Pressing strength carryovers—The “what the heck effect”

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Subject: Pressing strength carryovers—The “what the heck effect”

Can you get better at something without training/practicing it?

Traditional training wisdom would scoff at this, but within the School of Strength, we are familiar with the “what the heck effect (WTHE).” The WTHE has provided surprising PRs and carryover for years.

Setting a pullup personal record after training Simple and Sinister? WTHE!

A military press PR from single-leg deadlifts? This is precisely the WTHE that Debbie Hayes, StrongFirst Certified Team Leader, experienced as training get-ups, snatches, and single-leg deadlifts filled in strength gaps and enhanced her military press.

Debbie begins:

In this article, I will cover three specific movements that gave me “what the heck” moments and helped me gain strength in my kettlebell military press without specifically training it. If you are struggling to get past that sticking point in the military press or are looking for ways to increase your press without pressing, this article is for you.

Not surprisingly, utilizing the breath across all pressing variations is highlighted:

Also, key is the timing of the breath. We utilize the power breathing with the press, breathing behind the shield of tensed abdominals, inhaling as we pull the kettlebell down, and emitting a sharp exhale as the kettlebell passes the head. With a true maximum effort on a press, holding the breath through the execution of the clean when the kettlebell passes the head will ensure there is maximum tension and less chance of leaking strength when the clean comes into the rack. (This is not recommended for students with heart problems or high blood pressure.)

Click here to read the full article and see the training that led to the WTHE.

To learn more about breathing for performance and beyond, be sure to check out Pavel’s Second Wind express online course, available for a special limited time offer through July 18^th.

Second Wind express online course

Russian Breathing Techniques
for Superior Performance & Resilience!

Learn more about Power Breathing in module 4 (out of 9):

“Pretend to exhale”
The Valsalva myths
18% strength boost through smarter breathing
Inhale this much for a deadlift PR
KIAI for power

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Subject: Pressing strength carryovers—The “what the heck effect”