Top of the Minute! Exercise 2
(Each month we post a workout – one exercise per week for four weeks, culminating in the entire workout together)
The Single-Arm (SA) Kettlebell (KB) Swing that you did a few weeks ago is the cousin to the (two-arm) KB Swing that we are doing today. And, just like it’s cousin, it’s one of the best exercises to build a great booty, develop explosive leg power and gain globs of core strength – all while burning an incredibly high number of calories and drastically improving your anaerobic conditioning!
Instructions
The KB Swing is a forward and backward swinging motion, so you’ll need to “hip hinge” by pushing your hips back while keeping your back flat (this is really, really important!), and engaging your lats. Once in this position, “hike” the KB, then swing the KB forward and backward by explosively using your hips. At the top position of the swing your hands should be parallel to the ground and end up somewhere between your belly button and chest, with your core, quads and glutes fully engaged – think plank position. During the swing, be sure to keep your arms and KB above the knee – think high and tight.
NOTE to self: The KB is the resistance (obvious); your arms do minimal work while acting as a lever thereby increasing the resistance – your legs/hips/core do almost ALL OF THE WORK (not so obvious)!
Coaching cues:
- Butt back, flat back
- Engage lats
- Hike the KB
- KB swings are a forward/backward motionl
- Finish in “Plank Position”
- Tight glutes, quads and core
