Training for Highland Athletics

[Prester John]

Hey there

Is there anyone on this board that is training for Highland athletics?

Any of you in Northeast Ohio doing so?

I'd love to get some pointers for it.

I'm interested in possibly entering the Master's division this summer, and, though I'll never win a thing (short levers), I'd love to not humiliate myself too much.

All assistance appreciated.

[Sciuropterus]

Try a Russian Kettlebell. ( http://www.russiankettlebells.com/ )
I use a 16Kg for Ju-Jitsu training and it is an awesome tool. I have never seen faster results in my life.

There are several Highland athletes that now train with them. I have met Pavel T. a few times, and been to some of his kettlebell classes in MN, the guy knows his stuff.

I confess that I have been delinquent in my training for the last few months, work is busy and we have a 7-month old baby crawling around. Time to make a new year's resolution...

[Prester John]

haha Thanks, I have the 35lber and a loadable 10" 60 or so lber from Detroit Barbell (it has a 2" handle, and is huge).

I understand about the baby in the home. That's why it took me 20 yrs to get back into the gym. I've made some life goals in the last 7 months, and I don't plan on quitting.

Highland games seem like a fun place to play.

I, too, met Pavel. At last years Arnold Classic in Columbus. Very nice guy. I think I'm going for the 2 pood this year.

[Prester John]

Here's my proof, also with a Captain's of Crush gripper.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frjohn...60.jpg&.src=ph

[Sciuropterus]

That thing is huge! You should be wearing a leopard skin/tarzan loincloth like the old circus strongmen!

My wife uses a 16Kg kettlebell also- she is a commercial tile setter and has crazy strong forearms and legs from tossing around bags of concrete mix all day.

[MacMullen]

John, that's a great pic! I think it's the beard that threw me when I read that you were training for the Highland games. I think the beard adds a few years.

I have a couple of friends who want to compete when we go to the Highland Games in the Twin Cities this summer. I'd be interested in giving it a try myself, but I have no idea where to start, or how to go about training for the events.

Any suggestions?

[flyv65]

Try a Russian Kettlebell. ( http://www.russiankettlebells.com/ )
I use a 16Kg for Ju-Jitsu training and it is an awesome tool. I have never seen faster results in my life.

That's a ringing endorsement, Sciuro: are they really that good, those of you who work out with kettleballs?

Bryan...pretty tired of the same old exercise routine...

[davedove]

That's a ringing endorsement, Sciuro: are they really that good, those of you who work out with kettleballs?

Bryan...pretty tired of the same old exercise routine...

Yeah, I'm interested too. Can anyone give us any more information?

[Prester John]

Kettlebells are excellent. But you have to USE them, and do it regularly.

Otherwise, they make a cool looking doorstop.

I highly recommend them. I know that the Russian Special Forces have used them for years, and now the US Special Forces is beginning to do the same.

I guess that speaks for itself.

FYI, a kettlebell is not just like a dumbbell or barbell, in that the center of gravity is off center, and way off center. Form is important in using one, or you could easily get bruised.

Also, never fight for space with a kettlebell. You will always lose, and go to the hospital, once you regain conciousness (if you do).

There are many excellent articles and forums on the net about them.
PM me if you want more info (I'm a strength and fitness trainer also - just not professionally).

[Prester John]

I should have pointed out that my second favorite workout device is


the homemade sandbag.

That is, a duffle bag filled with 50-200lbs of sand.

It's cheap. It's versatile. You can drop it on your foot with no problem, and it will nearly kill you with work - but, oh, the gains in strength and endurance!

Best cardio device EVER. The kettlebell runs a close second.