Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Healthy Lubbock Day

Last Saturday on 6/14/08, I attended Healthy Lubbock Day as a vendor. The event supports and promotes health and fitness-related businesses and organizations within the area...so I set out to share my love for Kettlebells with the Lubbock masses. The day went great and we had a lot of interest in what we're doing at Lone Star Kettlebell. The responses we had from those who were first-timers with the kettlebell was pretty amazing. I enjoyed meeting all of those who took the time to come out to the event and stop by our booth. I hope to see you soon!
The Booth - Complete w/ 23ft Balloon!

Kevin, Eric & Trev

The Stage Demo & Presentation

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Client Doting

I would like to take a few moments and reflect on the reasons why I'm doing what I'm doing. I'm talking about the training, the long hours, the constant challenge of task completion and most importantly, trying to better the lives of the people who have entrusted me to do so through kettlebell training. I have found that it's not always about the tangible results. I've learned that we are all facing battles on a daily basis with our work lives, family lives and social lives. It's how we handle ourselves in these times that make us who we are. Do we back down when things get tough? Do we pass the buck to someone or something else? Or, do we choose to fight through even though there's a little pain involved? I believe the lessons learned through physical training can permeate to the rest of our lives, if we give it enough of a chance to sink in.

In the brief time that I've spent as a trainer, I've seen some drastic and impressive transformations…whether it be physically, mentally or spiritually. The point is, through kettlebell and strength training, the clients I've been so fortunate to train have shown me a lot about perseverance and true strength. "I can't" has evolved into "I'll try" and eventually to "I can" with true belief in their hearts when they say it. Limits and barriers have been broken and surpassed. The realm of possibilities has grown to a point where they can't see the edge.

This is the reward I've been so fortunate to be blessed with. So I would like to send out an open "Thank You" to the students of strength that have shown me these things and given me the opportunity to do something I truly love. Thanks!

~ JM

P.S. On a side note, I would like to mention some very impressive displays over the past week or so. We now have 5 who have swung the 24kg KB 300+ in 10 minutes, 3 of which are approaching the 400 mark. Some of the ladies are man-handling the 16kg while doing their Clean and Press ladders as well as one-arm Snatches. 3 ladies have swung the 48kg (Beast) 10+ times. 3 guys are clean and pressing the 40kg for ladders with 2 guys using the 32kg. 1 guy has hit 25 strict body-weight tactical pull ups. (I believe Pavel said that qualified you as a man amongst men.) 3 guys have also bent the Iron Mind yellow nail and are working towards the infamous red nail with 1 guy closing the Captains of Crush No.2 with No.3 on the way.

Needless to say I'm very impressed with the level of improvement in everyone who has made the time to attend classes and put such a relentless effort into learning and doing things right. In my opinion everyone still has tons of potential to take it even further…so I challenge each of you to push yourselves and each other to reach and surpass your goals with the mindful dedication you've displayed thus far.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Double 48kg Front Squat

Lots of weak areas, but Kevin and I got this one under our belts.