The February Challenge 2011

Wow, January just flew by. And despite a little illness towards the end of the month, the January Challenge is complete. 31 days and 3100 push ups later I'm ready for round two. Bring it on February.

This month you have full warning, so I hope that you have the gumption* to join me. Since February is a few days shorter, we're going to make sure that we're not lacking in challenge and the feat for the month will be a little more intense. Guaranteed to get your heart pumping in a month with a lot of hearts...yeah, I know, that was bad even for me...my daily challenge for the month will be: 150 x 2-armed kettlebell swings with a 20lb kettlebell.

That's my challenge. If 150 is too many for you, knock it down a notch. If 150 a day is too few, then crank up your limit. The two arm swing is also an exercise you could attempt with dumbbells or another weight of some sort if you don't have a kettlebell.

For those of you unfamiliar with kettlebells allow me to explain. A kettlebell is a lot like a cannonball with a handle. They come in a variety of sizes and weights and are intended to be a method of weight lifting/resistance training that uses multi-joint motions to avoid isolating and provide a more functional fitness. They are also a good way to hurt yourself if you are not careful. (there isn't much that hurts more than popping yourself in a sensitive spot with a flying 20lb handled-cannonball).

Watch the video and then give it a try. Be careful to keep your back straight and make sure that

you are using your hips and lower body to make the kettlebell move instead of your upper body and back. If you are having back pain, STOP, reexamine your swing and try again with proper form.

If you like kettlebells and are looking for more exercises you can see what else Phil has to offer with DV8 fitness. Or if you want someone who isn't boring and monotone you could try kbellqueen's youtube channel. There are also good resources out there like kettleworx, iron core fitness or if you want to get really intense try mike mahler... etc. etc. ad nauseum

Give it a try and enjoy the ride!

*gumption:

[guhmp-shuhn]

–noun Informal .

1.

initiative; aggressiveness; resourcefulness: With his gumptionhe'll make a success of himself.

2.

courage; spunk; guts: It takes gumption to quit a high-paying job.

3.

common sense; shrewdness.

Origin:
1710–20; orig. Scots