Greg always has the best tutorial videos out of all other online KB programs – this is some great coaching I will happily use for my clients and classes! Thank you Greg, always look forward to the weekly email – please don’t ever stop them!
you are correct in saying the push press is cheating, i have seen many people in the gym doing this move and most of them are cheating in order to do a greater weight, this can lead to very poor form and injury, better to have good quality than quantity. as i got older i have replaced some exercises from weights to kettlebells. if clients want to get stronger i suggest they try what is called the z-press, ( sitting on the floor with legs extended out in front.) the z-press allows for no shortcuts to be made, since the seated position eliminates the potential for a “push off’or leg drive. that means your hip mobility has to be on point to create a neutral spine position while sitting tall. have clients start with kettlebell light enough to get past the sticking point, and perhaps start with two so that they get the proper feel in order not to shift there hips when doing alternating presses. beginners may want to sit on a step platform to start; the hips will be more open and this will make it easier to keep a neutral spine. don’t bring weights down on last rep and land them on thighs. again don’t try to lift what you can’t do.
Thanks and great point Richard, yes if I’m going to eliminate the use of the hips then I use the half kneeling press because it doesn’t rely on good hamstring flexibility which is something that most suffer with when sitting on the floor with legs out. The half kneeling press also works hard into the sling system from shoulder to opposite knee, great to connect shoulders to hips and also identify asymmetries. I also recommend that people don’t press overhead what they can’t hold overhead for at least 30 seconds.
If you’re using competition kettlebells Richard, changing for a lighter weight won’t work as they start from 8kgs so Greg’s advise woks really well in this situation.to get the strength up using eccentric load.
Is that a 24 kg one in the video Greg? If I leave the kettlebells for a while before going back to them, I end up doing that. Good tip about being in control on the way down, though. I must make sure I do that more consistently.
Thanks
Phil
Yes Phil control on the way down is very important, you should squeeze your lats and core tight. You will actually get more strength benefits from slowly lowering the kettlebell rather than just pressing the kettlebell, especially useful if you are looking to gain some strength with a heavier kettlebell.
Francesca says
July 16, 2018 at 7:55 pmGreg always has the best tutorial videos out of all other online KB programs – this is some great coaching I will happily use for my clients and classes! Thank you Greg, always look forward to the weekly email – please don’t ever stop them!
Greg Brookes says
July 17, 2018 at 7:25 amGreat, thanks Francesca, I’m always happy to help.
Valerie Vickers says
November 4, 2017 at 10:00 pmThanks Greg
I found this to be extremely helpful I’ve always struggled with the overhead press
So thankyou ..
richard d temple says
October 23, 2017 at 11:05 pmyou are correct in saying the push press is cheating, i have seen many people in the gym doing this move and most of them are cheating in order to do a greater weight, this can lead to very poor form and injury, better to have good quality than quantity. as i got older i have replaced some exercises from weights to kettlebells. if clients want to get stronger i suggest they try what is called the z-press, ( sitting on the floor with legs extended out in front.) the z-press allows for no shortcuts to be made, since the seated position eliminates the potential for a “push off’or leg drive. that means your hip mobility has to be on point to create a neutral spine position while sitting tall. have clients start with kettlebell light enough to get past the sticking point, and perhaps start with two so that they get the proper feel in order not to shift there hips when doing alternating presses. beginners may want to sit on a step platform to start; the hips will be more open and this will make it easier to keep a neutral spine. don’t bring weights down on last rep and land them on thighs. again don’t try to lift what you can’t do.
Greg Brookes says
October 24, 2017 at 9:10 amThanks and great point Richard, yes if I’m going to eliminate the use of the hips then I use the half kneeling press because it doesn’t rely on good hamstring flexibility which is something that most suffer with when sitting on the floor with legs out. The half kneeling press also works hard into the sling system from shoulder to opposite knee, great to connect shoulders to hips and also identify asymmetries. I also recommend that people don’t press overhead what they can’t hold overhead for at least 30 seconds.
Karina says
March 28, 2018 at 4:18 pmIf you’re using competition kettlebells Richard, changing for a lighter weight won’t work as they start from 8kgs so Greg’s advise woks really well in this situation.to get the strength up using eccentric load.
Debbie says
October 23, 2017 at 4:12 pmThank you Greg! Like others I appreciate your insight and expertise!
Lisa says
October 23, 2017 at 3:41 pmThank you Gregg, this is so helpful, and much appreciated!
Joss Burgess says
October 23, 2017 at 3:16 pmThat doesn’t look like oxford!!
Thanks Greg.
Greg Brookes says
October 23, 2017 at 4:01 pmNope, this is the north of Portugal Joss. A beautiful place and highly recommended 🙂
Kristina says
October 23, 2017 at 3:06 pmThanks Greg!!!! I love working out with KB and after watching your videos l always get motivation to WORKOUT w KBs. ?
Chris B. says
October 23, 2017 at 2:37 pmGreg, I’ve really enjoyed you workouts. Your tips are also extremely helpful for this 62 Y.O. kettlebell novice. Please, keep them coming.
Cornelius Greene says
October 23, 2017 at 1:43 pmAs always great info, thanks.
Sam says
October 23, 2017 at 12:50 pmGreat thanks
David Palizban says
October 23, 2017 at 12:07 pmGreat Greg,
Thank you!
Pat Stiff says
October 23, 2017 at 9:24 amThanks Greg, I find this video very useful and helpful as I struggle to get the weight up easily. Will try it later today. Pat
Greg Brookes says
October 23, 2017 at 9:27 amSounds good Pat, I think it will really help you.
Phil says
October 23, 2017 at 9:09 amIs that a 24 kg one in the video Greg? If I leave the kettlebells for a while before going back to them, I end up doing that. Good tip about being in control on the way down, though. I must make sure I do that more consistently.
Thanks
Phil
Greg Brookes says
October 23, 2017 at 9:26 amYes Phil control on the way down is very important, you should squeeze your lats and core tight. You will actually get more strength benefits from slowly lowering the kettlebell rather than just pressing the kettlebell, especially useful if you are looking to gain some strength with a heavier kettlebell.
Glynis W says
October 23, 2017 at 8:58 amGreat tip. Very helpful. Thank you.
Mila says
October 23, 2017 at 8:49 amThank you.