With it currently getting colder here (although winter in Sydney isn't particularly cold), the backyard pool isn't exactly getting a lot of attention. Perhaps that's why I'm intrigued to read the blog of someone who's determined to compete in the swimming leg of this year's London Triathlon.
Welcome Old Ladyfish.
With it currently getting colder here (although winter in Sydney isn't particularly cold), the backyard pool isn't exactly getting a lot of attention. Perhaps that's why I'm intrigued to read the blog of someone who's determined to compete in the swimming leg of this year's London Triathlon.
Welcome Old Ladyfish.
Just came across a blog that's well worth checking out, from the Diesel Crew. Some great stuff on there.
Just came across a blog that's well worth checking out, from the Diesel Crew. Some great stuff on there.
Perhaps a little less gruelling than some of the other races we've discussed lately - but certainly far more scenic - is the infamous Sydney-based half-marathon the City2Surf. As the name suggests, this is a run from the middle of town to some truly magnificent beaches.
If you can't make it here in the next couple of months (formal entries close July 5, the race is August 13), there's always the blog.
Perhaps a little less gruelling than some of the other races we've discussed lately - but certainly far more scenic - is the infamous Sydney-based half-marathon the City2Surf. As the name suggests, this is a run from the middle of town to some truly magnificent beaches.
If you can't make it here in the next couple of months (formal entries close July 5, the race is August 13), there's always the blog.
The Diesel Crew's Jedd Johnson has written a great series of articles on mastering the Log Press. The first part - Improving the Performance on the Strongman Log (.pdf, 279kb) - looks at the three general techniques for cleaning the log. For anyone considering entering a Strongman event, it's a great read.
The Diesel Crew's Jedd Johnson has written a great series of articles on mastering the Log Press. The first part - Improving the Performance on the Strongman Log (.pdf, 279kb) - looks at the three general techniques for cleaning the log. For anyone considering entering a Strongman event, it's a great read.
Starting with feet about shoulder-width apart, and the kettlebell in front of the left foot, bend forward at the hips and straighten the legs (don't lock the knees). Grab the bell with the right hand, straighten, then lean straight forward and touch the bell to the ground between your feet. Straighten once again, the lean forward and touch the bell in front of your right foot. That's one rep.
Repeat the process using the left hand, working from the right foot to left.
Kris is to thank for the exercise that inspired this one. Almost two years ago, following a bit of light reading (Bill Pearl's Keys to the Inner Universe), he performed Compound Stiff-legged Dumbbell Deadlifts. The exercise below is simply the kettlebell equivalent.
Compound kettlebell stiff-legged deadlift
Starting with feet about shoulder-width apart, and the kettlebell in front of the left foot, bend forward at the hips and straighten the legs (don't lock the knees). Grab the bell with the right hand, straighten, then lean straight forward and touch the bell to the ground between your feet. Straighten once again, the lean forward and touch the bell in front of your right foot. That's one rep.
Repeat the process using the left hand, working from the right foot to left.
Variations
As with other deadlift varieties, standing on a platform is a handy option.
Further thoughts
The kettlebell may seem like light weight for something like this (although you may rethink this after a few sets). I think I'll keep it in mind for high-volume, finisher or feeder work. Or even partnered with a more intense exercise, in a compound or super set.
