Requiem for Kettlebell Class

I have been out of sorts and crabby as hell. I've probably dropped more curse words in the last couple days than I did during 2013.

Took myself to Gloria's p.m. class and Mike asked for a post-shoveling yoga class. More please.

It was an amazing class and I realized, again, that I have an affinity for gentle yoga. I kept thinking in interjections.

Un hunh...

Um... 

Toward the end of class, the music stopped. The flutey, bell-ringing music was nice but I thoroughly enjoyed the silence.

Wednesday is usually kettlebell day but I will not be going to kettlebell class anymore.

Marisa sent an email with new policies (use it in four weeks or lose it) and a price raise. Her prices were already right at my comfort zone. The increase, though small, made me realize how much money I had spent in addition to my expenses for other activities and memberships. If I did kettlebell more than once a week, the price structure would make more sense but since I don't...

It's hard to say goodbye. I liked Marisa the first day that I met her and I'll miss my fellow swingers: Crazy Lats, Julia, Paige and Princess T.

There's a part of me that thinks that if I am left to my own devices, I'm going to drop the ball and screw up and become lackadaisical but it's always been up to me --whether I'm at the pool or on my bicycle; it's on me to be responsible for my fitness.

Now, I just need to retrieve my kettlebell.

Don't Say No

During a kettlebell session, Marisa asked Jessica a.k.a. Crazy Lats to do something. Marisa prefaced her request by saying Don't say no.

Princess Tiffany piped in to tell Crazy Lats that You do say I can't a lot...

Gloria showed us how to do a headstand this morning.

I didn't even try. I immediately thought there's too much of me to get up there.

On the way home, saw a personalized plate that said Do Yoga. Done, I thought to myself.

Got home, played slug and started thinking about headstand. My core is strong. Why can't I do a headstand?

I looked on YouTube and got on my mat. My feet smarted after a couple of attempts and, then, surprise -- I flipped over -- foot hit a corner of a sewing table and a picture fell down. Never saw it coming and didn't get hurt. Good thing that I was relaxed.

It never occurred to me that I might flip over; otherwise, I would not have been so close to the sewing table.

I felt completely lethargic before I flipped over and totally energetic afterward.

Obviously, I had too much momentum during my attempt and not enough control but I'm looking forward to working on headstand.

Something I Would Never Ask Marisa

Went looking for pants and brown shoes and, of course, I ended up in the active wear section.

When I saw this Nike shirt, I knew that it was a question that I would never pose to Marisa.

Went to select a kettlebell but Marisa said that there was no need. She had everything ready for our pyramid workout.

Pull-Up (On Bar or TRX), 10 x's
Heavy Swing, 10 x's
Alternating V Sit-up with 8 lb Medicine Ball, 10 (each leg)
Squat Jump, 10
Bulgarian Bag Swings, 10 (each direction)
Snatch, 10 (per arm)
Squat, 10
Push-up, 10
Plank (knee to elbow), 10

***

Pull-Up (On Bar or TRX), 9 x's
Heavy Swing, 9 x's
Alternating V Sit-up with 8 lb Medicine Ball, 9 (each leg)
Squat Jump, 9
Bulgarian Bag Swings, 9 (each direction)
Snatch, 9 (per arm)
Squat, 9
Push-up, 9
Plank (knee to elbow), 9

Well, you get the picture. We made it to the four rep point precisely when class was slated to end.

During the workout, I put my mat down for the push-up station and Julia asked me if it was okay if she used my mat. I told her yes and she said I'm thankful for Andrea.

Later on Julia told me that she was going to need a sip of water at some point. It was a workout that I felt invigorated by so I kind of bulldozed through it. I think that when I'm faced when this kind of workout, there is part of me that doesn't want to stop because I don't know if I'll be able to resume the workout.

I kept glancing at Marisa's whiteboard but didn't really study it so Julia caught me off guard when I heard something that sounded like ass to grass (squats). Marisa thought I might be offended but Julia straightened her out -- She's not offended. Julia was on a roll tonight.

After kettlebell, I soaked for a bit and caught up on magazines that have been accumulating in a wicker basket. I read a short article (Health, October 2013) called Sports Bras Don't Have to Hurt. What caught my attention is LaJean Lawson's credential. She's a leading expert on breast motion. Didn't know there was such a field.

Yes, 38 Of Them

The B-day Girl Demoing the B-Bag for a Newbie

It's Marisa's birthday but she wanted to give us a gift.

38

Marisa wasn't sure if she had divided everything up properly but I told her Don't worry. Tiffany is going to take care of any discrepancies or logistics when she arrives.

Jumping Jacks, 38
Two-Hand Swings, 38
Push-ups, 38
Goblet Squats...
Presses, 38
V Sit-ups (Alternating with Med Ball)
Mountain Climbers
Tactical Lunges
Snatches (19 L, 19 R)

Did I mention that I'm digging the kettlebell snatches? They wear me out but I feel powerful when I do them.

After the first circuit, we all reported to a station.

Slam Ball (30 lbs)
Bulgarian Bag, (19 -- each direction)
Battle Ropes, 38
Military-style Push-ups
Step-ups
Triceps Extension on TRX

It was kind of a cool workout because we did it together and counted off reps. Julia told me, in so many words, to slow my roll when I counted of presses and I wanted Tiffany to slow down during tactical lunges. It's cool that we're strong in different areas.

The last official task of the workout was burpees. Yes, 38 of them.

Paige and Jessica Rabbit a. k. a. Crazy Lats and Bowls were clowning. I did a modified version of burpees like I usually do. At some point, I asked Paige where she was at in the count and knew that I was going to stop when she did. I give mad props to Julia who's been working on burpees. It took her a while but she did 38...

Marisa said that she got the sweetest greeting from her brother who said that she looks younger than she did five years ago and that, surely, working out is contributing to her youthful countenance.

Guess what Marisa bought herself? An orange 70 pound kettlebell. I'm sure that it will be featured in a future workout.

What Marisa Had In Store

Went to the pool with  no new equipment to address the whole can't-breathe-at-night-after-swimming issue.

Can't you just swim žènskī-style?, Borat a.k.a. Hazira wanted to know.  

Zenski (a.k.a. pertaining to a woman) -- that's how some Bosnians refer to swimming with the head above the water with a breaststroke-like kick.

Talked to the lifeguard and no one else has mentioned the inability to breathe. She also said that they keep the chlorine at the low end of what is required and that the only people she's heard of who've had problems have been kids with asthma.

Chatty Kathleen told me that it doesn't matter if your head is below or above the water. Pool house gases are pool house gases. Kathleen also recommended eucalyptus oil dropped in hot water and a towel to cover the face over said infused water. Vicks. A neti pot.

The congestion lasted longer this time so I'm just going to give the pool a break. I imagine that the reaction that I'm having is akin to a food allergy -- the reaction becomes worse the more you expose yourself to the allergen...

I had kettlebell on the brain very early in the day. A sleepless night before meeting Marisa is not the ideal situation. 

I once told Gloria that I was scared to nap since I'm such a night owl. You need savasana, she said. And that's what I did today. I grabbed my eye pillow and, of course, savasana turned into a power nap. I wanted to finish out the nap but I got up, ate a little then headed out the door.

What Marisa had in store:

Right, 20 Reps:

One-hand Swing
Clean and Press
Squat
High Pull
Snatch
Burpees

Left, 20 Reps:

One-hand Swing
Clean and Press
Squat
High Pull
Snatch
Burpees

Jessica Rabbit a.k.a. Crazy Lats and Bowls and I were both experiencing hand fatigue and my left arm in the biceps area was not feeling very nice either but we all moved on to the next phase with two kettlebells.

2kb series...Five Rounds:

Swing
Clean and Press
...
...
1/2 Snatch

We finished up with planks then the whippersnappers worked on pull-ups.

Marisa says that, for her birthday, she has a special workout in mind. I really don't know if I want to be present for that birthday bash.

The Usual Pace

Struggled with breathing last night which marked the second taking of my breath by the pool which was so cold. I stood in the water for 20 minutes before I got up the nerve to put my head under the water. Usually, after I submerge, my body quickly adjusts but not this time. When I yawned, Kathleen joked that sleepiness is a sign of hypothermia.

Hardly being able to breathe gave me a whole new appreciation for, well, uncomplicated breathing...

Took a rare short nap after work then got ready for kettlebell.

Marisa's kids were really cute. They enthusiastically greeted all of the kettlebellers and told us to enjoy our workouts. They've been pretty shy up until this point but Marisa said that they are working on their social skills...

Things I cannot stand to see on the whiteboard -- 50 triceps dips. My triceps are muscle-y enough, thanks. We also did step-ups, elevated push-ups (not me), burpees, lunges, regular push-ups etc.

For swings we did halos, hand-to-hand, two-hand, snatches, cleans and presses, deadlifts, around the body with a catch and squats.

As we left, Marisa's son was still around and he had the same question for all of us -- Did you enjoy your workout?

I said Yes but....

On Saturday, Jessica tried to get me to climb on Sunday. I told her that I wasn't even sure if I liked climbing anymore then she went on some funny spiel about reveling in the hate. I scurried* up a route and when I came down, Jessica said That didn't look like hate...


*My usual pace because if I pause who knows if I'll make it to the top...

On My List

Took a warm, deep space stretch yoga class at the studio that I'm trying out. At one point, we had a leg extended -- foot flexed stretching the quad then we moved that leg over, rested on the edge of the foot while holding onto blocks placed at the side of the body; mmmm, the mother of all stretches for the IT Band. It was an intense class but yummy. I enjoyed the heat. Plus, some maneuver helped to ease my ongoing knee tweak. And, oh yeah, gotta get me one of those green balls to roll out muscle knots.

Probably should have saved the deep stretch class for today. Went to kettlebell after taking off last week for birthday festivities. Marisa didn't name the workout but it should have been called The Filthy Fifty.

50 Two-Hand Swings
50 Push-Ups
50 Snatches
50 Triceps Dips
50 Mountain Climbers
50 Clean and Presses
50 Hand-to-Hand Swings
40 "V" Sit-Ups
40 Around the Body with a Catch
40 Alternating Lunges etc. etc. etc.

I think triceps dips are on my list, right behind burpees, of things that make me wince. After the dips, I was dragging and didn't feel like I had it in me but when I saw Princess Tiffany, Julia and Jessica Rabbit gutting it out, I didn't dream of stopping which is why I keep going to kettlebell class. I need instructor and peer pressure at least once a week.

What Are You Saving Your Energy For?

Walked into the workout area and Julia, with a spirited look, nodded toward the newbie who was in "my" spot. I feigned revenge.

My magic spot opened up and I was glad because I like the energy there...

Marisa was in an interesting mood -- in the way that she guided us through class and her thinking out loud about the need to set fitness goals for herself... Our workout was interesting as well but I felt like we didn't swing a lot.

The workout, in part:

Russian Step-ups, 60 seconds

Hand-to-Hand Swing, 60 secs

Russian Step-ups

Halo, Squat, Triceps Extension

Russian Step-ups

Figure Eight with Catch and Lunge

Step Up, Step Down (i.e. Russian Step-ups)

Snatch

Step Up...

Cleans....

At some point, Julia said I'm so over these step-ups...but she dug deep especially after Marisa asked What are you saving your energy for?

Jessica Rabbit (for her speed with doing triceps dips etc.) is now doing strict pull-ups. We all oohed and ahhed over her lats and arms. Well, Marisa does most of the ahhhing over Jessica's arms which made me mock ooh and ahh over many things that Jessica did which made her laugh and it's pretty easy to make her laugh. She cackled like crazy over my Cirque du Soleil maneuver with a medicine ball.


I sabotaged myself though because it's hard to laugh and swing a kettlebell at the same time.

Ball Slamming and Whatnot

Went climbing yesterday and there's that part of me that wants to be sorrowful that my climbing is not what it used to be then Patti pops into my head. What are your climbing goals? Do you want to be active? Do you want to have fun? Check, Patti, check...

Also, even though I get the occasional resistance while climbing, my tweaked knee feels better after tackling the walls. Go figure.

You know how you just click with some people? Fellow kettlebeller, Julia, is one of those folks that I click with and we both think about napping before kettlebell. Analysis anyone?

Marisa was more than ready for us and had stations set up.

Today's workout -- for one minute of action and 30 seconds of rest:

Station 1........Squat with two kettlebells (or one heavier kb)
Station 2........Push-ups
Station 3........Alternating V Leg Sit-up with Bulgarian Bag
Station 4........Roll Out with Ab Wheel
Station 5........Burpees
Station 6........Triceps Dips
Station 7........Heavy Swing (35 or 45 lbs)

During the first round, I went with 45 pounds because Princess Scientist Warrior Tiffany went in front of me and I didn't want to let her down but I didn't have the stamina to swing 45 after the first round.

Station 8........Slam Ball (20 lbs).

Marisa said that she can always tell when I'm slamming the ball by all the noise that I'm making. I love ball slamming -- especially by hump day.

After three rounds of squatting and whatnot, the other women worked on pull-ups but I declined, stretched and resisted the urge to nap in front of the industrial fan.

You'll Feel It Tomorrow

The feeling is starting to return to my arms. It's a burning feeling but feeling nonetheless...

After the warm-up, Marisa pointed towards the whiteboard and said that the workout was self-explanatory - pretty simple or something like that. And the words were pretty clear-cut.

50.....................Swings, squats, push-ups
40
30
20
10

Chip did require clarification but I saw the glint in Marisa's eyes and knew what she was up to.

50 swings
50 squats
50 push-ups

40 swings
40 squats
40 push-ups. etc. etc.

Since Tiffany, "A-Rod" and Megan were the pacesetters, as usual, I never made it to 10 but 120 two-hand swings were enough for me.

Next up was the kettlebell clean and press.

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

Marisa told the newbie that she was going to feel it in her shoulders tomorrow.

Newbie: I'll feel it tomorrow? How about now?

I got in 98 cleans and presses before the pacesetting crew finished the set.

Next, we hit the floor for side planks with a reach. Rocking side planks. Static planks. Planksplanksplanks... Russian twists...

Marisa was tickled that she saw one picture of the yoga event at Busch Stadium and I was it. She wanted to show me the picture that had been shared on Facebook but I had seen it and didn't need to see it again.  It's a picture that I wish didn't exist because I can see the weight that I've gained but as I told Hazira today -- it's not the end of the world. I just need to batten down the hatches and reassess my food intake.

Marisa also asked me why I practiced yoga but she pretty much knew that it was for mind and body. I also told her that yoga felt particularly good the day after kettlebell practice...

Cindy emailed me a link to the video below. I forgot how beautiful kettlebells can look in the hands of an experienced swinger.

The Other Foot

Marisa's kettlebell classes are getting more and more CrossFit-ty and, before that, they morphed into something more scientific-y.

This approach actually worked in my favor for once because my shoulder and pectoral areas are tender. I did backstroke movements and did a push-up before deciding to go to class and those felt okay but if I move my arm to an upright position, I get yucky feedback. I knew that the cleans and one-hand swings might be interesting but we actually did very little swinging tonight. We did stations for 40 seconds and paused for 20.

Stations included but not limited to:

Slam Ball
Triceps Curls on the TRX
Triceps Dips
Butt Kickers
Kettlebell Row
Agility Ladder
Double Kb Clean
Double Kb Squat
Russian Twist
Plank
Kicks, Boxing Bag
Jumping Jacks
Around the Body with a Lunge
Halo with Squat, Curl, Triceps Extension
Tactical Lunge
Speed Skater

I was able to do most stations but I definitely had to modify on the double cleans because I couldn't handle the load with one side of my upper body tweaked.

When I got to the agility ladder, I was fine hopping on my grounded right foot but, on the return trip, I couldn't move for what seemed like a very long time. My brain was not getting the message to hop on the other foot.

The Six-Letter Word

Ninety five degrees today but 82 tomorrow. It was the perfect time to hit the pool but, no, I just had to go to kettlebell practice. When Chip said I hope this workout is not for us, I was sure that the list on the whiteboard was meant for Marisa's other clients but I was wrong. My first line of defense is usually denial in case you're wondering...

Modified Circuit:

10 Inchworms with Push-up (Instead of Burpees)
25 Two-Hand Swings
9 Inchworms..
30 Two-Hand Swings
8 Inchworms...
35 Two-Hand Swings
7 Inchworms...
40 Two-Hand Swings
6 Inchworms...
45 Two-Hand Swings
5 Inchworms...
50 Two-Hand Swings

I absolutely do not care how long it took me to finish but Marisa kept track. It took me 17 minutes to inch my way through that circuit. Erin and Princess Tiffany came late and still finished before me and they didn't modify which meant that they started out with 30 burpees. Julia did a semi-modified workout and had to leave early because she got nauseous.

I swung with a 12 kg kettlebell then switched back to a 10 kg when we did a minute of cleans and presses, snatches, etc.

As I looked at those burpees on the whiteboard, I thought about the pool and wondered about my decision-making skills.

Bang...You're Working Out

My nightmare was at the top of the list again but, this time, Marisa had already written in the modifications because, you know, you can always modify when you need to...

50 Burpees (or 25 inchworms)
50 Push-ups
25 (right) /25 (left) Squat Press
25/25 Snatch (or Clean)
30 Around the Body with a Catch and Lunge

50 Triceps Dips
25/25 Rows
50 Knee-Hug Sit-Ups
50 Jacks

Barb, Julia & Jessica Pump Out the Rows While I Catch My Breath

I tried not to be a sourpuss but seeing 50 burpees dampened my spirits, for sure. Although, an enthusiastic Marisa said that when you see 50 burpees at the top of the list it's like Bang, you're working out...

The Around the Body was supposed to be Russian Step-ups but we had a sizable group and a chair deficit. We still could have done them because everyone finished reps at different times. I didn't even do the jumping jacks because the group was ready to move on.

After the jacks, we went on to do swings -- two-hand, hand-to-hand plus squat-curl-press-triceps extension, figure eights etc. then we got down on the floor and did floor presses, windshield wipers yadda yadda yadda and I did not yadda over the best part.

I barely spoke through the whole situation because instead of Bang, you're working out, it was more like Bang, bang, my baby shot me down...

I went at my own pace but I also need to remember that kettlebell practice is like yoga practice or any practice -- not everyone can do headstands or is super bendy and not everyone can do burpees as if they have a jet pack underneath them or springs attached to their feet... 

When You're Wrapped Around A Ball

It's swinging day and the workout went along these lines:

Two-Hand Swing, 30 seconds

Clean and Squat, 30 seconds (right arm)
Clean and Squat, 30 seconds (left)

Row, 30 secs (r)
Row...

Clean...Squat...Press...Snatch...Rack...Press (60 secs)

Two-hand swing...

Next up, reps:

15 V-Ups or Knee-Hug Sit-Ups
30 Two-Hand Swings
20 Cleans
50 Mountain Climbers (25 Per Leg)
20 Rows (L & R)
25 Push-Ups
10 Around the Body with a Catch and Lunge

Clean...Squat...Press...Triceps Dip...(60 secs)

The 20 kettlebell cleans totally owned me...

For more ab work, we grabbed a medicine ball and did windshield wipers and crunches. I asked Chip if he felt the burn. Burned out, he replied.

In the middle of the workout, Marisa told us that newbie, Paige, had done over 100 push-ups the other day. I mouthed Who cares? and Marisa ratted me out. I care, she said. I do need to be more careful. I don't know Paige and I shouldn't joke with someone the first time that I make their acquaintance...

Went home and popped Stretch Max into the DVD. Did stretch routine two with the fitness ball. The music is so relaxing. A lot of the moves reminded me of yoga moves -- with support. I encountered bridge, child's pose, up and downward-facing dog and a floor spine twist. The ball just made every stretch phenomenal. Oh my God, baddha konasana a.k.a. butterfly pose was amazing. I also enjoyed the arm, glute and hamstring stretches and the one where you yawn your whole body out over the ball -- another move that we do in yoga but feels even better when you're wrapped around a ball. This stretch session was such a treat. Gingerzingi, thanks for turning me on to Stretch Max.

If There's A Kettlebell Static Hold Contest

Went to kettlebell practice despite not feeling 100% but I would have felt worse had I not gone. Marisa's menu today:

One Arm Swing, L & R
Snatch, L & R (Around the Body with a Catch and Lunge, modification)
Clean and Press, L & R
Overhead Static Hold, L & R
Two-Hand Swing
A to Grass (i.e. Squats) with Kettlebell, 10 x's
Tactical Lunge
Push-Up

Repeat...

We did each maneuver for one minute. I made it through the first round okay but staggered through the second one. I must say, though, I can hold a kettlebell in the upright position for a very long time. If there's a  Kettlebell Overhead Static Hold contest, put your money on me.

Because of recent incidents, we talked about personal safety. Barb had a good point. She suggested parking so that you don't have to back out. Chip said that, if in danger, he would not hesitate to hit other cars to get away. I reminded everyone that fire stations are usually occupied...

Barb talked about her recent trip to California. Everyone in Cali is in such good shape. I think this talk of Cali people made us swing our 'bells a little longer and lunge a little deeper.

Speaking of safety, Marisa reminded us that if we could not maintain good form to cease and desist with the reps...

The Pacesetters

Barb -- Pumping Out The Rows

I looked at the whiteboard then looked away because I hoped that the workout was for a private client of Marisa's.

We warmed up with jumping jacks, mountain climbers, butt kickers and plank jacks and I assured Marisa that I was all warmed up.

The workout was not for a private client but for our group. Our mission, should we manage not to pass out, was to do:

50 Burpees
50 Push-Ups
25 Squat/Presses, Right Arm
25 Squat/Presses, Left
25 Rows, R & L
50 Knee Hug Sit-Ups
Plank (50 Seconds)
50 Jumping Jacks
10 Dive Bomber Push-Ups
10 Side Plank Hip Dip/Raises, R & L

Before and after this series we did simple kettlebell swings. For burpees, I ended up modifying and doing inchworms. Erin and Julia set the pace and we pretty much went to the next exercise when they finished. When I reached 25 knee hug sit-ups, Marisa looked my way as I was forming a word then asked Were you just getting ready to say fourteen?

Finishing

Texted Marisa to let her know that I would not be attending kettlebell class on Wednesday and would see her Saturday.

Marisa: (Princess) Tiffany has xyz and Liz has and Meghan...you might be the only one.

Me: I don't want you to give up Saturday for me. I'll catch you Wednesday.

Marisa: Come to class! It's what I do!

Me: A silent damn...

I never want one-on-one kettlebell practice with Marisa who is first-class but...

I barely get myself together in time and remind myself that I am not a morning person and that's okay. When I get to Marisa's, Julia is there. I don't remember her but she used to swing at the place that closed, feels like a badass when she practices kettlebell and has lost 60 pounds.

We start off doing jumping jacks then we pick up our kettlebell for 10 two-hand swings. We do mountain climbers then get up and do 10 right hand swings then 10 burpees with a push-up and a tuck jump and that just saps my energy but I move on to:

10 Swings, R
10 Swings, L
10 Rows, R
10 Rows, L
20 ATB (Around the Body) with a catch and lunge

At some point, we go back to single arm swings for one minute -- way too long if you ask me. We also get in 10 bottom up presses and 20 squats.

We do planks from the TRX and I'm still not sure how Marisa gets in and out, when she demonstrates, with no assistance. Also don't know how people work out quietly. I am noisy and I sometimes protest too much but I don't care because it gets me through the workout.

We check out the battle ropes for a minute -- doubles -- 10 x's; singles -- 10 x's; outs -- 10 x's.

We do core work with a medicine ball. Then we do a straight arm plank, right side and left side planks, a forearm plank and, to end the workout, we squat while holding the medicine ball out. I drop my ball before time is up and Marisa tells me to finish it out and I do.

Unless It's A Turkish Bicycle

I've started and stopped reading several books including Drinking Closer to Home, Those We Love Most and The First 20 Minutes... I finally decided that it was time to pick up Cheryl Strayed's Wild. As I read through Twitter lists, I saw that Strayed would be in town today. Only, it's kettlebell day. I thought about doing kettlebell on Saturday but it will be a weekend with lots of family activity and, therefore, not a good time for kettlebell.

I decided not to see Strayed because I didn't want to contend with rushing to a limited seating event and I didn't want to sit anymore and I'm only 50 pages into Wild and what if...

Got to kettlebell and discovered that Chip has recuperated from surgery. Marisa decided to give us simple moves to welcome Chip back -- if you want to call dive-bomber push-ups simple.

As we went through our kettlebell cleans and presses, Marisa told Chip that swinging a kettlebell is just like riding a bicycle. Unless it's a Turkish bicycle Chip said. Marisa did have a little mercy and left Turkish Get-Ups out of the workout...

As I snickered with Chip, Erin wanted to know what was going on, decided that I was teasing her and threatened to kick me. I told her that kicking whilst holding a plank would only intensify said plank. She kicked out at me anyway.

Erin -- Snatching the Hell Out of a Kettlebell

The 30/60/90 Situation

Kettlebell is intense and I know that but I'm still surprised, at times, by the stuff that Marisa comes up with.

I glanced at her chalk board and the first thing that popped out was 25 in front of burpees.

Before the burpees, it was a 30/60/90 situation.

30 seconds of one-hand swings, (left, right)
30 secs of snatches (cleans for me; l & r)
30 secs of cleans and presses (l & r)

60 seconds of swings, cleans and presses...

We all reached a consensus (or maybe our forearms did) and skipped the 90 second portion of the program and moved on to swings and cleans then cleans and squats.

I made it through the first round of plank rows (from a chair) and the first round of 60 jumping jacks but I modified during the second round and did rows minus the plank and chair and I didn't make it to 60 on the second round of jumping jacks since I was trying to keep up with my fellow kettlebellers who do rows and jumping jacks as if they are jackrabbits.

My body quivered, as usual, during the minute forearm plank and we finished off the abs with some stretch-your-whole-body-out-sit-up-grab-your-knees situation.

I also modified on the burpees but no modification on the two rounds of squat-curl-press-triceps-extension -- my all time favorite kettlebell maneuver.

Saving The Underhands For Last

If looks could kill, that ability would be Princess Tiffany 's superpower.

As we entered the workout area, I asked Tiffany how she was doing. I don't feel like working out she said and the look on her face matched what she told me.

I speculated that once Tiffany was five minutes into the workout, she'd probably be okay and Marisa said that she had a client earlier who felt the same way then really got into the workout.

Whether Tiffany feels like working out or not, she usually makes it through all maneuvers like an ultra-exerciser...

We started off by killing the legs with squats (several varieties) and lunges. You know that you are in trouble when you feel a burn in your glutes 40 seconds into your workout.

After the legs, we worked on abs then we picked up our kettlebells.

40 two-hand swings
20 cleans (right, left)
20 squats (r, l)
20 tactical presses (r, l)
25 snatches (r, l -- modification of cleans and presses for me)
40 two-hand swings

We did more ab work including planks which I'm getting better at holding for a minute even though my whole body quivered.

After planks, we worked on pull-ups. I usually do pull-ups on the TRX and I did that for awhile then joined Princess Tiffany in working on assisted pull-ups. We tried overhand and underhand pull-ups and the Princess made me laugh when she said I like to save my underhands for last.