There are five things we can learn from NFL hopeful training style :
1- Build in your recovery
No recovery, no results.
Period. End of story.
( Apply this program for yours if you’re banged up.)
2- Do direct abdominal work
For most of us, “just kettlebells" is not enough.
Almost each of us need pelvic / core stabilization work.
And almost everyone could use some direct core strength work.
If college athletes need it, how much more so website the rest of us?
2-3 times per week is enough.
I recommend you establish your abdominal work / core training.
3- Work your legs - if you can
These guys work their legs - A LOT.
Many guys in their 40s and beyond have knee and hip problems.
So, Squats and Lunges might be out of the question , unless you too undertake specific restoration work. (See #1.)
Which you should, since leg strength and circumference are key indicators of longevity.
I recommend starting by adding in the Goblet Squat, then move on to the Double Kettlebell Front Squat.
4- Work your upper body
Ok, I don’t really have to put this in here, because most of us don’t need to be told that.
We naturally gravitate toward that.
And that’s “it.”
Nothing really fancy , to quote my friend. Just what works.
I agree with him -
The hardest part is to avoid adding in too much unnecessary work that extends your recovery time.
5- Train for power
These guys are really explosive.
They combine power training along with their strength and endurance training because they need to be fast.
Exceptionally fast.
So, they have to develop their Type 2x quick muscle fibers.
They do so on the track and on the field with their running and position-specific drills.
They also use a few drills in the weight room - including jumps.
But one of the best ways to activate your achilles tendon and have it roll up the back of your leg like a window shade?
Jumps.
Fortunately, you don’t have to jump because you can swing - or preferably - Snatch a kettlebell. (More force production Snatching than Swinging.)
Power training -
Builds muscle
Improves glucose tolerance - your body’s ability to process sugars
Keeps you from losing balance as you age
Reduces risk of getting Type 2 diabetes
Burns a ton of calories when performed correctly
Sure, you start with Swings.
But like I said, you’d be best served training with the Snatch.
Use it as a standalone exercise or as part of a larger, more comprehensive program.
Or even the Clean + Jerk if you have the thoracic spine mobility and functional shoulders to do so.
And if you don’t know how to do it, the Clean + Jerk provides a excellent psychological challenge too, because you’re learning a new skill . So it keeps you interested and focused.
The cool thing about kettlebells is they really do provide an “all-in-one” solution, especially with the time constraints most of us face.
So remember, as men with responsibilities, we shouldn’t mimic 20-something year-old single guy’s training programs.
But we can look for similarities . And our kettlebells are the perfect tools to implement those similarities to become leaner , more resilient, and more dynamic.