In January 2008, I made a commitment to change my life without even knowing it. I had struggled with my weight ALL of my life. I had never played sports—or even had a gym membership. Throughout my high school years I battled an eating disorder. My body was certainly not a source of pride and I had no idea of the value of my health. With all that being said, I somehow stepped blindly into a weight loss contest, sponsored by my company.
At my first weigh-in, I stepped on a scale in front of a co-worker and had a very honest moment when I saw the number come up on the screen: 210! Typically I would be discouraged at the least, but I decided to commit to the task at hand and allow someone to hold me accountable to losing weight. It seemed like the right time: I was 26 years old and hoping to make a change for the better.
I set my goal at 2lbs per week for 12 week program. The only thing I knew how to do at that time was run. I had taken jogs to a local state park near my house many times, never running the whole two miles there and back. Pennsylvania weather is inhospitable for joggers for most of the winter so I joined the local YMCA and got on the treadmill or elliptical, doing an hour of cardio daily. At my first weigh-in I lost my first two pounds and realized that I was capable of losing weight and I was not going to take this lightly.
At the time I knew nothing about healthy eating habits—that was how I got into the situation in the first place! I started watching what I was consuming and eating significantly leaner. Not only did this help me with on-going digestive issues, I felt physically better and had much more energy. I was soon glad to eliminate empty carbs, heavy meals and high sugar levels.
Some time in February of 2008 I remembered that a year or two prior I had tried a Russian Kettlebell class with a friend of mine. I recalled that while it was challenging (read gut-wrenching, at times), I worked hard and felt good about my work in that class. The charm of running “nowhere” on the treadmill everyday was wearing off as well so I stopped into Dragon Gym in Exton, PA and took another Kettlebell class with Brian Petty, RKC. Well, I left that class a sweaty mess, but worked hard and knew that was the kind of workout I wanted. While I continued to jog, I faithfully took one Kettlebell class every week. Slowly I added another class and then another class until I was “swinging bells” two or three times per week, religiously. For the duration of twelve weeks I stuck with the program of cardio once or twice a week and bells a few times a week. Frequently, I went a little hungry, but I lost my first 20lbs…ever.
For the first time, I was losing weight and I started seeing a significant change in my body composition. I did not want to be skinny, I wanted to be fit, toned, lean, and strong. I literally realized as it happened that I did not have to be overweight, self conscious, or weak. I could be a strong woman, physically and mentally with the discipline of the Russian Kettlebells!
After the first “Biggest Loser” competition I participated in two more through my company. For the second and third competition I stopped running and started doing more hours of Kettlebell paired with my diet. I lost 50lbs over the next year.
I have been swinging bells for almost two years now. I typically train 6-8 hours a week. I almost have a hard time going directly home after work without stopping at the gym. In total I have lost 70lbs. I gained a few pounds back in muscle and I have never felt more physically sound in my life. ‘Bells make me feel strong, healthy, and fit. I stopped running for exercise and canceled all my other gym memberships as they were a waste of time and money. I still enjoy an occasional jog, but for the most part I get ALL of my cardio and ALL of my strength training from bells. I am truly addicted to Kettlebells and honestly believe that anyone who is physically capable of using bells can benefit from them.
In October 2009 I completed the Russian Kettlebell Challenge™ Instructor Certification course and realized an improbable goal. I am now teaching weekly beginner classes, which allow me to pass on what I have learned and sweated for to others who are trying to make the same changes in their life. It has been very enjoyable for me to give back and share something that has done me so much good, and about which I have become so passionate.
