Comments on: Kettlebell Swing – The Back Saver Exercise

By: Phil Pearce

Phil Pearce — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:35:42 +0000

Good article, found your blog by google, it'll be in my regular reading from now on. Bath kettlebell Bootcamp

By: TC Lee

TC Lee — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:34:12 +0000

Hey Dr Snell
Thanks for reading the post and very much appreciate your inputs on the core muscle endurance. Certainly agreed that there has to be a certain level of core muscles endurance before undergoing the swing. Would never suggest anyone to perform the kettlebell swing if the person has severely poor muscle endurance in the low back.

By: Dr. Phillip Snell

Dr. Phillip Snell — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:46:39 +0000

Nice work on the discrimination between good form and bad form on the basic KB swing exercise TC! Stuart McGill’s recent research has smiled fondly on proper kettlebell technique for improving core endurance and improving back health. While this is true, I see the effects of poor form frequently resulting in disc injury in the lumbar spine. I heartily encourage patients to get acquainted with kettlebells, and learn to use them properly from someone well trained like TC.

In regards to your points about endurance of the core muscles, while kettlebells are great for advanced endurance training, some might need to get started with lower levels of stress. On my site, you can use a test advocated by Dr. McGill to measure endurance of the major muscles of the core and see if you’re ready to take on the kettlebell. http://fixyourownback.com/blog/?p=67

Cheers!
Phillip Snell, DC
Portland, OR
http://www.fixyourownback.com/blog