Are "Heavy" Turkish Getups ACTUALLY Useful?! | Dan John

[@thomasbaerten]

A couple of years ago I was doing TGU's with a 32kg kettlebell. On my last rep when I was almost lying back down I lost balance/control and the kettlebell fell towards my face. I could barely turn my head away to avoid a full impact. The bell fell on my ear and push my wireless earbuds in. The earbuds splintered and cut my inner ear. Apart from some blood, a bruise and a shattered earbud I was fine. I got really lucky! Although I think I'm much stronger now I don't think its worth the risk. I'd rather do some more reps with a lighter weight.

[@javezkeith2537]

Dan I like reading your books and the fact you teach and lecture without taking your t-shirt off like all the influencers out there. I'm 50 years old and you really speak to my fitness regime. It's hard, easy Strength. But, easy gets me into my garage gym and exercising with the kettle bells. Thanks Dan X

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

I can certainly take my shirt off...

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

@@kettlebellmusclegain It isn't?

[@uriance88]

The first riff of this comments, reminds me I need to go back to reading Never Let Go - first fitness book I ever bought. Well written, solid advice - Dan's one flaw in his writing career: he writes so well and comprehensively that buying one book is usually all you need. Best definition of 'heavy' I've heard that applies to everyone - "a weight you can't control". All I'd add (for us 'past the half century' mark) is 'or that won't make your tendons hate you for a week'. Thanks for all the great content.

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

I'm stealing that tendon thing!

[@crsm9824]

i just took my phone with me to the gym and used videos until i got the TGU technique right. it took a while but i got it. no trainer required. love the prone start idea, will try it today!

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

That is awesome!

[@slimeater321]

Really hurt myself 3 months ago cliff diving .. this exercise has improved my standard of living by a lot

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

It’s a great exercise. Just use it appropriately.

[@DiveHard]

As an enthusiastic Turkish getup-er, very much appreciate all your comments/context around the exercise. As enthusiastic shark divers, very much appreciate your accurate comments around orcas eating great white shark liver! 💪🏽🦈

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

I know my orcas...

[@davidrioux611]

Dan I learned the importance of the get up when I practiced the movement to pass my RKC certification in 2010. Now this year I am using the exercise as a rehabilitation exercise for shoulder injuries on myself. I’ve used the exercise for rehab with students before but rehab for myself was still a different perspective. Now I rethink the exercise is essential frequently.

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

I think they have a lot of value. It can be a great exercise. Too much load and I just worry about cost to benefit.

[@michaelj132]

Currently doing 40kg TGUs. Trying to progress to 48kg. Damn it is tough. I am not that strong but TGUs have been great for my strength and mobility. As just someone who's aim is just to undo the damage of being sat behind a desk all day I thoroughly recommend them.

[@BodilessVoice]

You're an inspiration! Thank you Michael!

[@kettlebellken]

Right on Michael! Don't know how old you are... but I didn't start TGUs until I turned 50 (10 years ago) and they have truly revitalized my body after years of heavy lifting & marathons/Triathlons by rebuilding foundational strength & mobility

[@kettlebellken]

I think my best "controlled" TGU at age 57 was 88lb 40kg @ 6'5" 182lbs. Most reps 50-60lbs

[@Frennemydistinction]

​@@kettlebellkenwow not bad.

[@funwithdoka1394]

40 kg? man you are a beast !

[@tonyx8750]

Always the best advice from Dan and makes the complicated simple to understand and put in everyman language ! I always now think "risk reward" on every exercise and Oh Yea I do pay for the books (paper is always better in my opinion) thanks Dan. I appreciate some of your more realistic/honest views on Pavels work (again looking at the risk reward benefit) thanks again

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

I'm honored to do this, thank you

[@SammyZung-nv1cg]

I'm from Turkey. I should be able to nail this exercise without much difficulty like you all folks are. Besides, I eat a lot of lean turkey😊.

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

Best of luck! Gule Gule.

[@farstrider79]

I love Turkish get ups, but whenever I go "heavy" I aggravate a nerve pinch I've had for a long time in my neck. That's usually my sign that I'm overdoing it. When I go medium to light, I feel good.

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

Great insight.

[@fauxnaifmusic5708]

TGU’s are excellent because they move you into understanding ‘functional’ and not just form and strength whilst connecting the brain and also using it to workout what is right. We are humans and we can work things out IF we develop that skill.

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

Thank you for posting.

[@Crazylalalalala]

I for one have bought your "Mass Made Simple" book (have not tried the program yet as im trying to loose weight at this time but will at some point but it does look evil) and am eagerly waiting to buy your next book on easy strength.

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

Excellent.

[@rico925]

Best unexpected benefit I got from Mass Made Simple was a new bench max don't be surprised if you do too. Awesome program get ready to eat.

[@clydenolet736]

This week I hit a long term goal of 105LB barbell get up. I love the full body tension and the concentration however I can’t say it improved other lifts noticeably.

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

I like the concentration. I do that with half a cup of water in a plastic glass. Works wonders...

[@frontdeskstaff9359]

It's hard to imagine there's no benefits of a tgu that heavy to your overall fitness. Do you notice benefits to your stability, mobility, or other areas of fitness?

[@clydenolet736]

@@frontdeskstaff9359 after I got 105LB for reps I began to work on nail bending and working toward other feats of strength - so in so far as irradiation of strength goes I credit the getup 100% for that.

[@coffeedudeguy]

I bought yours and Pavel’s books. In terms of the wisdom and knowledge, what a deal!

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

Well, thank you. It's nice to see this.

[@rikkic7000]

Thank you for reminding me about a common sense approach to my health and fitness. I have gotten distracted by the internet BS

[@formisfunction1861]

Pure gold Dan!

[@AlteredState1123]

Coaching costs next to nothing compared to medical care from using bad form.

[@TangomanX2008]

There is bad form, and there is a 35 lb kettlebell fell on your face bad form.

[@lisaorlando1224]

Wow. An empty glass. That’s my new goal, although I still can’t get up on my elbow with good form (I’m 75). And now I will buy something from you…

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

Well that is great, thank you.

[@donvape336]

I have been researching the get up and doing it but a 12 kg kettlebell is it for me. The reverse lunge portion kills me. If i wasn't 256lbs and built like football player it would be okay. Just keep pushing.

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

Good point

[@TyghtAlso]

You will see, on youtube, a video of Spike Jones ("all girl medley" 6.20ish) being used as the weight in a Turkish get up by some West Coast bodybuilder/hand balancer. All in good fun in the early 60s, I can only imagine the complaints this would generate now.

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

Spike Jones is legendary

[@underwaterwatchesunderwater]

Thanks, Coach =) Much Gold.

[@王劭桓]

if you appreciate a good coach and a great mentor buy the thing from books are not expensive at all

[@DanJohnStrengthCoach]

Well, thank you.

[@albertsmith9315]

Lesson learned... One size does NOT fit all.