There are numerous different ways to build muscle.
Recently, we’ve been discussing how to build muscle with kettlebells.
And that’s because most “ex-spurts” and “gym bros” say the barbell or machine training is the “ only ” way to build muscle.
But the reality is, the “best way” - the MOST EFFECTIVE way to build muscle is…
And really let this settle -
DEPENDENT UPON YOU.
[+] Your workout experience.
[+] Your injury history and the physical limitations you bring to the table .
[+] Your current fitness level.
[+] Your access to kettlebells or other gear.
[+] Your ability to perform any and all kettlebell exercises / lifts safely .
[+] The availability you have to dedicate to training .
And here’s the most important point of all:
This “ Ultimate ” will shift as you move forward the stages of your life.
For example, when you’re in your late teens and in college or the military, you can train heavily .
And usually eat and recover significantly .
And you can make huge of “GAINZ” into your early 20s.
But when more of “life happens” -
Marriage…
Kids…
Mortgage…
Bills…
Overtime…
Deskbound…
Injuries…
You can no longer train in your late 30s and beyond the manner you did when you were in your 20s.
And this is why so many guys over 35, over 45 and beyond are discouraged with their lack of progress when they’re trying to “get back in shape.”
They’re using methods that work for 20-somethings but don’t usually work for 40-somethings.
That’s why for many, if not most guys over 35, a steady diet of double kettlebell Clean + Presses will pack mounds of muscle across their shoulders, upper back, and arms.
And even whittle away some of their waistlines.
And it’s very beneficial even if they have a history of knee or lower back pain / issues which keeps them from squatting.
For others, they may have the drive, the healthy joints, and desire to be more aggressive:
And add Squats and other exercises into their kettlebell training plans.
Or they may just need more of a challenge .
Or they are just “wired for Tough Stuff ”.
Or maybe they’re in an “ less-demanding ,” less-demanding season of life.
And so they can be “ dedicated ” with their workouts and build “ youthful ” muscle in short order.
For example, I got an email from Amar, a former athlete and powerlifter.
It’s a detailed email, so I’ll copy and paste the relevant parts here:
“I found that I do my best with fitness when I follow a program - whether it be a barbell program, a kettlebell program, or some other plan. It was this realization that inspired me to buy your Kettlebell Hard program in May. That "inspiration" was increased by a Dexa scan that I did on May 27th that showed that I had gained 17 pounds of fat and lost 9 pounds of lean body mass since my last Dexa scan in February of 2019.
So I bought your program and went to work with the nice little kettlebell collection I had accumulated during 2020. I started with your "Clean 'em up" program on 6/6 using double 20 kgs. A bout with Covid in early July kept me out for a week and a half, but I kept going mid July. I was using the intermediate protocol, so the 30 minutes were approaching when I would get done with 4 or 5 sets. The only time I got 6 sets was on light day of the final week. Either way, other than the 10 day gap around week 5, I followed your program strictly and stuck to walking on off days.
I scheduled a Dexa scan for yesterday morning out of curiosity because my body felt different. My wife even commented on how much leaner I looked. When someone who sees you every day notices differences, things must be changing. And guess what? They were. My body weight stayed the same, but I gained 5 pounds of lean muscle mass and lost 5 pounds of fat.
You really can't ask for better feedback upon completing a six week program. I had tried all sorts of things over the years - Crossfit, Orange Theory, powerlifting, bro splits, distance running, you name it. Nothing added 5 pounds of click here muscle and stripped off 5 pounds of fat in a matter of two months.”
To recap:
And NONE OF THE METHODS he had tried before delivered those kinds of results in that short of a time period.
So, for Amar, using the kettlebell complexes of the “Clean ‘Em Up” program inside Kettlebell HARD! was the most impactful for him, at that moment in his life.
The bonus of all was that he got rid of 5 lbs of fat too.
Part of looking stronger is not only building muscle, but also stripping off the extra fat you can do without.
So, if you have an athletic or athletic background, have access to sets of kettlebells, and like challenging workouts…
Then why not see if you can beat Amar’s results in just six weeks using “Clean ‘Em Up” inside Kettlebell HARD!?