KBC Blog

 

Venice, CA—Feb. 12, 2013: Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc., a global leader in equipment-based fitness education and the parent company of Spinning®, Peak Pilates®, Bodyblade® and Resist-A-Ball®, announced today the strategic alliance with KettleBell Concepts, Inc. (KBC).

 

Mad Dogg Athletics will provide business experience and operational resources that will help expand curriculum development, in-club trainings and outreach, marketing, sales and strategic partnerships as well as increased efficiency in global product distribution. The addition of KBC’s education will also enhance Mad Dogg Athletics’ current lineup of industry-leading educational programs expanding the verticals in which fitness professionals can access quality training.

 

“Given our history of strategic partnerships, especially our recent partnership with CrossCore®, Dave Ganulin approached us about partnering with KBC. KBC has been on our radar for a while due to the increased interest and use of kettlebells amongst our instructor base and throughout the fitness industry,” said John Baudhuin, CEO of Mad Dogg Athletics. “We believe our instructors will benefit from this relationship with access to quality training and enhanced resources. By the nature of the education, KBC’s integration into our multi-brand platform, along with our sales and distribution channels, will be seamless,” explains Baudhuin.

KettleBell Concepts was the first company to produce educational courses specifically geared to the fitness professional and gym owner looking to offer a small group kettlebell program. In 2002, KBC CEO David Ganulin was the first to bring kettlebells to Equinox, proving the efficacy of the newly minted Small Group Personal Training model. KBC has since gone on to attain many other milestones, as well as integrating kettlebells with a number of major brands around the world.

“I’m ecstatic about what this means for KBC and our nearly 5,000 trained instructors,” said Ganulin, “We’re excited to work with Mad Dogg Athletics to bring KBC to the next level. We have accomplished a lot in the past 10 years and expect that Mad Dogg Athletics’ investment and our strategic alliance will open up numerous new opportunities and channels of distribution,” describes Ganulin.

 

 

Contacts:

 

David Ganulin

KettleBell Concepts, Inc

800-876-6090 x711

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Jennie Zinchuk 
Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  
310-740-8845 

 

Nick Valente
Blaze PR
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
310-396-5050

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About Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc.
Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc. - Home of the Spinning®, Peak Pilates®, Resist-A-Ball®, and Bodyblade® brands, Mad Dogg Athletics is the world’s largest equipment-based education company. Mad Dogg Athletics has trained over 200,000 instructors and has reached millions of enthusiasts in over 80 countries worldwide through a network of over 35,000 fitness facilities. The company manufactures home Spinner® bikes, Pilates and functional training equipment, DVDs, and a complete line of Spinning-branded apparel and accessories. Mad Dogg Athletics also works closely with Star Trac®, who is the licensed distributor of the patented line of Spinner® bikes for the commercial market.

About KettleBell Concepts, Inc.
Since 2002, KBC has been the industry leader in kettlebell education for fitness professionals. KBC was one of the first to import kettlebells into the United States, the first to produce a comprehensive education course for the fitness industry, the first to introduce kettlebell training at a fitness industry trade show, and first to conduct and publish the first ever English-language study on kettlebell training in a peer-reviewed journal. KBC produced two industry conventions and have trained over 5,000 instructors. KBC was responsible for bringing kettlebells to Equinox and has since gone on to work with Crunch, TSI, Life Time Fitness, New York Health and Racquet, and many other fitness facilities nationwide. All courses are CEC-approved by ACE, NASM, NSCA, AFAA, NCSF, NFPT, and BOC.

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2013

Genre:  exercise, fitness, kettlebell lifting, barefoot training, health, business to business

EDITOR CONTACTS:  
Dave Ganulin, CEO, KettleBell Concepts, 800-876-6090 x711 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vincent Metzo, Director of Education This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NEW YORK CITY, NY, January 22, 2013—KettleBell Concepts (KBC) recently completed their debut launch of their new course at Crunch Fitness on 38th Street and Broadway in NYC— Integrated Functional Explosive Training. (I.F.E.T.) Developed by Vince Metzo, the Director of Education for KettleBell Concepts, IFET is a branded boot camp offering which involves the use of kettlebells (on a basic level) primitive/primal movements, suspension training, sandbags, ropes, awkward shaped objects, and much more.  

“The course was originally developed for clubs that told us they weren’t ‘quite ready’ for an all kettlebell offering yet, so Vince created this as a lead in to ease the club members into kettlebells,” says David Ganulin, CEO. “What quickly became apparent was that, like our kettlebell curriculum Levels 1-3, IFET has its own very distinct skill sets that can be developed. And let’s face it . . . consumers like their ‘toys’ too. This has been kicking around in Vince’s head for a while now anyway, so I know I’m personally looking forward to seeing what he comes up for IFET 2 and 3.”

“Nothing against p90x on the consumer side, but really? Is this what fitness has come to?” says Metzo. “Fitness professionals are just that—professionals. It’s not a one-size-fits-all market and, as professionals with (hopefully) very highly developed skill sets, we should be raising the bar in the clubs and for our clients—not just meeting it by mirroring what someone can buy on TV and copying their programming. The IFET classes, methodology, and programming behind it are safe, effective, and scalable.”

“Physical literacy includes body management, object manipulation and loco motor skills,” he continues.   “Using the tools, techniques, and strategy of the IFET programming allows us to get clients off the machines and moving again.  Movement for the sake of movement is fine but there’s a larger mission and goal for IFET: To change the physical culture of this era.  Anybody can do choreography but programming with a curriculum of Physical Literacy in mind puts all the elements into a context that builds physical proficiency abilities, aesthetics, and the literacy to master one’s environment. It's not just about a strong body! A strong mind that understands the why and how behind the tools and techniques-- is equally--if not more important. It’s time to elevate ourselves and our clients to be better citizens and appreciate that health, fitness and physical literacy are not just aesthetic pursuits but fundamentally linked to our success as a culture.”

IFET classes are meant to be implemented in semi-private, small groups and each class builds upon the other.  Objects such as sandbags, kettlebells, and suspension training are used, but not all of these are necessary to begin with. Buying an entire kettlebell set out of the gate or large numbers of sandbags isn’t necessary. A little ingenuity does goes a long way though.  “Club owners can go to the local gas station, get tires for free, clean them up, paint them, and bring them back to the club,” says Metzo. “That’s what I did for my students at Swedish. They look great and you can do all sorts of cool stuff with them. I developed this class so it’s scalable and easy to implement at clubs of all sizes and budgets.”

KettleBell Concepts provides complete marketing collateral and back end support as well as a private membership hub for all instructors.   

 

About KettleBell Concepts
David Ganulin is the Founder and CEO of KettleBell Concepts. In business since 2002, KBC is the industry leader in kettlebell education for qualified, currently practicing fitness professionals.  KBC was one of the first to import kettlebells into the United States, the first to produce a CEC-approved course for the fitness industry, the first to introduce kettlebell training in a fitness industry trade show, first to conduct and publish the first ever English-language study on kettlebell training in a peer-reviewed journal, and much more.  They have produced two industry conventions (http://www.kbcconvention.com) and have trained over 5,000 instructors thus far. KBC was responsible for bringing kb’s to Equinox and has since gone on to work with Crunch, TSI, Life Time Fitness, New York Health and Racquet, and many other fitness facilities nationally and globally.  All courses are CEC-approved by ACE, NASM, NSCA, AFAA, NCSF, NFPT, BOC, and many others. For more information go to http://www.kettlebellconcepts.com or call 800-876-6090 x711.

About Vincent Metzo
Vincent Metzo is the Dean of Advanced Personal Training at the Swedish Institute and the Director of Education for Kettlebell Concepts in New York City. Vincent’s dance, theatre, and acrobatics background lead him to choose exercise science and education as a career. His passion for kettlebells and training grew out of his early training as a dancer and acrobat. During his time as an undergraduate at NYU Tisch School of the Arts studying acting Vincent’s interest in movement and acrobatics grew. This led him to study acrobatics and tumbling and to work with a strength coach to improve his tumbling and acrobatics. The results of a well-designed program led Vincent to decide to return to NYU to pursue a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology and Fitness Management.
After a few years working in corporate fitness and receiving his Diploma and License as a Massage Therapist, he began teaching at the Swedish Institute where he developed and runs the Advanced Personal Training Program, the first personal training degree program in Manhattan.  Vincent is a strong advocate of training with kettlebells because of their transferability to real-life movements. Vincent has been teaching the first progressive curriculum based Kettlebell Boot camp since 2005 along with Kettlebell Sports camp for those interested in competitive lifting and the Top Secret Strength and Conditioning Camp that combines kettlebells with other “low tech-high effect” tools such as ropes, sand bags, and acrobatic movement skills. All his teaching is centered on the ideas of improved conditioning and helping people learn body management to move better. His strength class has become the proving ground for IFET (Integrated Functional Explosive Training) the new Instructor Training licensed small group personal training offering from KettleBell Concepts. He lives in Westchester with his wife and twin sons.

The Quick 'n Dirty

 

Live webinar with Heather Bauer, RD.  

Jan 24th, 2013 at 8pm EST.

Register here: http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=E952DC82844639

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Heather is going to discuss her taken on carbs, volume control for great physiques, and more! Plenty of time for questions as well.

 

KBC is very careful about what product we put our names on and whom we associate with. The majority of KBC customers are fitness professionals and have a finely tuned radar when it comes to what’s good and what’s not. That’s why, when we do find something we believe in, we get very excited about it and are happy to bring it to you so you can take it to your clients.

Heather Bauer, RD is a is a nationally recognized nutrition expert, author, and entrepreneur. In 2012, she founded Bestowed -- a subscription service that offers consumers a personalized way to discover, sample, shop and learn about the best nutrition and lifestyle products on the market--and that’s the product we are very excited to talk with you about. We think it’s something that trainers can absolutely bring to their clients and, at the same time, continue to look themselves in the mirror and feel good about it!

We met Heather personally and were incredibly pleased with her well rounded approach to nutrition. She doesn’t skew toward being vegan, raw, paleo, vegetarian, or one particular ideology. She’s an advocate of weight training and other modalities and has experience working with fitness folks and athletes as well. Heather is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN). She graduated from The University of Wisconsin and is a member of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and the New York State Dietetic Association (NYSDA).

Boom!
Russian Kettlebell Champ Coming To NYC To Detonate An Arsenal of Winning Techniques!

NEW YORK, September 24, 2012—KettleBell Concepts (KBC) is partnering with Crunch Fitness and Yuri Petunovs, the American representative of the International Union of Kettlebell Lifters (IUKL) to host a Kettlebell Sport Seminar with Vasily Ginko—the Vice President of the IUKL on October 12 from 9-4pm at Crunch Gym on 59th Street.

The IUKL is the world’s kettlebell sport lifting organization in Europe with over 20 member countries and thousands of lifters globally. Ginko is taking the United States by storm this October to introduce Americans to the basics of competitive kettlebell lifting—also known as Girevoy Sport. (GS)  

“I’m here to help American’s learn how to lift kettlebells, rather than the remote control and fast food. It’s better to be Red than dead. . .right Comrade?” says Ginko jokingly. Kettlebell training has seen a tremendous rebirth in the fitness clubs nationwide. Like Pilates, martial arts, and Yoga. . .kettlebell training is a skill that requires ongoing study and dedication—but as legions of celebrities and gym goers will attest—the results are fantastic.  “The kettlebell is a serious tool and it demands the trainers using them have high level, ongoing education behind it so they can keep their skills up to par. This way, they can not only continue to improve themselves, but can also keep their clients progressing as well,” states David Ganulin, the CEO of KettleBell Concepts.  Most people don’t realize is that kettlebell lifting is a serious national sport in Eastern Europe with regional, local, and national competitions held under the auspices of the IUKL.

Open to everyone with any level of experience, students will be introduced to the basic elements of kettlebell sport (also called “Girevoy Sport”) history and spend the entire afternoon reviewing rules, preparation and of course—touch on the two core lifts: the snatch and clean and jerk. Will Coker, the Regional Education Representative for Crunch on the East Coast states, “We’ve been working with KettleBell Concepts for years and they’re the ones responsible for training our staff in kettlebell lifting so our staff can safely and effectively bring it to our clients. We’re pleased to host such a high level athlete like Vasily and hope our members will take advantage of the opportunity to learn from a guy like this! It should be a great event.”

“The eventual goal is to try to get competitive kettlebell lifting into the Olympics,” says Petunovs. Kettlebell sport is a very highly regulated in Europe but it is exceptionally young in the United States. Many people who have used kettlebells with a trainer may have absolutely no idea that they are part of a much bigger lineage. Unlike Olympic lifting which is for 1 rep maximum, in Girevoy Sport you use the snatch or clean and jerk to get as many repetitions as you can in 10 minutes. “It’s hell but, what did you expect? It came from the former USSR!” he jokes.  “This seminar is perfect for anyone who has ever had a passing interest in kettlebell training—especially the sport aspect. For those who already know how effective they are, this is the perfect introduction to competitive lifting. Vasily does not come to America often.  You could even, down the road, try for formal ranking with the IUKL and compete!” says Petunovs.

The fee to attend the workshop is $200.00 and more information can be found at www.kettlebellconcepts.com under “Instructor Training.”

 

About KettleBell Concepts
David Ganulin is the Founder and CEO of KettleBell Concepts. In business since 2002, KBC is the industry leader in kettlebell education for qualified, currently practicing fitness professionals.  KBC was one of the first to import kettlebells into the United States, the first to produce a CEC-approved course for the fitness industry, the first to introduce kettlebell training in a fitness industry trade show, first to conduct and publish the first ever English-language study on kettlebell training in a peer-reviewed journal, and much more.  They have produced two industry conventions (http://www.kbcconvention.com) and have trained over 5,000 instructors thus far. KBC was responsible for bringing kb’s to Equinox and has since gone on to work with Crunch, TSI, Life Time Fitness, New York Health and Racquet, and many other fitness facilities nationally and globally.  All courses are CEC-approved by ACE, NASM, NSCA, AFAA, NCSF, NFPT, BOC, and many others. For more information go to http://www.kettlebellconcepts.com.

 

Yuri Petunovs is the United States representative for the IUKL (http://www.giri-iukl.com) and is the owner of http://www.healthfactoryusa.com in Connecticut. He became a fitness specialist and strength trainer in 2001. He has a four year physical education degree, FMS/SFMA (Functional Movement Screening) Certification. KBC Senior Instrucotor, ISSA CTF (International Sports Sciences Association), & WFF (World Fitness Federation) Certified. He became a bodybuilder at 17 year old and in four years of training he achieved 1st place in the European Championship, 2nd place in the World Championship, and had won numerous international championships (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Germany.) After moving to the United States Yuri continues to help people achieve the results they desire, applying his knowledge and professional experience. Less than a year ago he began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has won the Renzo Gracie Invitational (2009,) NAGA (National Grappling Association)  (11/14/09,) & placed 3rd and 2nd in NAGA (7/27/09 and 2/6/10 respectively.) He continues to further broaden his knowledge by participating in and creating various seminars and workshops and applying this knowledge and experience to benefit his clientele.

Sometimes I feel like I am losing it. I have a list of things I need to do in my ever faithful notebook and another list of things to do stored somewhere in my brain. I may even have another list on my ipad or phone. Yes, I have things to do. Even with my lists sometimes I just cannot seem to get started. This is a perfect scenario of multi-tasking burnout.

 

I went online and did some reading. I focused. I tried not to stray back into my email, Facebook, YouTube or my relentless search for the best pair of workout pants. If you Google multi-tasking you have quite a lot of reading ahead. It all pretty much says the same thing. We cannot "multi-task." We cannot give 100% to more than one thing. (Duh! That's why it is called 100% right?!)

 

What we are actually doing is "switch tasking."  We switch between multiple tasks. We think we are being more productive and more efficient. However, research has shown that we might be reducing our productivity by ~ 40%! In addition, we have a tendency to make more errors. It takes time for our brain to turn off the one task and tune into the next. If we have several tasks we are attempting to do at the same time our brain can become bottle necked.  The area in our frontal lobe that is responsible for managing these tasks just gets back up. That is why we get those mental blocks. Too much going on to focus. When this occurs the best thing to do is to turn it off. Turn off the television, close your browser and step away. Go for a walk, meditate for 5 minutes (almost impossible for me by the way) or just lie down for a few. Dr. Gary Small discusses this in his book, "iBrain, Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind."

 

Dr. Small talks about incorporating regular daily mindfulness (as little as 5 minutes a day.) These exercises will keep our brains healthier and decrease the stressors that our current society has created with the always "on" and always “in touch" mentality. I was not always a "multi-tasker." Technology has fostered this in me. It is not necessarily a bad thing. It is about finding balance within it.

 

There are plenty of positive things happening to our brains with the advances in digital technology. The younger generation (dubbed digital natives - those born into the computer age) is able to switch tasks much more efficiently than their counter parts the digital immigrants (those that have had to learn computers as adults.) Their reaction to visual stimuli is stronger, ability to filter massive amounts of material is increased, peripheral vision has improved and IQ's are going up in this generation. However, the sacrifice is in human interactions. A Stanford University study found that for every hour we spend at a computer we lose 30 minutes of good ol' traditional one on one face time. This decreased face time leads to decreased interpersonal skills. Such things as one on one communication, empathy for others and reading subtle body language can be challenging for digital natives.

 

I think it is time for all of us to stop the instant gratification that these advances have allotted us. Just because we can text or email someone 24x7 does not mean we should. We also need to filter why we email/text. What happened to the days of waiting until you saw the person again to ask that question? Or waiting to share a story face to face. I have been working on this over the last week. It is hard. My reflex is to pick up my phone or iPad and make contact. Choosing to connect digitally via face to face, exactly what the Stanford study said happens.

 

I know I am challenging myself to take a step back. As I utilize this exercise of self-control and mindfulness I expect that my to do list will become smaller and my mind blocks might even disappear. I encourage you to find something once a day and focus on it for 20 minutes without any other distractions. (Make a note how many times you reach for your phone during that time just to “check.") Just try it, it is tougher then you might think.

– Kristine Daly, MSPT, KBC Senior Instructor

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Kris lives with her husband and son in Palm Desert, Ca where she is Co-Owner of Quantum Fitness. Quantum Fitness provides private, semi-private and small group instruction in the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methodologies, Pilates, Kettlebells, TRX® & The Booty Barre®.

Kris holds her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University (86’) and her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Columbia University’s College of Physicians & Surgeons (93’). She enjoys training competitive & recreational athletes as well as those just wanting to increase their quality of life. Kris has served on the scientific advisory board of Kettlebell Concepts since 2004 and has been a Senior Instructor teaching Level 1 trainings since 2005.

Please visit www.quantumfitness.net or you can find them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Quantum-Fitness/173367922706678

Contrast training involves training with alternating heavy and light weighted  implements. Many sports use this type of training to increase High-Speed strength. Contrast training can be used in your Kettlebell classes for variability, strength gains, higher speed interval work and fat burning. This format can be used for training athletes or for the general population who want to increase their strength and fitness levels.

I have developed  a Kettlebell Workout that can be adapted to all levels of training. The Workout has room for many different kettlebell/body weight movements and is progressive in nature which allows the participant to self-regulate the intensity they or the trainer desires.

The complexes are set up so that the first exercise is the heavy weight and the second exercise is the light weight. Heavy is just what it means- You should use a weight or weights that are heavy and require slower movements. Light means to use weights or bodyweight in a rapid, high tempo movement. The complexes are as follows:

WORK REST RATIO 30/15sec..-45/20 sec. for all rounds. 18-24 min of work- for increased work repeat the rounds more then once.

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ROUND 1

HVY SWINGS

GOBLET SQUATS WITH A JUMP

DBL OVERHEAD PRESS

TWO HAND OVERHEAD PRESS BOTTOMS UP

[keep the bell chin to overhead]

DBL KB BENT ROWS

ALTERNATING SINGLE ARM UPRIGHT ROWS

[sometimes referred to as dip and switch]

REST   1 min or as needed

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ROUND 2

HVY SWINGS

SKIER SWINGS [outside swings-slight knee bend- legs close together]

TGU AND ITS VARIATIONS eg, deck squat, 2 hand get up

½ GET UPS RT SIDE

TGU AND ITS VARIATION

½ GET UP LT SIDE

REST

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ROUND 3

HVY SWINGS

SKIER SWINGS

SLDL RT SIDE- [single leg deadlift]

KICKSTAND SINGLE LEG SQUATS LT SIDE

SLDL LT SIDE

KICKSTAND SINGLE LEG SQUATS RT SIDE

REST

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ROUND 4

HVY SWINGS

BWT  ALT LUNGES

DBL KB FLOORPRESS

PLANK PUSHUPS

HVY SUMMO DL- One or more bells

SINGLE BELL DL TO A CATCH

FINISHER COOL DOWN- Use a lighter bell and alternate the exercises below in rounds of four with no break going x 2 using the 30/15 work to rest ratio. Total time 12 min.

HALO/SLASHER

WINDSHIELD WIPERS/SUPINE OVERHEAD SITUP WITH KB

FIG. 8 TO A HOLD/AROUND THE BODY PASS

DEAD BUG/DYING BUG- these are bwt yoga terms!

Note: Feel free to substitute your favorite core or cool down activities.

The unique aspect of this workout is that at anytime you can substitute various exercises for variety. I like heavy swings because this is the basis of all kettlebell movements. The hip hinge is important for overall kettlebell movement development. The use of heavy weights promotes the activation of higher threshold motor units and combined with the faster, lighter movements produces an increase in force development. The work/rest ratios can also be manipulated up or down. The finisher is intended to work on mobility in and around the core, while still maintaining a training effect with continuous light movements.

This workout can be effective for strength development as well as a fat burning workout. Alwyn Cosgrove describes this as MRT Training- metabolic resistance training. I have had great success with this workout so far this year.

Visit my website at: www.enhancedfp.com, Facebook at Enhanced Fitness & Performance or message me on  my Facebook page.

-David Morgan,  MA, CSCS, KBC SR. INSTRUCTOR

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2012

EDITOR CONTACTS: 
Dave Ganulin, CEO, KettleBell Concepts, 800-876-6090 x711 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dr. Emily Splichal, President, Evidence Based Fitness Academy This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Video presentation: http://bit.ly/LEh7y1

NEW YORK,  June 21, 2012—KettleBell Concepts (KBC) has partnered with Dr. Emily Splichal, Founder of the Evidence Based Fitness Academy to offer a 2 ½ hour course titled “Bells & Bare Feet: The Why Behind Barefoot Kettlebell Training.” The course is CEC-approved with NASM and ACE.

Bells & Bare Feet provides a very basic introduction to kettlebell training as well as basic principles of barefoot exercise and safety. “The two go together perfectly,” says KettleBell Concepts CEO David Ganulin.  “An introductory course like this is extremely timely as both methods of training are steeped in history and rapidly gaining in popularity. Kettlebells have traditionally been done in bare feet or in hard sole weight lifting shoes for competition. It’s important for trainers to understand though that it’s definitely not the best idea to have clients start out this way when putting a bell in their hands for the first time.”

Dr. Emily Splichal, Founder of EBFA and a KBC Senior Instructor states, “Our Barefoot Training Specialist™, 8-hour course may not be for everyone right away.  Same with KBC’s 2-day, Introduction to Kettlebell Lifting Instructor Training. We developed this course to give students a taste of both so they can determine if they’d like to learn more. There’s a ton of misleading information on training barefoot and therefore it is our goal to set the standards on the quality of barefoot education. Putting on special shoes and simply running or exercising with them immediately should be progressive and specific depending on the client or athlete’s foot type.”

“My favorite part of the course is introducing experienced kettlebell trainers to the new techniques behind barefoot training.  Concepts in neuromuscular training and reflex activation patterns give those experienced with kettlebells a new appreciation for the modality as well as some creative ways they can spice up their client’s programming!”

Both KBC and EBFA offer rebates for students wishing to continue their studies and take the complete Barefoot Training Specialist ™ course or KBC’s Level 1 Instructor Training.

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About KettleBell Concepts

David Ganulin is the Founder and CEO of KettleBell Concepts. In business since 2002, KBC is the industry leader in kettlebell education for qualified, currently practicing fitness professionals.  KBC was one of the first to import kettlebells into the United States, the first to produce a CEC-approved course for the fitness industry, the first to introduce kettlebell training in a fitness industry trade show, first to conduct and publish the first ever English-language study on kettlebell training in a peer-reviewed journal, and much more.  They have produced two industry conventions (http://www.kbcconvention.com) and have trained over 5,000 instructors thus far. KBC was responsible for bringing kb’s to Equinox and has since gone on to work with Crunch, TSI, Life Time Fitness, New York Health and Racquet, and many other fitness facilities nationally and globally.  All courses are CEC-approved by ACE, NASM, NSCA, AFAA, NCSF, NFPT, BOC, and many others. For more information go to http://www.kettlebellconcepts.com or call 800-876-6090 x711.

About Dr. Emily Splichal and EBFA

The Evidence Based Fitness Academy is a Continuing Education Institute created to provide scientific and research-based curriculum for health and fitness professionals. All curriculum provided by the EBFA must meet strict requirements set forth by the Founder, Dr. Emily Splichal and the Education Review Committee. EBFA guarantees that only the highest quality information and most accurate educational programs reach you, the health and fitness professional. All courses under the EBFA name must be supported by research and follow the concept of evidence-based practice. All educational programs under EBFA are updated regularly with cutting edge up to date information, ensuring the highest quality education in human movement and exercise science.   All courses are CEC-approved by NASM, NSCA, ACE and AFAA.  For more information go to www.ebfafitness.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This is in regards to the email that went out on Friday, June 8, 2012. If you missed it, you can check it out again here.

Q: Why are you guys doing this?
A: Well, for a lot of reasons, but mostly because there are a LOT of trainers out there who've heard about us, who who really want our course materials, but can't get to a course in their area anytime soon. Since KBC travels globally and we do our best to reach out to as many PT Directors / Group Ex Directors / Owners as possible, trainers are sometimes not willing to wait that long--and we can't blame them as it just may not be feasible for the owner of a small gym in a small town somewhere to try and conduct a hosting. So. . .we're making the manual and videos available for a short time so people can at least get their hands on it and start practicing to prepare for the Level 1 and Level 2. It's definitely an incentive to get trainers excited about doing the in-person, 2-day training.

Q: Will I now be considered a Level 1 Instructor or Level 2 Instructor?
A: No. This is not an online / virtual Level 1 or Level 2 training.

Q: Ok. So what won't we get?
A: Your techniques will not be tested via video online evaluation. You will not have any face to face practical experience with a Senior Instructor.  You won't have gone through any of the lectures or classroom practical/team exercises. You will not be tested on any written exam.

Q: Will I be able to list myself on the KBC Instructor Locator or advertise myself out as a KBC Instructor?
A: No. Not until you attend the class in-person. See next question!

Q: Will this entitle me to attend any Level 1 or Level 2 course in the future?
A: Absolutely yes! That's the point. It's why we're doing this! We want you to look at the manual, really dig into it, and start talking with us!  We want to come to your gym/facility and work with you and your team. Once you get your hands on our material and see the breath, depth, and scope that's involved, we're 100% certain that a training is not going to be very far off. We've seen it happen time and again since we started in 2002.

Q: Will I receive any paperwork or "credential" of any kind?
A: Outside of the course manual? No.

Q: Are you going to always allow the course materials to be purchased like this?
A: Absolutely not. Outside of this being billed as a "Post-Memorial Day Sale" The offer is being pulled from the cart at 6pm--just like it said in the email.

Q: Seriously?
A: YES. This is not marketing hype. We keep the course materials tight to our chest for a reason. You MUST learn this material face to face. Reading the manual and watching videos isn't enough. Would you teach Pilates like that? Or Yoga? Or Martial Arts? Didn't think so. Our intention is to get you excited about our course materials and, if you're not the decision maker/PT Manager. . you'll put us in touch with them so we can get to your facility soon and work with you and your team!

Q: Are you guys working on a more complex, online training portal?
A: Absolutely yes. We're doing it in conjunction with a major player in that particular space, but that's not going to happen for at least 6-8 months.

Q:Will I get CEC's for this?
A: No. This merely entitles you to attendance at a future Level 1 or 2, our course instructor manual for your own review and edification as well as the review videos.

Press Release

 

EDITOR CONTACTS:

Dave Ganulin, CEO, KettleBell Concepts, 800-876-6090 x711 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

David Pettrone Swalve, Vice President, Education, NASM, 1.800.460.NASM (6276).   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NEW YORK, May 29, 2012—KettleBell Concepts (KBC) is partnering with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) to offer a kettlebell program specifically designed for personal trainers.  Beginning June 2012, NASM and KBC will offer 6 live sessions in various locations around the United States. The 1-day, 8-hour training will provide trainers with basic skills needed to safely and effectively get clients started with kettlebell training.

"KettleBell Concepts is absolutely the ‘go-to’ program for credentialed; currently practicing fitness professionals who wish to add kettlebells to their knowledge base. Kettlebells like yoga, Pilates and martial arts are not learned in a day or a weekend. It’s a lifelong study and we’re proud to be partnered with an organization like KettleBell Concepts who understands this and offers their knowledge of this ancient old practice to our nation's top personal trainers," says David Pettrone Swalve, Vice President of Education at NASM. "The fitness industry is growing exponentially and this program will add an entirely new aspect to the personal training, or small group personal training experience."

"Because the kettlebell is a simple looking tool, some trainers feel they can ‘learn’ it by watching a DVD, watching YouTube, or something silly like that.  It’s mind boggling sometimes!  Someone wouldn’t put a client on a Pilates Reformer for example without extensive training, but because the kettlebell isn’t nearly as complicated-looking, some end up taking shortcuts.  Those who don’t care to learn the ‘why’s’ behind the ‘how’s’ are not only being lazy, but can—in a worst case scenario—injure their client. Partnering with NASM helps frame the practice of kettlebells into a larger thought process and helps trainers understand that this tool (along with anything else for that matter) can’t be taught in a vacuum. It must be taught as part of a larger, greater thought process,” says David Ganulin, chief executive officer of KettleBell Concepts. "Only then can kettlebells be implemented properly, safely, and effectively to help the client reach their overall fitness goals."

About NASM

Since 1987, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has been a global leader in providing evidence-based certifications and advanced credentials to Health and Fitness Professionals. In addition to its NCCA-accredited fitness Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification, NASM offers a progressive career track with access to Advanced Specializations, Continuing Education courses, and accredited Bachelor and Master Degree programs. The NASM educational continuum is designed to help today's Health and Fitness Professional enhance their career, while empowering their clients to live healthier lives. To learn more, visit: www.nasm.org or call 1.800.460.NASM (6276).

About KettleBell Concepts

David Ganulin is the Founder and CEO of KettleBell Concepts. In business since 2002, KBC is the industry leader in kettlebell education for qualified, currently practicing fitness professionals.  KBC was one of the first to import kettlebells into the United States, the first to produce a CEC-approved course for the fitness industry, the first to introduce kettlebell training in a fitness industry trade show, first to conduct and publish the first ever English-language study on kettlebell training in a peer-reviewed journal, and much more.  They have produced two industry conventions (http://www.kbcconvention.com) and have trained over 5,000 instructors thus far. KBC was responsible for bringing kb’s to Equinox and has since gone on to work with Crunch, TSI, Life Time Fitness, New York Health and Racquet, and many other fitness facilities nationally and globally.  All courses are CEC-approved by ACE, NASM, NSCA, AFAA, NCSF, NFPT, BOC, and many others. For more information go to http://www.kettlebellconcepts.com.

Those who've worked with KBC know we often compare KB training to martial arts, Yoga, Pilates, boxing, dance. . .and any other skill that takes a lifetime to "master" (if you can ever, really, truly use that word in the first place.)

The wonderful thing about kettlebell training is that the core foundations--the core lifts--are fairly easy to teach your clients once you know what you're doing both academically and physically. This makes the barrier to entry quite low.

But once they get proficient and stronger. . . then what? 

Are able to take them to where they need to go next?

Look at Girevoy Sport athletes who study their entire lives on perfecting just two lifts for competition--the snatch and clean and jerk.  Can you therefore honestly say you've "learned" kettlebells after a weekend? Or after 5 years? Or 30 years?

Nope.

Similarly, you can't say that you've "mastered" or "learned" dance or Pilates or martial arts either!

When referring to his own style, Jeet Kune Do, Bruce Lee said,

Before I studied the art, a punch to me was just like a punch, a kick just like a kick. After I learned the art, a punch was no longer a punch, a kick no longer a kick. Now that I've understood the art, a punch is just like a punch, a kick just like a kick. The height of cultivation is really nothing special. It is merely simplicity; the ability to express the utmost with the minimum. It is the halfway cultivation that leads to ornamentation.

And as we all know. . .Bruce Lee's life was cut tragically short. Where would he have gone had he lived? The possibilities boggle the mind!

Where will YOU go?

As a kettlebell practitioner? As a fitness professional, as a Mentor/Teacher to your clients?

We hope to see you soon.

What are your thoughts?

TurboRoster and KettleBell Concepts Form Strategic Partnership
New partnership gives club owners access to state of the art programs, in addition to marketing tools and analytics

Smithtown, NY April 23, 2012 – TurboRoster, the online registration and social media marketing system that services facilities with small group training, group fitness, and personal training sessions and KettleBell Concepts, the industry leader in kettlebell education for fitness professionals, today announced their strategic partnership to offer clubs a brand-new integrated service.  The joint offering provides clubs with KettleBell Concepts programmingand CEC-approved ongoing education along with the opportunity to integrate into the TurboRoster platform.

 

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This new business relationship leverages each company’sservices to provide clients with a seamless product that enhances their profitability and ultimately benefits their clientele.  For a low monthly fee, clubs will have access to a wide variety of features from payment collection to a built in rewards program and the ability to promote their new classes via social media outlets.  In addition, clubs can track analytics on KettleBell Concepts enrollment and calculate final ROI.

The announcement also marks a strategic business development for both TurboRoster and KettleBell Concepts.  Joining forces with KettleBell Concepts will enable TurboRoster to fill a void that most fitness programs come across, a system that can calculate analytics such as attendance, attract new members through social media, and manage the programs.  In addition, it will enable KettleBell Concepts to brand its program through social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter.

Bryan Daddio, founder and president of TurboRoster, states, "We are excited to align ourselves with such a reputable company such as KettleBell Concepts.  They have a proven model that benefits members and facilities.  Together we can help bridge the gap between ramp up and profitability."

KettleBell Concepts will also benefit from this partnership as they will be able to offer their clients tools with which they can promote classes and track profitability.  David Ganulin, CEO of KettleBell Concepts states,"TurboRoster is a natural fit for our us. We’ve had PT Directors, Group Ex Directors and other decision makers ask us if we had something like this. It would have cost usa huge amounts of time and money to develop a platform like this— with no real guaranteed return. Doing it this way allows us to keep our focus on education, programming, and curriculum development while allowing TurboRoster to continue doing what they do best. Their unique product is perfect for social media branding, rewards, and most importantly managing small group training."

The joint offering will be available to clubs on April 25, 2012.  For more information, please visit www.turboroster.com or www.kettlebellconcepts.com


About TurboRoster
TurboRoster allows members to register online, post to Facebook and Twitter, and earn reward points that can be redeemed at the facility for discounted items and services.  This partnership will enable TurboRoster to fill a void that most fitness programs come across, a system that can calculate analytics such as attendance, attract new members through social media, and overall manage the program.   For more information visitwww.turboroster.com or faceboook.turboroster  

About KettleBell Concepts
In business since 2002, KBC is the industry leader in kettlebell education for qualified, currently practicing fitness professionals.  KBC was one of the first to import kettlebells into the United States, the first to produce a CEC-approved course for the fitness industry, the first to introduce kettlebell training in a fitness industry trade show, first to conduct and publish the first ever English-language study on kettlebell training in a peer-reviewed journal, and much more.  They have produced two industry conventions (http://www.kbcconvention.com) and have trained over 5,000 instructors thus far. KBC was responsible for bringing kb’s to Equinox and has since gone on to work with Crunch, TSI, Life Time Fitness, New York Health and Racquet, and many other fitness facilities nationally and globally.  All courses are CEC-approved by ACE, NASM, NSCA, AFAA, NCSF, NFPT, BOC, and many others. For more information go to http://www.kettlebellconcepts.com or http://www.facebook.com/kettlebellconcepts

 

B.E.A.S.T.

Hello, friends. Today I would like to introduce another way to test yourself and your clients.

It’s called “BEAST” - for Bodyweight Endurance And Strength Test.  Its exercises come from the physical testing requirements of elite police and military in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

Recently, we at Health Factory conducted physical training research with the Norwalk Fire Department in Connecticut based on the BEAST exercises. The routines were used to determine physical performance of participants, and were found to be a very simple and effective way to test a group of people in a short time with minimum expense.

The BEAST formula is simple: 5 exercises, 10 reps of each, for 5 rounds non-stop.  The exercises are: Dive Bomber, Squat Thrust, Vertical Leap, Jackknife and Superman.  I dare you to try it.  If you are able to finish in 10 minutes you are definitely a beast, and you should probably try Sport Kettlebell Lifting (Girevoy Sport). Trust me, it’s even harder.

For beginners, the BEAST is a great overall workout that does not take lot of time and space but challenges strength-endurance, stamina and will power.

The best way to start is with a simple 5x5 routine.  Perform five repetitions of every exercise with a minimal break in between. That is one round. Note the time you need to recover your breath and heart rate. Do another four rounds with the same break time. Do it three times a week or more often.

Every other week add 1 rep to every exercise.  After 5 weeks you will hit 5 exercises of 10 reps in 5 rounds, for a total of 50 reps of each exercise.

In addition, cut your resting time between rounds by 15-20% every other week. For example, if you need 2 minutes between rounds, cut your breaks by 20 sec every week, then after three weeks cut 15 sec of your resting time.

In twelve weeks or less, you will be able to gain strength-endurance and stamina, just like a member of the Russian SWAT team.

The BEAST workout can be done alone, combined with weight lifting or done as a cardio exercise. Remember, real men and women do not use treadmills.  The BEAST will melt body fat and add curves to your beach body.  Give it a try.

-Yuri Petunovs
Health Factory Owner, KBC Senior Instructor & IUKL Representative (Exclusive Representative in USA.)

&

Aleksander Bodrov
Health Factory-Instructor

RESOURCES

BEAST:



Fighter training (КСУ included):

"Dave Ganulin and the TEAM at KBC have been instrumental in helping Crunch integrate kettlebell training not only in our private PT sessions but also in our semi-private PT and group PT programming. We at Crunch have had the privilege and pleasure of hosting numerous KBC Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor courses at our facilities in NYC. The KBC courses have been instrumental in the professional growth of over 150 of our Personal Trainers and in-turn contributed to the proper instruction and education of thousands of personal training clients. I highly recommend the KBC educational track to any Personal Trainer or Personal Training organization looking to increase their knowledge in one of the hottest modalities in the industry"

William Coker-Regional Personal Training Director

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We love working with you guys! Thanks for the kind words!

HUGE news! Monday, Dec. 19th at 8pm. For friends of KBC-only, Phil Kaplan has agreed to do a free webinar on the Seven Powers That Will Propel a Handful of Personal Trainers to a New Level of Excellence in 2012. By investing 45 minutes in a rare and powerful webinar, you’ll be prepared not only to enjoy the Holidays with a new confidence, but to begin the new year with focus, direction, and a new recognition of potential for growth. Do you want the Seven Powers to become yours? Then click here and register now! 

http://www.bebetteracademy.com/sevenpowerskbc121911

In 10 years of dealing with everyone from Independent Trainers, Group Exercise Managers, Club Owners, Managers as well as having served a turn in high end retail, a server, and bartender myself while in college and grad school, I can say absolutely and without fail, "The customer is not always right."

Most customers, when treated fairly and with respect, will give you the same in return. (I'm a glass is half full kind of guy.) Still, there are absolutely those smaller number of customers who will, no matter what happens and what you offer, act unreasonably, try to take advantage of the vendor, and really push the proverbial envelope.  So. . companies have put  policies put in place to minimize this sort of behavior. Totally understandable. . .but only up to a point. The story presented here is absolutely unbelievable on every level. Read the entire thing.  You'll be hooked. Seriously. And the very last sentence? Once you find out how much it's all over, is even more sad.

https://bbp.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/24825004/aa0de587d0e97e70

The moral of the story? Give your employees the power to (within certain constraints of course) make some decisions for Pete's sake! I'm no HR expert, but the papers I've read about these types of things do validate this sort of approach.

Enjoy.

PS: If you're interested in (another) great article on why the customer is not always right, this gentleman says it much better than I ever could. http://positivesharing.com/2006/07/why-the-customer-is-always-right-results-in-bad-customer-service/ So again. . .empower your employees! Let them know the parameters of the decisions they're allowed to make, but at least (for the sake of your company and the sake of your employees) allow them to do something!

Just got this fantastic email from Phil Kaplan. As always, he's straight ahead and upfront. I appreciate this post about his thoughts regarding Beyond Organic and I wanted to share it. Hope to see you on the call!

Dave

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I’m eating hot dogs and loving it!  Who’d have ever thought it would happen?  Me . . . and hot dogs . . . reunited without compromising health!

Over the past week I was concerned. I’d been excited about Jordan Rubin’s new project, Beyond Organic, and I was sharing my excitement with others.  Then . . . I hit a sticking point. I hadn’t tasted any of the products, and while I believe in Jordan and his undertakings, I felt I couldn’t say another word until my taste buds connected with the product.  Saturday it arrived.  The first thing I tried was the Milk & Honey Amasai.  Wow!  Honestly!  It’s great.  I already knew the health value, but had to be sure it tasted OK.  It not only passed the taste test, it exceeded my expectations and then I tried the Raspberry which was even better!  I brought some hot dogs, cheese, ground beef, and chocolate to a few of my neighbors, and every one of them was wowed.

So, now we go the next step.  This is a viable business, a great product, and I’m all on board.  I’m doing a webinar next Tuesday that will address many of the health concerns that face our population, and will also give you an opportunity to better understand the value of the Beyond Organic line.  I assure you, it will not be a pitch.  Here’s the registration link:

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/858690416

Here’s the summary:

Tuesday evening, November 22, 7 PM

Phil Kaplan with Dr. Daniel Pompa – The Four HUGE Nutritional Mistakes Fitness People Don’t Know They’re Making!

Dr. Pompa gets on almost as many planes as I used to.  He’s on a mission to change the medical field, to help medical professionals both in conventional medicine and chiropractic, to recognize the chemicals, toxins, and inflammatory agents in our foods, our medicines, and our environment.  He’s referred to as a great healer as he’s studied the science of detox, not at a surface level, but at a cellular level.  Dr. Pompa has become a good friend and we’ve committed to align our missions to help grow the important message . . . . we can make ourselves “better.”  We, as a population, just need to learn how.  A part of learning how has to involve understanding our food supply.  It’s not the same as it was decades ago. I recently wrote an article outlining why my Grandfather ate steak and eggs every morning and NEVER got fat, NEVER missed a day to illness, and ALWAYS had vibrant energy.  Dr. Pompa will help explain . . . humans haven’t changed . . . our food has changed!

Dr. Pompa and I teamed with Jordan Rubin (the New York Times best-selling author of the Maker’s Diet) to help Jordan promote his Beyond Organic company.  We’ll share some of what we’ve learned about the organic health food industry and will also share why this mission is so important right now.  The call will feature a detailed revelation of the Four Biggest Mistakes Fitness People Make in Their “Healthy” Nutrition, and why, for clients, following suit may lead to acute and chronic oxidative stress.  You need to know this information if you’re going to really understand what it means in the 21st century to make healthful choices.  There isn’t any charge for this event, as it’s by invitation only. I’m inviting you.

Click Here to Register:

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/858690416

I look forward to speaking with you Tuesday!

Phil

Of all the questions we get, this one is one of our most popular. We're grateful for that, but because of the frequency of that question, we've also concluded that many personal trainers/group ex instructors generally have a tough time understanding the business-to-business model of companies like KBC.

KBC's business is no different from other CEC providers/instructor training organizations: YogaFit, Stott Pilates, Spinning, Balanced Body, TRX, EFI Sports Medicine, Zumba, and hundreds of others generally work the same way.  Thus, the answer to the headline is:

We will not be in (insert your location here) until an organization brings us in. (Or until a sales rep from KBC sets up a training in your area by calling an fitness facility and they agree to host us.)

KBC (nor any other company for that matter) will take the risk of spending money to rent a hotel conference room, provide & ship equipment, hope the class fills up, pay the money & travel expenses to send an instructor, and then first try to market the course 'blind.' Nobody runs an organization that way.

What does happen is this: A host organization decides to implement kettlebells (or yoga, Spinning, TRX, Pilates  etc) in their facility and need their trainers trained. After heavily qualifying their staff to ensure they are interested in getting the education, they sign a cookie-cutter, standard letter of agreement agreeing on a time, date, place, price, etc.

Outside of the obvious benefits PR-wise to hosting a training like this, the host institution also receives substantial discounts off the price of whatever training they wish to host (plus comps) but bulk discounts off product as well.

KBC and that organization then work jointly to market the course. If an hosting institution decides to allow "outside" trainers in to take the course, they pay a slightly higher price. (Again, one of the benefits of the trainers who work at the hosting institution is substantial discounts off the regular price.)

And that's pretty much it! KBC sends a trainer out to XXX hosting facility and the course is conducted. Invariably the trainers who miss it or couldn't make it for whatever reason end up writing our offices (or asking their managers,)  "When's the next time KBC is going to be in town?" Our answer is, "Whenever an organization brings us back."  (Or the Manager says to the employee something along the lines of, "Why didn't you make this one?")

Just like other CEC/instructor training organizations, we have people making sales calls for us whose job it is to try to set up instructor trainings. But it's a long sales cycle and as you no doubt can understand, hosting a training is not a small thing. Our courses are either 1 full day (8-9 hours) or 2 full days (14-15 hours) long. A hosting facility needs to plan for that way in advance.

So? What can you do if you want to work with KBC ASAP?

Contact your Fitness Manager/Personal Training Manager/Group Exercise Manager and have them call us at 800-876-6090 x711. We'll be happy to talk with them about setting up a training. Be aware though that--just like any other organization--there needs to be a minimum number of trainers committed and ready to go. Otherwise, it's a losing proposition for (any) instructor training organization to pay the expenses of sending a trainer, paying his/her fee for the training, etc.

OR

You can travel to a training. (Yes, even if it's not near you.) Think long term. The trip is a business trip,  so it's tax deductible. (Save your receipts!) The skills you will acquire from learning an additional skill (KB's, yoga, Pilates, Spinning, TRX, whatever) will come back quickly, especially if you are the only one formally trained in that particular modality at your facility!  Either way. . . you are now much more marketable as a fitness professional. Your ROI (return on investment) in yourself--in your professional education is high. . but only if you know how to leverage those new skills.

You now possess more skills than you did before. Granted, you are still very much a newbie at that particular skill. . .but it's there! You can start making more money quick quickly--especially if you're a good marketer.  (If you don't consider yourself a good marketer--learn!  Read everything you can about it. Check out Phil Kaplan's stuff. It's a great place to start.)

Hope this helps. We look forward to working with you and your team soon!

After nearly 9 years at $299 for fitness professionals affiliated with the host site  and $399 for non-host site fitness professionals, KBC is increasing its prices to $349 for hosting fitness professionals and $449 for non-host site fitness professionals. KBC, like other business to business companies in our industry will not do a training until a facility makes the decision to implement a KB training program and roll it out to their staff and  members.

Organizations that bring in groups like KBC are usually called "hosting facilities" and, in exchange for the use of their space, the energy it takes them to stay on top of their staff to remind them to register, letting customers know the room won't be available for that weekend (and the other logistics that are involved with doing an Instructor Training) organizations like KBC offer the host a very fair exchange. Usually the facility trainers go for a preferred rate. In addition, the organization itself gets discounts on equipment, a full marketing plan and support, comps for staff, and much more. KBC is no different. We work the same way. Rather than cutting back on what we offer however, we've done exactly the opposite. We've added to it.

Very substantially, we have added a TON of value adds for our Instructors.

Here are some:

• A completely relaunched KBC-Instructor locator. This is for KBC Instructors only and it includes Google maps, the ability to upload videos, list your contact info and website, upload photos, and much more. The locator is veryheavily trafficked and we're happy to offer (easily) the most 'tricked out' locator in the business. List yourself now if you haven't already!
• A completely new community that we're working to get going. Although still technically in beta, we encourage you to check it out. You'll be blown away by the tools you have at your disposal.
• A completely new Customer Hub where Level 1 review videos, a file box, Mend, Match, and Patch videos and other content is stored. For now, this is all free. Will will, however, have to eventually charge a small monthly fee to help us cover the costs of managing a site like this. Check out the image below to see some features.  If you can't make out the text, click here and then englarge the image. This content is available to KBC Instructors only.
• If you're not registered for Customer Hub yet--we know. We're phasing this in slowly but if you can't wait, shoot us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let us know. Your status as a Level 1 Instructor will be verified.

So as you can see. . .it's a lot. A ton, actually. Never mind that whole Galvanized/IUKL World Championship we have coming up! ;)  We could have pushed this price to $399 for hosting trainers and $499 for non-hosting trainers. . .but we didn't. We will always believe in keeping our prices affordable, keeping our curriculum for professionals by professionals, and continuing to over-deliver on the value we provide post-training. We hope you enjoy them and stay tuned for more.

 

June 27, 2011 – KettleBell Concepts (KBC) Health Factory USA and the International Union of Kettlebell Lifters (IUKL) have joined forces and will hold the first ever, sanctioned, kettlebell lifting world championships in New York State at Premier Fitness in Nanuet, NY from September 16-19th.

A kettlebell competition, also known as Girevoy Sport (GS,) has two lifts: the long cycle (clean and jerk) and the biathlon (snatch plus jerk.)  Unlike Olympic style weight lifting where the competitor attempts his or her maximum weight, in GS the idea is to do as many reps as possible in 10 minutes. Men in the heavyweight division use 2-72lb bells for the clean and jerk or 1-72lb bell for the snatch.  Women use a 35lb bell.

Yuri Petunovs—the owner of Health Factory USA gym in CT—is the United States representative of the IUKL and a KBC Senior Instructor. He states, “The IUKL is the largest and oldest organization of kettlebell lifting in Europe. Its headquarters are in Latvia and there are over 5,000 lifters who are members from 23 different countries. Kettlebell lifting started in the former Soviet Union. It was originally a counter weight on scales in famers markets and slowly evolved into a way for the general population to get fit.
Local competitions started and eventually it became a formalized sport that’s seeing a huge come back. We will have top competitors coming from Russia, Latvia, Belarus, and others. Vasily Ginko, the Secretary of the IUKL and the lead instructor of the IKSA (International Kettlebell and Strength Training Academy—the training arm of the IUKL) will be here and will speak about the history of Girevoy Sport as well as provide a basic demonstration.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for anyone interested in competitive kettlebell lifting to see the best competitors the world has to offer.”

David Ganulin is the CEO of KettleBell Concepts—a 9 year old business to business fitness education company responsible for training personal trainers and group exercise instructors at health clubs and assisting them in program rollout. “Only the former Soviet Union could come up with something as hellish as kettlebell sport!” he jokes. “Its 10 minutes of pure hell, but the benefits kettlebell training have for anyone are absolutely phenomenal. The people who’ve been most receptive to it in fitness facilities are women—they’re much more open to trying new things than guys are. Kettlebells are slowly making their way into consumer awareness—you’re starting to see them in gyms everywhere. . . .but like Pilates, Yoga, martial arts and so forth, the instructors must really know what they’re doing. People love ‘em, but not everyone wants to compete. But for those who are thinking about it. . .or for those who just have an interest in learning what these can do, this is an incredible opportunity to see some of the top competitors in the world.”

Petunovs continues, “The USA is different. I have known about KBC for many years and, as the head of the IUKL in the USA, we have to be very careful about who we align ourselves with. Let’s just say that if 1% of the population knows about kettlebell training,  then .001% of that 1% has any interest in GS. But that’s ok. Tons of people lift weights here, but not many people compete in Olympic weightlifting like you see on TV. The more kettlebells become popular and common within gyms across the United States, the more people become exposed to it and the more GS will spread. Whether it’s in group exercise class with lighter bells, or personal training/semi-private classes—they’re entering into a very old tradition that’s been around hundreds of years. The guys at KBC understand and honor that. It’s why we’re happy to be associated with them and why we will work together to spread KB training with them around the country and continue to put on as many competitions as we can.”

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About Yuri Petunovs

YURI PETUNOV is the United States representative for the IUKL (http://www.giri-iukl.com) and is the owner of http://www.healthfactoryusa.com in Connecticut. He became a fitness specialist and strength trainer in 2001. He has a four year physical education degree, FMS/SFMA (Functional Movement Screening) Certification. KBC Senior Instrucotor, ISSA CTF (International Sports Sciences Association), & WFF (World Fitness Federation) Certified. He became a bodybuilder at 17 year old and in four years of training he achieved 1st place in the European Championship, 2nd place in the World Championship, and had won numerous international championships (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Germany.) After moving to the United States Yuri continues to help people achieve the results they desire, applying his knowledge and professional experience. Less than a year ago he began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has won the Renzo Gracie Invitational (2009,) NAGA (National Grappling Association)  (11/14/09,) & placed 3rd and 2nd in NAGA (7/27/09 and 2/6/10 respectively.) He continues to further broaden his knowledge by participating in and creating various seminars and workshops and applying this knowledge and experience to benefit his clientele.

About KettleBell Concepts
David Ganulin is the Founder and CEO of KettleBell Concepts. (http://www.kettlebellconcepts.com) In business since 2002, KBC is the industry leader in kettlebell education for qualified, currently practicing fitness professionals.  KBC was one of the first to import kettlebells into the United States, the first to produce a CEC-approved course for the fitness industry, the first to introduce kettlebell training in a fitness industry trade show, first to conduct and publish the first ever English-language study on kettlebell training in a peer-reviewed journal, and much more.  They have produced two industry conventions (http://www.kbcconvention.com) and have trained over 4,000 instructors thus far. KBC was responsible for bringing kb’s to Equinox and has since gone on to work with Crunch, TSI, Life Time Fitness, New York Health and Racquet, and many other fitness facilities nationwide. All courses are CEC-approved by ACE, NASM, NSCA, AFAA, NCSF, NFPT, BOC, and many others.

A video by KBC's Director of Education, Vincent Metzo. Hilarious.  And mighty tongue and cheek. But the info is solid! Hope you enjoy it!