Is there a fitness subject that you would like to know more about? If so, email me at cpkarkow@sportswestreno.com and let me know! I'll be happy to find out some info and post it here!~Christine

Sports West introduced kettlebell training to our Group Fitness program 2 years ago. Currently, there is one class per week, (Wednesday evenings at 6:30 til 7:00 pm-) and those who participate have had great results! If you are strapped for time, or if you travel a lot and would like a great way to stay in shape on the road, the Kettlebell is truly your friend! The following is an article that appeared just this past week in the Reno Gazette Journal that offers a great deal of information about this dynamic, intense training modality. Perhaps you'll come join us on Wednesday evenings and give it a try!

Orbs of Strength

By Geralda Miller • May 18, 2010

Iron orbs that look like cannonballs with handles are the latest fitness trend. Developed by Russian athletes in the 1700s, fitness enthusiasts are swinging kettlebells in gyms across the United States.

Mark Toomey, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and American Kettlebell Certified Coach, called kettlebells "a hand-held gym." This Reno resident said he learned all about this piece of equipment in 2001 from a former trainer of the Soviet Special Forces, Pavel Tsatsouline, who wrote a book called "The Russian Kettlebell Challenge" and began a kettlebell training program. Now Toomey, who also is a Russian Kettlebell Challenge team leader, wants to teach Reno residents how to properly use them. He is teaching two workshops on the four basic moves -- the kettlebell swing, Turkish getup, snatch and squat -- in June at CrossFit Sierra Nevada. "I can take the strongest, most physically fit man, give him a 16-kilogram kettlebell and two 10-foot lengths of rope and give him as much of a strength and muscle hypertrophy workout as he's ever had in his life," he said. Kettlebells also provide a cardiovascular workout.

Now Toomey, who also is a Russian Kettlebell Challenge team leader, wants to teach Reno residents how to properly use them. He is teaching two workshops on the four basic moves -- the kettlebell swing, Turkish getup, snatch and squat -- in June at CrossFit Sierra Nevada.

Kettlebells also provide a cardiovascular workout.

"If you want to get a cardio smoker, if you really want to see how far you can push your cardiovascular system, I can do it with a 16-kilogram kettlebell," Toomey said.

A study conducted by the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse Exercise and Health Program for the American Council on Exercise confirms Toomey's claim.

The study found that a 20-minute kettlebell workout burned 20.2 calories a minute. The workout was higher intensity than standard weight-training routines and also improved aerobic capacity.

"Kettlebells can provide one heck of a workout," a researcher said in the January/February issue of the Council's Fitness matters magazine.

Toomey, who also is a subject matter expert for the Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, said kettlebells resurfaced because troops returning from Afghanistan were using the kettlebells left behind by the Russians.

He said he started a kettlebell training program for the military.

"I'm not saying they were getting injuries specifically because they were using the kettlebell, but they weren't using them right, and it can lead to injury," Toomey said. "So, one of the things that we did was show them how to use these things properly."

The correct form is crucial for a maximum workout. That is why he said he wants to spend so much time focusing on the basic moves when he trains local residents.

"Without appropriate movement, I'm making you dysfunctionally stronger," he said. "I can make anybody big, but they will be jacked up in a couple of years. Let me teach you how to move first, and then we'll start putting the weight on you."