KG, I can’t send you a P/M. Do you have that option disabled?
Is it normal to be sore for three frickin days after doing dumbell snatches for the first time? Geezus. The first two days it was mainly my back. Yesterday and today my legs are still a little bit sore. Either they are working areas I haven’t been or I am doing them very wrong.
BTW, when doing db snatches, do the arms pretty much remain straight(not locked) and kind of arc to the top as the rest of your body rises or is it supposed to be done more as a press?
Also, on the clean and press, do you guys start from the floor with each clean?
ewallace,
My email address is kempoguy@lycos.com. I guess I don’t have the pm option on…? I’ll have to double check.
I’m constantly sore so I’m not sure. 
Pavel recommends that you do these types of exercises for 4 - 6 days a week as this will make you less sore. I took this advice and wasn’t as sore as I expected. You just need to make sure you switch your rep schemes. The legs (inside the thighs) was where I first felt it when starting with snatches and swings. If your back gets too sore, maybe alternate the exercises with one arm swings, as it’s a little easier on your body. Just do more sets!
When doing snatches, you can keep your arm fairly straight and swing the arm up and flick your wrist at the top (above your head). OR you can keep it closer to your body and then flick it. As you start using heavier weights you’ll probably start to adapt to the latter, which is a movement that’s similar to the press.
On the Clean and Press, I generally start with the weight hanging off the floor. When doing circuit, I’ll swing the KB between my legs slightly between reps, which is more of a ballistic movement. Other times I do it static (with the KB hanging), but never off the floor.
Hope this helps,
KG
Thanks. I’m doing it right then. I will have to work up to 4-6 days a week. I’ve been told it’s not a very bright idea to do it when you are really sore.
Could you describe db swings?
Note:
I don’t have the RKC video yet. Was planning to get it this week, but since I busted a tooth and saw the dentist today, it may have to wait another couple weeks.
ewallace,
Well, as long as you vary the amount of reps/sets everyday you can do snatches and swings pretty much everyday. I wouldn’t do the presses everyday though.
As for swings, with the arm straight you swing the KB/DB between the legs (bend the legs while doing this) and then up to about hip/waist level (for starters) using the muscles of the back and the legs. Also, on the upswing you want to thrust your hips forwards (which will also straighten your legs), which will drive the weight forward/up. This is a great transitionary exercise to doing snatches as the movements are similar. As you start getting more used to this movement, you can start swinging the weight higher to shoulder level or above the head.
Don’t know if this explanation helps… (I really urge you to get the RKC video sometime in the future so you can see the movements properly).
I switch up the swings and snatches on a regular basis (pretty much every other day) along with cleans and C&J’s. I also do different presses, but do these at the beginning of every other workout.
Hope this helps,
KG
I’ve read that a lot of people recommend the video and the book. Any truth to this?
I do plan on buying the video in a week or so. Is DD the only place to buy it?
ewallace,
I do suggest getting both the video and the book. But, if you can only afford one or the other the video would be more important. The reason is, it is hard to get the idea of certain movements from a book. I believe Pavel also recommends getting the video first. This would be true with all of his material (imho).
I believe Amazon.com sells Pavel’s books, I’m not sure about his videos though. I ordered mine from DD.
FWIW, I’ve ordered several of Pavel’s videos (and a couple of books) from DD and have not had any problems.
KG
Easygym lol..it is the door gym repackaged with a new angle of attack. Granted i like that design better, i still found no real use for my door gym BECAUSE your frame cannot be the flimsy kind found in most homes (around my area anyway) You need a solid door frame or else you will hear the tiny nails being pulled out and the wood along the top of the frame graoning…granted it is doable BUT the worry is not worth the effort!
How about Pilates? Finally convinced my girl to get into it .. i hope it works like they say it does…she’s got to get moving!