Total Body Fitness:
Getting in the Swing of Things with Kettlebells
by Kim McCray

You may be wondering, “What in the world are Kettlebells!?"

Kettlebells have been described as Russian dumbbells or a canon ball with a handle.  One friend best describes them as a bowling ball minus the holes with a handle.  There were widely used by athletes in Russia and Eastern Europe, as well as by gladiators in ancient Greece. Today, there's been a rediscovery in the United States and just about everyone from the Military to Hollywood are getting into the "swing' of things with Kettlebell training. Women especially find this unique training to be quite empowering.

To get a better understanding of this total body fitness strength training and find out what all the buzz is about, I caught up with Rasul Davis, the Head Trainer of the recently opened Punch Kettlebell Gym New York City (the first of its kind in our city).

Rasul, a former Marine, Martial Artist and Fitness Trainer, became a fan of Anthony DiLuglio's unique style of personal training and through a relative met the owner of the original Punch Kettlebell Gym in East Providence, RI.  The rest is history.

Rasul's lovely wife, Heather, joined us to give a women's perspective and her own personal testimony of this life changing system.

Kim: Rasul, what attracted you to Kettlebell training?

Rasul: As a fitness trainer, I would always look for a system that I could put forth the least amount of effort yet get the most results, one that includes: Circuit Training - multiple exercises in one group, Total Body Movements, High Intensity (which far exceeds long drawn out workouts) and Interval Training (like sprinting and hill sprints). Kettlebells incorporates all of this and you can do a full workout in 20 to 25 minutes.

Heather: While you're having fun learning the skills you won't notice how hard you're working.

Kim: What should be a woman's focus for this kind of training; what could she look forward to achieving?

Rasul: Strength. Women need to develop strength to maintain the integrity of the skeletal system - posture, standing, moving, lifting children...

Heather: Longevity of mobility which adds to the quality of life. Wouldn't you like to be able at 80 to get up after you've fallen down?

Rasul: Protection from diseases - diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, depression...

Heather: …and any disease related to obesity.

Rasul: Also injury resistance - which increases grip strength, strengthens your connective tissues and trains your nervous system. The nervous system is what commands the cardiovascular system and helps your muscles to adapt. Most people don't know that intense strength training helps create the secretions of beneficial hormones and maintain proper hormonal balance in the body including insulin. If there's ONE move that I can get people to do over and over again it would be the 'Turkish Get Up' because of its high functionality. Go to www.punchgym.com, click videos to view this move and others.

Heather: The key thing about Kettlebell Training is that it prepares you for the rigors of life.

Kim: Heather would you share your testimony about how Kettlebell Training helped you?

Heather: After my third abdominal surgery, I hadn't gotten back in shape until three months ago when I started Kettlebell training. Having never "worked out", never gone to a gym, this is so much fun! I've lost 10 pounds, my posture has improved 95% and I've replaced fat with muscle, which has helped me feel strong and confident. I don't hurt my back cleaning the house anymore.

Kim: Well you look great! I noticed your weight loss as soon as you walked in.

Heather: Thank You!

I got together with Rasul for an introductory workout to see how my body would respond to the Kettlebell program. Not being a big fan of hardcore exercising or pumping iron, I particularly liked the dance-like quality to each of the movements. It was fun!  I'm looking forward to my next session.

The great thing to know about Kettlebell Training is that it can be customized for just about anyone, from the couch potato, to the Wall Streeter to the new mom looking to shed those extra pounds and build up her energy and strength.

A variety of programs are offered such as private and group circuit training, professional groups as well as the innovative Wedding/Commitment Packages.

Check out the website, www.punchgym.com and watch the videos of this incredible technique. To get a special message from Rasul go to the site, click Locations, click NYC, and then click From Rasul Davis.  He will be happy to connect with you promptly to set a meeting for your own personal Q & A.

Come on get in the swing of things and Kettlebell your way to optimal health and quality of life, you'll be glad you did!

Punch Gym
15 West 39th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY
347-645-7114
Rasul@punchgym.com
Open Monday-Friday 7am-9pm and Saturday 9am-4pm