In this issue:
Video of the week: progressing to the snatch - part 3
In this part 3 of Anthony's 4 part series, we take a look at the hi-pull. This is a stepping stone to the full snatch which we'll be covering in part 4.
Artist profile: Keith Hendricks
I’m a 50 year old Vice President at a large pharmaceutical company in Chicago, IL. About 4 months ago, I started a new exercise program after 2 years of living as a couch potato. I really was in terrible physical shape. From Day 1, I used The Art of Strength: Providence DVD almost exclusively in my exercise routine (5 days weekly). Only in the last several weeks have I dropped to 3 days of AoS weekly. I have added two days per week of a personal strength routine designed for me by Mike Mahler to replace those 2 Art of Strength days.
The main point is that my exclusive use of AoS: Providence and Newport for endurance and strength fitness helped me drop 25 pounds in the last 4 months. I have also followed the Warrior Diet, which has surely helped.
I’ve been surprised to find the benefits going beyond simple weight loss, however. I recently went in for a stress EKG exam on a treadmill. I have never had good endurance, and (although I have dropped 25lb) I still weigh 240lb… so, I wasn't sure how I would do on the test. Not only did the cardiologist proclaim my heart to be in great shape, he said I must really be exercising-- because I lasted over 13 minutes! He said he doesn't see that happen often, particularly for someone my age. They had me running at 4.5mph on a 16% incline!! I have not run a single block since getting back into shape; only AoS.
Also, about 6 months ago my doctor put me on a low dose of blood pressure meds in an attempt to get my diastolic BP below 90. I hadn't measured my BP since then. In preparing for the stress test, I had to get off of my BP medicine for a couple of days. I was floored when my resting BP before the test was 120/60. Several months earlier it had been 145/100. It is clear that I no longer need BP meds. Amazing results, don't you think?
Just thought I would let you know how effective kettlebells and The Art of Strength DVD series have been for me. It took me quite awhile to get through Providence efficiently… then Newport simply floored me! I just don’t have the endurance for it and will need to drop the weight down. Some of those bodyweight exercises (ie, Punch Matrix & Plank) are pure “evil” (to quote Pavel).
My colleagues still laugh at my "kettlebell" stuff, although some are starting to notice the transformation in my physique. I'll send any interested friends your way, as I do believe that your DVD series is probably the finest in-home exercise approach I have every found.
Keith Hendricks
Pharmaceutical Executive
Chicago, IL
Phil Barr's extraordinary comeback
Phil suffered severe inhalation injuries in the horrific 2004 Station Night Club fire here in Rhode Island. The doctors all agreed his athletic career was over. Phil came to Anthony with 35% lung capacity and a will of iron. His first sessions were short-- and literally ended with chunks of Phil’s dead lung tissue on the gym floor. Phil clawed through 12 grueling months with the kettlebells and fought back to health. Against all odds he went on to win the 2005 NCAA “Sportsman of the Year” award. Phil is the definition of extraordinary!
Save on a bundle
By popular demand, we have combined the first two Art of Strength DVD's in a value bundle. Purchase both Providence & Newport together and save $10 off list price. Since they are shipping together, you also get 2 for 1 on shipping & handling!
Providence and Newport are great, complimentary workouts. In future issues of The Minute of Strength, Anthony will provide more details on how you can combine them during a typical week for an impossibly fun and thoroughly demanding full-body transformation. Start building your personal video training library now.