From Swinging to Swimming: SKC Helps Member Get Back in the Water

Following his physical therapist’s advice, Alic Shook gave up swimming for several month to recover from a shoulder injury. However, since he spends hours reading, writing, and sitting as a PhD student in nursing, Alic knew he had to find something to prevent him from losing his mind. It took just one visit to SKC for him to fall in love with the gym and kettlebells. Over time, the workouts have helped him with strength, posture, and balance. PLUS, he’s even swimming again! 

“My goal in life right now is to just have a body that is moving and working in the way that I want it to for a really long time."

“I like that the focus is on individual teaching, and one of my favorite things about the gym is that there are all different people, bodies, and ages who work out here, and I love that. I think that’s the thing that stood out to me right from the beginning,” Alic said.  

Alic has always been drawn to long distance exercises (running, swimming, biking) but never got into weight-lifting because he found it repetitive and boring… and he’s had a hard time enjoying gyms in general.

“I have not had good experiences in gyms,” Alic said. “I’m transgender, and I haven’t always felt comfortable in those environments. The anxiety provoking aspects of other gyms are eliminated at SKC for me, and I can just focus on working out! I tell others that this is a gym for people who hate gyms.”

“Every time you come is a new challenge. Some days the challenge for me is just getting here and finishing the workout. Other days the challenge is a want to lift heavier weights or do higher reps with lower weights."

While Alic is passionate about his work in his PhD program, he notes that the hours spent writing and studying can be isolating for his extroverted personality, so he’s happy that SKC offers him a healthy social outlet.

“One of the ways I justify spending money on a gym membership is that this is high quality. You get a coached workout.” Alic said. “As long as I show up, I know that when I leave, I will be in a better mood than when I showed up.”

Good luck with your PhD, Alic, and thank you for making Seattle Kettlebell Club a part of your routine!

-Camille Borodey

Hello, Summer. Goodbye 30 Pounds!

At the beginning of 2019, Tim Mulligan knew it was time to take his health up a notch.

“I hit my 50's and decided to get my health and fitness in check. I wanted to be a good role model for my family, and I knew beach days were right around the corner.” 

So, with a change in diet and plenty of resolve, he hit the ground running by taking five KettleFIT classes per week at SKC and has lost 30 pounds since mid-January!

“I’m good at routines; especially this year when I committed to coming every single day. They say 21 days forms a habit, and I think I formed that habit.”

Tim notes it’s easy to motivate himself to come to class frequently because they’re only 45-minutes, and the large variety of exercises makes every day a new and exciting challenge.

I asked Tim if he thought that people have misconceptions about kettlebell training. He said friends and family often have the idea that the exercises are bad for your back (which is the opposite of true).

“In the past I’ve struggled with knee issues and trouble with my back, and I feel like I don’t have those issues anymore. As I’ve gotten older, I think [kettlebell training] has helped me rehabilitate.”

Tim Mulligan is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Vulcan, and he lives in the Mount Baker area with his partner, Sean, two kids, and three dogs.

Congratulations on the great work, Tim! Thank you for making SKC a part of your fitness journey.  

-Camille Borodey 

Supermoms: Celebrating the Strong Mothers at SKC

From those who have been swinging kettlebells long term, to those just starting their exercise journeys, Seattle Kettlebell Club's member base is full of inspiring moms who balance busy schedules with their fitness routines. With appreciation for all the amazing mothers out there, here's a look at some of SKC's Supermoms!

Sara Miller and her husband, Tom, have been coming to SKC for almost two years, and in order to coordinate their schedules, the couple is rarely seen in class together, but Sara notes that her husband understands the importance of self-care. Sara is grateful that SKC has a 5:15 am class since that’s often the only free time she has during the day. Despite the early morning commitment, Sara knows that the physical benefits are totally worth it.

“Post-natal, I was able to get back to a place where I believed in my body again,” Sara said. “I found that I could be stronger than I had been before, and that taking the time for myself is critical for overall health and wellness.”

"I feel that SKC and training with kettlebells has improved my life outside of the gym. I am able to model commitment and the desire to be physically active and strong to my daughter," Sara said.

Mother of two Jordan Lobban also stresses the importance of prioritizing exercise into her weekly routine. 

“My time swinging bells at SKC has become a large part of taking care of myself, and these days it's practically my only alone time in terms of a mental break. So yes, the juggle is challenging, but it's a necessity,” Jordan said. 

Jordan is one of the many SKC moms who not only comes to the gym on a regular basis, but is a member of our sport team, The Kettlebears.  

“I really love getting to show my girls that women are strong, and women can lift. When joining the gym about a year and a half ago, I had no interest in competing, but I was drawn to the sport as a method of pushing myself more strategically towards goals. It's been incredibly challenging, exhilarating, and gratifying to grow in this way,” Jordan said.

 "I've experienced more wonder parenting our two girls (Eisley: nearly five; Kattiana: three and a half) than I can put into words," Jordan said.

Another mother of two daughters Alison Li joins Jordan in the early morning, training hard for future competitions while balancing a full-time job with parenting.

"I joined SKC three years ago, and I have experienced such a dramatic change in my body and a positive shift in my own body image issues," Alison said. "My hope is that my example of strength and pride in my body will continue to serve my girls as they reflect on their own bodies."

While the fitness programming provides a wonderful workout, Alison notes that SKC is truly a special place. 

"SKC is unlike any other gym. Nikolai, Amber, and all the staff foster an open and supportive community," Alison said. "Swinging a kettlebell is super fun, and you’ll be amazed at what your body can do!"

"My girls are 11 and 8, and they really are wonders," Alison said. "I think the best part is seeing their true selves slowly emerge. The most challenging piece for me is making sure to take care of myself," Alison said.

Jodi Rose agrees with Alison, saying that SKC is a supportive place that also gives its members a chance to try something outside of their comfort zones. 

“Just try it. I've never felt so welcome at a gym. It's an inclusive environment that anyone would benefit from taking part in,” Jodi said.

Jodi has also experienced tremendous physical benefits from SKC. After having her daughter, she suffered from abdominal separation, and kettlebell training cleared it up within 6 months!

Jodi admits that motherhood can be full of unsure navigation, but she loves watching her daughter discover new things for the first time, and she notes that KettleFIT classes have given her the energy to keep up with her daughter. 

"Having a late night option for class is a huge help. It can be challenging to carve out other time, but luckily I have the support of a partner who understands making time to work out is a priority for me," Jodi said.

Before joining SKC early this year, Lanell Aoki and her husband, Peter, had not been able to work out together since the 80's. She wishes that she had found kettlebells when she was younger, for she now has more energy and feels stronger. 

Lanell's kids are 25 and 29, and she and Peter are both retired after working for the city of Seattle for many years. She notes that balancing a career while also caring for her developmentally disabled daughter left little free time, but she feels lucky to have such a great husband to raise kids with!

"It has just been so fun watching them grow up and seeing what they have become," Lanell said. "It’s hard to imagine how rewarding it has been and how much you can love your kids. The most challenging thing was just being so busy working, having a disabled child, trying to take care of my family, and everything else."

"We finally have found a wonderful person who cares for Mari, so we can go to SKC three times a week. Hoping to add another day!" Lanell said. 

Another early-morning kettlebell swinger, Meg Cummins has also found that taking KettleFIT classes at SKC has given her more energy in her day to day life. 

"I specifically choose the 6:10 am weekday class because I can get home around the time I'd typically start my day thus not disrupt the whole morning routine with my partner and child," Meg said. 

"Exercise is generating increased strength which is helpful, and it generally improves my mental health - parenting (a 5 year old) seems to be equal parts physical and mental."

Carey Evenson, also mother of a 5 year old son, says she loves "seeing the hilarious, weird little person my son is growing up to be and watching him learn to navigate the world."

Carey recalls that when her son was baby, he used to wake her up at 4:30 am, which felt like pure torture at the time. 

"Now I do it voluntarily! [Working out] first thing in the morning lets me get it done before any other obligations can get in the way. Starting my days with a sense of accomplishment with some of my favorite people is awesome," Carey said. 

Carey is one of the brave kettlebell sport competitors who performs 10-minute sets, but she notes the mental toughness required for those long lifts can easily be translated in the patience and toughness needed for parenting. 

"There is something at SKC for everyone," Carey said. "Whether you're looking for an amazing workout, a supportive community, or just to feel a little more comfortable in your body after having small people take it over. It's really, really worth it."

"I love it when he watches me (and all the other kickass women of SKC) compete, and work hard for something," Carey said. "Those are lessons that I take into my work and family life as well. I've been able to meet so many amazing women and get inspired by them through SKC and this sport."

Jinnah Rose-McFadden has been with the gym for just over a year and attends KettleFIT and KettleSPORT classes five times a week. She admits that joining a gym at this point in her life was easier since her kids are now a little older. 

"Working out helps me maintain balance and patience with my kids. It also sets a good example that taking care of one's mental health and body is important," Jinnah said. 

 "I love spending time with my kids! They make me laugh daily. The most challenging part of motherhood for me is letting my kids fail or struggle," Jinnah said. "It's hard to watch the littles you love suffer through anything, but those failures/tribulations often provide the best lessons in life."

Jinnah even goes as far as to say that SKC has truly been a lifesaver, and the classes have become necessary for her. 

"My life has been greatly improved by SKC. It's provided me with more balance in my life (which is the thing all parents seek). I also love being strong for my daughter," Jinnah said. "She is at a pivotal time in her development, turning 12 this month, where it's important to have good, strong, and body positive female role models. While I have always striven to be this for her, I feel like working out at SKC has strengthened that goal."

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at Seattle Kettlebell Club!

Motivation Monday: Kettlebells Assist Couple on Travel Adventure

While most of us endured another wet Seattle winter, Romeo Giron and Chris Kendall spent two months in South Africa. Although they had a blast on their trip, the couple is excited to be back taking classes at Seattle Kettlebell Club.

The purpose of their trip was for Chris to do some work research, but the couple still made plenty of time for beaches, fine dining, and with help from SKC, some serious hiking!

“We were doing a lot of strenuous stuff. I don’t think I would have been able to do that if I hadn’t been [at SKC] conditioning for this long. There’s stuff we did in South Africa that I don’t think we would have done before,” Romeo said.

Chris agrees that their training made their trip more enjoyable, and notes that even though they had never exercised on vacation in the past, they didn’t want to be out of practice when returning to Seattle, so they squeezed in some kettlebell workouts while abroad- talk about dedication!

“In the few months we’ve been doing this, I’m easily in the best health I’ve never been in. This actually works!” Chris said.

Before becoming Seattle Kettlebell Club members, Romeo went to other fitness clubs while Chris was almost positive that gyms were simply not for him.

“I was never a gym person,” Chris said. “I would go running or for bike rides. I sort of just had a natural aversion to gyms.” 

Obviously, Chris’s attitude changed when the couple joined SKC’s 21 Day Challenge back in August. 

“It was just a completely different vibe," Romeo adds. "We had done CrossFit, and that was really not our speed. When we came here, we could tell it was a really nice community, and everyone was accepting."

“It seems [at SKC] that the emphasis is on community building and getting healthy as opposed to being competitive with others, which is what I sort of associate with other gyms,” Chris said. "I think this is a great place to work out and get fit for people that don’t see themselves going to a gym. That doesn’t mean that the workouts are in any way easier. SKC is just more welcoming and accessible than a lot of places.”

Chris is a professor in International Relations and Romeo is a web programmer. Since they both spend a lot of time writing and/or in front of a computer, they appreciate the social and physical benefits the gym brings to their daily lives. 

“Every day is a new challenge. To get us motivated to come here at 5:15 in the morning, it’s got to be really special. I always feel like I’m going to have a good time when I come here, and it’s a great way to start the day. It’s like our cup of coffee,” Romeo said.

Here’s a big shout out to Chris and Romeo for being a part of the SKC community! 

For more information on the 21 Day Challenge, follow this link.

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Wonder Woman Wednesday: Selma Dillsi “I’m in it for the long game.”

Before even joining Seattle Kettlebell Club, Selma Dillsi got a taste of kettlebell sport when she attended a competition to a support friend (we miss you, Ellie!). Seeing a competition really broke the wall of exclusivity that Selma had always associated with weight lifting.

Selma works in health care market research, and when she’s not swinging bells, she enjoys supporting local art and art activism. 

“It was the most intergenerational, body diverse, gender, and age diverse group of people I’ve seen throwing some iron around and smiling while doing it,” Selma said. “A jerk looks different on five different bodies. That was something I learned very early on in the sport.”

Selma discovered Kettlebell Sport when she went to a competition to support her friend, Ellie.

Although she was active before joining, Selma admits that her workouts had hit a plateau, and SKC was exactly what she needed to take her fitness to the next level. 

And she totally did! After being a part of SKC’s team for 3 years and competing multiple times, Selma decided to try something a little different for the IKFF Northwest Kettlebell Championships this past fall, so she completed an event that only the bravest of lifters embark on: the 30-minute one-arm long cycle!

“I wanted to try something with lighter weight that was new and fun,” Selma said. 

Selma has not only proved to be an amazing athlete, but her compassionate nature and sunny personality continues to brighten our community. While highly dedicated to her own training, she’s also a constant cheerleader for her fellow Kettlebears (SKC’s competition team).

“I just love the crew. SKC has been part of my community for 3 years,” Selma said. “Some of the folks I met here I consider real genuine friends that expand beyond the four walls of this gym.”

 “SKC is really my first introduction to class-based fitness outside of some yoga, so I just found that I was more motivated to come workout. I love the connection and the friends I have made."

Aside from the community SKC brings to her life, Selma enjoys exercise because of her interest in health, mobility, and the ever-evolving human body. Also, being someone who is partial to endurance, Selma encourages her fellow lifters to lift smart and focus on form versus trying to go super heavy all the time.

Major Throwback: Selma has been with SKC for over 3 years. 

“Being a part of a club and community for a few years, I’ve experienced times where my lifting has gone up and down, and that never made me think ‘okay, I’m going to stop lifting.’ I’m in it for the long game, and if that means I have to stop lifting for a period of time to do other sorts of therapy or go down in weight then I’m fine with it. I think that mind set is going to add to the longevity of membership.”

Thank you for being part of the team Selma! 

-Camille Borodey 

Top 5 Benefits of Using Kettlebells

1. A seriously strong physique.

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A good kettlebell workout doesn’t require you to use heavy weight.  Kettlebells are best used for lots of repetitions with lighter weight.  By lifting lighter longer, you’re being gentler on your joints AND you end up lifting 1/3 to twice as much as you would in a traditional weight lifting workout.  The result is long, lean muscle which yields amazing strength and muscular endurance.

2. A faster metabolism to help you lose or maintain your weight, give you more energy and help you feel better.

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Interval training and lifting kettlebells in a high-intensity (but low-impact) manner like we do at Seattle Kettlebell Club elevates your metabolism and provides a post-workout after burn. This means on top of the massive calories you burn during a kettlebell workout (one ACE study reported over 800 calories/per hr) you’ll continue to burn at a higher rate than you normally would up to 14 hours after you’ve finished.

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3. Feeling better now than you did 10 years ago by being active without injury… no matter how old you are.

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Lifting kettlebells does a remarkable job of increasing bone, tendon and ligament strength. Ligaments and tendons take twice as long to adapt to the stress of weight lifting, so a lighter-weight/high-volume approach is the safest approach to increasing weight lifted; especially for people over 30 who begin to lose strength in these areas unless they proactively train them.

4. Living a long, happy life as a champion. 

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The strength and cardiovascular training that occurs during an intense kettlebell workout helps regulate blood pressure and lowers your resting heart rate.  Lower blood pressure has been linked to living longer, and many of our members have reported being taken off blood pressure medications after coming to class regularly.  A lower resting heart rate typically indicates a healthier heart, and is an important aspect of being an endurance athlete.  Lots of marathon runners and triathletes train at SKC.

tumwatercreative.com

5. Having a quick-mind and being able to call yourself ‘coordinated.’

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A lesser known but super-beneficial aspect of kettlebell lifting is its effect on the central nervous system. In kettlebell lifting like we do at SKC, you’re working out your nervous system by constantly and quickly alternating between tensing and relaxing your muscles. The main functions of the central nervous system are sensory, communicative, integrative and motor functions, so don’t be surprised if after using kettlebells you find yourself more coordinated, and thinking more quickly and clearly.

www.seattlekettlebellclub.com

Workout Wednesday: The Rich Robins Challenge

Rich Robins is a good actor. He claims to hate working out, yet you wouldn’t know it due to his consistent presence at Seattle Kettlebell Club.

At SKC, we have a 21 Day Challenge, and I'll joke that a level up from that would be called The Rich Robins Challenge, which would include 6 classes a week (SPORT and FIT), a weekly session of barbell exercises, and the occasional handstand.

Along with getting a great workout at SKC, Rich admits to being a competitive person by nature, which is why he enjoyed competing at SKC 2nd Annual Pro-Am in December
PC: Truong Win

“Being from South Florida, working out is kind of something everyone does even from the smallest age. Having said that, I think it’s something that has been ingrained into me; however, as I’ve gotten older, I just want to be able to eat a tub of ice cream without feeling guilty.”

Rich ran track in high school, (he even coaches now too) and after moving to Seattle just over a year ago, he realized he was not a fan of running in an area so rainy and hilly, which is when his friend suggested he give SKC a shot.  

 Rich works for a leadership development and training organization, does stand-up, runs a Podcast, and DJ's with his brother.
PC: Truong Win

Rich appreciate the homey environment SKC offers and that he doesn’t have to plan his workout, yet he still gets a 45-minute session where “you can work your ass off.” He also notes that the classes here are extremely helpful in alleviating stress, and he no longer suffers from lower back pain.

Thanks for being part of the SKC community, Rich!

For more information on SKC's 21 Day Challenge follow this link. 

-Camille Borodey