KBC Blog

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.

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.

###

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?

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):