What are kettlebells?

A 'kettlebell' or girya (Russ.) is a traditional Russian cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle. The ultimate tool for extreme all-round fitness.

The kettlebell goes way back, it first appeared in a Russian dictionary in 1704 (Cherkikh, 1994). So popular were kettlebells in Tsarist Russia that any strongman or weightlifter was referred to as a girevik, or 'a kettlebell man'.

"Not a single sport develops our muscular strength and bodies as well as kettlebell athletics," reported Russian magazine Hercules in 1913.


Meet Natasha! My new addition to DC Fitness gym. I am very excited about learning this new physical activity so stay tuned about more on kettlebells. Check out thisvideo that will just "make you happy"! or go to www.russiankettlebell.com and read more

Take your dog to work day

Did you know that The Cascade Humane Society will be bringing some of their furry friends to Nomad Bookhouse for adoption on Friday, June 22nd? They will offer smoothies for you and a doggie treat for your dog. You can also get your picture taken with your pup and meet the Cascade Humane Society volunteers and pets. So, head to Mechanic St. to pick out your pup, or stop in for a smoothie, and make a donation for a great cause.

And when your done picking out your puppy, you will want to be in shape for walking them by doing this better butt exercise. You can do it!

What I eat

I love summertime for the grilled food,fresh vegetables, picnics, vacations and warmth! Being semi vegetarian, I get all my protein from eggs, fish, and occasionally Boca burgers, have you tried them? Here's the breakdown for one burger 70 cal, .05g fat, 0 sugar, 4g fiber, and low sodium, great protein alternative. And for those of you who want butter on your corn, great alternative is the spray, 0 calories, good taste. So, to keep healthy eating habits, EAT, every 3 hrs., include a protein with a veggie, or protein with fruit, and watch the portions! Stay tuned for more upcoming features of "What I Eat"

Here is a great grill recipe for mushrooms and save www.calorie-count.com to your favorites, this nifty web site will tell you how many calories, and nutrition grade just about every food there is! Have a great week-end!

This is for Susie

I love this job! There isn't a better feeling than when you help people feel better about themself. I am truly inspired by my clients, they work hard and never miss a workout. We weigh once a week, and this past week Susie has lost a total of around 30lbs and an awesome 30 inches, all since March 1st!! She is truly an inspiration and never gives up, because I won't let her. Why does she call me a Bully? Susie has changed her eating habits right around because she knows diet and exercise go hand in hand. Keep up the great work Susie!

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going. ~Jim Ryan, three time US Olympian Runner.

That said, with summer here, smoothies are a great way to use all the summer fruits that are fresh, but be carefull with portion and what goes in your smoothie. Check it out by clicking on smoothie above.

Fitness and Children

I often have the opportunity to spend time with my grandaughter Rowan. She will be 4 yrs in September and is alot of fun! Friday we went to the park, we baked cookies in the easy bake oven, we went swimming, whew! thats why they say it's great to be a grandparent, they go home. Point being natural activity is great exercise for kids, making it a game, remember simon says? (we played this too) or follow the leader, (include marching, arm circles, etc.) and swimming, not to mention the fun time spent with them.

On another note, I recently purchased Val slides as invented by Val Waters of the Red Carpet Ready system on my site. These slides are awesome for perfecting your lunges! and they come with a great workout and they small enough to travel with. Check them out by clicking the word slides above.

Fitness Fun

Yesterday was my first Jackson County Fitness Council meeting. Rick Comley, MSU Hockey coach was the speaker. He touched on making time in the community to make fitness available to all ages as the fitness council is doing through different programs, you have to check it out through their website,it sure opened my eyes as to how much is available right here in Jackson.

Now if you want the best massageyou have ever had, head over to West Ave. & Franklin to JT Massage Center, only $15.00 for a 15 minute chair massage,and Kelsey is awesome!

Note on nutrition: We all love our summer cocktails, so read the scoop about the "best" and "worst" here.

Addition to DC Gym

The DC Gym is now Bigger! by view anyways. Jackson Glass delivered and installed the rest of the mirror wall, so being all mirror now it looks twice as big, and now that you can see yourself no matter where you are in the gym, it adds motivation and will help you maintain good form!

In my readings today I found this article: Resistance exercise reverses aging in Human Skeletal Muscle. Age has no barrier on fitness, start today

Do you know squat?

Today is yet another blog "learning" experience to share with you. One of my favorites email letters from grrlathlete had this special on you tube on squatting by ttmembers.com. Practice makes perfect, not to mention a firm fanny! have fun.

First Post

June 1st, 2007

Wow, I actually am starting to figure out the way to blog! My only experience with blogging was when we went to Australia this winter. Once I master this I will be able to attach really cool stuff to share with you!