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Bogatyr Rising2
Bogatyr Rising2
BOGATYR RISING
Thierry Sanchez
Kettlebell-fitness.dk
Introduction
The goal of this program is to last a 10 minute Long Cycle set with 2x24kg kettlebells, and take your
numbers to a competitive level, of roughly 60-90 reps, depending on your bodyweight.
By the end of this program, youll have a solid base to work from to start lifting heavier kettlebells.
You may then wish to repeat the program with 2x28kg and see how far it takes you. Youll be well
on your way to turn into a true Bogatyr!
You may have to start this program with light kettlebells, and go through the whole process a
couple of time, before being able to confidently handle the 24kg kettlebells on a regular basis.
Equipment recommended
Kettlebells: 2x12kg, 2x16kg, 2x20kg, 2x24kg, (2x28kg)
Timer
Barbell, plates, squat stand, bench, pull up bar, thick rope
Options are given in the assistance section if you do not have access to barbells.
Bogatyr Rising calls for 3 main days of training (Long Cycle and assistance work), and 2-3 days of
cardio a week.
The program runs with 2 parallel templates, which progress at their own pace.
There is one template (table 1) for the actual Kettlebell Long Cycle (LC) part, which is organized in
levels with set benchmarks for progression.
The second template (table 2) is for all the assistance work. It is organized into training days
throughout the week.
It may sound a bit complex, but it is the only way that I can think of to include enough variables and
progression in the program to make it work. Email me if in doubt.
Progressions are gradual to ensure you get accustomed to the training with the least possible risk
of injury.
Understand that the number of levels in the template does not represent the number of actual
training sessions. You may be lucky to be able to go up a level each training session, or you may
not!
Do not plan to do other training/ strenuous activities over this program, if youre planning to be
serious about Bogatyr Rising and get results.
Blisters
You should always try to stop before developing blisters. Good technique spares your grip so that
you do not have to clench the handle hard and create friction in your palm. No friction means no
blisters.
Blisters are rarely a problem with the kettlebell Long Cycle, unless you are totally new to
kettlebells.
In this case, problems usually clear up after a short while, as your skin becomes tougher and
thicker.
Taping your hands with sports tape can be an option to help if you have fresh sores, but should not
be used as a preventative measure, as it will hamper the natural toughening of the skin.
Warm up
Always do a 5-10 minute warm up. Watch the general warm up video.
The warm up primes your nervous system, increases body temperature and lubricates your joints.
The warm up sequence Ive put together in the video also gets your body moving in patterns that
are very often neglected. It is not a series of random exercises.
Remember that when focusing on a specific movement, over time, you might be creating
imbalances in your body and the way you move.
Long cycle takes place in a linear plane, leaving side movements and rotations out of training.
Moving your body in 3 D and in some unusual positions might help lessen the chance of developing
some injuries, and will help keeping your hips and spine loose.
After that, go on to the specific warm up. Watch the specific warm up video.
Start with a light kettlebell, and progressively increase the load as you decrease the reps. This
ramping up serves to prime your nervous system for the training session.
Start with a light kettlebell:
Hand to hand swing x20-30 reps
Figure 8 to a stop x10 reps
Goblet squat x10 reps
1 arm clean and press x 3 reps e.s (each side) as the load increases, switch to push press and
eventually jerkRepeat the circuit with the next weight kettlebell, and then with 1 weight up.
Then go on to doubles: The drill is called Black Long Cycle.
Swing + clean + bump + jerk x5-8 reps, at a relaxed tempo, below working weight.
Swing + clean + bump + jerk x3-5 reps, at a relaxed tempo, with working weight.
Swing + clean + bump + jerk x1-3 reps, with one size over working weight.
Session outline
The session is divided into 3 parts.
Main LC sets
LC specific drills
Strength assistance
Each session youll be attempting one level of the Long Cycle template for your main sets, as
prescribed on table 1.
Also mentioned on table 1 are the guidelines for the LC specific assistance drills, but only do the
exercises you need to do according to the training day for each week!
Refer to table 2 in the assistance section for which LC specific drills and strength assistance you
have to do on a given day.
Where you start on the template will depend on your abilities. Just make it realistic so that you
achieve success rather than struggle from the start. Some people with time under the bells might
start at level 7 instead of level 1 for example.
As a rule, You only get to progress to a higher level in the template IF you manage to successfully
complete the planned level for the days session (respecting the length of the sets, along with the
tempo on all sets and rest intervals between sets).
However, you may also find out that sometimes you can jump over a level. Do so if you feel
confident about it, you know your body best!
If things get tough on a set and you start falling behind the tempo, do not put the bells down! Try
to finish the set at a slower pace if possible so that you can catch your breath. Youll have to re-do
that level at the right tempo another time to pass it, thats all.
Kettlebell Sport requires pacing to last the 10 minutes.
All your main sets are to be practiced at a certain tempo. Tempo is called RPM, which stands for
Repetitions Per Minute.
As a rule, the heavier the load, the slower the tempo. What is heavy and slow is of course
relative to your current physical abilities, and will change over time.
In general, Id recommend you to keep the same tempo you start with on the first level right until
you reach the last level of the template, at the very least the first time you try the program, and
then repeat it at a faster tempo. The program works just fine that way.
However, keep in mind that by creating this template, things have to be kept as simple as possible
and still be able to work and deliver results. It is not to say that this is the best or only way to train.
If you have some experience in strength training and are good at evaluating feedback from your
sessions, you might introduce a little variation to keep the program challenging you.
This little aside is a simplification of training principles you can use for yourself or if youre coaching
people.
Adding variation through manipulation of tempo and weight
Short sets (1-2 min): fast tempo or use a KB one size heavier and adjust the tempo accordingly.
Medium sets (2-5 min) : medium tempo.
Long sets (5 min +): slow tempo (which in theory would represent your base tempo or a tempo you
could work for a 10 min set) or use a KB one size lighter and adjust the tempo accordingly.
Fast tempo for Long cycle: (10-12)rpm
Medium tempo: (7-9) rpm
Slow tempo: (4-6) rpm
Start with the lowest number in each bracket, and keep those 3 tempos constant until you reach
the last level of the program. Again, these are guidelines, and everything depends on load, your
overall strength, local endurance and cardio-respiratory fitness.
How to progress after you finish one cycle is explained in the section Whats next?
Table 1 : LC template
Level Main LC sets
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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5 sets of 1:00
6 sets of 1:00
4 sets of 1:30
3 sets of 2:00
2 sets of 2:30
1 set of 3:00 - Rest 3:00 - 1
set of 2 min- rest 2min 1
set of 1 min
6 sets of 1:00
7 sets of 1:00
8 sets of 1:00
5 sets of 1:30
3 sets of 2:00 + 1 set of
1:00
2 sets of 3:00 +1 set of
2:00
1 set of 4:00 - Rest 4:00 - 1
set of 2:00 - rest 2 min 1
set of 2min
8 sets of 1:00
9 sets of 1:00
10 sets of 1:00
4 sets of 2:00
5 sets of 2:00
3 sets of 3:00
2 sets of 4:00 + 1 set of
2:00
1 set of 5:00 - Rest 5:00 - 1
set of 3:00- rest 3 min- 1
set of 2 min-
Rest
between
main sets
1 arm
Clean
with
gloves
1:00 -1:30 2:30 e.s
@16rpm
1 arm
swing
1:00
1:00
1:00-1 :30
1:00 -1:30
1:30 - 2:00
n/a
1:00 e.s
@1214rpm
1:00
1:00
1:00 -1:15
1:00 -1:15
1:00 -1:30
1:30 e.s
@1214rpm
1:30 -2:00
e.s
1:30
n/a
1:00 -1:15
1:00 -1:15
1:00 -1:15
1:30 - 2:00
1:30
2:00 2:30
2:00 2:30
1:00 e.s
@1214rpm
x2 sets,
1:00 rest
n/a
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
10 sets of 1:00
11 sets of 1:00
12 sets of 1:00
6 sets of 2:00
4 sets of 3:00
3 sets of 4:00
2 sets of 5:00
1 set of 8:00 - Rest 5:00 - 1
set of 4:00
Level Main LC sets
1:00 -1:15
1:00 -1:15
1:00 -1:15
1:00 -1:30
2:00 -3:00
3:00 - 4:00
3:00 - 5:00
n/a
1:30 e.s
@1214rpm
x2 sets,
1:00 rest
Rest
between
main sets
2:30 -3:00
e.s
1 arm
swing
Assistance training
The Kettlebell Long Cycle is the primary goal and focus of this program and anything else can be
called assistance training.
Take a 5 min rest after your last main set, before moving on to assistance training.
There are both some LC specific assistance drills and strength training exercises with barbells.
Assistance training is planned for every session, but it will of course depend on factors such as the
time you have available for training, your work capacity and recovery ability. Be sensible and
always ready to reduce the volume of assistance training if needed. Err on the side of caution,
especially in the beginning.
For assistance exercises with a single kettlebell, remember to always start a set with your weakest
hand, so that you can easily match the same results with the stronger hand.
e.s stands for each side.
Keep the rest intervals short between exercises, about 1:00 to 1:30.
As you repeat the program a faster tempo in the following cycles, you may have to do some light
adjustments to the LC assistance training that is beyond the scope of a template.
You may increase time (not much more than 30 sec per set), tempo or weight.
On the other hand, as your main sets will be more demanding, you will be more tired and in fact
could just stick to the same guidelines for a while. Setting PRs in those drills is not the goal of
assistance training, so do not over think this!
There are 4 LC specific assistance drills on the program:
1 arm jerk, done with 1 weight over that of your main set.
Bumps with 2 kettlebells, done with 1 weight over that of your main set.
1 arm clean with gloves, done with 1 weight under that of your main set. Tempo is free.
1 arm swing, done with 1 weight over that of your main set. Tempo is free.
The assistance drills are done for 1 set only.
The purpose of the clean with gloves drill is to further tax the grip. Optionally, you could do snatch
with gloves, if needing variation at some stage.
Fleece gloves offer more challenge as they are often thicker than cotton gloves. It can be a good or
bad thing
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The strength training assistance work is done in superset fashion. Do not rush back and forth from
set to set, but try to keep the rest interval about 1:00 to 1:30.
The format of the supersets looks like this:
A1 x2-3 sets
A2 x2-3 sets
B1 (same as A1) x2-3 sets
B2 x2-3 sets
Rep range is waved as throughout the week. It will be up to you to find out the correct weight for
the rep range. Do not be caught up too much in this process, or try to test your 1RM and work out
percentages. Remember this is assistance training, not powerlifting! You can always correct the
load on the successive sessions.
Do not increase the load (and make a small jump in weight only) before you can maintain the high
end of the rep range on all sets. Also, try to leave 1 rep in the tank, instead of going all out on each
set.
Stick to the same strength exercises for a period of time. When stalling, add a small variation.
Deadlifts are to be done as RDL from the floor or off boxes (for partials, the bar should be just
below or over knee cap). If you have a trap bar make sure to still perform a RDL, not a conventional
deadlift.
Use a high bar or low bar placement for back squats. Front squats and bottom up squats are also
good variations. Go to the depth that is best and safest for you.
The bench press is to be done with medium grip, about shoulder width. If you have access to
dumbbells or a Swiss bar, press with hands facing each other.
If possible, use fatgrips for your pull ups, and a thick rope for the suspended rows. Youll eventually
have to load those movements.
For abs, include flexion, lateral and rotation work to compensate all the extension and lifting done
in the sagittal plane.
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End the session by hanging from a pull up bar for 1-2 min to further challenge your grip, but even
more importantly, to remove the compression from your spine.
Here are some exercise options, if you do not have barbell, cannot squat or need variation.
Reverse lunges, reverse lunges from deficit (10-15 cm box), Bulgarian split squats (20-30 cm
box)
Double suitcase KB deadlifts and farmers walk
Sandbag clean or shouldering
KB floor presses
1 arm rows
If you do not have barbells, you can always make your own heavy sandbags. They are cheap,
challenging and can be used for many exercises. A sandbag can be loaded across the shoulder or on
one side only.
For lunges, kettlebells can be held on the shoulders or in the hands.
Cardio is done on alternate days from your Long Cycle training days.
The goal of cardio days is three fold: increase you aerobic capacity, improve your clean technique,
and promote recovery from the LC training days.
Start off by just doing cardio. After 4-6 weeks from starting the program, youll introduce 1 timed
set of double black cleans after your cardio (except on the last session of the week which is
meant to be light and easy).
This double black clean set is done at your own tempo. Focus on perfecting your technique and
rack position, not on the amount of reps. Black means youll be doing 1-2 swings for every clean.
Start with 2 min, and build up from there.
When you can easily reach 7 min, increase the weight to the next size kettlebells or repeat without
doing any extra swings between reps, or try to do it at a faster tempo.
Whatever type of cardio you chose is fine, from running, to rope skipping, biking, and rowing. You
could even mix it up. If running on a treadmill, set a light incline. This incline helps also reduce
impact on your body. If your knees are dodgy, bike instead of running.
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I personally prefer to run cross country in the forest (and I also run with ski poles), but the
treadmill, rower and spin bike can be useful sometimes. When running cross country, you have to
react to the terrain and the small obstacles along the way, adjust your stride and other factors.
The outdoor environment is not as predictable as indoor cardio, and keeps thing interesting
because you have to stay focused on what youre doing.
Also, youre less likely to stop. On a machine, if you get bored or it gets tough you can just step off
it. In the woods, well, you still have to make your way home ;-)
There are different ways to find your aerobic training zone.
Here is one formula:
Subtract your age from 180 (example: 180-35=145 bmp). If you're a highly trained athlete, you can
add 3 bmp. If you're a de-conditioned athlete, subtract 3 bmp.
This will roughly be around 70% of the heart rate training zone.
Take 10% of that number to find the low end zone.
(Formulas are only a close guess and do not a guarantee a true individual value.)
The 60-70% zone is known as the recovery zone. Training within this zone develops both basic
endurance and aerobic capacity, and does not negatively affect your strength gains. Spend most of
your cardio time around this 60-70% zone.
I recommend putting an absolute ceiling at 75% so that cardio training doesnt eat into your
recovery abilities, and so that you are ready to lift kettlebells on the following day, where it matters
most.
You will be getting plenty of intense work with kettlebells and barbells and need to be as fresh as
possible on those days.
And lastly, try to develop your perception of effort, so that you do not always rely on a heart rate
monitor. That way youll be able to recognize those signals while lifting kettlebells, and this
knowledge can come in handy when you compete.
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Day #4
Cardio for 25-40 min
Black cleans
Day #5
LC program
5 min rest
KB assistance:
Bumps, heavy (1 size over main weight)
1 arm swing, heavy (1 size over main weight)
Strength assistance:
A1 Pull up 2-3 sets of 3-6 reps
A2 Bench press 2-3 sets of 6-9 reps
B1 Pull up 2-3 sets of 3-6 reps
B2 Squat 2-3 sets of 6-9 reps
Abs: 2-3 sets of 10-30 reps
Day #6
Recovery cardio, really easy tempo for 40-80 min. Optional, but highly recommended!
Day #7
Joint mobility for 10-15min
Self release massage with foam roller, Tiger tail and tennis ball for 10-15 min
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Recovery
Finish off all your sessions by hanging from a pull up bar 1-2 min to decompress your spine.
Follow this by stretching/ mobilizing your spine and hips (Watch the cool down video), and pay
special attention to the muscles that have been trained and feel tight.
Lay flat on your back and breathe deep for 5 minutes if you have time for it.
Using the stick/ tiger tail, foam rolling or a Lacrosse ball is also strongly advised if you have time.
Otherwise try to fit this recovery routine on your full rest day.
Watch the self massage video.
If you feel your forearms are having a hard time when the sets become long-ish, try massaging your
forearms between sets, using the tiger tail or something similar, to help the blood flow back to
your hands.
I recommend wearing neoprene knee sleeves when training LC, squats or running. Keeping those
joints warm and well lubricated is important for your well being in the long run.
Here are 2 great resources for self release massage
Free PDF about trigger points http://kettlebellfitnessdk.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/treatyourself-trigger-point-therapy/
The trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies
Stalling
Every once in a while, you might feel you have hit a plateau or things are becoming too hard.
The down side of a template compared to a good coach, is that there is only one way to go: up all
the time. The need to back off is very individual and will be affected by the other things that are
going on in your life.
Listen to your body because it is up to you to adjust the program to make it even better.
Instead of battling hard to try to make it to the next level, go back down a couple of levels (or even
down 1 size kettlebell for a couple of sessions) to allow some extra recovery and easier practice.
You are not meant to always be able to jump to the next level from session to session.
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If you are getting small nagging pains and other signals, like mental fatigue at the thought of
training, back off. If you keep pushing, youll end up taking a long rest due to sudden illness or
injury.
If you need to back off on your main sets, do not try to catch up when you do assistance work.
Consider doing bodyweight exercises or used lights loads and stay in the 10-20 rep range.
How to tell if you need to rest today
Take your heart rate first thing in the morning for 2 weeks. Find the average Resting Heart
rate (RHR).
If your Resting Heart Rate is 10% higher than average, you should modify your training
for that day and make it a low intensity training.
If your Resting Heart Rate is 15% higher than average, take a full day off.
Over time, your heart rate should decrease at rest, so retest your average RHR every 4-5
weeks. This improvement is a direct result of improved cardiac muscle functionthe heart
becomes stronger and larger, and can pump more blood with each beat.
If you are not fully recovered, your heart rate at rest will be elevated because your body is
busy repairing tissues and replenishing fuels, and your training session will feel like hell.
Whats next ?
So, you just went through the Bogatyr Rising program for a whole cycle, at a certain tempo with a
certain weight. Well done, pat yourself on the back, and take a day off ;-)
Then, do a light and easy session, and the following day try a 10 minute test with the same weight
you used on level 29. Tempo wise, Id recommend going slightly slower, by 1rpm.
Approach this test set as if stepping up on a platform for your first competition.
Remember to maintain a steady tempo throughout your set, only sprinting to the finish if you have
the extra energy for it.
Starting at a fast tempo from the start is not a good idea. Aim to stay in the aerobic zone for as long
as possible, and finish strong!
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If 10 minutes goes well, shoot for 12! If it doesnt go well, no stress, youll probably manage after
you repeat one more cycle.
The next thing to do now is to repeat the program at a slightly faster pace.
If you started with 5-6rpm, go up to 7-8rpm, then repeat a third time maybe at 9-10 rpm.
The next progression after you reach a satisfactory tempo (10rpm with 16kg, 8-9rpm with 20kg for
8 minutes) will be to increase the weight and reduce the tempo, and repeat the whole process
again. These again are general guidelines, but whatever you do, do not make an unreasonable
jump. Train smart, stay injury free.
The backing down and building up process is important for your progress.
The body needs easy sessions to recover from the demands of the higher levels of the template.
Also, achieving these numbers once or twice on your way up the levels is very different to actually
owning those numbers.
By cycling through the program a few times, reaching those numbers becomes easier and easier
and the process improves your confidence in your own performance.
If using the variable tempo scheme for your main sets, increase all 3 tempo ranges by 1 rpm when
you repeat a cycle.
As you get better, all your sets (short or long) will end up being performed at a similar tempo. You
cannot just go faster and faster
Be aware that exceeding 12rpm might promote bad technique, lack of fixation in the rack or
overhead. If you can maintain 11-12 rpm for over 8 minutes with 2x24kg, youll be a true Bogatyr!
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Disclaimer
Exercise is not without its risks, and this or any other exercise program may result in injury. They
include but are not limited to: risk of injury, aggravation of a pre-existing condition, or adverse
effect of over-exertion such as muscle strain, abnormal blood pressure, fainting, disorders of
heartbeat, and very rare instances of heart attack. To reduce the risk of any injury and /or illness,
before beginning this or any exercise program, please seek medical advice for guidance regarding
appropriate exercise levels and precautions. It is particularly important to seek such advice if you
suffer from an ongoing medical condition which may be affected by exercise. The exercise
instruction and advice presented is for information purposes only and is in no way intended as a
substitute for medical consultation.
Thierry Sanchez and Kettlebell-fitness.dk accepts no liability from and in connection with this
program. As with any exercise program, if at any point during your workout you begin to feel faint,
dizzy, or have physical discomfort, you should stop immediately and consult a suitably qualified
health professional.
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