Active eccentric phase during kb swings

[Gabe Rinaldi]

http://www.performancemenu.com/issues/issue24/kbMetrics1.wmv

[MaryB]

Should we do it one way vs the other, or some of both types, or what?
Of course, I always listen to my trainer @ FIT but sometimes I do KBs on my own when travelling, so some overall guidance wd be great.
Thx for any thoughts. -mb

[Scott Kolasinski]

Eccentric contractions are defined as "muscle lengthening" contractions. By him pulling the KB down and activating or shortening the lats and teres, these are concentric contractions, while the delts and pectoralis minor are eccentricly contracting. What they are suggesting isn't a bad thing to do, but I'm just pointing out that I do not see it as an active eccentric contraction, but a concentric contraction of the lats and teres.

I would certainly welcome somebody to provide a clearer explanation for me.

[Gabe Rinaldi]

To clarify he is calling it the active American swing or active Santa Cruz swing. The term American or Santa Cruz is referring to the kettlebell going overhead. The term active is referring to the pulling of the kettlebell down from the top position to overload the eccentric phase of the lower body vs. a passive eccentric phase of the lower body by the kettlebell falling down due to gravity. So, active eccentric simply means the lower body eccentric phase is overloaded to a greater extent from the concentric contraction of the upper body. This is a more advanced way to perform this exercise and should only be done once someone has excellent technique with the passive movement. Also, care should be taken when doing this movement with heavier kettlebells. Hope that helps a bit...

[MaryB]

Great; thanks, you two.
As an aside, watching these videos that you post is terrific and a great way to learn and become more body-aware. Love it. Thx. - mb