Success with Press
Several weeks ago I purchased an oddball sized kettlebell, a 14kg. I have really been kind of a sucker for these in-between sizes. I bought a couple of 6kg bells for the studio, a couple 10kgs, and now the 14kg. It has been nice to have them to train with, when the jump between standard bell sizes was too much.
Last time through Enter the Kettlebell, I used a 12kg kettlebell. Around the time I finished the program, I pressed the 16kg on a couple of occasions. Then, I shifted my focus and began to lose a bit of weight. I really haven’t tried to press the 16kg again lately, but instead have worked more with the 12kg and 14kg for presses. I considered starting Enter the Kettlebell again with the 14kg but a couple of weeks ago, but struggled horribly to get through a 3 x 3 Clean and Press ladder. I ended up doing push presses or assisted presses for many of the reps.
Since then I have worked with the 12kg strictly, but haven’t spent too much time with it, only focusing about one day per week on pressing. Today I decided to try a 3 x 3 Clean and Press ladder with the 14kg. I really expected to have to shift to the 12kg part way through but totally surprised myself. The entire 3 x 3 ladder went well, and I know I could even have done more. I’m very happy to be getting somewhere with the 14kg kettlebell. I used it for my easy snatch practice on Monday also, doing 112 snatches at 10L/10R/rest for 9:00.
My muscles don’t seem to know I have cancer. That’s cool with me! I really don’t feel like I have it at all. And when I’m happily pressing my 14kg, cancer is pretty much out of my mind. That’s priceless. 
That’s right Sarah show that cancer who’s boss!!!
I’ve thought a little bit about the odd sized bells. Just started the c&p phase of etk and I’m using the 8k. It feels really light but I can only press the 12k three or so times on a good day. I was going to go through with the 8k and then see where I’m at with the 12k for the second time through. Maybe I should consider a 10k just not sure I want to (or can) shell out the cash right now. Hmmmmm….you got me thinking.
Hi Jenn,
My first time through ETK I did it with a 10kg bell. Could only press the 12kg one time, and that was shaky. Using the 8kg would have been kind of too easy. So I hear you! Consider a 10kg! Besides the presses, it’s great for Turkish Get Ups, to use for doubles (even with another size bell) and lots of my clients have enjoyed using a 10kg to swing with. You’ll have clients soon . . .
Your muscles are on your side like the rest of us. Keep it that way – they don’t need to know.
I really like the odd-sized kettlebells. When you think about it, the jump in weight from 8 kg to 12 kg is enormous–literally 50 percent heavier. No wonder most women struggle with it! Going from 12 kg to 16 kg isn’t a whole lot easier: you’re still talking about a 33 percent increase. I’m not even convinced making those kinds of huge leaps in resistance is a good idea physiologically. It seems like it’d be putting stress on the joints that tney might not be ready to bear.
Anyhoo, glad the workouts are going so well!
Beth: It’s our little secret!
Laura: I love the way you think, Girlfriend! No reason to feel indulgent or (heaven forbid) weak, for choosing an in-between size bell. Especially if it gets us to our goals!! YAY for progress!!
I too bought a 14kg right around the holidays.. LOVE IT! Its helped me tremendously to bridge the gap for myself with snatches and presses.. I use it with my clients to help them to make the jumps in strength they are physically ready for but mentally arent ready for.