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DAVE SMITH INTERVIEW

I have selected Dave Smith as my client of the month for April. Dave, tell everyone about yourself.

I am a 39 year-old mortgage broker.   My wife, Molly, and I have three boys: Harrison, Jackson and Payton.   I played football for Baylor and now play softball for fun on the weekends.

 

Why did you pick Kettlebells?

I saw your flyer, went to the website and saw two things that caught my eye.   The first was you had one guy who was my age and accomplished the same thing I wanted to accomplish.   The second was that I didn't have to do any running or extra cardio.   With my bum knee, it seemed like my best chance to lose weight.

 

Did you exercise before Kettlebells?

I lifted weights but was never able to lose any weight.   I played softball for fun but was always winded and sore for days after.

 

Did you follow any diets before you started training with KB's?

I tried Atkin's but I always yo-yoed 5-8 pounds.

 

Since training with KB's, how has your body changed?  

I have lost 26 pounds.   I started off in 38's which I was bustin' out of and now my 35/36's are loose.   My shirt size was an XL which was tight and now they swallow me.

 

What else has changed since you started training with KB's?

I have higher energy levels.   With more energy, it is easier to be a better Dad.    Things that I used to hate to do – like taking out the trash – I do now.   I don't know why. I'm just more active now.   Molly notices my stress level goes way down after I workout.  

 

Dave, you mentioned that you play softball and go skiing for vacation.   Are those activities any different since KB's?

I just got back from skiing for four days and I was never tired or sore.   I used to get tired just walking to the ski lift.   The guys I play softball with can't believe it – I am just crushing the ball.   Besides that, my throwing arm doesn't get sore, I make hard to get catches in the outfield and don't get winded.   I recover between plays in no time.

 

You went to your Doctor for some tests.   What did you find out?

My blood pressure went from 148/98 to 120/84.   My triglycerides went from 365 to 119.   My cholesterol went from 256 to 190.   Last time I saw him, he said it would be impossible for me to get below 215 (then at 235).   Having lost over 25 lbs., he now wants me to get to about 205.   I wanna get to 195.

 

Dave, I put you through some tough workouts.   What keeps you coming back?

It works.   I love it.   I can't stand missing a class.   I don't have to religiously follow 1800 calories a day and I blow it out a little on the weekends with Magaritas and Mexican food.

 

Dave, thanks for doing the interview.   If you want to be 195, that's another 15 pounds.   We got some work to do.   Get ready!

 

BOB ORTEGA INTERVIEW

How are KB's different than other workouts (weight lifting, boxing, cardio)?
KB workouts are true STRENGTH training workouts as opposed to general cardio, resistance training or weightlifting.  The kettlebell approach utilizes total body STRENGTH to enhance speed, flexibility and stamina. 

I've heard it said that KB's are intimidating.   Do you think most people could actually do a KB workout?

Most people can perform a KB workout with the proper mental framework.  KB workouts are hard because they are hard, from the get-go.  It takes a great deal of discipline to focus not only the body but the mind every second during a KB workout. 

Everyone thinks that KB training will hurt their back.  What do you think of that?

People are so misinformed.   You should use your back but there is a correct way to do so.   When you learn how to use your legs with your back, your back becomes injury resistant.   Moving shouldn't hurt.   If it does, a person should take a hard look at the way they train and live.

 

How do you think women could do lifting kettlebells?  Would you recommend it to a woman who is trying to lose fat and tone up?  

Absolutely.  As a matter of fact, I believe this is a great introduction to the whole area of weightlifting, resistance training, and real strength training for women.  But like any good thing, Kettlebells take time.  One should at least give them a month.  I believe it takes that long for the body and mind to figure what is being asked them.

What about for men?  How would you compare KB cardio as opposed mens' cardio of choice: running?

Although cardio in KB is much more static as opposed to the dynamics of running, the movements of squatting, swinging, raising weight overhead, is just as vigorous as any good distance or sprint workout.   With Kettlebells, though, you use the whole body.  Also, I believe with Kettlebells the toll on the leg joints - ankles, knees –is a lot less than running.

Are KB's too difficult in the beginning?

They are difficult but only because they are so different from what most people have ever done.  The beginner tends to focus too much on the weight in the beginning rather than proper body position and movement.  If one can learn to focus more on position and movement, they will make great advances and the KB exercises will become much easier to execute.

Do you ever get bored with KB's?  Is their enough variety?

No.  There is more variety than any exercise regime I have ever attempted.  I believe over time KB workouts even inspire creativity as you start to visualize other movements that could be done.

What goals did you have for yourself when starting KB's?  

My initial goal was to make it through the basic movements and to improve form.  Next was to go up in weight that I lifted. 

 

Have you met those goals?

Yes and then some.   The strength, speed and flexibility has come naturally as the focus on the form progressed.

What has happened to your strength, flexibility, endurance and general athletic performance since training with KB's?  

I am faster, stronger and more flexible.   I'm even more resilient: I recover faster.   It seems to bring about an enhancement to workouts that follow.

What has happened to your body since training with KB's?  

The person I get massage from has commented that she believes I have become more muscular.  So, I have actually gained muscle without actually bulking up.

Do you think you will ever stop training with kettlebells?  

I want to continue using KB's.  I want to keep in mind that my goals are not so much about lifting the greatest amount but about using by body and mind in the most efficient way possible, i.e. to workout "smarter" not harder.

OK Bob, I have to admit.   You are pretty athletic.   In fact, all the trainers call you a stud.   You're getting good with the Kettlebells.   Do you attribute this to physical ability or something else?

 

Two things:

First  

Humility.   When I am training, I am a student.   I completely surrender guidance to those who know more than me about a certain discipline - whether that be cooking or kettlebells.   My task when training is to be the best student possible.    I have done a lot of training and have been a coach myself.   Experience can get in the way of learning if you let it.   When I am training, all I have to do is follow directions – it's great!  

Second

Belief.   Those who believe they can and those who believe they can't are both right.     In times past, I believed I could do something before I actually could and without knowing exactly how I was going to do it.   I don't know how it works – it just does and it is a great feeling.   Kettlebells can put a person in touch with this phenomenon in a more direct, immediate, and truer way than anything I have done.   Even today, I snatched a kettlebell I couldn't even swing well a couple months ago.   Belief is powerful.   If you approach challenges with belief in yourself, t he possibilities are limitless.

Any last closing words about KB's?  

This has been a boon to all that I do - weightlifting (olympic), boxing, running, etc.   EVERYTHING is easier.   Kettlebells enhances everything else.   I don't feel I have to do much else, although it requires dedication. After you start and break through the initial "trial" period, i.e., the "do I really want to continue with these very hard workouts?" questioning period, there is this personal satisfaction that settles in and one realizes they have accomplished a great deal.  This does not happen often in sports.  It is a testament to the great rewards of kettlebell training.