Programming the Kettlebell Swing

I should just say, "I love the kettlebell swing and Tracy's versions are awesome!" That would probably be enough, but I'm going to say more, because these DVDs warrant it.

If you don't know Tracy lost 120 pounds doing the swing. Along the way she built the athletic body she wanted and came to some great innovations on teaching the swing and on putting it together to get beginners up to elite level quickly. Innovative ways to sneak up on work capacity, fat loss and strength building. Taking you from ground zero to top floor. It's hard to learn something from someone who hasn't lived what they teach - Tracy has.

In this DVD she takes an entire class through her progressions and you can simply work right along side and learn as you go. The swing is, to quote my buddy Dave Whitley, "...the center of the conditioning universe." Possibly the most effective overall body exercise in existence. If you want to really learn how to do it then learn from the people who are the best at it. Tracy is one of the best. This training will give you the results you want. Get it now!

Tracy Reifkind's DVD "Programming the Kettlebell Swing" is a must see for every RKC and may one day me required viewing for all new RKCs'. As with all great innovations, in hind site, the principles are remarkably simple but evolutionarily effective. I have been following Tracy's blog and checking out and using some of her swing workouts for the last couple of years, since Mark posted one of her workouts on the forum. I was eagerly anticipating her DVD and it has exceeded my expectations. Since viewing her DVD, it has dramatically changed the way I view and organize my swing workouts. I have been aware of the 40 swing per minute cadence for years, but I never maximized that information in my training session the way she has. It's almost impossible for me to do swings without considering the timing and cadence. Her methodology directly reflects her own experience and growth as kettlebell practitioner. It is easy to see how she used this information to challenge and change herself. Now she is changing her clients and us. She epitomizes one of the great things about this community, the pieces that so many of us have added to make us all even better. Thanks Tracy. Great Job!
-Paul Daniels RKC Team Leader

If you like to swing, this is a must have DVD. Tracy covers some great teaching progressions to help take someone from just starting to doing high volume swings. You can use these with people you train or on your own to move into high volume swing training and progressing up bell sizes. What I really love about this DVD though is Tracy's enthusiasm. You can't help but be motivated as you follow along with her. She has a way to make it easy (mentally) to swing for an extended period of time. As your breathing gets more labored Tracy just keeps on calling out the instruction. Can not wait for her follow along workout DVD's.

I have bought a number of Dragon Door products. Aside from the KB's themselves, this one in my opinion is the most useful by far (sorry Pavel, but I think this even tops ETKB).
The concept of pace, demonstrated is worth its weight in gold. You can get a metronome app for your smart phone, a gym boss, and you are all set.

After watching Tracy's dvd yesterday I tried her method for longer sets (1 minute, long for me!). 2x 2hand, 2x 1handL, 2x 2hand, 2x 1handR = 1 "round" or 8 swings at a pace of 10 swings/15sec x 5 "rounds" = 40 swings/minute. I did 10 sets, added some 2 handed after sets 6-10 (her concept of "working into rest"). I finished 450 swings in a 20 minute workout- a new record for me! Thanks Tracy!

Ray Lilley, Sports Psychology Consultant, Self-defense Expert and Trainer:

What Tracy has personally accomplished with the KB swing is inspiring, but what's most impressive is the system and education she has provided for the rest of humanity. Tracy has make KB swinging interesting and more challenging for the beginniner and seasoned athlete. I put Tracy's protocols to work right away and my clients loved it. My younger athletes are having more fun with the swing and the seniors are contiunually increasing there reps and time. I have also logged several personal bests after being inspired by Tracy's feats with a 24k for a 1000 swings. I am swinging the KB with purpose and passion. Thanks for both the inspiration to train harder and the priceless knowledge to do it safety.

I usually never buy exercise media because they never live up to their own hype. Recently I took a chance and bought Programming Swings. I'm 58, been working out since I was 16 and spent 20 years in the Marines. I wish I'd had this 40 years ago. It's the best conditioning system I've ever seen. The intensity and efficiency are incredible. Thirty minutes of this is equal to 90 minutes of anything else. I've always said if you spend more than 45 minutes in the gym, you're not working hard enough. That won't be a problem here. I'm three months into this and have basically abandoned my dumbbells, Bowflex and most other toys. A 25 pound kettle bell and a stop watch are all I need now. I might sell everything else and put in a hot tub with the money and space I'll pick up. If you're serious about fitness, you need to try this.

If you swing a kettlebell, you should buy this DVD. It's definetly worth the price.

Pro: This disc works well on many, many levels. From beginner to more advanced users. Tracy's explanation of what she is showing the audience is always clear and concise. The viewer is never left with any doubt as to what she means. The proof of what a healthy diet of swings can do for you is clear in her voice as she finishes set after set during her demonstrations never once do you hear her huffing and puffing to catch her breath! Tracy shows how to build up your swing count by varying your work / rest timing in such a way that is even accessible to beginners. A good job well done.
Con: Poor "miking" - this seems to be a problem with all exercise discs that involve an audience. Only the main person is miked which makes it incredibly difficult to hear questions from the audience. You will be rewinding and reaching for the volume control more than is necessary. Her husband provides additional insight during demonstrations, but he too, is not always heard very well.