Pavel Tsatsouline Kettlebell Strength Training Weight Lifting Workouts Exercise and Flexibility Questions & Answers.

Hi Fitzy, Thanks for asking. Things are getting wrapped up now. The DVDs will be ready to order in about 3 weeks, and I'll have info on my website about that. Here is some general info--more details to follow in the coming weeks: Series 2 builds upon the foundation layed down in the first Encyclopedia series. The main techniques of KB Lifting are shown with creative new variations, and more attention is spent on the less-common uses for KBs, for serious strength trainers. In addition to the basic technique variations, there are extensive sections dealing with: -spine & neck training -grip/forearm/finger -abdominal & trunk -joint health & flexibility -KB isometrics, -balance & coordination training -combining KB with other modalities There is a lot more beyond this. Just the section that covers uses of KBs for a wide variety of push-ups is worth the price of the entire series! You will love it and it will take your KB training to a higher level. Not to tease you, but I won't have all the details until the DVDs are finished with editing later this week. You can expect that the high standard set in the first Encyclopedia series will be met and exceeded, in terms of precision of teaching, execution of technique and depth and generosity of content. In addition, the pricing will very attractive once again. Be sure to check my website soon. There will be complete information as well as video clips from the series that you can watch. If you haven't signed up for my newsletter, go to the homepage below to sign up and you will receive an announcement with the release of the new series. Thanks, Steve Cotter

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Hi John, The circuits were simply 1:00 burns at the very end of training--I go a minute, he goes a minute repeated for 3 rounds. On an ongoing basis, I will change the variables---sometimes longer sets and vary the work:rest ration. Steve

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although, if the goal was a 300-400 pound squat, the most direct path to achieving that is of course to BB squat. My point was for illustration only that there is indeed some transferability from SERIOUS pistol training into the ability to squat pretty heavy w/o specialized BB squat training. I would not prescribe pistols for the point of building heavy squat poundages except as for an assistant in some cases and some phases of training. I didn't get from Mercer's original post that he was looking for insane squatting strength so much as a well rounded leg strength, which pistols can provide alone. I also don't expect most people to put in the 10s of 1000s of repetitions I have over the years doig the pistols. I think a parallel example is a gymnasts relative ability to bench heavy or DL heavy w/o training. It may not enable the gymnast to reach elite levels of PL strength, but the nature of their training alone has great transferability that works better into PL than the other way around (elite PL will not be able to control BW so well in varied planes). Which one to put more time into is worthy of analysis but as long as people get to squatting, whichever flavor is the preference---they will get stronger. Steve 

If by max strength you mean linear force production, you are absolutely correct. If by max strength you mean ability to apply leverage against another body, you are off base with your comments. At about 180lb., I can rock bottom squat for reps 400lbs anytime I want to without ever training them, and it is because of the joint integrity and muscle control built over years of training pistols of all varieties. It is not a question of one being better than the other. The are plenty of 500lb + squatters out there that can't move a lick when there leverage is manipulated. The ability to be strong on one leg is a valuable skill to develop for any body. You can be as strong as a Clydesdale with pistols and no BB squatting. It is erroneous to suggest that BB Squat > pistols for strength. They are both phenomenal and offer different benefits. There are 1,000 lb squatters that can't do much else with their strength--in terms of mobility and function in 3-D. Know the strength and weaknesses of any exercise selection. The main thing is this---everybody should do some form of squattiing---one leg, BB--you name it. This we should all agree on. Steve

http://www.fullkontact.com  

It is the more talented younger brother Frank who trains with KBs, not Ken, who is the one who will be getting beat up by Ortiz. Althought the rumor is that the Shamrock-Ortiz fight may not go off due to injury. Forrest may be filling in for Shamrock for a Ortiz-Griffith 2. --Steve 

they are both injured, so there is a chance neither of them will fight, but I would imagine Ortiz would be most likely to step in. What date is it scheduled for? Baroni is certainly a legitimate test for Frank. If he beats Baroni, he is back all the way for sure.