I have been looking for a way to maintain strength and body tone for general health reasons and to…read moreenable improved performance without injury when playing sports, ski touring, skiing, mountain biking etc. I've found gyms quite boring over the years and very rarely maintain motivation for longer than a couple of weeks. I participate in bootcamp type workouts, which I find more engaging and fun, however I was looking for an alternative workout that I could do at home and get maximum return on my time.
Having followed a primal type life style (diet) for the past year I stumbled across Kettlbell workouts when reading Tim Ferriss's 'The 4-Hour Body', it seemed to fit my need. Next problem find a trainer to learn the skill, I didn't want to injure myself as it seemed form was critical in effectiveness and to prevent injury when doing kettlebell workouts.
I was searching for some time for someone that could train me in kettlbell technique in the Vancouver, BC area. Then I came across http://www.rocofit.com and Rosa, although she was living in London, UK, she was planning on scheduling some kettlebell workshops in Vancouver, I was first encouraged by what I read on Rosa's website & blog.
In the session, Rosa took me through a series of stretching type exercises to prevent injury during and after the kettlebell workout, these exercises were quite different and felt more effective than the usual type stretches you are shown, including the use of a foam roller to 'self-massage' trigger points, wow, never used one before but placed my order for one right away. Following the warm up we moved onto the basic movements of kettlebell: the stance, tightening the core, the leg drive, the dead lift and the basic swing. Some of this was done without weights, or with light kettlebells. The swings and lifts were practiced increasing the size of the kettlebell as I could demonstrate good form. For some of the moves it took some great coaching and pointers from Rosa as I naturally had poor technique, I can still here Rosa's voice telling me to lower my shoulders :).
I got all I wanted and more from the workshop with Rosa. Rosa added a lot more value to my session than just showing me how to swing a kettlebell, I really liked Rosa's balanced perspective on health and fitness, and philosophy on personal training.
Would I recommend Rosa for kettlebell training, absolutely!, she was extremely motivating with the right balance of push and coaching good technique.
Turns out Rosa has relocated back to Vancouver from the UK, so if you're looking for a great personal instructor go sign up for a workshop of some personal training from Rosa, a great investment.
Additionally I was also impressed with the gym that Rosa holds her training sessions at, Ground Work Athletics http://groundworkathletics.ca/, I had to catch a flight to Toronto right after my kettlebell session, the gym was well equipped with clean showers, towels, hair dryers, etc.