Starting out in GS

[juggler1]

I am after some general tips and advice because I want to give GS style of lifting / training a go. I have used KB's as part of my general fitness training for about 3-4 years so I have a good grasp of technique & the various lifts. So my question is.... where would I start out? What lifts? What time periods would I start out with? Days per week? I know there will be lots to tell but if someone has 2 minutes to give me a basic starting point to get me going I would really appreciate it! Thanks

[Emily]

Hello,

my advice:

1. get your GS technique spot on to start with. In all likelihood, given the scarcity of good GS trainers, in this country that will mean videoing yourself and posting for expert advice from people like Paul Tucker. Study all the footage you can of the great lifters, like Vasily Ginko, Fedor Fuglev, Valery Fedorenko, Ivan Denisov etc.

2. Definitely get a copy of Paul's Guide to Navigating GS Downunder from here: http://taskettlebellers.tripod.com/girevoysportaustralia/id34.html It will give you some ideas for programming too.

3. Get your conditioning up. Things like Oleg's circuit (see the training section of the forum) are great for it. And simple stuff like working with the bell for 30 - 45 mins, 45 secs work/15 sec rest per hand using exercises like swings, cleans, jerks, snatches, rack lunges, rack squats, high pulls etc. And pinch ideas from other people's training logs ;) Also, check out the conditioning circuits Jamie posted in the training section.

4. If you haven't got pro-grade bells, get them - big difference between training with them and training with the classics especially when it comes to GS stuff.

5. Don't overdo it, be especially careful of overtraining your grip and tearing your hands up.

They're just some tips to start with.

Good luck with it!

Emily

[kbellguy]

Hi
As Emily mentioned
The two most useful resources I have and use are Pauls book, and I could not recomend enought the DVD set " All secrets out" by Dmitri Sataev

http://www.usgsf.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=7&zenid=93043d7bb340fa929ad198a5dbfe96c7

they are great, they are a two dvd set which covers all aspects of long cycle. jerk and snatch and all of the conditioning exercises for girevoy sport. There is even a CMS qualification at the end with long cycle in which you can test your self and try to keep up. I think they are a must have, as they are the only DVD girevoy set I have found available. He has great technique and a very clear and concise method of training and teaching, well worth it.

Cheers
Mat