At 47, I had found myself in an extremely demoralized state. 285 pounds, no stamina at all, constant chronic pain, and a sort of mental paralysis when it came to thinking about fitness or nutrition. On a pivotal day in the fall of 2014 my wife said to me "I am very concerned about you... I think you are going to die". Maybe melodramatic, I know, but It resonated, because I felt the same. In a fit of frustration, of a need to DO something, I googled gyms near my house. I figured if I could find something in walking distance, I'd have one less excuse... The closest gym that came up was Kettlebility.
I walked in that day between classes, and found the owner, Andrea, cleaning up. It didn't look like a gym, it looked like some kind of martial arts dojo. There weren't any weight 'machines', but there were hundreds of things that looked like cannonballs with handles. Andrea introduced herself, and I explained my situation. I was intimidated. I asked if she thought she could help me. Her response was instant: Yes.
Now about Andrea... I've read a couple of reviews here that reference the "rude women trainers". Here's what I have to say about that: If you want coddling, go see your mother. I have come to learn that making a life change, and adopting discipline in physical fitness and lifestyle can come from only one place, YOU. Andrea and all of the instructors at Kettlebility are focused on form and safe approach above all. Accountability is key. If you aren't going to 'bring it', if you aren't going to be coachable, then you aren't going anywhere. They are completely kind, they are entirely expert, and they are there to hold you accountable. If you're doing it wrong, they will be telling you, and they will be correcting you. If you are part of a challenge and you are not sticking to the rules, they aren't going to white wash it. You will hear unvarnished truth. They are trainers, not therapists (although goodness knows I have also achieved a greater peace of mind in the intervening months than in years of inactivity). I needed my butt kicked, and was willing to set my ego aside. I knew I didn't know what to do. They did. So there's that.
I started with Groove Your Swing (as everybody does) learning the fundamental movements that are key to the Kettlebility approach. Although I have read a review that derided it as "not a workout" I can tell you that my 285 pound frame was soaked in sweat, and I was fairly convinced I would never make it through. But that misses the point. This isn't a workout so much as a rigorous training in the basics that you will build on when you get to the real workouts. Without a mastery of these techniques you can't safely benefit from all that is later introduced. And this is a key component at Kettlebility, the trainers are all very aware of every individuals process, and the experience, even in classes is a very carefully calibrated progression to greater challenge, and greater results.
After becoming familiar with the process and the people, I talked my wife into joining me in the Challenge. 90 days of nutrition coaching on a Whole 30 diet, along with a commitment to working out at least 4 days a week, as well as additional sessions on movement, mobility, and lifestyle accountability. This is where the rubber hit the road, and the change was dramatic. We put ourselves in their hands totally. During the challenge I lost 48 pounds. My wife lost 40. More importantly we re-calibrated our metabolisms and relearned our nutritional and fitness habits. We discovered that rather than a diet featuring scarcity, we could eat whole foods, prepared in fun and diverse ways, and create incredible energy and vibrant health. The Kettlebility gang was there throughout, closely advising on the dietary process, and also 'leveling us up' on fitness practices and exercise.
At this point I've been a member at Kettlebility for just under a year, and I am blown away by the change. Today I am 65 pounds lighter than when I arrived. I have new found strength and endurance. I don't get winded. I don't have chronic pain. And I have muscles !!! I don't cringe when I take a t-shirt off now. Kettlebility is a personal and focused approach to your relationship with fitness. It is NOT the cheapest option, but the value is tremendous. The amount I spend at Kettlebility is still less than the amount I spent on crap I put in my body on a monthly basis. And it is my gift to ME. Andrea, Kathleen, Drea, Kevin, and Dave have saved my life. If you are looking for a cheap gym with a shotgun approach, with all the machines, and with no supervision, this isn't the place. If, on the other hand, you are looking to make an investment in you, a place where everybody there is pulling for everybody else, where the focus is relentlessly on correct form, safety, and measurable results, a place where you will be very personally TRAINED, then this is it. read more
