Still following Enter the Kettlebell and the workbook that accompanies it, I started last week’s training on Monday, June 29 with a “light” day.  It was week 7 of the Rite of Passage.  Kettlebell presses seem to be going well.  I had no problems completing all ladders and rungs.  With the pulls, I began adding in negatives when I could no longer do regular chinups.  The kettlebell snatch practice went well, except that my hands continue to bother me  before I am fatigued. 

Tuesday was a variety day in which I chose to do twelve minutes of alternating 50 swings and 1 minute of jumping rope.  Then I did five minutes of Turkish Get Ups.  More details are here.

Wednesday was “medium” day per ETK.  There is nothing major to report, other than the harder I push myself on Tuesday, the more difficult the swing practice is on Wednesday.  I’m not sure if I’m really better off trying to get that extra conditioning on Tuesday or not.  I’m not ready to change things yet.  It’s just something I’m contemplating.

Thursday was the second variety day of the week.  I decided to focus on doing bodyweight work only, for a change.  I chose 4 exercises to do and performed them in intervals, doing :30 of work followed by :15 rest.  I completed the 4-exercise circuit 5 times.  The exercises I chose were:  Burpees (because I’ve never really done them much) Mountain Climbers (because I need to get better at them) Squats (because I ALWAYS  need to work my lower body more) and Push Ups (because I need to improve there too.)  About the second time through the circuit I wished I had chosen the exercises more intellectually because I realized that in 3 out of 4 exercises I was down on the ground, bearing weight on my hands. My right (bad) wrist got sore quickly so I didn’t push myself terribly hard.  Besides,  I was already a bit weary from the rest of the week’s work.  Nevertheless, I confirmed bodyweight exercises (even if poorly chosen) still provide an excellent workout.

 
  Friday was a rest day – hallelujah!

Saturday was “heavy” day of Week 7 of ETK.  Again this week, the presses were not the rigorous part of the practice, but were the same as the other two days.  The tough part was the swing practice. Five minutes can seem long when you are swinging a kettlebell almost nonstop!  

Saturday I also noted that my chinups seem to be a little bit stronger, probably because ETK is giving me a reason to work on them.  Thanks to Jerry for suggesting I substitute negatives when unable to do anymore regular reps.  Negatives were a big part of the training I did in the  New Rules of Lifting for Women program, to help me achieve my first chin up, so I know they work.

Sunday was a rest day, and after all of the exercise last week and the Independence Day festivities, it was mandatory. 

The Week Ahead:  Week 8 of Enter the Kettlebell began today, with a successful “light” day again.  I’m further refining my chinup training this week and am looking forward to doing more chins in the near future.  I will also be changing my kettlebell swing practice somewhat after receiving input from my friend, Sandy Sommer, RKC.  It’s going to be a great week!!