Rowing And Girevoy (kettlebell Sport)

[[old] girevikdavid]

I train for Russian Kettlebell competition (Girevoy Sport) and recently bought a Concept II based upon my sense that rowing has more in common with GS regarding both the major muscle groups used and the CV performance demands than other endurance sports. The traditional GS competitions consist of two events (Jerk and Snatch) timed at ten minutes each and scored according to the number of reps completed with one or two (depending on the event) 16kg., 24kg., or 32 kg giryas (kettlebells). The weight depends upon the sex, age, and weight of the competitor. The lifts are highly athletic and considerable skill training is involved.<br /><br />The heart rate monitor shows that as my training progresses I'm spending greater and greater % of time in the MHR zone 5. Presently up to 20 minutes per session. As a 60 year old athlete, I'm concerned about performance but also longevity and wondered if any experienced rowers might suggest Concept II training that would compliment my GS training and/or training tips in general for training to compete in a power/endurance sport. My background is in martial arts and power sports and a synthesis of power/endurance is a new and challenging venue.<br /><br />BTW, on an altogether different note, do any of you have experience with the Power Breather Sports device and how would you recommend it based upon your experience?<br /><br />Thanks and good training,<br /><br />David

[[old] John Rupp]

Here is another thread about kettlebells:<br /><br /><a href='http://concept2.ipbhost.com/index.php?s ... =2368&st=0' target='_blank'>http://concept2.ipbhost.com/index.php?s ... 68&st=0</a>

[[old] John Rupp]

David,<br /><br />What weight class are you in, and what routine do you use for the kettlebells?

[[old] John Rupp]

Video of Pavel Tsatsouline with kettlebells:<br /><br /><a href='http://www.dragondoor.com/images/v103.rm' target='_blank'>http://www.dragondoor.com/images/v103.rm</a>

[[old] johnnybike]

Andy Darling (A.Darling) on the UK forum is the kettlebell man <br /><br />I will PM him re this thread<br /><br />John

[[old] girevikdavid]

John and Johnny, thanks for your responses. I would welcome input from Andy.<br /><br />My training is focused exclusively toward girevoy sport - that is varieties of repetition sequences for Jerk and Snatch, and a few assistance exercises for each. Primarily holds of the bells in the rack and overhead fixation positions for time (achieved 10:05 in rack with 2x24kg bells today for first time!), timed farmer's walks with 2x24kg bells, cleans, and swings. Then of course the accursed abs and post training stretching and neck bridging. <br /><br />Couple of times a month I train Long Cycle Jerk which is a real killer: clean then a jerk for each rep - no resting in the rack position on this one either.<br /><br />My training sessions begin and end with 10 minutes of rowing and/or stationary bike (Schwinn Airdyne) and at least once a week 45-60 min. of aerobic heart zone steady pace training on some combination of row/bike.<br /><br />I weigh 90+kg. I gained a lot of weight when I couldn't train for several years before my back surgery and it's a terror getting the weight off now. <br /><br />Best,<br /><br />David