Four Things SKC Member Kylo McNeal Has Learned About Kettlebell Sport

#1) Not All Fitness Classes Are Corny

After dropping 30 pounds by changing up his diet and walking, Kylo McNeal found himself walking through the doors of Seattle Kettlebell Club in search of a strength-heavy workout. Always being more of a lone wolf in the gym, McNeal admits that he initially thought group fitness was corny but is glad he kept an open mind and encourages others to do the same. 

“Everyone on the staff is friendly,” McNeal said. “Everyone seemed to be friends. It just had a good vibe and seemed very supportive.”

McNeal has been with SKC since their previous location on Hiawatha but admits to not coming consistently until the new club.  

“I really had to challenge myself to be open to a new thing. This is a really specialty sport; granted you only need a weight,” McNeal said. “If you’re kind of feeling judgy [about group classes], do it once and see how you feel afterwards. If you like it, which you probably will, you’ll keep coming back.”

#2) Kettlebell Sport Training Makes You Strong

When he first started training, McNeal says he could barely lift an 8-kilogram (18 pound) kettlebell, but this June 30^th he’ll be competing with a pair of 16-kilogram kettlebells (70 pounds) at the Crazy Monkey USA Kettlebell Sport Championship at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, WA.

“People were encouraging me to compete at the Pro-Am, but I felt too intimidated still,” McNeal said. “Then I went and cheered people on, and I realized I could have totally done it.”

#3) Kettlebell Sport Is Neither CrossFit Nor “KettleBALL”

Like many members of Seattle Kettlebell Club, McNeal finds that although there is a ton of information about kettlebell training online, a lot of his friends have little knowledge of the niche kettlebell sport. He joked that he never thought he would have to pretentiously correct his friends when they say “kettleball.” 

“I think the main misconception is that they associate it with CrossFit, so they think I’m doing CrossFit, but I’m like, ‘No, I think they may get offended if you said that,’” McNeal said. 

#4) You Should Be Prepared to Buy Smaller Shorts

Since starting at SKC, McNeal has noticed that smaller tasks such as taking the stairs or carrying groceries have become easier. He even helped a friend move recently.

“I know I’m strong in general, but to be considered strong by somebody else because they’ve noticed some changes and can physically see it is great,” McNeal said. 

One downfall of his training (and improved diet inspired by SKC’s 21 Day Challenge) is that McNeal says his gym clothes don’t fit anymore because of all the pounds he has lost.

“They keep getting looser and looser, and they’re kind of getting in my way when doing the low swing,” McNeal said. “I don’t want to buy new workout clothes just yet, but now it’s getting to the point where I have to.” 

Seattle Kettlebell Club offers a huge calendar of freestyle kettlebell classes for both fitness and sport.  Learn all about it and try it hands-on at a Core-6 Fundamentals Workshop, included with any intro package or membership.  Click Here for Details

-Camille Borodey and Amber Puchlov