First off I’m a huge admirer of Eric Leija. I’m not sure if he is the originator of kettlebell flows, but it was this workout that introduced me to them. It’s a workout that I still do regularly to this day and has me feeling satisfied but exhausted at the end. Accumulating nearly 500K followers on Instagram, he’s established himself as one of the premier trainers among the kettlebell community. So when I was browsing my newsfeed and came across the video below, I thought it deserved more notice than the one sentence article on the FOX 7 website.
Now I’ve seen a couple of other news videos with trainers walking reporters through kettlebell exercises. However, none with such high acclaim as Eric. I admit it’s a little comical watching videos like these in what seems like super slow motion. However, I sometimes forget to step outside myself and realize that kettlebells are still relatively unknown here in the U.S.
Considering that the target audience is folks who are unaware, it makes perfect sense to fully explain each move and slow it down. I’m used to seeing Eric make some quick moves, as I’m sure many others are. Although, I’m reminded it was only a year ago when I first started using kettlebells on a regular basis. I’ve learned a lot in that time and having the perspective gained since has only given me a greater appreciation for kettlebells. Everyone has to start somewhere and I think it’s great that the mainstream media is finally paying attention.
Take a look at the video below and you’ll see why kettlebell flow workouts are so unique.
Reactions and Thoughts on This Video
It was probably a wise move on Eric’s part to keep the moves as simple as possible for the reporter. We see some squats, tricep extensions, and bicep curls. There are no swings or snatches. I wouldn’t classify those as difficult kettlebell exercises, but it wouldn’t make sense to try and slow those down as they rely heavily on momentum.
For instance, the reporter in this other video demonstrates a swing at a snail’s pace. You can see the result. The base of the kettlebell is always hanging down. Without inertia and momentum, it just doesn’t look right!
Kettlebell Flows Don’t Have to Be Fast
I mentioned how I’m used to seeing Eric’s workout pace a lot quicker than what is shown in his demonstration above. However, there really is no right tempo when it comes to kettlebell flows. If you want to improve mobility and flexibility, grab a lighter kettlebell and see how quickly you can transition from each move. For strength building, slower and heavier works perfectly fine.
I’m probably somewhere in the middle. I don’t have the ability to move quite so agilely. Nor the strength to perform high rep counts with 50+ pound kettlebells. Although, with some patience and practice, I hope to get there someday in the near future. What matters most is that you progress at your own rate.
I’ll leave you with one last video from Eric’s Instagram feed. It proves that no matter what speed you’re going at, kettlebell flows are a great way to improve your tone and physique. Everyone wants as much free time in life as possible. With kettlebell flows, you only have to sacrifice a little to gain a lot!
