Having HUGE Muscle Mass Is NOT The Main Thing You Need

Since transitioning from bodybuilding to kettlebell training, I have experienced significant and positive differences in my approach to fitness. Not long ago, my sole focus was on maximizing muscle growth. However, engaging in kettlebell training early on revealed just how unfit I truly was, despite having carried more muscle mass at that time compared to now.

A key aspect of kettlebell training lies in its ability to target and develop a distinct form of strength endurance, commonly referred to as "special" or "hybrid" endurance by Eastern Europeans. The rationale behind this classification is clear: by lifting moderate to heavier weights for hundreds of repetitions, kettlebell training surpasses the conventional definition of strength endurance prevalent today.

This unique characteristic of kettlebell training may very well account for the widely acclaimed "kettlebell effect." In addition to the body's heightened responsiveness to novel stimuli, this form of "special endurance" could be the catalyst that propels overall fitness progress. The classic "tide that lifts all boats" so to speak.

While I still adhere to specific principles for building quality muscle, kettlebell training has liberated me from the narrow-minded approach of fixating solely on a single aspect of physical performance. Dorin Yates, as highlighted in his interview at the beginning of the video, aptly emphasizes that possessing immense muscle mass is not the primary requirement. This sentiment particularly resonates with me as I continue to age and prioritize holistic well-being.

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[lebe-stark]

Since transitioning from bodybuilding to kettlebell training, I have experienced significant and positive differences in my approach to fitness. Not long ago, my sole focus was on maximizing muscle growth. However, engaging in kettlebell training early on revealed just how unfit I truly was, despite having carried more muscle mass at that time compared to now.

A key aspect of kettlebell training lies in its ability to target and develop a distinct form of strength endurance, commonly referred to as "special" or "hybrid" endurance by Eastern Europeans. The rationale behind this classification is clear: by lifting moderate to heavier weights for hundreds of repetitions, kettlebell training surpasses the conventional definition of strength endurance prevalent today.

This unique characteristic of kettlebell training may very well account for the widely acclaimed "kettlebell effect." In addition to the body's heightened responsiveness to novel stimuli, this form of "special endurance" could be the catalyst that propels overall fitness progress. The classic "tide that lifts all boats" so to speak.

While I still adhere to specific principles for building quality muscle, kettlebell training has liberated me from the narrow-minded approach of fixating solely on a single aspect of physical performance. Dorin Yates, as highlighted in his interview at the beginning of the video, aptly emphasizes that possessing immense muscle mass is not the primary requirement. This sentiment particularly resonates with me as I continue to age and prioritize holistic well-being. 

- Gregory

[nelsonhunter]

I'm a newbie to kettlebell training & and I really think this type of strength training fits my busy routine. I'm a 52 year old triathete & like you say, it gives "great bang for your buck."
Your detailed videos are great & your enthusiasm is addictive

[strengthmobilitylongevity]

Spot on! This illustrates WHY Kettlebells & functional training restores overall fitness & flexibility for middle-aged folks

[mattnelson]

Thanks Lebe. I enjoy your perspective on health and fitness. I love my bells, clubs and slam balls. Real world strength and endurance. Love your channel!

[lnb]

69 next month and have been barbell training since my Teens. Began using Kettle bells last year and have noticed a change in my Physiology! Thank you so much for this station! Wow, What a difference!!

[dannymeske]

As an old athlete I'm a young athlete again. Love this stuff!

[commentingisdangerous]

wow, that moment when Gypsy walks behind Angie and she hops forward with no hesitation so she doesn't hit the dog with her bell. those are real kettlebell instincts!

[rashedusman]

The problem usually is that a lot of people are convinced that having big muscles is the most important aspect of training even if a lot of bodybuilders have health issues and sometimes are unable to do simple tasks. After all they are getting good at lifting well balanced weights at a certain tempo and range of motion.
I think that kettlebells are efective because they mimic pretty closely what humans naturally encounter in everyday life : uneven weights that have to be moved around for a long time.

[johnmcadam]

I'm 52. Spent decades powerlifting. Loved it. However, injuries and joint pain did take their toll. About 5 years, I incorporated KB training into regular training. After covid, I simply dropped the bar training and stuck with KB training.

I feel athletic again: strength, endurance, mobility are all excellent. I've adapted/adopted Olympic lifts as my KB lifts: squat-clean-press-snatch. My goal is a minimum of 120 movements / day: this covers both cardio and strength training all in one.

The overused term "tactical athlete" applies here. My goal is to be across all environments and conditions. Used properly, KB training has also been an excellent method for physio and recovery. I'm blown away how old injuries have improved since adopting KB training.

Will I incorporate bar training again ? Likely, but it will be a minimal 5x5 Prepatory style modality.

Loving it.

[jorgec]

Kettlebells changed my outlook on training with an eye on a healthier and more dynamic approach. Long gone are days at a gym. Long gone are shoulder injuries and back pain as well as the monthly fees. My posture, my energy levels and a more efficient daily time management are simply making me a happier person 😀

[kayodoubleu]

Great video. As someone who watches almost everything about Kettlebells and also listening a lot to mark Rippetoe it is interesting to see all the differences. Mark says that there is nothing more important than getting stronger.
Maybe the perfect combination is to first gaining a lot of strength with the starting strength method or something similar and than replacing 75% of the work with kettlebells and gaining a lot of special condition.

Or maybe a block training approach could also work well. Maybe something similar to what Pavel in return of the Kettlebells wrote. Two weeks strength (barbell) and two weeks could also work well.

[sutskas]

Joe Daniels is one the guys that proves that you can also build massive muscle with kbs if you know what you are doing obviously

[tommytanumihardja]

I agree..kettlebell is improving my all round physical well being, in an efficient amount of time

[CalTN]

Great points and an even better message. Must be the Swiss air. 😂

[utubepunk]

Always enjoy hearing you pontificate, Coach! 🙏

[BrandonByrd-ik]

Trying to get in shape like you but my age (53) is holding me back a little bit with soreness, minor injuries, etc. I enjoy your videos and podcasts though and will keep pressing forward.

[joshgreer]

I love to use kettlebells as a finisher.

[bjornfsteen]

Good video. I'm 54 and I started integrating KBs into my strength training about 12 years ago and since COVID I invested in several KBs and now it's about 75% of my overall training. I'm reporting similar results. Kettlebells are a great idea.

[thiagoparaisos]

Be a mass monster is not healthy. Bodybuilding grew up a lot in Brazil, and the business and content that is being created around bodybuilding is massive. We have a guy who is in his off season and he is 155kg(341 lbs) and his life is a bit hard to do regular things like put his shoes. In my opinion, and I'm not a coach, look big and be strong they're not the same thing and is not sustainable. I need to improve my fitness and lose weight, and I backed to BJJ something that I missed a lot. Afetr this video I realize why I'm feel more confortbel, recovering my bjj cardio and the answer is Kettebells. I've training for a while, using a 12kg and is a great help to make your heart work better.
Thank you Professor Gregory for your content.

[shirtlessviking]

when i buy all the stuff for my home gym, i think i will buy

Adjustable DB (to heavy weights)
Adjustable KB (same thing)
Multi grip pull up bar
Dip bar
Weight vest
Macebells up to 20 kg, buy as i progress
Barbell
Boxing bag


with this i can have a great variety of stuff to train with to avoid injury and have fun, with BB i can do microload for progressive overload and muscle building, kb a great tool as you said, and for cross load stabilization, pull ups, i mean, do i need to say more?