Another drawback with GVT is that while following a 10x10 protocol will increase muscle size, it does not increase brute strength. In fact many trainees reported that they actually got weaker after six weeks of GVT. Hardly the results that we are after. Thus, I think that changing GVT from 10x10 to a starting program of 10x5 is more appropriate.

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Now since we cannot increase the weights incrementally with kettlebells, lets work on other factors. First, start with 10x5 and when you can complete 10x5, go up to 10x6. When you can complete 10x6, go up to 10x7.

Once you can do 10x8, move up to heavier kettlebells or pick harder kettlebell drills and start back at 10x5. You can even start at 10x2 or 10x3 to get started and gradually work up to 10x5 and above. Use the same kettlebells for all ten sets rather than doing the some sets with heavier bells and some sets with lighter bells.

Click Pictures to enlarge

One final modification that you can do with GVT is to pick two exercises instead of one. For example, do Double Lunge (shown with DB) for five sets of five and then double front squats for five sets of five right after. The total volume will still be ten sets. This is a great way to get around possible overuse injuries and the sheer boredom that can come with doing ten sets of the same drill over and over again.

Sample GVT/Kettlebell Programs

Here are two sample GVT/Kettlebell Programs:

Option One:

Day 1:

•  

  • A-1: Double Front Squat 10x5

  • B-2: Double Swing 10x5

  • Double Windmill 3x5 l,r (left and right)

Day 2:

•  

  • A-1: Double Military Press 10x5

  • A-2: Renegade Row 10x5

  • TGU 3x5 l,r (left and right)

Option Two:

Day 1:

•  

  • A-1: Double Lunge (shown with DB) 5x5 Double Front Squat 5x5

  • A-2: Double Snatch 5x5, Double Swing 5x5

  • Sit-up 2x5 l,r

Day 2:

•  

  • A-1: Seated Military Press 5x5, Standing Military Press 5x5

  • A-2: Renegade Row 5x5, Double Bent-over Row 5x5

  • Double Windmill 5x5 l,r (left and right)

Key Points

Both options will work very well. If you are someone that needs more variety in your workouts, then try option two first. If you really want to improve an exercise such as the Double Military Press, then try option one. Take a day off between each workout. In other words, do day 1 on Monday, day 2 on Wednesday and then Day 1 again on Friday.

Mike Mahler is a strength coach and kettlebell instructor based in Las Vegas. Sign up for his free online magazine at: http://www.mikemahler.com/friends/