Ok, here I go ....

[jimmy23]

I am almost ready to purchase my first set of clubells, and I need some advice.

Due to money constraints, this will be the only clubell purchase I can make for quite awhile. I know the recomended weight for a beginner is 15 pounds, but I am seriously considering starting with twenty pounds. Im a relatively strong guy, and I want a weight that will stay challenging for quite a long time.

Secondly, would I be better off buying one pair of clubells at a certain weight, or two singles, one 15 pound and one 20 pound?

Lastly, what should I get as a guide to develop a routine?


Thanks all, I appreciate the advice, my money is tight now so I want to purchase the right stuff.

[Scott Sonnon]

Jimmy,

Welcome to the Tribe! Good to see you here.

You never need stop using your 15s. And the 20s are a major leap for someone new to Clubbells, regardless of current strength levels. There are strength athletes, stout in their discipline, who went too early to heavier Clubbells. Their technique developed poorly and burned out because they struggled with the more sophisticated exercises. Hopefully others will share their experience about the distinction.

I advise beginning with a pair of the same weight than with two different weights. Although the Clubbell Training for Circular Strength book comprises the guidlines on program design and CST training principles, if needing to choose between the two, begin with the CT4CS video in order to see proper form nuances. You can glean program ideas from the forum. Additionally, you can interface the CST Cadre directly at the Training Program Design Help forum.

[Robert75]

Jimmy,

I was in the exact same boat as you about a year ago. I purchased one 15# and one 20#. I wish I had purchased 2 15#s.

Due to the range of difficulty you can choose...based on hand position on the handle...one clubbell is a suprisingly dynamic strength implement.

That said, I have managed to challenge myself and remain interested in CST while just using one 15# clubbell. The 20# is still in the box.

I suppose I could be EXTRA sophisticated and train double clubbell movements with a 15# in one hand and a 20# in the other...but I think this would be heading down the path of darkness because it is too big a leap in complexity. I should master double clubbell moves with the same weight in each hand first.

[Coach Jones]

Jimmy,
I know 15 lbs sounds light, I thought the same thing when I first got them...right up until I picked them up. Even now after swinging the Clubbells for a good while, I can't imagine a day when the 15's will be too light. The Basic exercises need to be "grooved" before you go to more challenging and demanding complex routines and programs. Technique is the key and strength is the byproduct.

-BrandonJones, CST

[Scott Sonnon]

Unfortunately we all suffered the "Dumbbell Perspective" - our bodies have an expectation of weight, just like Americans are conditioned to "know" what a mile feels like transpiring rather than a kilometer.

The best rule of thumb when choosing a Clubbell? Don't think like a dumbbell. :wink: 8)

[jimmy23]

Dont think like a dumbell? Thats a hard habit for me to break !

Ive decided to buy one 15 pounder and the cideo first, then another 15 pounder when my money situation is better. Thanks for the advice everyone!

[Doug Szolek]

Dont think like a dumbell? Thats a hard habit for me to break !

Just use your head Jimmy, it worked for me :lol:

best wishes for good challenge with your 15.

-Coach Szolek

[Jay76]

Coach

those are some great tips..any other tips you or anyone can share would be great!!!!!

Jay

[Miklasevich]

Jay,

I purchased a pair of 20# clubbells and I love them - that being said - I just ordered a pair of 15# clubbells today. While I love the 20's and I am seeing progress - better muscle control, stronger forearms, more range of motion in my arms, shoulder and legs, and a tighter stomach - for the complex movements, I just cannot get the flow - I am muscling the clubbells through the movement and I believe that I am missing the full benefit of the clubbells.

Also, I started with the basics - Clean to Order (CTO), CTO to a lunge, Arm Cast, Snatch and CTO with a Military Press.

For the CTO, CTO to a lunge and Arm Cast, I try to do 5 sets doing as many as possible and stop before the form breaks down. For the Snatch and CTO with a Military Press, I do 3 to 4 sets of 5 to 7 reps.

I found out that my left side is weaker than my right side - changing slowly, but changing.

Also, I have found the Warrior Wellness and Be Breathed a very good companion to Clubbells as they help on achieve a greater range of motion.

Also, I am incorporating running and a sandbag/stone routine once or twice a week - for general body fitness/strength.

Welcome to the Tribe

[Scott Sonnon]

Mike, SOLID post!