RKC News - May 2016

Over decades, I have tested and trained with many different training methods in the field of strength training. I certainly learned a lot, and sometimes a little less meaningful, from each of the methods, such as machines, dumbbells, barbells, resistance bands...

Since I started training in martial arts at a young age, I have always been on the lookout for a complementary strength training that works for me personally. Additional training for fighters should enhance strength performance, but also improve flexibility, speed, reaction, and reflexes... basically everything in physical abilities that one should possess to be ideally prepared for competition, but also to function well in everyday life.

One of many examples for martial arts is that with kettlebells, you train the speed and the corresponding mobility of the joint structures and muscles, tendons, and ligaments to perform the required actions. The necessary speed and strength are provided by all ballistic exercises. The two-handed kettlebell swing is the basic form that needs to be executed perfectly first. The power comes from an explosive hip extension, exactly the movement pattern needed to kick or strike forward with power.

In everyday life, it also improves posture, flexibility, well-being, and above all, it has given me an extreme body awareness that can still be further developed.

I used to suffer countless strains because often speed and flexibility were simply not in harmony.

But since I started kettlebell training, I have been able to drastically reduce that.

In the end, kettlebell training in combination with bodyweight training is, for me personally, the ideal combination of strength training to train or enhance strength, endurance, flexibility, and speed. And this applies to all striking and throwing sports, but especially preventively for everyday life!

The biggest advantage of kettlebell training is that you can train unilaterally.

A not insignificant side effect for all those who train diligently is that, even with high-quality kettlebell training, the figure becomes aesthetically shaped. Nice, right?!

That stretching in the eccentric phase is the most effective stretching method of all the various methods?!