Kettlebell Basics, Part 2 – The bend
Correct Wrist
In an earlier post, I talked about the basic parts of kettlebell training. Today, I want to talk about a common fault that plagues lots of folks, especially when fatigued. The Bend.
Bent Wrists
Bent wrists are one of the first things I spot. If you are looking at the weight, as you should in most of the KB lifts, the wrist is right there. If it’s cocked back it can create a lot of stress on the joint and make your lift weaker, especially as you increase the poundage. Bent wrists are one of the most overlooked, yet easiest corrections to make. Make sure your wrists are straight in all lifts, including overhead squats, snatches, cleans, presses, and get-ups.
Bent Elbows
Most beginners have never seen anything resembling a get-up. Breaking down the movements into smaller fragments is often more manageable for new athletes. The get-up sit-up is a good place to start. Be sure to look up at the bell during the get-up. This way you can not only see when you need to get out of the way of a falling bell, but you can keep the elbow and wrist in check. The elbow should also lock out at the top of your presses, which is another beginner mistake that is often neglected.
