For several years there have been a few questions that I’ve
been asked over and over – and despite my opinionated nature,
I’ve never bothered to answer.
Today will be different. I got an email that I’d like to use to
break some ice. Here goes:
Matt,
Would you please give me your opinion on the use of kettlebells
as workout tools in comparison to body weight exercises. Also,
would you consider these to be worth the expense. I am coming
to the opinion that Lifeline Products are a better way to go because
they are less ballistic and easier on the joints. They also seem to
simulate muscular resistance instead of dead weight resistance that
you get with the use of the above.
Would you consider the purchase of a weighted vest to be worthwhile
to increase resistance while doing body weight exercises.
I have purchased several of your programs and I am pleased. So, with
that, I am asking would you please respond to this personal question….
what do you have to say about some of the criticism you are getting on the internet which I do not personally find to be substantiated.
Thank you,
Bob L.
M.F. Hello Bob. Glad to know you’ve gotten many of my programs.
The questions you pose have been asked by me for a number of years,
and I guess today is one of those days where I will do my level best to
answer.
Re kettlebells, I have a number of them. I have plate loaded ones that
were made in China. I have ugly black ones made in the U.S. I have
swivel handled silver-colored ones made in upstate Washington. I
monkeyed around with them for a few days after I got them – but
for whatever reason they never grabbed me the way bodyweight
exercises do. I think they are very good exercise implements – but
are they superior to using your own bodyweight? Hardly. I do believe
if you’re going to use kettlebells you also need to do bodyweight
exercises to be well-rounded.
Here in China the Shaolin monks use stone locks and stone balls. I have
several sets right here in Hainan Island. I like these a lot, especially
for throwing punches, doing one-arm swings, clean and press, and so
on. But once again, are these implements superior to training with your
own bodyweight? Not a chance. Everything I do with them is fully integrated
with bodyweight exercises. For example, after doing a series of one-arm
swings, I do some bridging. After throwing punches, I do pushups.
There are a ton of people using kettlebells and they swear by them. I
think it is great that these people have found a program that they are
passionate about. Regardless of what you choose, whether it is walking,
swimming, Combat Conditioning or kettlebells – the key is finding what
you LOVE – then doing what you love on a consistent basis.
As for the Lifeline products – www.lifelineusa.com – I love their stuff
because it perfectly integrates with bodyweight exercise.
Weighted vests are wonderful – in fact, I have a great one that I got
from the boys at weightvest.com. Awesome. Using a weighted vest
is akin to a gorilla climbing trees with a baby ape hanging on him.
It’s still a bodyweight exericise – but now you’ve added more weight
to your body.
And now … for the question on the criticism about me that you’ve
read on the Internet. All I can say is I could care less about it. At
one time in my career, several years ago, I would frequently get
upset about anything negative said about me online. Then one day
I had an epiphany. In fact, I had two.
First I realized that you cannot succeed without it – and that anyone
who is achieving at a high level WILL be attacked, often viciously, often
for no reason other than the fact that the criticizer hates those who DO,
really, really hates those succeed when they DO – and looks for, embraces
and feels ‘comforted’ by those who talk about doing.
The second epiphany came when a friend told me, “Never get into a
piss fight with a skunk.” Something about that metaphor really stuck.
From that day forward – and this was five years ago – I have not replied
to a single negative word said about me online. All I can say is refusing to
get embroiled in the negative stew was a good choice. All my energy is
focused on creating something positive in my life that will benefit others.
Key thing to never forget – and this is of MAJOR importance, is this: Those
who invest time in criticizing me have NOT improved their lives one iota
from the day they began doing so. I’m talking ZERO improvement. That’s
sad. On the other hand, whilst they’re criticizing me, did my life get any
better?
I sort of think it has.
There’s a lesson to remember from the above. Thanks once again, Bob.
And best of luck in all you do.
Well, my friend, that’s all for now.
Kick butt – take names,
P.S. Due to the fact that my office received a score of emails from
people who just returned from a 5-day vacation, I’ve decided to
bend over backwards to please these people one last time by
doing one final extension on the mega sale I’ve got going at http://www.mattfurey.com/25-55_anniversary_sale.html – after
today – THAT is it. No complaints. No whining. Today IS your last
chance.