Let me guess:
- You’re doing SOME exercise, and you’re somewhat successful.
- You have all intentions of walking, running or fitting a yoga or Pilates workout into your schedule but are so busy with work, family and projects that before you know it, another day gets away from you without completing one bit of exercise.
- You'd love to set up a consistent exercise program that produces results consistently and provides all the energy you need to live healthy and love life.
I hear these statements every single day from both women and men... and I truly understand the challenge of staying healthy and fit in spite of busy schedules. That's why I'm such an advocate of short workouts and cross-training with kettlebells, Pilates and yoga. With consistency and minimal time commitment, you can look and feel great.
For those practicing yoga and/or Pilates, it’s important to add a cardiovascular element to weekly workouts, and kettlebells deliver. The cast iron weights that look like a cannonball with a handle on top ensure heart-pumping and body-toning results in short burst, 30-minute workouts.
In contrast to lifting dumbbells with weights on both ends and a fixed center of gravity, kettlebells put the weight below your grip. As you hold the handle and swing the bell, the shifting center of gravity results in dynamic moves that build functional fitness by mimicking movements in your everyday life such as picking up a bag of groceries, carrying a suitcase or lifting a child.
In kettlebelling, power is projected from your core’s strength, while bringing speed out to the arms. The movements are similar to the counterbalance one experiences when swinging a golf club, and a single workout encompasses all ranges of motions so joints and muscles are strengthened from all angles.
A mere 10 swings will get your heart pumping, 20-30 reps will skyrocket aerobic endurance, and slow lifts and squats build strength. The payoff of these short burst workouts? A stronger core, more lean muscle, better posture, improved balance and the strength you need to stay energized all day.
Research shows that spending just 30 minutes, 5 days/week moving your body will dramatically improve your physical and mental health. That's 150 minutes or 2.5 hours out of your 168-hour week... well worth the BIG return on your investment of time and energy! It's do-able, especially when you commit to weekly classes at the Ashland Yoga Studio where trained instructors provide expertise, accountability and a workout you'll actually look forward to.
I know from personal experience as well as from working with women and men of all ages and fitness levels how empowering it feels to set a BIG fitness goal, take baby steps to reach it, and gain mental, physical and spiritual strength along the way.
Join me for a multitasking kettlebell workout to complement your yoga or Pilates routines. I guarantee a fast, fun and effective workout every Tuesday morning and evening at the Ashland Yoga Studio. Click here for the new class schedule, which begins on Tuesday, November 1. I'm hooked and want you to be too!

Leslie Hamp, STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor



