WAVE: Kettlebells
Sam Harman’s Kettlebells Bootcamp
My poor diet and equally poor exercise regime had resulted in unmanageable wobbly bits that I had been forced to ensconce into magic pants on a daily basis. I could no longer function effectively while being squeezed to within an inch of my life by said undergarments. Aside from the aesthetics, my energy levels had also taken a nose dive of plane crash proportions. I was tired all the time.
Suffice to say, the invitation to try Christian Vila, Kettlebells Bootcamp, came at an auspicious time. Four weeks of exercise, coupled with the elimination diet and a guarantee of losing up to 15 pounds, was too good an offer to bypass.
After carrying out a little research, I discovered that the benefits of training with kettlebells are immense. Using these magical weights challenges the body, builds strength, stamina, endurance and flexibility. A common fitness goal for women (and by women I mean me) is to reduce body fat and inches around problem areas such as the waist, thighs and arms.
I was delighted to discover that by consistently working out with kettlebells, this could easily be achieved. Apparently my metabolism was going to increase, which would result in continuing to lose weight even when not training.
Bootcamp has given me the proverbial kick in the magic pants
Prior to starting the bootcamp, I received a comprehensive welcome pack via email and was invited to attend an induction session. During the aforementioned session, Christian explained the ethos behind the diet and answered all of our questions – I left feeling motivated with a full understanding about why I would be giving up alcohol, wheat, sugar, preservatives and dairy. I was also weighed and measured and appalled to discover just how much weight I’d gained, apparently avoiding the scales for six months isn’t a good idea…
Week one: My first kettlebells session took place outside on the grass, on an idyllic sunny evening. This was the precursor to the recommended three classes a week. Christian was gentle with us, using this time to ensure we all knew how to execute our cleans and swings (that’s kettlebell speak) accurately. Completed three classes this week – I’m not going to lie, it was hard work, but am pleased to report that I didn’t pass out or die, as I suspected I might. My energy levels and mood have improved dramatically. I found the diet easy to follow and at no point felt hungry. Christian checked my food diary, which was given the thumbs up. Fantastic start!
Week two: Hit a wall with the diet this week, a very large brick one. I’m sad to say that I relented, scoffing a delicious and nutritious kebab in approximately 0.2 seconds. I shamefully confessed to the high priest of kettlebells, who absolved me of my sin and advised me to write it off and get back on track. Attended three classes again this week, my strength and stamina are improving already, hopefully my will power will follow…
Week three: Sticking to the diet again and attended three classes. Literally springing out of bed in the morning like the nubile young thing I am in my head. The finish line is in sight and I can see that I’m starting to lose weight from my problem areas.
Week four: Final week! Attended three classes again. At the weigh in on Friday, I happily discovered that I’d lost 7lbs or 3.17kg and two inches off my waist during the process. One of my bootcamp comrades, Louise Swan Baker, kindly gave me her final weigh in results. She did amazingly well – a loss of 13.2lbs or 83.3kg. Presumably she didn’t fall foul of any late night kebabs!
During the last four weeks I have come to the realisation that a lifestyle change was definitely required. I lost weight, met some lovely people and saw a dramatic improvement in my general health and fitness. Bootcamp has given me the proverbial kick in the magic pants that I needed. I was given the opportunity to undertake the bootcamp free of charge (for journalistic purposes you know), but am now a paying client, having signed up for unlimited monthly classes. I can’t recommend Brighton Kettlebells enough.
For more info visit www.kettlebellsbootcamp.co.uk
