The 10 Minute Long Cycle: My First
I’ve completed my first 10 minute long cycle! I’ve been training with kettlebells for ages, and done clean and jerks many times, what I’ve never done before is complete a 10 minute long cycle. I started a couple of weeks ago with two 16kg, nothing compared to what the athletes in GS use. I had to put the kettlebells down at least 3 times the first try, I almost got to setting them down only twice the second time, but no cigar.
Anna suggested I go down in weight, of course the man I am, I was too proud to do it, but then I thought why not, so I listened to Anna, and I completed my first full 10 minute long cycle.
A couple of things I’ve learned since starting long cycles:
- It’s a mental game, the brain wants to give in before the body does.
- Ten minutes doesn’t sound very long, but it is when you have to keep the bells from the ground.
- I prefer not to look at the clock, as it plays with my mind.
- I can’t be counting reps.
- Finding the right pace is important.
- Can’t breath in racking? Start your next rep.
- Try resting in overhead lockout and breathe.
- It’s ok to clank the bells together, focus on reps.
- I get a better lockout pushing the head slightly forward.
- It also helps to pull the bells closer together above my head.
- Leg drive is crucial.
- Proper racking for efficient power transfer is crucial.
- Lower back is the highest risk area for injury.
- Bracing the core muscles upon each rep is vital.
- The foundation for clean and jerk is;
- swing
- clean
- push press
- Minimum requirements are;
- strong core
- shoulder range of motion
- Top athletes have;
- Mental toughness
- Coordination
- Endurance
- Strength
I love the long cycle, but my way, the caveman way!
- No shoes
- No shirt
- No wrist guards
- No belt
I dream of one day having caveman kettelbell sport, I know, it’s crazy, it’s absurd but that’s me …
Watch the video on how to find your racking position below.
