VO2 max

I usually receive two questions in relation to VO2 max training:
1) How can one survive so many snatches, do I not devastate my lunges / my hands?
2) Is it not utmost boring?

My answers:
1) VO2 is designed for a lighter KB than that you are usually exercising. Many reps with light weight, interval training – that is the merit and works as wonder for your cardiovascular endurance.
Of course you shall not jump in it without any common sense. The best you can do is to consult the system with an RKC, preferably with one who is familiar with the book Viking Warrior Conditioning of Kenneth Jay.

I usually train VO2 max in textile gloves with the fingers cut off, but despite the fact that sometimes I just have not found them my hand / finger did not got injured. Anyway, what did Kenneth say – after you have performed 10.000 snatches, nothing can hurt your hands any more :-). The key is the right technique (do not hold the handle tight, drop it loose and of cousre you should generate the arc up with your hips and not with the hand).

2) No, it is not boring and you do not have time to think of that. Ideally you should find a training partner to snatch with. If no one is available, you should count the sets achieved by the time you reach the half, and afterwards the sets you have still to make (or let GymBoss count, just have it in your mind).
And you should concentrate on the right technique FROM THE BEGINNING TILL THE END (tension, hip work, lockout, tension, drop, repeat…). On one hand, there is not much use nor sense in it if you perform snatches the wrong way (unless you want to get hurt), on the other hand I usually concentrate on the right performance so intensely that only the beep of the GymBoss reminds me to drop having completed the 8 reps and rest. In the rest period you should shake off, jump, shadow box, etc. – not to overload your heart with a sudden stop.
If you are engaged with thoughts like that, no time remains for getting bored and you will wonder how soon the mission impossible (as it seems at the beginning) can be completed.

When you finish and can breath again normally, stopped sweating just count the total reps of snatches you have performed… You will feel a different man or woman ;-) – and maybe find some additional motivation to go on knowing that the Power is with you! Keep on snatching! :-)