Angie's Corner

Posts in the kettlebell category

Turkish Get-Up

by Angie Miller

Mastering the Turkish Get-Up!

Grab a kettlebell for this Turkish Get-Up!

There are few training tools in the fitness mainstream that pique interest and create more discussion than the kettlebell. For some, an intimidating ball of iron, for others a versatile piece of equipment that with proper training can transform your body. While kettlebell swings, cleans, jerks, and snatches offer unique challenges in terms of proper skill and execution, the Turkish Get-Up (TGU) is, without a doubt, one of the more complicated lifts to master. The TGU, however, is unique in that it has multiple parts that can be practiced as stand alone exercises, then put together for safe, seamless execution.

Why a Turkish Get-Up?

The TGU is a complex, integrated exercise that improves flexibility, joint mobility, and overall body strength. It also helps strengthen and stabilize the core, while also improving balance and coordination. Along with being a great lift, the TGU can also be used as an assessment tool to spotlight areas of the body that may be tight, such as the hips, or areas that may need strengthening, such as the shoulders. Overall movement quality can also be assessed with this total body exercise.

Safety Tip:

Whether you’re using the TGU as an assessment tool or you’re in the beginning stages of learning or teaching it, it’s good to practice without load, or a very light object like a shoe. With the many moving parts and coordination required for the TGU, it can be challenging enough using just body weight without adding in the additional control needed for a loaded movement. The goal is to focus on quality of movement over load or quantity.

How to Perform the Turkish Get-Up    

(View all the moves of the Turkish Get-Up )

Set Up:

  1. Lie supine on the floor. Bend your knees, roll to your right side, and grab the handle of the kettlebell.
  1. Roll onto your back and press the kettlebell straight up overhead toward the ceiling with your right arm. Extend your left leg out to the side (about a 45-degree angle for a wide base of support), and your left arm at a similar angle, palm down on the floor. This is your start position for the get up.

Tip: Remember that if the right arm has the kettlebell, your right knee is bent. Keep your right foot planted firmly into the floor. Lock the elbow of your right arm and push your shoulder down to pack it into place.

Executing the Lift:

  1. Actively lift and roll your hip to the side as you punch and drive your right hand up, coming up onto your left forearm.

Tip: Lengthen through your spine. Fully extend your right arm, lock your elbow, and pack your shoulder down. Maintain space between your shoulder and your head and avoid collapsing or sinking into your shoulders. Keep your eye on the kettlebell.

  1. Keep punching your right hand through and come up onto the palm of your left hand. You’re almost in a seated position here.
  1. Now lift your hips off the floor into a strong semi- bridge position, pressing into your right foot and left arm. Your left leg remains locked out and fully extended.

Tip: Be careful not to hyperextend through your lower back. Engage your anterior core and keep your center strong throughout each part of the get up.

  1. Bring your left leg back, threading it under your body, and placing your left knee on the ground.

Tip: Angle the left knee back so you can turn your hips up and stack them. Keep your eye on the kettlebell overhead.

  1. Now press into your left arm and corkscrew your body into a half kneeling position, squaring your hips and shoulders to the front, keeping the kettlebell extended overhead in your right arm.

Tip: Be sure to windshield wipe the left knee (you’re no longer going to angle it) so both legs are at a 90-degree angle. To assist in getting into the half kneeling position, slightly hinge your hips and shift your weight back toward your heel so it will be easier to take your left hand off the floor.

  1. Looking straight ahead, press off the ball of your right foot and come up into a standing position.

Turkish Get Down:  

(View the moves to get down )

The start position for a get down is the ending position for the get up. To get down, simply reverse the order. Be sure to practice on both sides.

- Angie

Angie Miller, M.S., is a fitness educator, university instructor, and Licensed Professional Counselor who blends her skills and expertise to empower individuals, mentally and physically, and provide them the tools they need to succeed. A veteran group exercise instructor and personal trainer, Angie is the star of acclaimed exercise DVD’s, including the Bedroom Body™ workout. Her passion for progressive education brought her to Northern Illinois University, where she teaches in the Dept. of Kinesiology & Physical Education. Outside of the university, she presents at fitness conventions worldwide and leads industry trainings as an AFAA Certification Specialist and Kettlebell Concepts Master Instructor. Angie writes for fitness journals and digital communities, and blogs for Collage Video. Connect with Angie at: http://www.angiemillerfitness.com

 

By Collage Video | | Angie Miller, kettlebell, tips, Weekly Blog, Wellness | 0 comments | Read more

Why Everyone Should Swing...

by Angie Miller

Angie Miller

…a kettlebell of course.

 

When it comes to time efficient workouts that deliver results, kettlebells can’t be beat. Kettlebells are a great cardiovascular and strength training workout that target your core and improve your balance and flexibility. They’re one of the most versatile, effective training tools for all over body conditioning.

How is kettlebell training different from regular strength training?

In kettlebell training you don’t isolate specific muscles. Instead you concentrate on movement patterns that incorporate the whole body. These types of movement patterns recruit more muscles and help you burn calories more efficiently. They’re functional, so they transfer to real life. Think about: removing luggage from a moving carousel, a dog pulling on a leash, holding the hand of a running child, and swinging grocery bags.

Another unique feature of the kettlebell is that the weight is offset from the handle, so it fluctuates throughout movement. This creates momentum, and it requires the stabilizing muscles of the core to control the momentum and manage the bell throughout the movement. This strengthens the entire torso, and it’s why kettlebells help us redistribute our weight and lose inches around our middle.

How safe is Kettlebell Training?
Kettlebell training, with proper instruction, is a safe, multifaceted way to train your entire body. In my Kettlebell Bootcamp DVD, I include a tutorial that breaks down some of the more common kettlebell exercises. Remember that practice is the mother of skill. With practice, we can improve our form and technique, as well as the overall condition of our body.

Order Angie's Kettlebell Bootcamp Here:


Q - What is one the most essential kettlebell exercises?
A - I love Double Arm Swings! Here’s a brief tutorial:

Double Arm Swings- With this exercise, you will send your hips back, load them up, and explode forward.  Begin by sitting back with the hips, knees slightly bent, chest open, and shoulders down and back.  The weight is in your heels, rooted to the ground. Swing the kettlebell back between the legs, snap your hips, and stand up tall, squeezing your glutes and extending your legs. Don’t try to lift the bell with your arms.  All the power comes from your hips. Breathing is important here. Take a deep inhale in through the nose on the way down, and forcefully exhale as the kettlebell comes up. You should not feel any pain in your lower back. If you do, check your form, and remember your breathing. 

Best in Health

Check back next week for more fitness tips and information, and feel free to reach out with any questions.

 

 

 

~Angie

Angie Miller is the star and creator of the Bedroom Body™ Workout and other top selling exercise DVD’s. Passionate about fitness and education, Angie teaches at Northern Illinois University and is a Certification Specialist for the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She is a freelance writer, group fitness instructor, personal trainer, and proud mom. Learn more about Angie at: http://www.angiemillerfitness.com

 

By Collage Video | | Angie Miller, fitness, kettlebell, tips, Weekly Blog | 0 comments | Read more

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