Its been almost 7 years since my first exposure to Kettlebell Training, what some tout as the “Workout with Balls”!!!! Yes I caught the Kettlebell Bug as it was being praised by many fellow Martial Artists who possess a cult-like admiration for this chunk of iron with a handle. It brought on Pain in the good sense, if that really exist, and growth in knowledge in the “Iron game”, something I would probably not have entertained if it weren’t for the literature associated to this old school strength tool.
But I didn’t start with a Kettlebell. Its high price did not agree with my income and so I made one with a U-bar Bike Master lock (the handle) a basketball and a few weight plates. The total weight for this “Homemade Ghetto Kettlebell” was 25 pounds. With it, I did swings and snatches. Later I found “Kettlestack” a company who made top quality handles that resemble real Kettlebell Handles that I can load with the weight plates I already had. While many became attached to the tool itself, I was attracted to the exercises it allowed me to do and the strength gains it provided in my personal growth. I did eventually purchase a 36 pounder KB and later 2 1.5 pood KBs from Dragon Door when the funds were available.
The Kettlebell culture has opened new doors of growth in the field of strength training in general and has certainly contributed to my health in more ways than I can write about. But getting back to the title “Birth of the Kettlebell Yogi”, brings me back to my real roots. I’m an “Aspiring Yogi” first and foremost. The practice of Yoga has been in my blood for 11 years and has allowed me to endure and grow in all of my endeavors, including strength training, martial arts practice and the game we all call “LIFE”. My yoga practice goes beyond the Hatha yoga styles most people are familiar with today or being taught in Yoga studios everywhere. To me it entails disciplining the mind first and from there, the possibilities are truly endless. Developing “The Yogic Mind” or state is my ultimate aspiration at this time. Besides the Mind development, the rejuvination and active recovery benefits are unmatched by any other “body practices” I know. I plan on sharing this great knowledge to those who want to learn and share in the coming years. A solid Yogic practice will provide longevity in any activity you may choose.
At the young age of 35, turning 36 in January, I find myself facing a door of major change and path of growth. I was once told by a very wise teacher, choose your tools well in life and the rest will fall in place. With that advice, I choose Yoga and Kettlebell training as my main tools in the coming years. The two compliment one another perfectly and thus the Kettlebell Yogi is born.
3.5 miles and 13.5 lbs. lighter, I have finished the Chase Corporate Challenge Run in Central Park NYC this past Thursday. Accompanied by my friend and co-worker David, I had a blast. Injecting a 30 min warmup jog before my daily kettlebell exercises for a little over two months, I have progressed from a 11 minute mile to a good 8min mile jog/run. I was very happy with the results. Not able to pass the 3 mile mark without inducing a mysterious pain in my right calf for the last few years, I never got involved with running seriously. This year with the mentality of “Baby steps” not pushing too hard and really paying attention to my body, I finally am running 4-5 miles painfree. My next challenge is the Mens Urbanathon in September with an 8mile run with obstacle courses and 50 flights of stairs. I plan on training for this one with more than “warmup” runs. My kettlebell training and yoga will be a constant and I’ll be building up my mileage slowly for the next two months. I plan on finishing the Urbanathon in 1hr and 15mins or less. Just like my Kettlebell training, “Baby steps” is my key to Zero to Hero!!! Wish me luck and I hope to see some of you at the starting line in September.
