International Training Tips
Rooftop workout with the new bell.
In international news — Andrew, my brother bought a kettlebell! He swings, presses and conditions his body for both the bike, and the beach. Here in Guelph, and across the world, strength training for our favourite lifestyle activities continues to inspire and connect us with our family and friends.
My first memory of the kettlebell is when Andrew first told me about the KB swings he was doing at a studio in Toronto. He described the movement and I saw the similarities in the deadlift, but the weight looked funny and small. I nixed his newest fitness fad and remember saying, “the bells aren’t heavy enough. What’s the point?” At the time, kettlebells were not commonly found in sizes over 15 or 20 pounds and initially we were underwhelmed with the bell. Since then, we have learned how to make light loads heavy and continue to stock big and little bells in our store. Pursuits with the kettlebell continue to keep our business in the studio or in the equipment room in full swing.
There is so much to learn and share about the kettlebell. From our instructors all around the world, to where ever you are in the world, here are four strength training principles we follow at each practice.
Practice the Basics - Stay away from enter-training exercises and focus on building strength in simple and measurable ways. Improve your body awareness and movement capabilities with the basics.
From the rooftop to the beach. Train anywhere.
Build a Groove - In any pursuit, try little bits every day. Improve your efficiency by telling your body what to do. Do it well and do it often while avoiding failure.
Goldilocks - Find the right bell for you. Often we train with a “light” and “heavy” kettlebell. For progress, stay away from too light, and build your strength and awareness to find the load that is “just right”.
Patience - There is no rush. Improve your grip, core strength and body awareness with a patient approach to mastering your favourite kettlebell skills.
Do you have any international traveling ambitions? Or, do you have any training techniques to share? Write to us in an email, or post to a message to a video online. Continue to stay strong and connect with us in class as we share our favourite movements with the kettlebell.
Take care,
Lauryn + Ian