, 11 Apr 2010 10:00:49 +0000 Liz http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/?p=503 Sometimes, when you’ve been doing a particular fitness routine for a while, it becomes so familiar that you start to lose your intensity. The problem is, you don’t realize it at the time.  You go through the motions, sweat a little, and feel generally good about your workout. But then something happens that makes you realize that you’re not bringing your best form and intensity to your workout.  Maybe it’s helping a friend through their workout. Maybe you decide to work with a trainer.  Or maybe someone offers some constructive criticism of your workout.
In my case, it was a little different.  Every Saturday, I participate in group kettlebell training with a trainer certified as having passed the RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge).  Our workouts are generally 30-45 minutes of solid kettlebell training – lots of swings, squats, and dynamic movements. It’s generally not only a great strength workout, but also gets my heart pumping!
A few weeks back, instead of our normal group class, myself and two other students went to another gym to help our trainer out with a kettlebell demonstration.  We were supposed to be showing people unfamiliar with kettlebell training how to properly do some of the basic kettlebell moves.  Since I only train under my trainer’s supervision once a week (I train on my own 2-3 other times a week), I considered myself the least experienced of her students there.  So I was really determined to be “on my game,” and give a proper demonstration of swings, squats, and any other moves we were asked to do.
Due to the nature of the demonstration, while we’d be doing kettlebell exercises, our “workout” wasn’t going to have the volume or cardio effect of our normal training sessions.  We had far too many breaks, and weren’t doing more than about 10 reps at a time. I fully expected it to be a total write-off, as far as workouts go, and planned to make up my “missed” workout the following day.
As it turned out, the additional scrutiny of my trainer, her RKC certified spouse, and at least a dozen kettlebell neophytes caused me to put the pressure on myself, and I really worked hard to ensure I was keeping my core tight, folding at the hips on the backswing, popping my hips forward, and pulling my kneecaps up and tightening my glutes at the finish of each swing.  Although I can swing a 20kg kettlebell, I was using my mid-range size that day – 16kg.
Even with low reps, long rest times, and a kettlebell that was not the heaviest I can swing, I still felt my hamstrings and glutes start to get fatigued near the end of the demonstration.  And the next day, I could feel soreness and tightness creeping into my muscles as well, particularly while I was doing my “make-up” workout.  I was very surprised that such a light workout had created such a reaction.  And that’s when I realized…sometimes it’s not the length of the workout, the weight you lift, or the number of reps you do.  Sometimes it’s about making each rep count, and giving every rep your all.
So while it’s exciting to move up in weight quickly, or add more reps than you did last week, I think I’m going to take it a little slower, and try to make my workouts more focused and intense.  I’ll work on doing each and every rep with absolutely perfect form.  That means my volume might be a little less, but I would wager that I’ll be a lot stronger (and have lower risk of injury) than I would have otherwise.
Do you worry about perfect form when you work out?

IMG_3075062009Sometimes, when you’ve been doing a particular fitness routine for a while, it becomes so familiar that you start to lose your intensity. The problem is, you don’t realize it at the time. You go through the motions, sweat a little, and feel generally good about your workout. But then something happens that makes you realize that you’re not bringing your best form and intensity to your workout. Maybe it’s helping a friend through their workout. Maybe you decide to work with a trainer. Or maybe someone offers some constructive criticism of your workout... Read More

There are no similar posts. Showing most popular posts:Help LGM Support Haiti ReliefMy second 12 weeks of Turbulence TrainingMy Day at Martha Stewart’s ShowMy Turbulence Training Experience]]> Sometimes, when you’ve been doing a particular fitness routine for a while, it becomes so familiar that you start to lose your intensity. The problem is, you don’t realize it at the time.  You go through the motions, sweat a little, and feel generally good about your workout. But then something happens that makes you realize that you’re not bringing your best form and intensity to your workout.  Maybe it’s helping a friend through their workout. Maybe you decide to work with a trainer.  Or maybe someone offers some constructive criticism of your workout.
In my case, it was a little different.  Every Saturday, I participate in group kettlebell training with a trainer certified as having passed the RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge).  Our workouts are generally 30-45 minutes of solid kettlebell training – lots of swings, squats, and dynamic movements. It’s generally not only a great strength workout, but also gets my heart pumping!
A few weeks back, instead of our normal group class, myself and two other students went to another gym to help our trainer out with a kettlebell demonstration.  We were supposed to be showing people unfamiliar with kettlebell training how to properly do some of the basic kettlebell moves.  Since I only train under my trainer’s supervision once a week (I train on my own 2-3 other times a week), I considered myself the least experienced of her students there.  So I was really determined to be “on my game,” and give a proper demonstration of swings, squats, and any other moves we were asked to do.
Due to the nature of the demonstration, while we’d be doing kettlebell exercises, our “workout” wasn’t going to have the volume or cardio effect of our normal training sessions.  We had far too many breaks, and weren’t doing more than about 10 reps at a time. I fully expected it to be a total write-off, as far as workouts go, and planned to make up my “missed” workout the following day.
As it turned out, the additional scrutiny of my trainer, her RKC certified spouse, and at least a dozen kettlebell neophytes caused me to put the pressure on myself, and I really worked hard to ensure I was keeping my core tight, folding at the hips on the backswing, popping my hips forward, and pulling my kneecaps up and tightening my glutes at the finish of each swing.  Although I can swing a 20kg kettlebell, I was using my mid-range size that day – 16kg.
Even with low reps, long rest times, and a kettlebell that was not the heaviest I can swing, I still felt my hamstrings and glutes start to get fatigued near the end of the demonstration.  And the next day, I could feel soreness and tightness creeping into my muscles as well, particularly while I was doing my “make-up” workout.  I was very surprised that such a light workout had created such a reaction.  And that’s when I realized…sometimes it’s not the length of the workout, the weight you lift, or the number of reps you do.  Sometimes it’s about making each rep count, and giving every rep your all.
So while it’s exciting to move up in weight quickly, or add more reps than you did last week, I think I’m going to take it a little slower, and try to make my workouts more focused and intense.  I’ll work on doing each and every rep with absolutely perfect form.  That means my volume might be a little less, but I would wager that I’ll be a lot stronger (and have lower risk of injury) than I would have otherwise.
Do you worry about perfect form when you work out?

IMG_3075062009Sometimes, when you’ve been doing a particular fitness routine for a while, it becomes so familiar that you start to lose your intensity. The problem is, you don’t realize it at the time. You go through the motions, sweat a little, and feel generally good about your workout. But then something happens that makes you realize that you’re not bringing your best form and intensity to your workout. Maybe it’s helping a friend through their workout. Maybe you decide to work with a trainer. Or maybe someone offers some constructive criticism of your workout... Read More

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]]> http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/make-every-rep-count/feed/ 3 3 Reasons I Love Kettlebell Swings http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/3-reasons-i-love-kettlebell-swings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3-reasons-i-love-kettlebell-swings http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/3-reasons-i-love-kettlebell-swings/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:00:08 +0000 Liz http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/?p=384 Meet Anna!Today’s post is from a personal friend and fellow fitness blogger, Anna Dornier of Path to Fat Loss. Anna and I first met on the Turbulence Training forums, and she was the one who first got me interested in kettlebells.  Now, Anna is a Certified Russian Kettlebell Instructor (RKC) and Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). She teaches bootcamps and kettlebell class in Northern California under her company ATD Fitness... Read More

Similar posts:Getting Started with KettlebellsHow to spot Kettlebell posersHow to get a jeans-worthy butt]]> Meet Anna!Today’s post is from a personal friend and fellow fitness blogger, Anna Dornier of Path to Fat Loss. Anna and I first met on the Turbulence Training forums, and she was the one who first got me interested in kettlebells.  Now, Anna is a Certified Russian Kettlebell Instructor (RKC) and Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). She teaches bootcamps and kettlebell class in Northern California under her company ATD Fitness... Read More

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]]> http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/3-reasons-i-love-kettlebell-swings/feed/ 2 How to get a jeans-worthy butt http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/how-to-get-jeans-worthy-butt/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-get-jeans-worthy-butt http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/how-to-get-jeans-worthy-butt/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:05:30 +0000 Liz http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/?p=242 JeansbuttI love jeans. Absolutely love them. A good pair of designer jeans just makes me happy.  Why?  Well, it’s the butt. A great pair of jeans really makes a woman’s butt look fantastic. And I know I’m not the only one who appreciates this! Every time I slip on a great pair of jeans I just feel sexy.  But even after I lost my first 20 pounds, I still had some extra fat in my rear view.  How did I deal with that?.. Read More

Similar posts:Getting Started with Kettlebells3 Reasons I Love Kettlebell SwingsResistance Isn’t Futile]]> JeansbuttI love jeans. Absolutely love them. A good pair of designer jeans just makes me happy.  Why?  Well, it’s the butt. A great pair of jeans really makes a woman’s butt look fantastic. And I know I’m not the only one who appreciates this! Every time I slip on a great pair of jeans I just feel sexy.  But even after I lost my first 20 pounds, I still had some extra fat in my rear view.  How did I deal with that?.. Read More

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]]> http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/how-to-get-jeans-worthy-butt/feed/ 8 Weekend Roundup: Excess candy, breakfast cereals, kettlebells, more http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/weekend-roundup-excess-candy-breakfast-cereals-kettlebells-more/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=weekend-roundup-excess-candy-breakfast-cereals-kettlebells-more http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/weekend-roundup-excess-candy-breakfast-cereals-kettlebells-more/#comments Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:24:00 +0000 Liz http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/weekend-roundup-excess-candy-breakfast-cereals-kettlebells-more/ breakfast_cereals
I don’t do round-up posts as often as I’d like, but as we’ve reached the end of another month, I thought it was about time I put another one together. So here are some of my favorite (and timely) posts of the past few weeks:.. Read More

There are no similar posts. Showing most popular posts:Help LGM Support Haiti ReliefMy second 12 weeks of Turbulence TrainingMy Day at Martha Stewart’s ShowMy Turbulence Training Experience]]> breakfast_cereals
I don’t do round-up posts as often as I’d like, but as we’ve reached the end of another month, I thought it was about time I put another one together. So here are some of my favorite (and timely) posts of the past few weeks:.. Read More

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]]> http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/weekend-roundup-excess-candy-breakfast-cereals-kettlebells-more/feed/ 2 Weekend Round-Up: Kettlebells, Loving your body http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/weekend-round-up-kettlebells-loving-your-body/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=weekend-round-up-kettlebells-loving-your-body http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/weekend-round-up-kettlebells-loving-your-body/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:00:00 +0000 Liz http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/weekend-round-up-kettlebells-loving-your-body/ kettlebellsIt’s been a while since I shared some of my favorite posts from around the web, so I’ve accumulated quite a few. I’ve retweeted a few of them, so if you follow me on tweeter, you may have seen a few already. I love getting inspiration from others, and I hope you do too!.. Read More

Similar posts:How much meat is too much?]]> kettlebellsIt’s been a while since I shared some of my favorite posts from around the web, so I’ve accumulated quite a few. I’ve retweeted a few of them, so if you follow me on tweeter, you may have seen a few already. I love getting inspiration from others, and I hope you do too!.. Read More

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]]> http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/weekend-round-up-kettlebells-loving-your-body/feed/ 1 What is the best form of exercise? http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/what-is-the-best-form-of-exercise/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-the-best-form-of-exercise http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/what-is-the-best-form-of-exercise/#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000 Liz http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/what-is-the-best-form-of-exercise/ best_exercisePeople spend an amazing amount of time trying to find the best exercise. A google search on the words retrieves millions of articles on the subject, and there are nearly 20,000 books on exercise! People search through dozens of these resources looking for answers. They’ll look for the best exercise for weight loss, muscle growth, whittling their waist, or whatever their current goal is at the time. Then they’ll spend hours each week sweating away at whatever exercise is the recommended one of the era, even if they hate it the entire time. It’s a recipe for failure. If you’re going to stick with an exercise program for the long-term, it has to be fun and something you enjoy... Read More

There are no similar posts. Showing most popular posts:Help LGM Support Haiti ReliefMy second 12 weeks of Turbulence TrainingMy Day at Martha Stewart’s ShowMy Turbulence Training Experience]]> best_exercisePeople spend an amazing amount of time trying to find the best exercise. A google search on the words retrieves millions of articles on the subject, and there are nearly 20,000 books on exercise! People search through dozens of these resources looking for answers. They’ll look for the best exercise for weight loss, muscle growth, whittling their waist, or whatever their current goal is at the time. Then they’ll spend hours each week sweating away at whatever exercise is the recommended one of the era, even if they hate it the entire time. It’s a recipe for failure. If you’re going to stick with an exercise program for the long-term, it has to be fun and something you enjoy... Read More

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]]> http://www.lookinggoodmom.com/what-is-the-best-form-of-exercise/feed/ 3