When people saw the WOD posted on Wednesday, I could just imagine the thoughts..."The Turkey What?" Well, now that everyone's been exposed to what a crusher the Turkish Get-up can be, let's take a look a what some other folks in the elite fitness community are saying about this sleeper of an exercise...
"The Turkish get-up (TGU) is an outstanding exercise that develops strength, flexibility, and stability throughout the entire body. It has especially proven itself as an excellent prehabilitation and rehabilitation exercise for the shoulders. In addition, a mastered TGU will make all overhead exercises safer and easier.
Historically, the TGU was a staple exercise for old-time strongmen and wrestlers. It’s been said that in the days of old, this was the first and only exercise taught to many aspiring weightlifters to practice. Supposedly, no other exercises were taught or practiced until the pupil could perform the TGU with a 100-pound weight in either hand. First, it takes tenacity and commitment to conquer this feat of strength. Second, it slowly yet steadily builds a solid foundation of strength that nearly "injury proofs" the body, making it ready for more demanding training. Third, it significantly strengthens the major muscle groups, small stabilizing muscles, and connective tissues." (Jeff Bartone, CF Kettlebell Guru)
"Thanks to guys like Brooks Kubik(of 'Dinosaur Training' fame), the get-up is making a comeback, especially among combat athletes and martial artists. That’s no surprise since it trains your stabilizers, hits your all-important core muscles, and improves balance as well as functional strength." (Testosterone Nation)
• Keep your eyes on the weight at all times.
• Kettlebell too easy? Try a barbell like the old-timers used to - in fact, a couple of them could do this exercise using a load exceeding their body weights!
• There are several ways to work Turkish get-ups into your routine: You can use them as a warm-up or as a "finisher" at the end of your workout. Try to do one heavy set with each arm or do multiple "reps" of a lighter weight. Another option is to set a timer and do as many as you can in a given time, say, two or three minutes.