We had the privilege of spending a couple of hours with Marcus Martinez (aka @kettlebellexercises) and gained a deeper understanding of his approach to kettlebell training and an appreciation for his boundless limits to creativity. As Master Kettlebell trainer for Kettlebell Kings, Marcus has developed extensive kettlebell programming and, as you can see from our workout, loves to play around and discover new ways to test the body.
Building off our Six Foundational Movements, we looked at our time as a way to add another dimension to kettlebell and medicine ball training and bounce ideas off of one another. The result is some of the most innovative exercises we have ever seen using the Iron Neck.
BUILDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATION
All Iron Neck training is built off of our Six Foundational Movements. Mastering these is the first step on everyone's journey with Iron Neck and essentially teaches you how to use Iron Neck most effectively based on your specific training goals.
All movements can be paired with kettlebells, medicine balls, resistance bands and other stimuli to add an additional dimension to your workout. Iron Neck does this by connecting to the body at the highest possible lever point, engaging muscles throughout the neck and spine.
POWERING CORE STRENGTH + STABILITY
The Locked Neck Body Turn, paired with a kettlebell hold, was the first movement we started with. Whether you see this as an Iron Neck exercise with kettlebells or a kettlebell exercise with Iron Neck on, 1 + 1 equals far more than 2.
KETTLEBELL INNOVATION SERIES
Marcus knows his way around kettlebells so my goal in working with him was to help guide him through his own exploration. "The deeper into the workout we got," Marcus said, "the more comfortable I felt experimenting."
SEATED KETTLEBELL TWIST
This is an incredibly dynamic core exercise, which we first saw Joe DeFranco incorporate with MMA fighter Micky Gall.
ALTERNATING SINGLE KETTLEBELL PRESS + SIMBA COMPLEX
What I love the most about kettlebells is the fluidity with which they are moved throughout a complex. In this 30 second video, you can see how the idea of one exercise (alternating single kettlebell press) evolves into a completely different exercise. Working through these exercises was a very raw process that we ultimately let take form by getting out of our own way and just moving freely.
FREE STYLE COMPLEX
It's important to learn along the way. With the entire kinetic chain engaged, you're getting feedback in the moment and can quickly correct form. Marcus's ability to identify and make these corrections is undoubtedly the product of years of kettlebell training.