Additionally, when I thought of Push ups, pull ups and leg raises, my initial thought was always back to PE class. I avoided all of these movements whenever possible. Mainly because I dreaded doing them. No one every showed me how and I sucked, frankly.

Since I was introduced to kettlebells three years ago I was also reintroduced to the hated bodyweight exercises. I was working with an RKC to learn safe kettlebell practice and she had the cojones to have me do burpees, pull ups, planks etc. What’s this Sh$%? I wanted to do kettlebells.

Guess what? All of that worked in concert to help me get fitter at 45 years of age than I had ever been. Since then, I’ve taken my strength and conditioning to another level still. I just wish I had Convict Conditioning at the beginning of this journey as it would have helped me map things out in my training much more effectively, as well as that of my clients.

Why do I say that? Well, for starters, each of the “Big Six” is covered in minute detail.  Each instructional component of the book breaks the pushup, squat, pull up, leg raise, Bridge and Handstand pushup into it’s pieces and deconstructs it. Also, it is suitable for someone who can’t do one push up or for someone who can do them with one arm. Same with the squat. Want to learn the pistol safely and well? That’s here too.

Another great part of the manual is the “routine” area. That alone is worth the price of admission. There are programs mapped out for the beginner up to the dude who’s been in Solitary confinement with nothing to do but pull ups and pushups.

I can hear you already. I don’t do bodyweight exercises. I pump iron. Well can you pump iron in a hotel room? On a camping trip? On the side of the road? Now you can get an amazing session in anywhere you are. One that will leave you without wanting more.

I still hate bodyweight stuff to a degree. Still not good at it particularly. I have made progress though from only doing jump pull ups 3 years ago to adding a few reps to my one set total each month. Astounding progress and I know that this book will take it to the next level for me.

Train with purpose,

Sandy Sommer RKC

1. For the Kettlebell beginner in your life, I highly recommend a gift of a training session with an RKC instructor. The recipient of your gift will learn how to use the kettlebell safely and will thank you for sure!
2. If you know someone who is frustrated and unhappy with their lifestyle and fitness and sincerely wants to make changes, then your gift of the Primal Blueprint will come off as caring and not like “Hey! You need to get a grip!”
3. For the Primal Follower who may be sick of using spaghetti squash as pasta and is looking for some other alternatives, may I suggest this magical kitchen aid, the Spiralizer. This appliance allows you to cut many veggies into “pasta”.
4. If you know someone who is an information freak and really needs to track their workout progress and have a great idea of how hard they are actually working then you want to consider an Heart Rate Monitor. They will love all the tracking  they can accomplish for their workout log.
5. For the Power Lifter in your life, may I suggest Power To The People Professional? This book is sure to become a classic with those looking to build raw power and strength. I love this book even though the only power lift I am currently doing is the dead lift.
6. If you know someone who does a lot of bodyweight training or wants to learn how to do it effectively with the most benefit than Convict Conditioning should be at the top of the list. Appropriate for the advanced or beginning bodyweight athlete it is packed with info.
7. Folks want to argue with me often about my food choices and why I do what I do. Certainly, my philosophies are outside conventional wisdom but look at what doing what everyone else is doing and how it works! I’m in the sharing business not the convincing business and if you are too then share this book with your family and friends: The Great Cholesterol Con. They will thank you:)
8. If you know someone who is a kettlebell enthusiast and wants one for Christmas these are the best kettlebells for strength and conditioning.
9. This one’s a biggie and it’s on my own “Wish List.” This is the only thing I’ve listed that I don’t own myself but it’s perfect for the healthy cook in your life. Probably the best and safest cookware available.
10. Finally. I’d like to recommend one of my favorite books of all time as Holiday gift. Mindset, The New Psychology of Success.

There we go. Please add your own gift ideas and thoughts in the comments as I’d love to hear from you, as I’m sure the other readers would as well.

Train With Purpose,

Sandy Sommer, RKC