10-01-21 01:37 PM - Post#913659    

Today is October 1st. For some reason people like to call it SOMETHING-TOBER and do something everyday following the theme. Last Saturday Titan Fitness had a flash one day only sale on their adjustable 12kg-32kg competition kettlebells and I ordered one. So to celebrate I'm making this month SWINGTOBER.

Every day, in addition to my regular workouts, I am going to do some swings. I want to do a minimum of 50 a day, hopefully a lot more.

Besides the new adjustable kettlebell I have a 45 lb and 20 lb along with heavy clubs of 10 lb, 20 lb and 35 lb. So everyday I will use one of these.

To start I just completed 10 sets of 15 reps with the 45 lb kb emom fashion.

I will report here every once in awhile so you can keep me honest :)

If anyone would like to join me I welcome the company. It's not the 10,000 swing challenge but it should be interesting.

"Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn." - Arnold

Re: SWINGTOBER
10-01-21 02:08 PM - Post#913661    

• scottiebeans Said:

Okay. I'm going to make this a "sticky" topic.

Mark it Zero.

10-02-21 06:05 AM - Post#913670    

Will it count if I do 1,550 swings on October 31st?

This, too, shall pass

10-02-21 07:48 AM - Post#913672    

I like the idea of doing 50-75 swings at the end (or beginning if that suits you better) of a workout. Recently I changed my workout to a more traditional “bodybuilding “ style but also included a power/oly type lift at the beginning of the workout (I’m doing an “experiment” on myself to see where this leads). But for the month of Oct I may just do 50-75 swings after the workout.

SWINGTOBER
10-03-21 03:36 AM - Post#913685    

50 swings. well why not. I also need to catch up, but I've 75 in the bank from Friday.

We could also read A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny. 32 short chapters, one for each day plus an introduction. :)

Training Blog.

Edited by rudd777 on 10-03-21 04:08 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

Re: SWINGTOBER
10-03-21 04:11 AM - Post#913686    

Are others changing more then swings in their practice for the month?



Edited by Vicki on 10-03-21 04:17 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

Re: SWINGTOBER
10-03-21 01:54 PM - Post#913691    

• Vicki Said:

I got your swing...

Mark it Zero.

Re: SWINGTOBER
10-03-21 06:41 PM - Post#913696    

• Vicki Said:

I'm leaving my workouts the same, just adding the swings where I can.

"Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn." - Arnold

10-04-21 01:14 AM - Post#913700    

I decided to post a progress report at the end of the weekend. So this will be the first of five:

10/1/2021 10 sets of 15 reps with 45 lb kettlebell emom

10/2/2021 10 sets of 10 reps with 20 lb heavy club emom

10/3/2021 5 sets pf 15 reps with 45 lb kettlebell emom
5 sets of 20 reps with 20 lb kettlebell emom

3 day total - 425 swings

Notes: 10/2 was after a heavy deadlift day. 10/3 was after 2.5 hour hike

"Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn." - Arnold

SWINGTOBER
10-05-21 04:47 AM - Post#913725    

Catching up at 200 swings like this was a good grind overall

I've been wanting a killer workout like this for a while anyhow

Start timer in my room and head out with the 20Kg KB down 2 flights (20 was right, I wouldn't have been able with the 24 with the carries)

10 rounds in order to catch up to 200 swings

Suitcase Carry 50 paces away and 50 back
Bent Row x 10 alternate R and L each round (50 rows total for R/L)
Goblet Squat x 5
2 Hand Swing x 20
Total time 50m28s including 4 flights up stairs with the bell
We'll see how I feel tomorrow lol

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

Edited by Diablo on 10-05-21 04:48 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

10-05-21 04:45 PM - Post#913748    

Five days in.
Yesterday did 50 swings after my morning 5BX.

Today was one of my two weekly home workouts. My third workout is in the gym, usually on a Saturday. This one was inspired by Dan Martin's recent PM update.

Swings 3x25
Pullups 3x5 (sometimes more)
DB Thrusters 3x5-8

So 275 Swings so far.

Training Blog.

10-06-21 02:00 AM - Post#913755    

Punch the clock

5 x 10 24Kg

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

10-07-21 03:44 AM - Post#913782    

Clock Punch
2x24kg
Mixing in 50 swings for Swingtober. My routine is a little different now because I'm getting in swings every day, not to mention I walked 5 miles at work today.
One round = 10 x 2 Hand Swing, Farmers Carry 50 paces to other end of lot, 5 x DBL KB Thrusters, Farmers Carry 50 paces back

5 rounds, 26 minutes

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

10-08-21 02:40 AM - Post#913813    

Wasn't in the mood. One at bat.

1x50 24kg Swings

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

10-08-21 06:27 AM - Post#913814    

1 week in.

2x25 24kg swings
1 minute plank
30 seconds deep squat
30 seconds hang

Every morning before lifting or walking, no changes to my workouts. Makes for a nice start to the day. I can see this becoming a new normal.

This, too, shall pass

10-10-21 01:20 AM - Post#913861    

• thomasjbarrett Said:

I agree. I'll see how I feel at the end of the month but so far I like doing 10 minutes of swings a day.

"Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn." - Arnold

10-10-21 02:35 PM - Post#913872    

I’ve missed 3 days so far but this has been great. Some days I add 50 body weight squats, 25-50 push-ups or dips, 25-50 pull-ups or rows.

Second hockey game of the season last night. First was two weeks ago. The first game my legs were slow and heavy, I could hardly catch my breath between shifts. Game two yesterday I had a lot of “go” and improved coordination and alterness. Recovery between shifts was quick.

Daily swings with occasional body weight work. Who knew. So far I have only used a 35 pound kettlebell.

This might become the foundation going forward. Now if I can just start running a few times a week I might really have something here.

10-10-21 03:58 PM - Post#913874    

Day 10, 550 swings with the 24kg
Been able to fit the swings rather easily, either after 5BX in the morning or part of a workout. Nice to do something after the 5BX as I often skip the cardio part.
No obvious advantages or disadvantages so far but enjoying the routine.

Up to chapter 10 of A Night in the Lonesome October.

Training Blog.

10-10-21 11:45 PM - Post#913887    

The second of five progress reports:

10/4/2021 5 sets of 15 reps with 45 lb kettlebell emom
5 sets of 10 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/5/2021 10 sets of 15 reps with 45 lb kettlebell emom

10/6/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 45 lb kettlebell emom

10/7/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 45 lb kettlebell emom

10/8/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 45 lb kettlebell emom

10/9/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 20 lb heavy club emom

10/10/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10 day total - 1,450 swings

Notes: 10/9 was after a heavy deadlift day.

So far so good. Almost a third of the month done.

"Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn." - Arnold

10-12-21 02:53 AM - Post#913906    

25 minutes hatha yoga

Ketchup
10 Rounds, 2 x 24kg Kettlebells
Swing x 20
Prone Chin x 3
DBL KB Front Squats x 5
KB Row x 5 R/L
42m25s

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

10-14-21 03:35 AM - Post#913958    

25 minutes hatha yoga
2 Swingtober Days in One
24kg KB
5 rounds
20 x Swing
3 x Prone Chin
5 x Goblet

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

10-15-21 12:57 PM - Post#913992    

Just wanna check in with how awesome this is.

Still swinging the 35 pounder. My form has made big strides from the regular practice. No more headaches. Dan's drills, the silverback and zipper ones, and practicing at getting the most out of a light weight has made a big difference. I am completely driving with a snap from the hips now, and can finally pack the shoulders and let my arms be a pendulum instead of doing half the work lifting with my arms and traps.

Still sprinkling in calisthenics work. Workouts are never at one 'training time' because of lifestyle.

Typically I do 3 major sets throughout a whole evening. Usually 20 swings, 15 pushups, 10 pullups. Sometimes I do dips or rows. Sometimes I add squats. It's all pretty relaxed.

But I'm feeling great.

SWINGTOBER
10-16-21 03:00 AM - Post#914004    

2 Swingtober days in one
24kg KB and Barbell loaded with 35# bumpers
5 Rounds
KB Swing x 20
Bent Row x 6
Clean and Press x 5 (1 Clean + 5 Press)
KB Goblet Squat x 5
21 minutes

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

Edited by Diablo on 10-16-21 03:44 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

10-16-21 03:26 AM - Post#914005    

Ditto @JordanDerksen

There is a list of things that are all making strides for the consistent near-daily effort with the KB.

No jokes for this comment, but I'm really starting to feel like a Unit. A singular piece. All my other lifts are feeling stronger and more snappy.

Hamstrings are making such an improvement that when I got caught in a foot race with my 11-year-old quick girl I whipped her good. I could actually feel my hams kick in on that one that I never felt before.

Physical changes like back looking more cut, rear delt starting to show, and how about a couple of comments in the last week about the development in my glutes. Only they didn't use those words, you know what I mean.

It wasn't until a 3rd coworker asked me how I felt, or made a wow face, until I thought anything of it. I cleared 2 full pallets by hand, of beer and wine boxes. I didn't think twice until the 3rd comment, and then the soreness on the 3rd day in my bicep and upper forearm from all the repetition. That's that "functional" carryover, methinks

One could make an argument for making a SwingYear

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

10-16-21 11:29 AM - Post#914011    

• Diablo Said:

I've done daily swings for as much as six months at a time in the past, and always thought it did good things. In those days, I was doing more swings, with a heavier KB, but I'm really enjoying 50 a day with the 24k. Very repeatable, and no need to get the ego involved.

10-16-21 05:04 PM - Post#914019    

Day 16 and I believe I'm at at 875 swings with the 24kg.

Today was my 5BX - 20 rotating toe touchs 10 left, 10 right, 20 sit-ups , 20 back extensions with a twist, 10 left, 10 right, 20 pushups - with a two mile run in the morning.

Afternoon was


3x25 Swings
3x5 Pullups
3x5 DB Thruster.

Training Blog.

10-18-21 12:24 AM - Post#914032    

The third of five progress reports:

10/11/2021 10 sets of 15 reps with 45 lb kettlebell emom

10/12/2021 5 sets of 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom
5 sets of 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/13/2021 5 sets pf 15 reps with 45 lb kettlebell emom

10/14/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/15/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/16/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 35 lb heavy club emom

10/17/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 45 lb kettlebell emom

17 day total - 2,425 swings

Notes: 10/16 was after a heavy deadlift day. 10/17 was after a 2.25 hour hike

Over half the month is gone and I'm still going strong.

I'm glad to see others are enjoying the challenge. I agree with Diablo, I just might make it a swingyear.

"Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn." - Arnold

SWINGTOBER
10-19-21 03:10 AM - Post#914049    

3 Swingtober Days in one
24kg KB, 35# Bumpers on the bar

8 Rounds

KB Swing x 20
Barbell Row x 6
Barbell Clean and Press x 5 (1 clean 5 Press)
Barbell Front Squat x 5

41 minutes

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

Edited by Diablo on 10-19-21 02:18 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

10-20-21 12:44 AM - Post#914071    

Clock Punch

PM Swingtober
5 Rounds, 24kg KB
Swing x 10
Pushup x 5

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

10-22-21 04:03 AM - Post#914133    

Swingtober 2 Days In One
5 Rounds, 35# bumpers on the bar, 24Kg Kettlebell
Swing x 20
Barbell Row x 6
Barbell Clean & Press (1 clean + 5 Press)
Barbell Front Squat x 5
23m30s

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

10-22-21 10:01 AM - Post#914137    

Sat out the last 3 days. Got as sick as I’ve been in many years this week. It wasn’t Covid, just a normal cold. But I didn’t go to work all week. Wow that was bad.

Finally on the mend and I might find the energy to get back at it today.

It’s funny, I never did that S&S program, but it dawned on me that this is basically half the volume of that program.

10-22-21 10:13 AM - Post#914139    

• Jordan Derksen Said:

Half and no getups. :-)

I've done various numbers of swings for a month or 100 days or whatever -- usually between 75 and 100, and I always either got bored or found it a bit much. (Looking back at my log it seems I mostly did this with 28k or 32k also, so that prolly had something to do with it.)

50 with the 24, while not much, seems to be doing "something" good, and feels highly repeatable.

10-23-21 06:29 AM - Post#914162    

Still feeling good after 3 weeks. Almost every morning: 30 second hang, 30 second squat, 60 second plank, 50x24kg swings. On workout days it's just part of the warmup. A couple days I was short on time in the morning, so did only the 50 swings spread out over the day GTG-style. 1 day was away from home and instead did a 5BX-style workout for 5 minutes.

It's funny how swings can affect you, I've done the 10,000 swing challenge a couple of times and each time felt sore for the first week. First time was my hands and forearms, second time was my glutes and hamstrings. Obviously in Swingtober the volume is much lower, but I felt sore for a few days in my upper back, between the shoulder blades, maybe because I've been focusing on the 'stand tall' part.

This, too, shall pass

10-24-21 11:18 PM - Post#914188    

The fourth of five progress reports:

10/18/2021 10 sets of 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/19/2021 10 sets of 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/20/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/21/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/22/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/23/2021 10 sets pf 15 reps with 20 lb heavy club emom

10/24/2021 5 sets pf 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

24 day total - 3,400 swings

Notes: 10/21 was after a 2.5 hour hike. 10/23 was after a heavy deadlift day. 10/24 was after a 2.25 hour hike

Only a week to go and I have to be honest I'm starting to feel it. I'll finished the month and decide what I'll do going forward. Swings will be a part of my regular workout going forward, I'm just not sure about every day.

"Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn." - Arnold

SWINGTOBER
10-24-21 11:42 PM - Post#914190    

5 Rounds, 24Kg KB
2 Swingtober Days In One
Swings x 20
Thrusters x 3 R/L
KB Rows x 5 R/L
Push-ups x 5

13 Minutes

I dig the every day if I can, make up days on workout days complexes have been really fun. I'm going to keep some kind of variation of this just not sure what. I'm also thinking of leveling up to the 32's this month.

Video of round 3 yesterday. I was just blown away by the experience swinging on the rocks provided. (that's why I'm sharing here)
KB On The Rocks In Cambria, Ca

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

Edited by Diablo on 10-24-21 11:46 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

10-25-21 01:29 PM - Post#914198    

Scottiebeans, you’re also doing 150 a day it looks like.

I’ve found 50 with the odd day climbing up to 100 to be very repeatable.

10-26-21 12:04 AM - Post#914208    

• Jordan Derksen Said:

Jordan, It is a lot but it is also a challenge. I would like to keep the swings in my program but I do need to make it more sustainable. I'll either cut the volume, as you suggest, or program in off or very light days. I'll see come November. Thanks for the input.

"Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn." - Arnold

10-26-21 04:28 AM - Post#914212    

2 Swingtober days in one

11am Start the day with Swingtober
5 Rounds 24kg KB
Swings x 10
Push-up x 7
Pull-up x 2

11pm Yoga

1120pm
Swingtober
5 Rounds, 24kg KB, 125# Bar
KB Swing x 10
Barbell Row x 6
Barbell C&P x 5 (1 clean + 5 Press)
Barbell Front Squat x 5

27 minutes

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

SWINGTOBER
10-27-21 02:24 AM - Post#914235    

Clock Punch
24kg KB, 5 Rounds
Swing x 10
Push-up x 10
Pull-up x 3
15 mins

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

Edited by Diablo on 10-27-21 02:25 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

SWINGTOBER
10-28-21 03:46 AM - Post#914262    

5 Rounds, 24kg KB, 125# Bar
KB Swing x 10
Barbell Row x 6
Barbell Clean and Press x 5 (1 clean to 5 Press)
Barbell Front Squat x 5
24 mins

milestone achieved, for me anyhow, able to let go of the bar and do a proper catch for the rack from the clean.

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

Edited by Diablo on 10-28-21 03:47 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

10-29-21 04:43 AM - Post#914288    

Clock Punch
24kg KB, 5 Rounds
Swing x 10
Push-up x 10
Pull-up x 3
12 mins

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

10-29-21 10:17 PM - Post#914322    

Picking it up and putting it down, sir

24kg KB, 125# Bar
5 Rounds
KB Swing x 10
Barbell Row x 6
Barbell C&P x 5 (1 clean + 5 Press)
Barbell Front Squat x 5

22 mins* Improved time by 5 minutes on this complex

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

10-31-21 03:32 AM - Post#914339    

Clock Punch
24kg KB, 5 Rounds
Swing x 10

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

10-31-21 05:48 PM - Post#914348    

Thirty one days of swings done. I believe I completed about 1800 swings. I missed a few days due to travel and work but overall was pretty consistent. A few thoughts.

I thought my swing form was good, but this routine helped me lock in my feet position, especially the idea of keeping the feet screwed into the ground. There is always something to learn or re-learn.

I will add 50 swings to my 5BX on the days I don't run. A little extra conditioning is good for me.

Too many day of swings in a row leads to achy joints.

I prefer a simple program as it is easier to adhere too. Too much choice and complexity is generally not a good.

Training Blog.

10-31-21 09:24 PM - Post#914363    

Clock Punch
24kg KB, 5 Rounds
Swing x 10
Push-up x 10
Pull-up x 3
11 mins

By the end of this challenge, I found myself completing other tasks before I needed to. This weekend in particular I knocked out all the homework I'd usually do over the weekend for Sunday evening. It followed that if I was going to make time for this every day, then I must make sure to do everything else as well. The overlap or overflow from this is tremendous.

This is repeatable daily but easier to incorporate, for me, with every other day type of routines. Between yoga and this every capacity has increased; felxibility, form, strength, endurance. Mixing yoga with KB work is just awesome.

10/10 would recommend

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

11-01-21 12:53 AM - Post#914367    

The fifth of five progress reports:

10/25/2021 10 sets of 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/26/2021 10 sets of 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/27/2021 10 sets of 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/28/2021 10 sets of 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/29/2021 10 sets of 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

10/30/2021 5 sets of 15 reps with 35 lb heavy club emom

10/31/2021 5 sets of 15 reps with 52.5 lb kettlebell emom

31 day total - 4,300 swings

Notes: 10/30 was after a heavy deadlift day

Completed!!! I managed at least 75 swings everyday in October. It had it's moments but overall it was interesting. I think the results were good. I forgot to weigh myself when I started but I weighed myself Saturday (30th) and I was 5 lbs less than I was at the end of the summer and I didn't change my eating. My lifts all went up for the month too.

I plan to continue to do swings on a regular basis, especially with winter coming and less hiking. I haven't decided a schedule yet.

And a big thanks to everyone who joined me. I'm reading the comments and they are positive so I'm glad I brought it up.

"Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn." - Arnold

11-01-21 09:02 AM - Post#914375    

Very nice, Scottie. 50-75 done every day of October for me. I definitely found this number very manageable, and it was a good choice (by me) to go with 24k.

I looked back through my log and when I have done daily swings in the past, it has almost always been with a 28 or 32, for 75-100 reps per day, which was too heavy and/or too many for every day.

I'll see how many days I can do this.

SWINGTOBER
11-01-21 09:10 AM - Post#914378    

This challenge was great. I started with the 16kg bell and switched to the 24kg halfway through. At the end my form improved significantly and swings were more explosive and crisp with the 24 than they were with the 16 at the beginning. I also no longer get headaches from swings.

I missed 9 days. Despite that I'm ecstatic I stuck to this for a whole month.

My program started morphing into a kettlebell easy strength by the end as I slowly added here and there. I will be continuing with this for the next month, but not everyday. 4-5 days a week seems to be the sweet spot for me.

Thanks for the challenge. We should do more stuff like this around here.

Re: SWINGTOBER
11-01-21 06:51 PM - Post#914399    

I did 60-80 swings per day with a 16kg KB, 1-Hand Alternate.
This got tiresome to the point of dreading it…despite it not taking long or being difficult.

I prefer two good swing days/week with enough swings to be noticeable rather then a daily chore.

I also added daily lunges and step downs hoping to improve my ability. Interesting to me was my reaction to the daily lunges and side & front step-downs. For me there is some balance challenge and so it did not get tiresome and I saw a little improvement. I only do 10-15 reps of each so no big deal. I will continue these.

09-30-22 01:08 PM - Post#922259    

Tomorrow is October 1st, so it is the beginning of Swingtober. Once again this year I will do at least 50 swings everyday for the month of October. To keep me honest I will check in once a week on my progress.

"Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn." - Arnold