If so, you're definitely not alone, since for many individuals, the double kettlebell training really delivers quicker gains.
I got an email from Josh the other day.
In it, he asked three exceptionally perceptive questions.
Here’s his email:When do you switch to double KB? What are the metrics and what should the step down be?
Ex. If I can do 10 sets of 5 with 40lb kb, should I step down to 35lb double kb?
Currently doing the Giant 1.0, focus is the strong enough standards, thanks for all you do!
Thanks!
Josh
Here’s what I told him:
I generally prescribe the following:
With the 24kg -
1H Swings - 10x10
TGU - 10 x (1+1)
C+P - 10 x (5+5)
OPTIONAL: Snatch - 10 x (5+5)
Hope that supports.
BUT…
I forgot to include the Goblet Squat.
(Simple: 10x10 w/ a 24kg will provide a solid base.)
And I forgot to include HOW to introduce double kettlebells.
For some, this is tricky .
So, here’s how I typically suggest you do this:
Once you can get the C+P for 10 sets of 5R+5L with a 24kg, then step down to a PAIR ONE FULL KB SIZE LOWER.
So, step down NOT to a pair 20s, but to a pair of 16kgs.
Why?
Technique acquisition and management.
The double kettlebell techniques, although based upon the single kettlebell techniques, are different .
For example, you’ll use a broader stance, which means there’s a shorter stroke.
And when you put weight overhead?
You’ve reduced your “degrees of freedom.”
What that means is, with a Single Kettlebell Press, you can lean sideways (frontal plane), backwards (sagittal plane), or both (transverse read more plane).
So the Single KB Press is way more forgiving of shoddy technique.
Not so the Double Kettlebell Press.
You can’t lean sideways unless you want to hurt a shoulder or lower back.
And you can’t rotate unless you want to hurt your lower back.
And you can’t swivel unless you want to injure your lower back.
And that leaves leaning back - which you can “get away with” IF you have well-conditioned abs and know how to use your method to protect your lower back.
Similarly, many people are taught to “sit back” on the Goblet Squat.
You can get away with this because you can bend your arms and use the kettlebell as a counterbalance.
But you can’t “sit back” on the Double Front Squat.
Why not?
The KBs will fold you over , and you’ll dump them on the ground.
And you may strain your lower back in the process.
So, in both cases (and others) you want the load (the weight of the kettlebells) light so you can move the kettlebells with good technique instead of the load being so heavy, finishing a rep is the only thing you can think of.
Make sense?
So, how do you achieve the above principles ?
Assuming you have more important things to focus on than scour the internet for breadcrumbs on how to put a plan together and you want to skip the “trial and error” phase of building your own plan to an “everything all at once” program that includes 2H Swings, 1H Swings, TGUs, Goblet Squats, Rows (yes, Rows), Cleans, Presses, Snatches, and more..
If you want to follow in Jason's footsteps and “just” use the Clean + Press, start with ‘THE GIANT’ 1.0.
And if you're ready to make the jump to double kettlebell training here’s a link to “Kettlebell STRONG!” my double kettlebell training course that uses what’s called “Technique Stacking” to help you learn and master your double kettlebell skills ASAP.
Hope this gives you a clear path on how to progress from single to double kettlebell exercises.
Stay Strong,
Geoff Neupert.