[lbo-talk] fitness for the left

[shag carpet bomb]

At 11:41 AM 12/2/2009, Asad Haider wrote:
> > The Russian word for kettlebell, "girya" was first found in the Russian
> > dictionary in the 1700's. More important than the weight itself is the
> > technique demanded to manipulate the object. Practicing kettlebells teaches
> > you techniques applicable to any situation life may put you in. As a tool a
> > kettlebell is simply a weight with an off-center handle. Aside from the
> > Russian history, examples of training with leverage modified weights have
> > been seen in many cultures.
> >
>
>I think this device was popularized in the United States by this guy, Pavel
>Tsatsouline:
>
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nInallL_o5U&feature=player_embedded
>
>Even more amusing videos can be downloaded or viewed on the various Asian
>video websites, including titles like "Power to the People."
>
>According to his books, the Soviet science of fitness was radically
>different from the American one. The American model is based on the idea
>that strength is a function of muscle mass, so strength training is centered
>on building muscle, whereas the Soviet model operates on the premise that
>strength is essentially cognitive control over muscular tension, and the
>methods of training reflect this.
>
>I have no idea if this is accurate, or whether it reflects some real
>ideological difference. The American science certainly fits well with an
>image-centered commodity culture, a fixation on quantity, and certain norms
>of masculinity--I can only speculate about the Soviet science.
>
>Fitness Lysenkoism? I hope so. It seems to get better results, anyway.

i have followed Lyle McDonald for years. I remember that this is what he 
had to say:

"I will soon be introducing a new product from the
RusskiBullshit Training Line.

Kettlerocks.

Rocks with handles cut into them.

This was the true secret to Soviet Sports Fitness and Success.
Also, Fred Flintstone used them to achieve the top total of
his day. Barny, as always was an also ran but Betty was way
fucking hotter than Wilma so he was ok with that.

to be followed by

Clubrocks.

Rocks shaped like clubs.

Which I will then use to beat some sense into the idiots who
think this stuff is anything but an overpriced gimmick."

"Ass busting work + consistency + time = results.
Burn that into your head and quit looking for quick fixes and secrets. 
Because they don't exist."
-Lyle McDonald