MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Not many people can say they exercise with an object that was once used as counter balance to weigh grains in Russia during the 1700s. But those who use kettlebell weights can affirm this, and boast about how it has changed their lives.
“Kettlebell training transforms fighters into better fighters; surfers become better surfers; golfers become better golfers; and tennis players become better tennis players,” said Allen Lowrimore, kettlebell instructor, depot Fitness Center. “It doesn’t matter what you do, it will make you better at it.”
The depot Fitness Center has offered kettlebell fitness class for more than a year.
Kettlebells are a basic training that requires functional, whole body fitness. Lifting and controlling a kettlebell forces the entire body and specifically the core, to contract as a group, building both strength and stability at the same time. The workout engages multiple muscle groups at once and it’s an option for getting the whole body workout in a short time.
More specifically, it works though a fluctuating swing arm, which consequently gives users rapid strength and endurance growth, more pristine balance, coordination as well as mental toughness, said Lowrimore.
“I saw the kettle bell class outside about a year ago,” said 71-year-old Howard W. Nathan, from San Diego. “I watched them one time and it looked fun.”
Lowrimore has been teaching kettlebell classes for five years. Prior to that, he used to teach martial art techniques to drill instructors here on the depot.
“I took complex concepts and incorporated it into easier movements,” said Lowrimore.
He has a Russian Kettlebell Challenge certificate, is Kettlebell Concepts certified in Brazilian Jujitsu, Jeet Kune Do, which is a hybrid martial arts system and philosophy founded by Bruce Lee in 1967 that includes direct, non classical and straightforward movements, and Tang Soo Do, which is a Korean Martial Arts.
“Kettlebells came into the martial arts world a few years ago,” said Lowrimore. “It was discovered that it fuels physical attributes.”
According to Lowrimore, physical attributes include strength, awareness, power, timing, balance, speed, flexibility and endurance. Kettlebells enhance all of these, whereas weightlifting does not, he said.
“The differences I see since I have been doing kettlebells are that I am a lot stronger and my hips loosened up a lot,” said Nathan. “I also noticed an increase in flexibility and an overall leaner body that is much tighter.”
Nathan has never been injured, despite the fact that he is lifting weight. This is because he’s not isolating particular muscles, but doing a full body workout, he said.
“I would be more likely to get an injury if I did kettlebell class alone,” said Nathan. “Since taking the class, I see people in the gym that don’t do the techniques properly and it makes me cringe because they could hurt themselves.”
The instructor guides everyone in the class and ensures they are doing the kettlebells safely, Nathan said.
“We are here to change lives,” said Lowrimore. “It’s a path of self discovery. You do things you never thought you were capable of doing. It builds confidence.”
Everyone can benefit from kettlebell training, regardless of age because everyone can do the moves, he said.
“You get involved, receive feedback and is both mentally and physically challenging. It’s not designed to be fun, but it is fun,” said Lowrimore.
Those who begin kettlebells may see results within a month if they do kettlebells at least three times a week.
“Your body composition will change,” said Lowrimore. “I am a better athlete at 51 years old than I was at 35.”
“For someone considering trying out the class, I would tell them not to be afraid, that they will be welcomed in the class and kettlebells are a skill that is learned over time,” said Lowrimore.
For Nathan, this is the first organized exercise class he has ever done.
“It’s more fun and motivating and I work harder in a group,” said Nathan, “I would recommend it to anybody, and I already have.”
It’s easier do in a group because the whole group is in fitness agony, and because they are not alone, it’s more encouraging and it feels like family here, Lowrimore said. Those who have been in the class longer will not hesitate to coach those who have just started with kettlebells, he said.
“There’s no required preparation, just check your ego at the door,” said Lowrimore. “I want fluidity and efficiency. It’s important to be humble and go light. Without a question the technique is more important than the weight.”
Lowrimore attributes its increasing popularity to the media and fitness enthusiasts who have discovered that weightlifting is not an effective way to progress in terms of physical attributes.
“For kettlebells, you do not need expensive shoes or expensive equipment,” said Lowrimore. “You can even be barefoot! It’s like old is new.”
“I have no doubt I will do kettlebells the rest of my life,” said Nathan.
Kettlebell fitness class is offered at the depot Fitness Center, Mondays and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. For more information, call (619)-524-8465.