Gregory, the “plank” in a HS swing refers to the forward apex of the bell path when the knees are locked, hips are locked, tailbone is tucked under glute tension, core is maximally tensed, and shoulders are packed into the lats. I would say it is the defining characteristic of the HS swing.
Jon's point is do the opposite of what will come naturally to most -- relax at the top of the swing. Nope. Dial in your form and tense everything for best results. "Tense everything" == "like plank."
I believe (having watched a few of Dan John's videos) that when he refers to the plank section of the swing, he is referring to the *top* of the swing, not the backswing..Torso is erect, arms outstretched, glutes & knees pulled tight - like you have when you are lying in a plank
Great video, great subject. I've really been on a Dan John binge the past two months. He seems like a great guy, and has lots of wisdom to share, even beyond kettlebells. His idea of medium intensity/aerobic work following an intense kettlebell workout (eg the weighted walking after the humane burpee) is really interesting, and I am going to try it out over the next month. The basic idea (although I'm guessing you know it since you follow him!) is that you make every workout last for one hour. You do your KB workout, then for the remainder of the hour you walk/cycle./run etc within the aerobic heartrate limit. So now whenever I finish a Lebe Stark workout, I will go immediately out for a ~20 minute bike ride.
old video but in one part you talk about how he brings the swing up to ab level and you like to bring it up to chest level, but i was thinking like, since he's so tall (like 6'2 or something), his ab level is probably the same height as a lot of people's chest level.
Awesome stuff Lebe. I “entered the kettlebell” circa 2006 and trained and certified under Anthony DiLuglio/Art of Strength who was a Pavel disciple. Maxwell and Cotter - dang. They were truly beasts. Simple & Sinister. Tremendous body of work. Dragon Door was the publishing lead. To this day my KB’s are my Happy Place. Great channel. Keep it going!
I have a 56KG kettlebell and I’ve worked up to 3 sets of 20. I get a unbelievable glute pump. I’m 210 lb. I don’t DL anymore as I’ve developed osteoarthritis in my subtalar joint in my right foot. I’ve taken a long time to get to this point though. Single arm I use 32kg. Double cleans 24kg. Etc. I think people that stick to this can go a lot heavier
@@lebe-stark Gregory, I really admire your videos and devotion to the kettbels. Your command of kettlebwls is extremely professional and precise. And the way you teach them to your viewrs is intelligent and charismatic. I wish you had a great number of followrrs and students. As my trainer usually states that the kettlebel is top of the top of the pyramid of the iron world!
DJ is a legit' legend. He's also open to adopting new theories and techniques unlike some others (who drink a ton of milk..😝). I think it was a DJ presentation that turned me on to the Functional Movement Screen - might have been a collaborative seminar with Gray Cook (my mind's not what it used to be). It was pretty life changing for me, hit me back to normal functioning after 2 disc herniations and subsequent weight gain/inactivity. I also "sold" DJs belief in the the 1/2 TGU as a great prehab/rehab move for throwers - my brother and friends are/were high level Handballers. Have so much time for Dan's teaching, definitely someone I'd like to buy a beer 🍻
eish. I wish I found this video a year ago! I was also having those foot cramps (+_12min) but had no idea why! was it my training, or my medical issues, or my diet? I was so paranoid at the time! great analysis. you and Dan are amongst my KB heroes:)
Hi Lebe, really like your channel, thank you for all the great quality videos you put out👍 At around 10:55 Dan is talking about the "plank-hinge". I think you might have it backwards. The plank, as Dan has explained in another video is the position one should be in with legs straight, arms out in front, shoulders tight against the armpits... This is the same position as when you do a plank hold on the floor... But you're standing upright. The hinge would be when you are "hinged" at the waist with the kettlebell between your legs. That's how I thought he was describing it. Great channel, thanks again.
I know what he means about the feet! I work with KBs on the local beach most days. I make sure my footing is good but sand is never as firm as a gym floor or even a sprung wooden squash/badminton floor. After 30-40 mins my feet are aching! (Oh, and I'm 57; I guess 50 is the new 30, I know quite a few guys my age working out hard, Crossfit, rowing etc. Probably because we have been doing some sort of fitness training all our lives.)
The pull of gravity stays the same regardless of how heavy the kettlebell is. But when you lift up 48 kg, above your head, there is stored alot of kinetic energy, in the kettlebell itself, due to the amount of energy it took to elevate it up to such a height. When you then drop down this heavy kettlebell, the acceleration + mass makes it much heavier than 48kg, it's sorta like a multiplier. This phenomena played a smaller role down at 24 kg, but when the weight of the kettlebell is increased the numbers quickly spiral out of control. And that's why going past 24kg really starts demanding crazy technique. I'm not even using 24 kg yet!! 😂 I'm actually two- handed swinging 12kg 😹 still trying to get the hip-hinge coordinated correctly, it's very difficult, my form is so bad that even 12kg will make my lower back sore, after just 10 swings..! 🤕 I'm a small 60kg dude who just started training, and wanna bulk up 😂
I met Pavel at the Arnold yrs ago.....he refused to sell me a kettlebell until he spoke to the guy that instructed me in an RKC seminar back in Louisville ky!..... I had to wait until a week later back home to order my first 53lb bell.....i think Pavel just saw me as a wacky powerlifting..grappling guy!
Man I love what you're doing on your channel. These videos and interviews are awesome. And I greatly appreciate your appreciation for other styles and coaches. It's so nice to see someone that wants to learn from everyone. Would love to see you do one of these or an interview with Taco Fleur from Caveman training. Thanks and God bless.
Gregory I agree with you here and I appreciate the common sense approach. I'm an engineer and the physics of it all is about momentum and work. Momentum increases with heavier weight, and the force it generates that your body counter acts, is called Work. The work the kettlebell produces can never be more than the amount of force and friction at the only place your body is connected to the earth. (Your feet.) If it is..something has to give either your feet slip or your body breaks. BUT... you can achieve the SAME amount of WORK with a reasonable weight and more volume. (Much safer, no injuries) Reasonable weight, perfect technique, and just the right volume, is the time proven formula for success. Really appreciate the video. (Love practicing my Duetch on your channel)
Very insightful; thank you! It's great to have engineers and physicist comment on our channel because it's relatable and helps me/ us to learn more about how it affects us. I never liked physics in school; yet years later I'm becoming a fan of it since it has so much to do with how we - as humans - move weights through space. - Gregory
Force = mass x acceleration (above a certain weight, people's ability to accelerate the load will diminish, therefore force production actually drops - 30% bodyweight for most people, IIRC)
Dan John is great! I love everything about this except the discussion around “one bad swing” and the risk to your spine or discs. Those kinds of discussions are more likely to nocebo you than provide any benefit.
So are double clean and press the same on the spine if using heavier, say 24kg or 32kg, kettlebells? I know i do not go as far down or back with double C&P so is this the secret?
I don’t see a reason for me to swing above the 32kg. Overall, I think the 24kg probably feels the best to swing, but I do like going heavier sometimes, especially now that I feel like I’m really “owning” the 24kg (like Pavel talks about in S&S).
I swing heavy bells. I agree with what you are saying but gravity does not increase with heavier kettlebells, the force of gravity, (mass times the acceleration of gravity) increases. Gravity (g) is always 9.8 m/s^2. What is happening is the heavier the bell, the more momentum, and potential/kinetic energy it'll have. We can talk physics all day long, but it boils down to the heavier the bell, the more potential for something to go horribly wrong.
Thanks for explaining this! You're most definitely right and I got this explanation wrong. It's not gravity but the FORCE of gravity that's increasing. Fascinating! - Gregory
I've done 150lb hard-style swings as part of a workout, but it's for much lower reps, and done specifically for strength and power. But I'm doing it as an accessory movement for strongman competition. I wouldn't recommend that for the average gym goer.
Just an opinion of me. If I want to take the 32kg kettlebell for training. It takes a lot less space at home then a barbell. Then it makes sense to buy the 32kg or am I wrong? I know, a must be perfect. I just got a 18kg kettlebell and I'm looking for another 18kg for doubles. These 2 kettlebells would take a lot less space then barbell and weights. And I find It way much more appealing to do a swing with +30kg kettlebell then bench press 100kg. The 18kg is killing me and the bench press is somewhat easy
I don't think so Marcus; at one point it is even necessary because of gravity pulling you down even stronger with heavier weight. Check this out; maybe this can help and clarify things: ua-cam.com/video/llOiLtw5pTc/v-deo.html - Gregory
It depends on your fitness level. The 5 ladder down to 1 may be enough for some people. Titrate to your preference. I will be honest if you go ladder down and back up 5-1-5 with a kettlebell that tests you, you should be done. I do that with a 32kg and finish around 10 minutes mark and I am gassed.
Why not do a very heavy deadlift instead of heavy swings? Well, that is easy: What can you sell to the wife? A 48kg kettlebell occupying 30square centimeters in the corner of your living room, or a a barbell and 200kg of plates? With the 48kg kettlebell, I got away with some rolled eyes. I would not dare to try the barbell...
Dan is a beast. Look at some of his lifting numbers. He also has a double hip replacement. When he speaks about potential risks, I listen.
Gregory, the “plank” in a HS swing refers to the forward apex of the bell path when the knees are locked, hips are locked, tailbone is tucked under glute tension, core is maximally tensed, and shoulders are packed into the lats. I would say it is the defining characteristic of the HS swing.
Yes; I thought so as well! We'll dig deeper into the HS swing with Louka from Kettlebell Hardstyle Pro! Thanks for the input! - Gregory
@@lebe-stark Happy Trees is correct. The plank occurs at the top of the swing where you draw your kneecaps up, brace abs and tighten glutes.
Jon's point is do the opposite of what will come naturally to most -- relax at the top of the swing. Nope. Dial in your form and tense everything for best results.
"Tense everything" == "like plank."
Thanks for this. I follow both you and Dan John and learn from both of you. Keep up the good work.
I'm 77 i'm 1 month into kettlebells and love it! More to come...the force is with me!
I believe (having watched a few of Dan John's videos) that when he refers to the plank section of the swing, he is referring to the *top* of the swing, not the backswing..Torso is erect, arms outstretched, glutes & knees pulled tight - like you have when you are lying in a plank
Yes, this is correct. Also know as the “hollow body” position. It’s your push up, your plank, the top of your hard style swing, etc
Great video, great subject. I've really been on a Dan John binge the past two months. He seems like a great guy, and has lots of wisdom to share, even beyond kettlebells. His idea of medium intensity/aerobic work following an intense kettlebell workout (eg the weighted walking after the humane burpee) is really interesting, and I am going to try it out over the next month. The basic idea (although I'm guessing you know it since you follow him!) is that you make every workout last for one hour. You do your KB workout, then for the remainder of the hour you walk/cycle./run etc within the aerobic heartrate limit. So now whenever I finish a Lebe Stark workout, I will go immediately out for a ~20 minute bike ride.
Good stuff Cian! We're working on gettin Dan on our channel; it's in the making! - Gregory
old video but in one part you talk about how he brings the swing up to ab level and you like to bring it up to chest level, but i was thinking like, since he's so tall (like 6'2 or something), his ab level is probably the same height as a lot of people's chest level.
Awesome stuff Lebe. I “entered the kettlebell” circa 2006 and trained and certified under Anthony DiLuglio/Art of Strength who was a Pavel disciple. Maxwell and Cotter - dang. They were truly beasts. Simple & Sinister. Tremendous body of work. Dragon Door was the publishing lead. To this day my KB’s are my Happy Place. Great channel. Keep it going!
💙💙
One of the best coaches around imo
Thanks for the video. Waiting for the interview.
I have a 56KG kettlebell and I’ve worked up to 3 sets of 20. I get a unbelievable glute pump. I’m 210 lb. I don’t DL anymore as I’ve developed osteoarthritis in my subtalar joint in my right foot. I’ve taken a long time to get to this point though. Single arm I use 32kg. Double cleans 24kg. Etc. I think people that stick to this can go a lot heavier
I think this episode is my favorite of all your videos. Dan Jon is such a great coach.
Dan is full of wisdom we can all learn from brother! - Gregory
A Pace setter 💯💪🏽... Wonderful coach!
Dan is in great shape. I was confused when I saw this workout on it's own without context of him as a high level athlete who trains consistently.
How'd I miss this one? Glad it showed up in my recommendations. 👍🏼
Hope you enjoyed it! - Gregory
@@lebe-stark I did! Appreciate all the effort you put into your videos.
Gregory, thank you so much for mentioning my trainer Serghey Rudnev in your video. He also admires you when I told him that I watch your videos.
Thank you! It's about time I have to reach out to him! :) - Gregory
@@lebe-stark are you familiar with each other? He told that you met once when you attended his seminar in kettlebells.
Unfortunately not. I haven't met Serghey yet and haven't been to one of his seminars. But I follow him on IG; that's where I'll reach out! - Gregory
@@lebe-stark Gregory, I really admire your videos and devotion to the kettbels. Your command of kettlebwls is extremely professional and precise. And the way you teach them to your viewrs is intelligent and charismatic. I wish you had a great number of followrrs and students. As my trainer usually states that the kettlebel is top of the top of the pyramid of the iron world!
DJ is a legit' legend. He's also open to adopting new theories and techniques unlike some others (who drink a ton of milk..😝).
I think it was a DJ presentation that turned me on to the Functional Movement Screen - might have been a collaborative seminar with Gray Cook (my mind's not what it used to be).
It was pretty life changing for me, hit me back to normal functioning after 2 disc herniations and subsequent weight gain/inactivity.
I also "sold" DJs belief in the the 1/2 TGU as a great prehab/rehab move for throwers - my brother and friends are/were high level Handballers.
Have so much time for Dan's teaching, definitely someone I'd like to buy a beer 🍻
Excellent thanks mate from Australia
The humane burpee is a pretty awesome work out. I do it with a light weight to get my heart rate up and build endurance
eish. I wish I found this video a year ago! I was also having those foot cramps (+_12min) but had no idea why! was it my training, or my medical issues, or my diet? I was so paranoid at the time! great analysis. you and Dan are amongst my KB heroes:)
Waiting for Pavel Tsatsouline's interview!
Hi Lebe, really like your channel, thank you for all the great quality videos you put out👍
At around 10:55 Dan is talking about the "plank-hinge". I think you might have it backwards. The plank, as Dan has explained in another video is the position one should be in with legs straight, arms out in front, shoulders tight against the armpits... This is the same position as when you do a plank hold on the floor... But you're standing upright. The hinge would be when you are "hinged" at the waist with the kettlebell between your legs.
That's how I thought he was describing it.
Great channel, thanks again.
Hey Rob. That's the way I understood it as well; maybe I didn't use the right words in the video. Thanks for the input! - Gregory
Dan John is the real deal!! Humane burpees are too!!!💪💪
I know what he means about the feet! I work with KBs on the local beach most days. I make sure my footing is good but sand is never as firm as a gym floor or even a sprung wooden squash/badminton floor. After 30-40 mins my feet are aching! (Oh, and I'm 57; I guess 50 is the new 30, I know quite a few guys my age working out hard, Crossfit, rowing etc. Probably because we have been doing some sort of fitness training all our lives.)
Thanks for sharing Paul! - Gregory
The pull of gravity stays the same regardless of how heavy the kettlebell is.
But when you lift up 48 kg, above your head, there is stored alot of kinetic energy, in the kettlebell itself, due to the amount of energy it took to elevate it up to such a height.
When you then drop down this heavy kettlebell, the acceleration + mass makes it much heavier than 48kg, it's sorta like a multiplier.
This phenomena played a smaller role down at 24 kg, but when the weight of the kettlebell is increased the numbers quickly spiral out of control.
And that's why going past 24kg really starts demanding crazy technique.
I'm not even using 24 kg yet!! 😂
I'm actually two- handed swinging 12kg 😹 still trying to get the hip-hinge coordinated correctly, it's very difficult, my form is so bad that even 12kg will make my lower back sore, after just 10 swings..! 🤕
I'm a small 60kg dude who just started training, and wanna bulk up 😂
The acceleration of gravity stays the same. The force generated by the is the acceleration of gravity X the mass. That is what he is talking about.
I met Pavel at the Arnold yrs ago.....he refused to sell me a kettlebell until he spoke to the guy that instructed me in an RKC seminar back in Louisville ky!..... I had to wait until a week later back home to order my first 53lb bell.....i think Pavel just saw me as a wacky powerlifting..grappling guy!
Man I love what you're doing on your channel. These videos and interviews are awesome. And I greatly appreciate your appreciation for other styles and coaches. It's so nice to see someone that wants to learn from everyone. Would love to see you do one of these or an interview with Taco Fleur from Caveman training. Thanks and God bless.
I appreciate that! We're currently working with Dan John to get him on the channel! - Gregory
Gregory I agree with you here and I appreciate the common sense approach. I'm an engineer and the physics of it all is about momentum and work.
Momentum increases with heavier weight, and the force it generates that your body counter acts, is called Work. The work the kettlebell produces can never be more than the amount of force and friction at the only place your body is connected to the earth. (Your feet.) If it is..something has to give either your feet slip or your body breaks.
BUT... you can achieve the SAME amount of WORK with a reasonable weight and more volume. (Much safer, no injuries)
Reasonable weight, perfect technique, and just the right volume, is the time proven formula for success.
Really appreciate the video.
(Love practicing my Duetch on your channel)
Very insightful; thank you! It's great to have engineers and physicist comment on our channel because it's relatable and helps me/ us to learn more about how it affects us. I never liked physics in school; yet years later I'm becoming a fan of it since it has so much to do with how we - as humans - move weights through space. - Gregory
Humane Burpee workout is perfect when your short on time and need to get in a workout.💪🏻
Force = mass x acceleration
(above a certain weight, people's ability to accelerate the load will diminish, therefore force production actually drops - 30% bodyweight for most people, IIRC)
... but the downward force of the bell continues to increase.
Dan John is great! I love everything about this except the discussion around “one bad swing” and the risk to your spine or discs. Those kinds of discussions are more likely to nocebo you than provide any benefit.
Ima 60 yr old guy & I’ll stick with my 2 16ks, 2 18k, 1 20k & 1 24k. Not going any higher. 2HS on the 24k and DBL’s on the 16s & 18s.
So are double clean and press the same on the spine if using heavier, say 24kg or 32kg, kettlebells? I know i do not go as far down or back with double C&P so is this the secret?
double swing with 20kg, totally feel what you said, but don't know if there is a diferent with single 40kg and 20 double swing.
There is a difference from a biomechanical perspective. - Gregory
Hope you can have a face to face interview with him some day.
It's in the making! :) - Gregory
I don’t see a reason for me to swing above the 32kg. Overall, I think the 24kg probably feels the best to swing, but I do like going heavier sometimes, especially now that I feel like I’m really “owning” the 24kg (like Pavel talks about in S&S).
I swing heavy bells. I agree with what you are saying but gravity does not increase with heavier kettlebells, the force of gravity, (mass times the acceleration of gravity) increases. Gravity (g) is always 9.8 m/s^2. What is happening is the heavier the bell, the more momentum, and potential/kinetic energy it'll have. We can talk physics all day long, but it boils down to the heavier the bell, the more potential for something to go horribly wrong.
Thanks for explaining this! You're most definitely right and I got this explanation wrong. It's not gravity but the FORCE of gravity that's increasing. Fascinating! - Gregory
I've done 150lb hard-style swings as part of a workout, but it's for much lower reps, and done specifically for strength and power. But I'm doing it as an accessory movement for strongman competition. I wouldn't recommend that for the average gym goer.
Just an opinion of me. If I want to take the 32kg kettlebell for training. It takes a lot less space at home then a barbell. Then it makes sense to buy the 32kg or am I wrong? I know, a must be perfect. I just got a 18kg kettlebell and I'm looking for another 18kg for doubles. These 2 kettlebells would take a lot less space then barbell and weights. And I find It way much more appealing to do a swing with +30kg kettlebell then bench press 100kg. The 18kg is killing me and the bench press is somewhat easy
Thanks for sharing Gerpol! - Gregory
whenever you talk about kettlebells weight, are you talking in lbs or kg? lbs or kg?
KG
Thanks a lot.
Most welcome! - Gregory
Is there a problem with going heavy and bending at the knee?
I don't think so Marcus; at one point it is even necessary because of gravity pulling you down even stronger with heavier weight. Check this out; maybe this can help and clarify things: ua-cam.com/video/llOiLtw5pTc/v-deo.html - Gregory
How many rounds of the Humane Burpee (10 to 1 ) should you do for a complete workout ?
It depends on your fitness level. The 5 ladder down to 1 may be enough for some people. Titrate to your preference. I will be honest if you go ladder down and back up 5-1-5 with a kettlebell that tests you, you should be done. I do that with a 32kg and finish around 10 minutes mark and I am gassed.
@@longtoe Thanks
Why not do a very heavy deadlift instead of heavy swings? Well, that is easy: What can you sell to the wife? A 48kg kettlebell occupying 30square centimeters in the corner of your living room, or a a barbell and 200kg of plates? With the 48kg kettlebell, I got away with some rolled eyes. I would not dare to try the barbell...
You need permission from your wife to lift weights and get strong? SMH.
Plus he is wearing some kind of sneaker. I only train in flat shoes. Shaolin shoes or wrestling shoes or barefoot
PADAWANS UNITE!!
Dan has had hip surgery recently so his form shouldn't be judged.
Form is a myth brother; we all move differently. Injuries/ surgeries have nothing to do with skill. - Gregory
@@lebe-stark exactly!