Meet Our Kettlecoaches- Tyna

Nine months ago, after moving back to Seattle from Portland, Tyna Ontko would have never guessed that a car accident would lead her to getting involved in kettlebell fitness. After the accident, her chiropractor advised her to give kettlebell training a try since the low impact practice is often recommended for people who have endured injury. After doing some research, she found herself walking through the doors of Seattle Kettlebell Club. 

“It was a blessing in disguise” Ontko said. 

Ontko admits that before joining SKC that she was out of fitness practice for about six years; however, she did ballet for 15 years, so she loves being back in a fitness environment. 

 

“I like being dedicated to something,” Ontko said. “Physical exercise is so rewarding because you see results.” 

Back in March, Ontko started taking Liz’s classes two times week, and that led to three times a week, which eventually led to her being offered a position as a kettlecoach teaching GAP classes. She says her favorite part of teaching classes is seeing the positive energy that the members bring each day. 

“People come in to the [morning] class sleep and leave ready to hit the ground running,” Ontko said. 

In 2013, Ontko earned her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Western Washington University, and besides being a kettlecoach, she works for John Grade, a local artist who specializes in wood and metal work. She also does her own freelance print making and sculpture work. 

To get a peek at some of Ontkos' art, visit tynaontko.com

Not only does she credit kettlebell training as the practice that got her to quit her 12-year habit of smoking, but her training has also made her more valuable in her other job, for she is on her feet a lot and in an environment where she must lift heavy materials. 

“I’ve been able to accomplish things that would be harder if I wasn’t training here,” Ontko said. 

Originally when she came to SKC, Ontko had a goal of getting back into dance, and she would eventually like to practice ballet again, but for now she is thoroughly enjoying her time at SKC. She loves the high intensity of the environment and the comradery that comes along with competing.

“Sometimes when a good thing is in front of you, you must recognize it, and that’s what kettlebells is for me,” Ontko said.

For those who are just getting into kettlebell training, Ontko advises being open minded, staying dedicated, and not getting discouraged. 

 

“It takes 21 days to form a habit and one day to break it,” Ontko said.

Ontko is one of the many kettlecoaches and members who will be competing in the 2017 Seattle Kettlebell Pro-Am Competition hosted by SKC on December 9. To find out when Tyna teaches classes or for a complete list of our classes, visit seattlekettlebellclub.com/calendar. 

-Camille Borodey