Strength Training 101 - Training the Kinetic Chain is the Best Way For You to Workout!

So what is the kinetic chain and what is the best way to workout the body? Well, the kinetic chain is basically a group of body segments that are connected by joints so that the segments can work together to provide movement and range of motion for a limb or set of limbs. In other words, your body is connected in every way. Because of this connection of joints and limbs movement patterns are effected from one area to another based on whether or not limbs are over or underdeveloped. Because everything is based on utilizing the ability to create movement a smart strength training program should be comprised of bodily movements that cover every aspect of the human dynamic.

I often get asked about how people should be training their body. Well, the explanation I'm about to give in this article is a start. You see because the human body is connected a problem can arise in one area of the body that originated somewhere else. For instance, I have been a victim of two major knee injuries. The first injury occurred at a very young age, but the second occurred when I was 27. Now 27 is still young, but the discussion about age is for another article at another time. Anyway, the later knee injury that occurred with me caused me a bit of hip pain. I had imbalances in my right hip due to the injury in my left knee. Now if you think about this it was because my right side had to overcompensate for my weaker (injured) side. This is an example of the kinetic chain. You have heard the phrase "A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link." This couldn't be further from the truth when discussing the human body.

So in order to correct this problem I had to accomplish 3 different things: 

1. I had to understand why the pain was present.
2. I had to correct the imbalance by implementing the proper strength building exercises to improve my muscular balance.
3. I had to make sure that I made progress!

For this particular example I had to incorporate some isolateral exercises on both legs in order to force each side to solely do the work without allowing any compensation from the other side. This quickly corrected my imbalance and I recovered from a very traumatic knee injury in record time! I know the example that I used to explain the proper training of the kinetic chain involved my injury, however we all should address imbalances and over-compensations to prevent injuries and optimize performance. This is the key to a smart strength and fitness program. Whether you are engaging in a workout to improve your shoulder muscles, chest muscles, or just working to improve your squats you should train to improve the kinetic chain.

Remember that fitness and strength are derived from total body function. This is why I am a big fan of kettlebells, Olympic lifting, and plyometrics. Remember that anyone can train hard, but only the best train smart my friend!

To learn more about how to utilize your body, Kettlebells, and to achieve Mind Blowing fitness get your copy of My "Better Than Steroids Ebook" by clicking here:http://www.betterthansteroidsebook.com You will become one of my Free Elite Members if you make your "Better Than Steroids" purchase, but to just become one of my Elite Members and receive my free Newsletter just go tohttp://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html.

Swimming Power - The Single Best Exercise For Swimmers is Right Here!

So what weightlifting exercises for swimmers are the best? Well, the truth is that there are many that will do the trick in terms of tuning up your swimming ability, but for the sake of this article I am only going to talk about one single exercise that will take your swimming to all new levels!

I would like to introduce to you the double arm kettlebell swing. As you may know the ancient kettlebell is taking the strength and conditioning and fitness community here in the states by storm. I guarantee you that you will never experience any single exercise that will get your heart rate up like this one. The double arm swing is done by swinging the bell back and forth from between your legs up to chest height. 

In order to do this you have to utilize your hips in a motion known as the hip snap. The hip snap is done by both flexing and extending at the hips and knees in continuous motion. This hip snap is how you create the necessary momentum to swing the kettlebell back and forth in an arc like motion. This single motion integrates over hundreds of muscles and will give you superior cardiovascular conditioning! All the necessary muscle groups that you need to function in the water will be getting tuned up with every repetition of this particular motion.

If you are serious about your swimming program then don't sell yourself short. Take the time to learn about the proper technique involved in the kettlebell swing. I'll even make it easy for you by telling you that you can access all of my other articles here for free! Train hard and enjoy my friend.

To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at http://www.efandps.com To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at:http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!

The Kettlebell - The Path For the Baseball Player to Achieve Cleanup Hitting Power!

If you want to show up at the beginning of baseball season practice and impress your teammates and coaches with your bat speed and power then you need to learn about the kettlebell. Kettlebells have been around for over three centuries and have been field tested and proven by the greatest strongmen and athletes of all time! This ancient tool is second to nothing in terms of helping you to develop superior athleticism and the performance to match!

First of all, in order to train with kettlebells you must learn proper technique. Just like hitting the baseball requires fine tuning your skills so does kettlebell training. This particular type of training integrates hundreds of your muscles at once training your body to perform with the most efficient movements. Training your body for strength and power requires big core movements and learned skills. It involves a lot more than just "going through the motions!" 

Kettlebell training for baseball is a sure way to increase your athleticism and allow you to develop the necessary core strength for you to match the power of any cleanup hitter! In order to achieve an optimal level of strength and conditioning as it relates to baseball you must have a sound training plan. The kettlebell is the perfect device and method of training for the baseball player to invest in!

If you want to take the path to developing superior hitting power then take the time to learn about the iron bell. I will even make it easy for you by allowing you to access ALL of my other articles on the matter for FREE! Train hard and enjoy my friends.

To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at http://www.efandps.com
To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at:http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html
I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!

Kettlebells For the Teenage Youth Athlete!

Whether you are a youth athlete reading this or you are the parent of a youth teenage athlete you need to consider kettlebells. I have spent a lot of time training athletes at all levels of play from youth all the way to the pros. I notice that starting a strength and conditioning program with youngsters all has to do with technique. I am always sure to teach good habits early with the young athletes because they are still growing and laying the foundation for their athletic careers.

I have found that kettlebells are a great device to help the young athlete to develop great core strength and total body control in order to transition them into the all out strength programs they will face throughout high school, college, and beyond. Now having said this I'm not saying that kettlebells are good for athletes at the youth age only. As a matter of fact, they should be included as a major portion of all strength and conditioning programs at all levels in my professional opinion.

The bottom line is that if you are going to include this ancient device into your program or your child's program make sure that they are getting sound training and competent advice. It is a free-weight and should be respected! To make it easier for you I have many more free accessible articles available to you with tons of additional information on kettlebells.

Please consider training with this awesome tool. You will not be disappointed in the results you will see from using this gruesome iron tool!

To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at: http://www.efandps.com To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at:http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!

Strength Training For Golfers - The Importance of Letting Go of Past Misconceptions on Working Out!

Say goodbye, to the "old school" mindset of yesteryear! Today the truth is that the fitter, stronger, and better conditioned you are, the better you are going to be in your sport irregardless of what your sport is. You have to forget about how working out will inhibit your performance by limiting your range of motion. If you get stiff from training your body then you have a poorly planned training program in the first place.

Specificity of training is the key to improving athletic performance. You have to have a well-structured meaningful plan in order to truly gain the benefit you desire. Don't be illogical. Its just like starting to play golf. Do you tell a person that is about to swing at a golf ball for the first time to just grab the club and swing? Of course not, there is a process to it. A certain set of skills have to be learned before one can hit the ball well. Your strength and conditioning program is no different. You have to learn a set of lifts and movements and obtain an understanding of the human body before blindly attempting to train. Golf fitness and strength training is more important today than ever before. My favorite example of how fitness and strength training is so beneficial for today's golfer can be summed up in one single example, Tiger Woods! He is no question the most successful golfer on the circuit and one of the best of all time, but he is also the fittest.

Strength training is one of the most commonly overlooked variables I see in golfers. Take the time to get better. Even if you just leisurely enjoy playing the game, kill two birds with one stone and get involved with a strength and conditioning program to improve both your game and your health.

To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at http://www.efandps.com To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at:http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!

Specificity of Training For Baseball!

In order to be great at the game of baseball you must be properly trained athletically in order to succeed at the sport. Notice that I didn't say that you should train in terms of sport specific, but rather train to be a better athlete. So what exactly is the difference.

In order to determine the difference in how you should train to be athletically specific to your sport lets take a look at the sport in terms of what demands need to be met within the sport itself. So what do we know about the sport of baseball? Well, it takes hand and eye coordination, speed, power, agility, and strength. This is the answer to our question. Each one of these mentioned traits are all necessary for a baseball player to be a successful player in their sport.

The specificity of training for baseball should include a strength program that consists of focusing on the development of coordination, speed, power, agility, and strength. The smart baseball player should incorporate lifting and training techniques that include the overall development of strength, power, and speed. Training such as olympic lifting and kettlebell training for baseball are extremely beneficial. This is how the athlete can make the better player.

In order for your next baseball season to be a success you must incorporate the proper specificity of training to make it happen. Take your training through the proper channels. Work to achieve the necessary athletic skills that I mentioned in this article and I promise your season will be an all-star season!

To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at: http://www.efandps.com To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at:http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!

The Importance of Speed and Power in Baseball!

Today's baseball player is a lot different than yesteryear's player! The best baseball players today are built like football players. This is a testament to the world of strength and conditioning. Speed and power are essential traits for a baseball player to succeed in today's game.

In order to build speed and power you have to know the skills it takes to do so. You see in the past speed and power were traits accepted by the baseball community to be something that you either had or didn't have. The truth is that some guys do naturally have more of these traits than other guys, but everyone can develop these characteristics to a certain point. The importance of speed and power are seen more and more with today's players. Home runs and stolen bases occur in just about every game at an eye popping rate.

Successful athletes and athletic programs understand the REAL reason behind their efforts and it doesn't predominately have anything to do with the improvement of their specific sport skills. The smart players are making themselves better athletes which in turn makes them better players! That is the key difference. The most successful baseball players are finding that they can maintain their specific sport skills (like hitting,catching, or throwing), but by spending their time hitting the weights and mastering the skills of athletic performance and kettlebell training they get better at those specific sport skills! There has obviously been a shift in priorities of these more dominant baseball players.

If you want to join the Elite then please feel free to access the rest of my articles here on kettlebell and strength training. Keep training hard and enjoy!

To learn more about Kettlebells, Fitness, and achieving Total Mind-Blowing Strength come and visit me at: http://www.efandps.com To be one of my members and to receive more tips on INSANE BODY CONSTRUCTION please visit me at:http://www.efandps.com/www.efandps.com/Brandons_Members_Newsletter.html I'm Brandon Richey the Strength and Conditioning Pro!