Building Toward 300 Snatches: Progress, Recovery and Strong Foundations

I’ve been working toward 300 snatches in 10 minutes with a 24 kg (53 lb) kettlebell for a few months now. Alongside that, I’ve been building my Turkish get-up volume and figuring out how to bring the different parts of my training together.

After a few easier days, I felt good. I started with some light mace work, then decided to see where my snatches were. The result was 242 reps in 10 minutes with a 20 kg (44 lb) kettlebell. I believe there was more in the tank, and that’s exciting.

It gives me a useful checkpoint. I can see where I am today and what I’m working toward next. The heavier bell and higher rep target are still ahead of me. I’m encouraged by the progress.

Step down before you’re forced to stop.

I could feel that I needed to back off. A lighter week was already coming in my program, and I took a few quieter days instead of ignoring that feeling. Today’s result doesn’t change my plan to reduce the overall workload before starting the next block.

For me, respecting the process includes paying attention to recovery. The work matters. So does being able to come back and keep doing it. I want a training practice I can build on for years.

Build the foundations you can keep using.

Snatches are exciting to work on, and there’s plenty to learn before you chase a number on the clock. Two movements I put a lot of time into teaching are the kettlebell swing and the Turkish get-up.

The swing: learn to generate power through your hips, coordinate your breathing, and control the bell as it comes back. That hip drive gives you something to build on when you move into cleans and snatches.

The Turkish get-up: learn to control a weight while moving through a series of positions, from the floor to standing and back. It asks you to pay attention to how the parts of your body work together.

Take the time to learn those movements really well. As your skill and confidence grow, you can branch out into new movements and challenges. There is a lot you can do with a kettlebell and a clear purpose.

Prefer private sessions with me? Choose 1 private session, 3 private sessions, or 6 private sessions to work on your kettlebell skills together.

Choose a challenge that matters to you.

My target gives my training direction. Yours might be learning your first get-up, feeling confident with your swings, or getting stronger so you can enjoy more of the activities you love.

Choose something you want to work toward. Record where you start. Practise consistently, pay attention to how you feel, and give yourself time to improve. You get one life. Being able to use your body the way you want to is worth training for.

Follow my training: @colinantonylake.
Shop P-SPEC E-Coated Hardstyle Kettlebells at Great Lakes Method.