Meet Our Kettlecoaches: Paul

Paul Klein has a history with the owners of Seattle Kettlebell Club that dates back to when he met co-owner Amber Puchlov 20 years ago when they were both in a production at the Village Theatre. The two reconnected again ten years later when they did readings together at a retirement home.

When Klein hit 30, he realized that he wanted to make some major lifestyle changes, which included quitting smoking and drinking. He also wanted to get back into ice hockey, which he played as a teen. Along with playing, he also began refereeing and coaching goaltenders, where he found that he really enjoyed working with athletes. Klein also runs, lifts, teaches spinning at the YMCA, is a certified health coach, and has a pilot’s license.

“If I wanted to be around to be a performer, I was going to have to take better care of myself,” Klein said. “I recall my mother saying ‘you only go around once.’”

While he liked the idea of kettlebell training, Klein found that he was struggling with form, so before SKC opened, Klein attended one of Nikolai Puchlov’s (SKC’s Owner & Head Coach) classes in the park.

“It was really an important moment,” Klein said. “I realized I could do this; I really liked Nikolai’s teaching style, and I really liked how I felt afterwards.”

Soon Klein signed up for his first competition (he’s competed 8 times now), got certified in teaching kettlebell classes, and was hired at SKC where he’s been a kettle coach for 2.5 years. He even credits kettlebell training for improving his hockey game.

Klein received his undergraduate degree at Fresno state, and graduate degree at University of Arizona where he guest-starred in 3 episodes of the television show The Young Riders starring Stephen Baldwin and Josh Brolin; however, his most memorable role was playing Hamlet in a college production.

When he can, Klein still auditions for theatre parts, and he often sings the national anthem at sport’s stadiums. He sings for UW and SU, and for the last 25 years he has been a regular singer for the Seattle Thunderbirds.

One piece of advice Klein has for people new to kettlebell training or fitness in general is to be patient and consistent. He notices many people get motivated after New Year’s, but then quit after not seeing results right away.

“They’re kind of just dipping their toe in the water instead of getting knee deep into it,” Klein said. “One of my frustrations early on was not being able to get the jerk right away.”

Klein plans on participating in the 21 Day Challenge starting January 21st, and since he comes to the gym regularly, and eats a vegan diet, the challenge should not be too difficult for him.

Before going vegan, Klein and his wife of 15 years, Rebecca, decided to give a vegetarian diet a try. After developing arthritis, Klein decided to do a 30-day vegan challenge and loved the feeling, saying he had better workout recovery and more energy. Plus, he and Rebecca are not a fan of the ethics behind farming practices, but he understands that going vegan may not be for everyone.

“The thing you have to do with your body is make sure you get enough nutrients and calories to do the things you want to do,” Klein said.

Not only does Klein love seeing members consistently coming through the doors of SKC, but he also loves when people finally understand or master a move.

“I can’t think of a better place for me to be because I really dig the sport. I love the community and members here.” Klein said. “I love helping people get better, and it’s great to help people find their better selves. 

To see when Paul teaches classes, visit seattlekettlebellclub.com/calendar

-Camille Borodey