Hi everyone,
Today’s workout is a challenge from Optimal Life Fitness Group, which is Europe’s Leading Provider in Continuing Educational Training for the Fitness Professional. They are probably one of the most well known Kettlebell training groups in the UK. I get their Newletter via email every month and they have started a monthly EKI Challenge. I missed July’s, but I fancied a go at August’s Challenge 🙂 Now, me being me and with my tendency to leave things to the last minute, I actually missed the deadline! I thought it was August 31st, when it was actually the 25th 🙁 Boo. But I thought, since I did it, I may as well show you anyway.
“This month’s EKI Challenge is:
- 20 KB Snatches each arm
- 10 KB Clean and Presses each arm
- 10 Double KB Front Squats
- 10 Double KB Military Presses
- 10 Double KB Bent Over Rows
- 10 Push Ups on KBs
We would like to see a full range of movement in all the lifts. We would also like to see an attempt of lockout and or fixation in all lifts. The winner may not be the one who lifts the heaviest bells or has the fastest times, it can be the person with the most creative clip. Guys should be aiming for 24’s and ladies with 12’s.
Get lifting people and send us your clips!”
Initially when I heard about the challenge I was all geared up to do it with 16kg (as seen in the video), but I soon realised that my technique, during the latter end of the snatch cycle, was starting to suffer. And then, I just lost the will (mentally) during the squats. I just felt I had failed. Below is this attempt:
But I soon wised up and swallowed my pride later in the day (just as we were about to leave for the KB class), to complete the challenge with my 12kg in all exercises except the rows, were I upgraded 🙂 YAY – to make me feel better LOL. So here is my 2nd attempt:
My time was 7 minutes and 38 seconds. And I have to say it was a lot harder than expected. I also learned that being competitive has its downside! Wanting to be the strongest is one thing, but not at the cost of technique, which I forgot! I’m well aware that my technique with the 12kg is still not perfect, but it’s a lot better than with the 16.
I am happy to have completed the challenge, even if it isn’t entered into the competition. At least I can still say I did it!! Next month I will hopefully enter a valid attempt.
Anyway, feel free to give this challenge a try and let me know your thoughts and scores of course 🙂
Talk soon
Marianne
