Secret technique and shocking announcements

Posted by Scott Helsley at 6/2/2009 10:26 AM
Categories: uncategorized
Don't be fooled by the title.  There is nothing all that crazy going on here.  However, based on some requests I put up another video where I explain the technique change I have implemented that has helped a bit with my lockouts.  A while back I was intentionally trying to get the bells close together at lockout and put the biceps close to the ear which is where super coach Cate Imes says they should be.  Of course she is right, but I was trying to put things in the proper place and struggling.  When I really figured out what people were trying to tell me, then things fell into place with no effort on my part.  Since I cannot possibly be the only thick-headed individual out there I figured I would share this and hopefully help others who struggle with this.  It is kind of like the magic triangle in golf.  They tell you it needs to be there but if you try to make it be there it won't consistently be there.  Conversely if you do everything right including  proper grip, weight shift and hip turn it will be there all by itself.  Hearing, seeing, and understanding are all different things.  I hope this video helps.



Now for an announcement.  I have written lots of times that I am finished making the heavy bells.  I am pretty much sick of it and I have taken the technique as far as it can go with respect to making competition style bells as heavy as they can possibly be.  You will find out more about the extent of this at some point in the future.  Like I said I have had my fill of this.  In spite of this my Dad has been working on a way to make it easier to get the bells positioned to weld the bottom plate on.  He actually designed something to do this.  I told him to forget it as I figured I was done.  He is like me though, once he gets an idea he won't quit.  That is not always a good thing.  So now we have this modification and we have to use it.  I also recieved info from a friend that he has some more "cake".  I also thought I had exhausted all local supplies but I guess not.  I happen to have a bit of left over lead and one more steel bottom plate.  What this means is that any of you badasses out there that want a heavy bell, this is the time and it is more than likely that there won't be many more. If my Wife has any say in the matter it will be the last one.  (She may still think the last one was the last one!) The heaviest I will go on this is about 60kg.  I warn you it will not be cheap, the cost of materials is high.  That taken together with the fact that there aren't many strong enough to lift them makes them very rare.  It takes a lot of time and effort and I really don't make any money off of this.  I do it for fun but after you have done it enough times it becomes more like work and I do enough of that already.  To date I have only made 12 bells of 52 kg or heavier.  3 are with me, one went to Andy Fitting, and the remainder went to the same place.  Drop me a message if you are interested. 

 

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  • 6/2/2009 1:04 PM Chris Duffey wrote:
    Hey Scott,
    Thanks for doing this, looks really great. I am impressed with your ability to continue to be humble and teachable, despite your outstanding success.. Keep up your constant searching..
    Reply to this
    1. 6/10/2009 8:28 PM Scott Helsley wrote:
      CDuff!  What's up my man?  Outstanding success?  Ha ha. 

      The search continues...

      Scott

      Reply to this
  • 6/2/2009 1:23 PM Ken Whetham wrote:
    Hey Scott,
    Looks good! I found something similar recently that has helped me as well. I can actually rest in the lockout position now... Take Care, Ken
    Reply to this
    1. 6/10/2009 8:29 PM Scott Helsley wrote:
      Uh oh Ken.  I suspect you'll be putting up some huge numbers soon.  Outstanding.

      Scott

      Reply to this
  • 6/2/2009 5:29 PM David Elkins wrote:
    Very nice and clear improvement. You are forgetting though what I discovered as the critical element in the IFT (Imes Fixation Technique tm), and that is the all-important hitting yourself in the head with the kettlebell as it ascends. I wish I were joking but that's what it took for me to get it - 2 episodes of reverse Mischenametrics.
    Reply to this
    1. 6/10/2009 8:26 PM Scott Helsley wrote:
      As has been said before on this blog:  2 ways to learn, pain and shame.  Too bad the reverse Mishin didn't make it to youtube.

      Scott

      Reply to this
  • 6/3/2009 7:18 AM Boris wrote:
    Great stuff Scott.

    Do you have any tips for getting the quads to relax, or is this just another more-time-under-the-bells-thing?
    Reply to this
    1. 6/10/2009 8:24 PM Scott Helsley wrote:
      Well I think there is a lot involved with the quads issue.  First I don't see many guys, even the pros who relax the quads entirely.  There are degrees and I think part of the problem is that we tend to tighten up under the weights.  Maybe it is a western thing, I'm not sure.  Part of it is to mentally relax under the weight.  THis can be done simply be spending time under the bells.  Also of course flexibility is a huge issue.  This cannot be forced though.  It can be worked on gradually but it takes a long long time.  I personally cannot get the quads to completely relax in the rack so I grab some rest in lockout and wherever else I can.  Kettlebell sport is a lesson in survival and creative thinking.  Looking at it from this perspective it is quite fun.  It is a game.

      Scott

      Reply to this
  • 6/3/2009 1:27 PM RICHARD wrote:
    Yep, that looks like you've really refined that; you can see the crispness in the new lockout. looks like it could make for another 20 reps right off the bat.
    Reply to this
  • 6/3/2009 7:07 PM David Falbaum wrote:
    Scott,

    Thanks for posting this. I'm working on level 1 with the 24's and tonight thinking about your post I peeled another layer of onion away. On my assistance sets with a 40 I felt much more able to use my frame and not my strength to hold the bell up.

    I really enjoy your blog thanks for writing.
    Reply to this
  • 6/13/2009 8:13 AM Maya wrote:
    Excellent!
    Reply to this
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