Mea Maxima Culpa: A Shift in My Kettlebell Journey

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in the past is focusing so much on specific workouts—like kettlebell swings, rowing, or biking—that I forget the foundational aspects of health. While rereading Don Finch’s book, I was reminded of a crucial point: before you dive into specialized exercises, you need to establish a solid baseline. That means 10,000 steps a day as the non-negotiable starting point.

In addition to walking, the 90 seconds of kettlebell swinging every sixty minutes is another essential baseline habit—not a substitute for everything else, but a foundational layer. These two habits—10,000 steps and frequent kettlebell swings—don’t replace other forms of exercise. They’re the groundwork on which everything else is built.

So as I commit to this smarter, more sustainable approach, I’m keeping the bigger picture in mind. Beyond the steps and swings, I’ll also incorporate stretching, mobility, abs, planks, pushes, pulls, and other forms of movement that round out a healthful life. And, of course, I’ll still be pedaling on my Kaiser M3, rowing on my Concept2, and getting to the gym and spin class regularly.

The beauty of this approach is its flexibility. By making the 10,000 steps and 90-second swings daily non-negotiables, I’m creating a foundation of movement that supports everything else I want to do—whether it’s strength training, endurance work, or anything in between.

March will still be my target for the 10,000 kettlebell swings challenge. For now, I’m focusing on creating habits that feel manageable, balanced, and sustainable. Fitness isn’t about cramming everything into a short window—it’s about building something that lasts.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by goals, I encourage you to focus on the basics first. Establish a foundation of movement with simple habits like walking and short bursts of activity throughout the day. Once you’ve mastered those, you can build from there.

Let’s swing, step, and move our way toward a stronger, healthier life.