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Phew…I finally got out of vacation brain mode and got the Wednesday workout review out in time.  This is a great one and a must read.  Even if you are not in the Cincinnati/N. Kentucky area my review of Swing This Studio in Latonia, Ky is a good reference for kettlebells in general.  So, let’s meet Joe and his not so average gym.

I met Joe Daniels, the owner of Swing This about 4 months ago at the Arnold, I was at the height of my wanting to the be the best competitor and it seemed like anyone who had brought home trophies knew Joe.  What I didn’t know is that Joe Daniels of Swing This, pretty much knows everyone.  I have been to Swing This a few times, and this past weekend I was able to attend a session at his new studio which is so very nice and full of fun but not predictable gym equipment.  When meeting Joe you will find a few things: First, he is very honest; there is no smoke and mirror or bottomless promises from Joe.  Second, he is very in tune to his clients and even though he is a friend to them, he also pushes them.  Third, Joe is a wealth of information; ask a question and you are sure to get an answer that covers all of the bases.  So, that is what I did; see below and if you have any other kettlebell questions, I am sure Joe will answer them for you.

Are kettlebells new, it seems as if they are popping up on every sporting goods shelf and in all of the fitness magazine…what gives?  Kettlebells have been around since the 1700′s, so no they are not new.  Kettlebells may be more popular now because there is a renaissance going on with training, people want to get out of training what they put in and a kettlebell used properly will do that.  The kettlebells used at a kettlebell gym are far different than the ones that you find on the shelf at your local sporting goods store. 

Why a kettlebell class over a DVD/video?  First, kettlebells should be used to train ballistically using full body tension and relaxation.  This being said, your first few sessions using a kettlebell should be one-on-one or in a very small group so that an actual instructor can correct your form.  Kettlebells are not dumbbells and the movements with kettlebells are vastly different.  

Why kettlebells over weights?  Kettlebells increase the proper neuromuscular firing patter, full body strength work with every movement, explosive power and speed, muscular endurance, hand eye coordination, enhanced flexibility, balance, core strength and a higher aerobic ceiling.  Kettlebells also decrease joint stiffness, muscular weakness and training time.  Kettlebell movements should work from the tip of the fingers to the tip of the toes and everything in between with each movement.

Who can use kettlebells?  Everyone can use kettlebells, the key is that they are under the appropriate supervision.  Kettlebells can be used to train a fitness competitor, a new mom, a grandma their workout and training will just vary.

Can anyone teach kettlebells, is there a national certifying body…?  It is not advised to use a trainer at a big box gym who just watched some kettlebell dvds or youtube and decided he would try it in his gym.  Use someone certified.  Certifying organizations are: IKFF, RKC, WKC. 

How do you feel an individul should start using kettlebells?  Start with a very small beginners group of 4-5.  Bootcamps filled with 30 people should not have beginners swinging bells, someone is going to get hurt.  Make sure that the instructor addresses all needs and concerns and provides good instruction on the how and why’s of kettlebells.  And remember you get what you pay for!

How to find a kettlebell instructor?  Ask friends, ask athletes, use social networking and find someone who love their kettlebell instructor and then ask who it is.  DO YOUR RESEARCH!

So, my take on Swing This studio.  I loved it.  I was one of five in the class and truly a beginner.  Joe made sure to change the workout a bit for me because my form is not the best, so I only did part of each move to master the form of the kettlebells.  While at swing this we used the TRX, the ladder, the Bosu, and who can forget the battling ropes and my favorite the water bag.  This isn’t a big box gym and you won’t find any machine there…which in my opinion is refreshing.  Joe is also very well read and well versed on whole nutrition and he is up on all of the new things going on in that arena.  I love talking nutrition with him.  Swing This is a must try in my opinion.  It is 10 minutes from downtown in Latonia, Ky.  It is an eclectic studio filled with art and music.  There is always a certified kettlebell coach there and there is a yoga and myofascial release person that stops in ocassionally.  You can find Joe at http://www.swingthiskettlebells.com.