Member Praises SKC for Lacking "Gymtimidation"

Millions of Americans suffer from gymtimidation, the fear of facing judgment at a new gym.  This fear leads many to avoid the gym all together. However, Seattle Kettlebell Club is a gymtimidation free zone, and long-term member Patrick Heraghty can vouch for that. 

“I think people are often fearful going places where there's a competitive nature, and they don’t feel comfortable,” Patrick said. “I’ve always felt welcome since the day I walked in the door.” 

Patrick gave Planet Fitness and CrossFit a try back home in New Hampshire, where he worked as a traveling nurse, (he now holds a position in Seattle) but he found it difficult to keep his fitness consistent. Now, he has been with SKC for about a year and a half, and he says his first impression of the classes were that they were the challenge he’d been looking for noting that his stamina and endurance improved tremendously in his first three weeks of swinging kettlebells. 

  

“The coaches were very friendly and helpful with your technique,” Patrick said. “Even though I was a total beginner, I didn’t feel out of place.” 

Patrick is an avid hiker, so one of his favorite parts of moving to the PNW has been the easy access to trails in the area. 

“Seattle Kettlebell Club has really conditioned me to do more challenging hikes,” Patrick said. “I wouldn’t be able to do the hikes I do now without this place.” 

Since March of this year, Patrick has lost 17lbs. 

  

“I like that there is going to be a different workout every time I come, and that each time slot has regulars. If you go to different classes, you get to meet different people,” Patrick said. “Even if it’s a really hard work out, you feel like everyone’s going through it together, and the coaches are all fantastic.”

Outside of the fitness world, Patrick enjoys cooking and going to music shows (his favorite venue is the Paramount). He’s loved his past three years in Seattle, and he feels fortunate to be a part of SKC’s inclusive crowd. 

“I’m part of the gay community, and it’s just very diverse here- people of all genders, colors, and sizes,” Patrick said. “You don’t feel like you’re walking into a place where people are going to treat you like a weirdo. You have people all tatted up, you've got guys next door, soccer moms-It’s great!” 

Feeling some gymtimidation still? Our Kettlebell Kickstarter is now Buy one get one free. Buy the $99 intro package for yourself and get one for a friend! For more information click here. 

-Camille Borodey 

Kettlebells are Good News for Bad News Bears

I've always been Scrappy.

As a young boy I was the one challenging the bully or the bigger kids - even though I wasn't very big. I felt a certain amount of responsibility for the kids who did not have the confidence to stick up for themselves or were the ones who got picked last in sports. When it came time to choose teams,  I didn't mind choosing last because I was going to pick the underdog anyway.  For whatever reason, I had something to prove - and even if we didn't win I wanted to give the overconfident kids a run for their money - and we did!

Looking back, I see that for some reason I've always had a certain tenacity that works with the ability to find the winner in people and put them in a position to win.  Maybe it's because I felt a bit like an outsider myself; being a sort of latchkey kid... the son of a single dad and without a mom.  Whatever it is, I had it when I was little and it stuck with me as I started Seattle Kettlebell Club.   Like when people told me if I left the gym I was Personal Training at that I would never succeed... Thanks, Mike, you motivated me!

Now I get to meet people of all walks of life who want to start using kettlebells because they need to get in shape.  Often, I'll notice a new member might not have great posture, might have a weak handshake, might generally exhibit less than ideal confidence which is reflected in their physique.  I'll find out later they waited a long time or were really hesitant to join, which is funny because within a few weeks I'll already start to notice the difference.  He stands up straighter, acts more outgoing and seems generally happier while telling me the competitions seem cool but aren't his thing.  Cut to four or six months later when I can't get him to take training days off before his first competition.

These are not your typical athletes.  These are often the kids who got picked last or never even wanted to play, and here they are in their 30's and 40's getting in to something athletic for the first time in their lives and killing it.  Now they have the courage and skills to step up, and when they get on the platform, something amazing happens - they win!  Without fail, our members win!

Team Relay at SKC's BOLT Kettlebell Competition April 23rd, 2016

Roughly 90% of our members had never heard of kettlebell sport or even used a kettlebell when they joined Seattle Kettlebell Club, but close to 30% of our members have now participated in at least one competition, and 100% end up winning; because we set our goals accordingly and follow the plan.

The humbling aspect of the sport tends to attract people without big egos who are ready to listen and ready to work.  Which means we have a great community and have a lot of fun together and this is also a no BS gym. We don't have time or room for gimmicks.  Come on in.  You'll find functional equipment that makes you stronger and healthier surrounded by the proud underdogs-turned-athletes who appreciate that.

www.seattlekettlebellclub.com

Nikolai Puchlov