Saturday, September 27, 2008

Swallow Cliff Stair Group Workouts - Update


After about a month of endurance training for a half marathon and adventure race, it was time to resurrect the group workouts at Swallow Cliff Forest Preserve. My email invitation list continues to grow. If you'd like to join us, just drop me a message at louis.hayes@comcast.net so I can add you to the list. Here are some updates:

A few weeks ago, Tom G assembled a WO that included KB snatches, situps, stair climbing, box jumps, and inverted rows. We did as many rounds as possible in 30 minutes. Tom G lapped me, getting a full extra round in before time expired. He is in the midst of recovering from a half marathon, and training for a full 26.2 run in October.

Neil K has been a regular. He's getting serious about opening up a functional fitness gym in the West Burbs. He's amassing equipment, and gracious enough to bring it out to Swallow Cliff with him for all to use.

Today's crew included: Dan E, Joe R, Bobby K, Amy C, and Tom G (even though he stuck with his wife..haha). We did seven rounds of 10 KB clean and presses [each side], climb up, 15 inverted rows, 15 jack knives, and climb down. Some of the others substituted the KB presses with swings. Great WO...the sweat began to burn my eyes.

Another discipleship moment: Today I talked to guy who was rubbernecking at our group doing KBs. I constantly get asked about the purpose and use of the kettlebells by curious onlookers. What a great opportunity to spread the word about functional fitness and complete, integrated workout sessions. It never ceases to amaze me how much camaraderie is between fitness junkies! but breaking old traditional exercise habits is really hard. I take a lot of pride whenever I can be a part of someone's transition (or graduation) into a more practical system. We can all find interested people to spread the word. Maybe just by explaining a few things about your WOs to someone will be that straw that breaks the camel's back. We can all make a difference!

No comments: