Center-Fit FAQs

HOW CAN KETTLEBELL OR FUNCTIONAL TRAINING HELP ME?

You can IMPROVE: 

• Strength

• Posture

• Balance

• Cardio / VO2Max

• Weight loss

• Coordination

As you read this article, you can mostly use kettlebell and functional interchangeably. Kettlebell is used to train functional movements, increase dynamic strength, improve balance and core stability.

WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT?

Any movement that is or mimics how we move or use our bodies in every day life.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH TRADITIONAL WEIGHT TRAINING?

Nothing.  Traditional weight training, especially at the start, is primarily about isolation and stabilization. You are often started on machines to isolate a particular muscle or muscle group. A large focus in most weight training is restricting movements to one of the three planes; sagittal, horizontal and frontal. (Front, side and diagonal) If I stop to think about our everyday lives, I realize that very few activities are single plane activities and most involve all 3 planes. {picking up baby, construction worker} Why not train your body to be able to do the things you NEED to do...and then some!

WHY KETTLEBELL or FUNCTIONAL TRAINING?

Kettlebell or functional training improves posture/core, strength, mobility and balance. Core /Posture due to the effort required to balance your body while performing dynamic exercises with increasing or varying weight.  Off set Farmers carries are effective in that they do the expected: train grip and core stability, hip and leg strength. The fact that’s rarely talked about is the FRONTAL plane (Left to right) stabilization required in a mostly sagital (front to back) moves! I love efficiency!

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BE READY FOR MY EVERYDAY LIFE?

Stay fit. Stay active. Stay mobile. Stay strong. Kettlebell or functional training requires multi-joint / multi-plane movement, just like your real life activities! Training the body in movement patterns that are natural to everyday activities is a safe and effective opportunity for strong muscles and stable joints. Kettlebell training provides an excellent opportunity for this stimulation that develops the entire body.

Unfortunately, not every person presenting themselves for personal training with me is actually ready for kettlebell swings or other basic kettlebell movements. This is where personalized functional training comes in. I target imbalances and compensatory movement patterns first, with check-ins along the way. 

SOUNDS TOO EASY, CAN I REALLY GET STRONG DOING KETTLEBELL TRAINING?

When appropriate, In a typical training you may move upwards of 3,000 lbs!  That’s a workout! But don’t worry, I won’t have you harnessing up to pull a Dodge Ram or anything like that. I help you choose kettlebells ranging from light, moderate to heavy for each part of your workout. Those pounds accumulate during your workout as your body efficiently moves through range of motion with varying weights.

POWERFUL MOVEMENT, FEELING LIKE AN ATHLETE

Properly used, kettlebells lay a foundation for healthy and powerful movement. Hips become mobile, spine stable, shoulders mobile and stable. The body is becoming more symmetric and resilient to asymmetric stressors. You start moving like an athlete and are making dramatic changes to your body composition. I call this moving in concert with the rest of you body.

STRENGTH IS GOOD BUT I NEED MY CARDIO!

Kettlebells not only build strength they build endurance (BONUS: the more proficient you become, the better calorie burn) as well. My trainings revolve around basic movement patterns and  11 primary kettlebell lifts, 6 ‘quick lifts’ to promote good cardiovascular health (VO2Max, endurance) and 5 ‘grind lifts’ to build strength. Warm up and finisher exercises are centered around primary lifts.  So you are always moving in context, training for the next lift and learning more about safe, efficient movement patterns. 

ARE KETTLEBELL SWINGS BAD FOR MY BACK?

Your situation may be unique and I am not here to argue with your neurosurgeon. You must be in control of your own safe movement. But when appropriate… According to a study in 2012 by Dr Stuart McGill, kettlebell training rather than being bad for the back provides unique muscular pulses to the abdominals which, "[t]ogether with the muscle bracing associated with carries create kettlebell-specific training opportunities" makes McGill et al. conclude that the "unique loading patterns discovered during the kettlebell swing [...] which is opposite in polarity to a traditional lift" may in fact be the reason why "many individuals credit kettlebell swings with restoring and enhancing back health and function, although a few find that they irritate tissues" (McGill. 2014). Note: Dr Stu McGill is also know as “THE back Doctor” repairing and strengthening the backs of olympic lifters, premiere athletes and MMA fighters including GSP.

CAN’T I JUST DO THE SAME THING WITH A DUMBBELL?

Nope. Well, you can, but you won’t get the same results. The asymetrical weight distribution of the kettlebell with the soft curve of the horns (handle) make this easy to hold and maneuver while forcing you to use more stabilizer muscles and work the targeted muscles through a longer range of motion.

BONUS: kettlebell handles are much thicker than dumbbells and will give you a vice grip in no time. 

WHAT IF I DIE IN training?!

It’s been my experience that you won’t.  I do have you sign a standard waiver in any case. ;) But joking aside…. you are always encouraged to work at your own pace and level. This can vary day-to-day. Sometimes your instructor will be cheering you on to bigger and more.  Sometimes you will hear, “You ok?  Should we back off and push for volume instead of weight?” (or something like that) Find your level and press into it.  Grow incrementally or in leaps and bounds.  They both happen to everyone.

IS THAT ALL YOU DO? KETTLEBELLS?

Absolutely not.  I utilize Core, Suspension Strap, Functional, Circuit style, Stretch, and Traditional Weight Training methods to get you into your best shape, ready for your actual life. Now.

WHAT IF I DECIDE IT’S NOT FOR ME?

After meeting with me and getting your FREE assessment, you may decide we are not a good fit. I’m ok with that. You need to trust and like your personal trainer. If you purchase a basic package you can simply decide not to renew your package. Just let me know 24hrs before your next bill date and we’ll stop or pause your autopay - whichever you decide. There are no membership fees, no cancellation fees. No hassle.