Looking Back - Unleashing Your Purpose

This morning I sat in silence reflecting on the entire year of 2016. Looking back this may have been the biggest year of accomplishments and events I've ever had, other than giving birth to my babies. I wasn't aware of this until now. For a moment I thought 2016 wasn't such a great year. However, this doesn't seem to be the case.

I have so much gratitude right now I can't even express it properly. I've now seen what I'm capable of and I'm proud of 2016 and the help I've offered to so many! 

This was also a year of many deep emotions and tears more than most years. 

Here is a list of accomplishments and events that ran through my mind. The coolest part, none of it has to do with my weight, measurements, or physique. 

2016 Accomplishments and Big Events 

- Filmed and released Kettlebell Incinerator video and DVD.

- After 6-7 years of discussing, dissecting and over complicating, Lauren's Playground on demand classes and community was BORN with hours and hours of new content each month!

- Hosted 7 free fitness challenges which were a huge hit! Which we will be doing again starting today with #21daysofsquats

- Released an ebook video guide The Simple Pull Up Guide For Women to show all women that they can accomplish a pull up in an easy to follow format. 

- Continue to write articles for my blog, various fitness sites such as Bodybuilding.com along with designing workouts for Men's Fitness magazine

- Featured in PFP Magazine PFP magazine

- Pushed myself out of my comfort zone and took up adult hip hop dance for several months.

- Filmed 2 more DVDs "Sexy Strong�" & "Luscious & Lean�" which will be released in a few months. 

- Braided my entire head. Something I wanted to do for years but wasn't brave enough to just go for it!

- Created WINNER CIRCLE - a private coaching group that focuses on each individuals goals, lifestyle, training, nutrition support, while setting up accountability check ins with live coaching calls. Launching Winner Circle 3 January 16, 2017! 

- Lost my grandfather to a heart attack and my 15 month old puppy to cancer. 

- Rock Solid Kettlebell 6 Week program ebook and video guide was released.

- My blended family of 4 kids took their relationship with one another to the next level.   They truly love one another and want to be together!

- My husband Todd by my side every step of the way.

May 2017 bring you love, joy, individuality, and bring your purpose to fruition. Love you all Happy New Year my friends! You can do this! It's time to go for it. Stop holding yourself back!

Love,

p.s. Don't forget about our up to 50% off sale on our DVD's and streaming programs. Free signed copy of my book, Kettlebells For Women, when you commit to a yearly subscription of Lauren's Playground. Also $10 off on the newest Rock Solid Program code: rocksolid

  

Fitness After a C-Section - Advice to New Mamas

Fitness After a C-Section 

by Melissa Closser

First off, I want to apologize to every new mom I saw pushing their 6 month old child in a stroller and thinking "Why hasn't she lost the weight yet? It can't be that hard."  YES IT IS!!!

I got into fitness, primarily kettlebell training, after suffering a miscarriage.  Before getting pregnant with my son, I trained for my first kettlebell competition and level 1 kettlebell certification (I certified while 10 weeks pregnant, with doctor's clearance).  I continued my kettlebell training throughout the first and second trimesters of my pregnancy.

2 month after C-section

Once I was cleared from my c-section to start training again, I turned to Lauren's article What Doctor's Don't Tell You After a C-Section for help. I wanted to get my strong body back, but wasn't sure how to begin. I followed her programming of planks, pelvic tilts, kettlebell swings and 4-point tummy vacuum. I also added a 10 minute jog on the treadmill and some kettlebell military presses (with moderate to light weight).  Let me tell you, it was hard! I started off slow and listened to my body. I gradually increased reps and weight. Within two and a half months, I was able to do full leg lifts!!! And the weight and inches slowly started dropping.

I continued this program for a few months, but I have to admit, I fell off the horse. With a husband who owns his own business and is the mayor of our city, plus trying to balance a full-time job and mommy duties, I slacked. I would come home with every intention to train, but one look at my son and all training went out the window. I wanted to spend every minute with him.  

When my progress stopped, I finally made a decision to focus on myself. I asked my husband to chisel out a few hours of his schedule to watch our son after I got off work so I could focus my training. I would change into my workout gear at work and head straight for the gym. I stared eating better and pushed myself a little harder.  Nine months after baby, I am back to my pre-baby weight, have my pull-up back, and my 1-rep max is 40 lbs., 5 lbs. less than what I was pressing at my strongest. I still have not achieved my goals, but the inches are falling off and I am seeing results, which has given me a ton of confidence.

9 month post C-section

Thanks Lauren for giving me the foundation to get strong again!

My Advice to New Mamas

If I have any advice to give to new moms, this is what I would say:

1. Don't Stress About the Weight Not Magically Coming Off

Not sure why, but I was surprised that the weight didn't magically come off. (Crazy, right?!) I cried all of the time because I had never been so big. I hated dressing up for events my husband took me to and seeing a bunch of skinny women. It's hard getting back into training, but you can do it! (Plus, adding a good pair of Spanx in your wardrobe helps!)

2. Be Proud of Your Body

You did an amazing thing by giving birth - BE PROUD! We struggled for five years to conceive and there were moments I thought I would never become a mom.  Although I miss my pre-baby body, I am even more proud of the one I have now. 

3. Find Time For You

Many times, I would feel guilty for choosing a training session over going directly home to my son. It's okay to focus on you sometimes and EVERY mom needs that! Plus, taking care of your health benefits your child in the end and gives him direction into healthy living by watching you.

4. When You Fall Off the Horse, Get Back On

I fell off my training schedule many times. It happens! But I didn't give up and would get right back into it.  When I finally got in two solid weeks of 3-day training sessions, it was easy to get back into the groove.  Sometimes you need to fall off the horse to figure out what kind of training schedule works best for you.

ABOUT MELISSA CLOSSER

Melissa Closser started her fitness journey four years ago. She began teaching bootcamp fitness classes in her hometown as a way to get herself, as well as others, fit and strong. After being introduced to kettlebells, Melissa wanted to learn more about the 'little cannon ball with a handle'. She found Lauren Brooks' YouTube videos and learned to perfect her form and technique. She joined Buckeye Kettlebells in February 2014 and entered her first kettlebell competition four months later. Once completing that goal, she began training for her level I kettlebell certification. After being cleared from doctors, she certified at 10 weeks pregnant in April 2015. She continued her kettlebell training during her first two trimesters.  Today, Melissa works in Purchasing at Stanley Electric U.S., Co., Inc. and is a freelance layout designer. She and her husband, Mayor Patrick Closser, reside in London, Ohio with their 10 month old son, Maddoxx.

A few words from Lauren Brooks (me):  Thank you Melissa for writing such a real experience and wonderful advice. Your story is like so many other new moms. It is definitely NOT EASY! 

You have proven that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. I love that you discuss what happens when you can't be consistent with your training. Life happens and sometimes we stray from what needs to be done. But like you said "I didn't give up and would get right back into it." The is the key for everyone out there that goes through bumps.

You look incredible, you're super strong and I loved the pull up videos you sent me. I look forward to seeing what the year mark looks like for you. Congratulations for becoming a role model for women and new moms, especially moms who go through Cesarean sections. 

REAL Results from Kettlebell Incinerator - 6lbs of fat lost in less than 4 weeks!

I'd like to share an email with you that I received out of the blue. I know many people would like to feel comfortable in their own skin. It's ok to have goals for yourself. After all, you only get one body. I've always been a huge advocate for strength and mobility, but let's face it, people want to feel good in their own skin. Training with Kettlebell Incinerator - the super quick workouts gave Rhonda these results. She's super busy full time working mom and she was able to squeeze this in, in less than 4 weeks. Here's her email and how she did it! 




Hi Lauren,

I finished the Incinerator Advanced Rotation program and wanted to share some thoughts :-)

Amazing. Just amazing. I waited for this cutting program since I finished BeSlam2 and it was even better than I imagined. As you know, I have been on a journey to get comfortable in my skin again. I keep slipping in the areas that matter most, namely nutrition and generally from stress. I have also had some periods of time that I got so frustrated from lack of progress while 'behaving' that I threw away weeks/months of work by over indulging for too many days/weeks. This is what happened to me this past spring. I got to an ok place and plateaued for almost 2 months. This led to a backward slide costing about 10lbs.

I have found that when I have an exact program to follow and commit to an exact eating plan, that I can stay on track for those blocks of time. Yes, I will need to learn how to live in maintenance mode, but first I have to get there! The 4 week Incinerator Advanced Rotation was a perfect program for me- short, focused, and the right length of time to hold true to the program. The workouts were hard! But because they were short I really pushed myself and used my fitbit to urge me to hit peak zone for as long as I could each workout. I removed grains, dairy, alcohol and sugar from my diet. I made a point to walk 20 minutes each day and generally move more.  All this and here are my results:

May 30 2016- June 27 2016
real deal! not photoshopped

?
?

I lost 6 lbs, but definelty look like it was a lot more. I am so angry I didn't take measurements! Also, I think my posture even improved.

I took 2 days 'off' and am using this week to visit some of my favorite workouts from your videos. Then I plan to follow your Lean Body program in the Playground. I think that is meant for someone with my goals?  I am going to allow some complex carbs back in, and will only drink sparingly on weekends, if at all- it's summer and BBQ's are aplenty! 

I figured that since Kettlebell Incinerator is a new DVD and program that you may want some real world results from your average followers to see how big of a difference you make to us. Thank you!

Rhonda H.

Discovering My True Strength (Through Kettlebells)

Discovering My True Strength (Through Kettlebells) 

by Kim Marivoet from Belgium

I am sure you have people sending you thank you e-mails like these all the time, but I really wanted to tell you how grateful I am that you decided to share your no-nonsense approach to kettlebell training and nutrition with all of us the world over. 

I started my kettlebell journey with Lauren's Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning Volume 1 just after my 31st birthday this past Summer, and was hooked from the first suitcase deadlift! 

Growing up, I stayed active the way most children do: through play. My bike and I were an inseparable duo and I was keen to spend as much time as I could outdoors. As the years passed and other interests took over, the only exercise I got came in the form of two dreaded hours of mandatory PE, the memories of which inspire nightmares to this very day.
It would be unfair to say my family lived a sedentary lifestyle, but the fact was that engaging in formal exercise or sports simply didn't occur to us: if you were overweight, you dieted; cardio was meant for marathon runners and the like; and lifting weights was the privilege of bodybuilders.

It wasn't until my late 20's that I realized we are designed to move. Bearing witness to family and close friends battling illness and injuries taught me how lucky I was to have woken up healthy and able all these years, and inspired me to finally give my body - �nd mind - the care and attention it deserved. Around this time, my partner Rick was some way into his own fitness journey, and seeing the results he'd been rewarded with only served to motivate me further.

Like so many of us, I had brief flirtations with workout systems that promised the world ("Get the secret to Celebrity X's butt/abs/arms!"), focused solely on losing pounds and inches, and shied away from promoting strength for fear of "bulking". It wasn't long before I grew disillusioned with the amount of work I was putting in and having very little to show for it. It was then that I knew I had to shift my focus to becoming stronger, not smaller.

I successfully switched to an exercise routine based around traditional, tried-and-tested bodyweight exercises and got my first set of kettlebells about 6 months later. Given Lauren's excellent reputation and credentials in fitness and nutrition, I knew I wanted her to show me what these cannonball-shaped babies could do.

In the few months I've been using her programs, I've graduated to "real" push-ups, carrying several heavy bags of groceries up the 48 steps to my apartment without having to give my arms and lungs even a second's rest, and noticed I have a much easier time keeping up with Rick (an avid runner and obstacle course athlete) during our hikes. To top it all off I'm seeing some promising changes in my body composition and I have never felt better! 

Lauren's teachings on strength have also inspired me to start working towards performing unassisted chin-ups and pull-ups. If someone had told me a few years ago that I would ever even attempt this, I wouldn't have believed them for a second, but now I know I will get there, however long it takes.

It is an amazing feeling to know I am growing stronger and fitter every time I train, but what keeps me going most of all is the knowledge that getting serious about my health has made me a happier, more resilient person and allows me to be a better partner, daughter and friend to my loved ones.

I can't thank Lauren enough for sharing her no-nonsense approach to kettlebell training with all of us the world over, and I look forward to having her coach me in my living room for many years to come!

Letting Go of The Past

Letting Go of The Past

�We must be willing to let go of the life we�ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.�

� Joseph Campbell

Have you ever found yourself angry, sad, or constantly obsessing about something that happened to you in the past? Feelings from past events that infiltrate into your present moment can be severely toxic. For example, dwelling on how your ex betrayed you and broke your heart can impact your future relationships. You will have a difficult time trusting anyone or being vulnerable with your heart since it was smashed in the past. But by closing that door and letting go of these past experiences, you can experience joy again. 

We all know that changing the past is completely impossible unless we have a time machine. So until a time machine is invented, you have to find a way to stop carrying past events and feelings associated with them around with you.

Sounds so easy, doesn�t it? It truly is easier said than done. One way of having more control of letting go of the past is to know you can�t do one thing about it. There is nothing you can do to change it.

What you can do is create new memories and begin paving a new road for yourself. Paving the new road can be an emotional step, but once you scratch the surface, each step can get easier and brighter. It�s not uncommon to hit some rough patches and have some of the old road and behaviors resurface along the way. It can be so painful that your heart aches and you feel sick inside. Having the right tools and skills will help you with the bumpy less-paved road you may experience before you get to the smooth-paved roads where you can really let yourself fly.

1. Visualize Your New Life

Starting a new path is challenging. You have to just take the first step, no matter how painful it is, and know what your intention is. Visualizing what you want in your life and how you want to feel is going to allow you to climb to your goals. 

2. Change the Channel on Your Old Life

Changing the channel is going to take practice, but it can be done. When the old begins to trickle in, find a place where you can have a moment to clear your head. Putting on some soulscape music and setting the timer for twenty minutes works wonders on resetting your brain. You may even fall asleep, which will give you the added bonus of a small energy surge upon waking. 

3. Start a New Hobby in Your New Life

Learning a new skill is one of the best ways to channel your energy. This gives you a purpose and is a fantastic way to focus on working toward something that excites you. You can learn a new instrument, take an art class, learn a new language, take surf lessons, or try a new way to exercise. Embarking on a new skill makes you feel alive and creates new memories. 

4. Clear Your Past With Walking

Going for a walk is another way to not only get your blood pumping but really clear the cobwebs. Many walkers experience almost trance-like thoughts and feelings rolling through their heads once the walking groove sets in. Walking is one of the easiest ways to change the channel and get your activity in, as well.

5. Always Find a Way to Laugh

One of my favorite ways to change the negative chatter in my brain is to laugh. Put on a funny movie with a friend, find a funny YouTube video, or even put on the Comedy Channel. Research shows that laughter eases tension, boosts your immune system, and produces endorphins that take away physical and mental pain. Laughter is underutilized as therapy and needs to be in your arsenal for starting a new path in life. 

Please share with me some of your favorite ways you�ve been able let go of the past and move forward. How do you change the channel when a thought that doesn�t serve you comes to you? 





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Stronger Than Ever Before... Despite a Permanent Back Injury

I am constantly amazed to realize just how far I have come and how much I have changed mentally and physically. Right now I am a gazillion times stronger and in way better shape than I�ve ever been in and I have no plans of slowing down anytime soon. Much to my father�s chagrin who is certain that I�m going to hurt myself ��flinging around those damn, heavy cow-balls��  Eileen Laughlin



Blown away by the power of dedication and proper training! Here is an incredible inspiring story written by a distant student of mine. Eileen suffered from a fractured lumbar vertebrae after being rear ended in a car accident. This was devastating for her as it would be for anyone. Years later she ended up discovering kettlebells! Now at almost 42 years old she has an amazing story to tell. She accomplished strength and overcame an obstacle that most wouldn't have thought was possible. Reading Eileen's story WILL inspire you!

Stronger Than Ever Before Despite a Permanent Back Injury

by Eileen Laughlin

This year I will turn 42. Throughout my life I�ve always been fairly active. My main interests have consistently been weight training and various martial arts. I have rank in a few different martial arts and most notably two years ago I earned my 1^st degree black belt in ITF TaeKwon-Do. Despite periodic dabbling in weight training, I never stuck with any program long enough to accomplish any results or see any real changes.

Discovering Kettlebells

That is until I tried kettlebells about 2 years ago. I took some beginner classes at a local studio taught by an RKC instructor and I was instantly hooked. I admit that originally I was under the assumption that kettlebells were hazardous and would be a permanent for the back injury I sustained in a car accident in 2000. Totally not the case. I loved the fact that there was very specific and safe techniques that needed to be learned and continually practiced (very similar to learning a martial art). Shortly after taking the classes I discovered Lauren Brooks� iPad app and purchased her Kettlebells for Women book. Then came her dvds and once I felt I had a decent handle on the basics I ordered her BeSLAM program. Now, I�m not the type to typically follow programs but with the comradery of the fabulous women in the FaceBook group and the short, efficient and super effective workouts I found myself progressing along in the program, having fun and looking forward to the next sessions. It wasn�t long into BeSLAM that I began to see changes. I was getting stronger and starting to notice more muscle definition appearing!!! All the more motivation to keep plugging along! By the time I completed the program in July 2014, I was stronger in all of the exercises and had begun to develop the highly coveted �kettlebooty�. ? 

After Be SLAM I did the 12 week program from Kettlebells for Women and when that program was completed, I played around with some other programs and various workouts but realized pretty quickly that I was missing the programming and workouts from Be SLAM, so I started it for a second time. At this point I was pleased to realize that I was using all heavier weights than my first time through, and yet my strength continued to increase! It had to be magic; such a simple formula: follow the workouts (I did have to adjust a few things to accommodate my existing back injury and a Morton�s neuroma in my foot) and my strength increased!

The night before I was scheduled to finish Be SLAM for my second time I was making some tea. While it was steeping, I was goofing around in the kitchen doing pushups from the counter and then decided to see how much of a pistol squat I could do. I had only ever attempted them a few times, and never quite made it all the way down � forget about coming back up. So there in my kitchen I slowly descended on one leg and I went ALL THE WAY DOWN! To my amazement, I then reversed it and CAME ALL THE WAY BACK UP!!! I was shocked. I could not believe it. So, what did I do then? I ran into the living room saying �Hun, watch this!� AND DID ANOTHER ONE!!! Then posted about it to my FaceBook Kettlebell friends.  I was giddy like a child because this was not something I specifically trained for or practiced. It was simply a delicious byproduct of all my strength gains.  I went on to finish BeSLAM the next day and realized that in every exercise except for one, I had gone up in weight since I began for the second time. ALL BUT ONE. To put that in perspective, it took me approximately 4 months to complete Be SLAM this second time, and in that short amount of time I gained appreciable strength in virtually ALL areas. Not bad for 41 � years old!

I am constantly amazed to realize just how far I have come and how much I have changed mentally and physically. Right now I am a gazillion times stronger and in way better shape than I�ve ever been in and I have no plans of slowing down anytime soon. Much to my father�s chagrin who is certain that I�m going to hurt myself ��flinging around those damn, heavy cow-balls��

Without question, the vast majority of my success can be directly traced back to Lauren�s programs. They just work. For real. No gimmicks, nothing extreme or crazy and no fluff. I know I am not the first and won�t be the last to say it, but discovering Lauren Brooks has had such a dramatic, positive impact on my life and health. For that I am eternally grateful and a forever devotee� (and can not wait for Be SLAM2!!)

Kimberly Baker - Beautiful & Strong at 42 yrs old - Mother of 3

"They have no idea the struggles I�ve gone through with my self-image and I�m so careful not to discuss weight or anything like that in front of them. I want them to love the body God gave them and be comfortable with who they are and not let society or anyone else change that for them."  Kimberly Baker

I'm always blown away when I learn more about my students, especially Kimberly, full time working mother of 3! Knowing Kimberly now for 7 years I had no idea she went through the self image struggles she has shared with all of you below. Kimberly has chosen to open up because she wants you to know that you're not alone! I can't tell you how many of my students have suffered from these exact battles with body image. Whether we are too thin, too big, too weak, not good enough, too this, too that... Kimberly has put this all in to perspective which is extremely inspiring. With Kimberly's full schedule she seems to still make time to show up for her short workout sessions. I always see her at school functions and she is a dedicated wife, friend, mother, and student. I hope Kimberly's raw and deep core story that she wrote inspires you to continue to find the path that brings you strength and joy in your life. 

Kimberly's Story - Full Time Working Mother of 3 

written by Kimberly Baker

7 years ago�that�s when my journey with Lauren to a healthier, stronger me began. At the time my oldest daughter was 8, my middle daughter was 3 and my youngest had just turned 1. I�ve always been active, mostly a runner, but wanted to build strength. I�ll be honest�I really wanted nice abs! I remember my sister in law, who lived in Tucson at the time, was talking about this new workout she was doing�kettlebells. I had never heard of it, but I could see the results she was getting. So, like anything that I want to learn more about, I turned to the internet. I couldn�t believe it�one of the best instructors was living right in my backyard. I read about Lauren, looked at all her photos, and was in love with how her body looked. She was tone, but still feminine looking. That�s exactly what I wanted and the more I read about the kettlebells�the more I thought�"I could do this." 

I called Lauren and set up an appointment to meet with her and �talk� more about this workout and how it could work for me. Lauren must have spent a good 15 minutes on the initial phone call with me answering questions and getting to know me before I ever met her in person. When I finally did make it to her house, with my littlest one in tow, I felt like I had known her forever. She just had this warmth about her that made me feel right at home. Any fears or doubts about doing kettlebells went right out the window. She gave me such confidence!  Something I have to say that I haven�t always had when it came to my body. 

The History and Struggles

I guess I should take you back�way back�to high school. I was your typical girl�social, athletic, good in school, but I had body image issues. I swam on the swim team for 3 years so I was pretty fit�I had to be right? But at the time I didn�t think I was.  When I was in college I suffered a bit from Anorexia, but I would never admit it. This is the first time I have actually said that out loud. I remember I would go an entire day without eating or just eat a couple crackers. My stomach was always upset and bloated, but I couldn�t understand why so I just wouldn�t eat because I thought that would make it worse. I was actually starving myself and my stomach was trying to tell me that. I remember my parents being worried and sending me to the doctor and I would make up stories about just being stressed, but that I ate and they were just overreacting. After all I was in college, I was an adult, and I thought I looked good�I was thin.

 A few years passed and I started to become healthier, I would eat but I would really watch everything that I put into my mouth. It was so unhealthy I can�t even explain it. This habit went on for years. I eventually married, had a daughter, moved crossed country, got divorced, and moved back home. Still with my unhealthy habits�constantly watching what I ate, working out at the gym, running, limiting myself, and skipping meals. How I could even workout with how little I was eating is beyond my comprehension. I needed to start to rebuild my life with my daughter. I started working full time, which meant I really had to work out because sitting in a chair all day was going to make me fat, right?



I rekindled a friendship with my high school sweetheart.  We started dating and to make a long story short we got married. I was happier than I had ever been�life was great and I was right where I wanted to be.  Mind you still with my unhealthy habits. My husband, Cord, could never wrap his head around it.  He would always tell me how great I looked and how beautiful I was, �but he had to say that, right?� he was my husband after all.  Now just to clarify, I was unhealthy in my eating, but when I was pregnant I never deprived myself of meals. It was the warped way in which my mind worked. I�m not worth eating for, but I will do it for my babies. It wasn�t until my 30�s, looking back at an old swim meet video before I noticed what great shape I was actually in and really had been my entire life. Had I really gone this far in life thinking I was fat? Never being able to take a compliment? Thinking people were just trying to be nice by saying I looked great for having 3 kids? WOW!  What a waste of those years and truly being able to enjoy my body and the shape I was in. 


My Life Changing Experience

Fast forward to the day I met Lauren. She changed everything for me. Granted she�s not a psychologist or a doctor or a life coach, but she is a strong, healthy, beautiful woman, who exudes confidence, oh and by the way, happens to be one of the best kettlebell instructor around. Have I mentioned that? When I first started training with Lauren I couldn�t even do a push up�not one, but she never once made me feel less because I couldn�t do it. She kept encouraging me to keep going and that it would take time to see results, but that I would get there. For me that was the hardest part�.waiting for the results, but I stuck with it and continued to work hard. How could I not?�if I stopped now I would let myself down and her�and I wasn�t about to do that. I�ve had to take a break here and there due to work and children, but luckily my husband is very supportive of me working out because he sees how healthy it makes me�not only physically, but mentally. I can honestly say that kettlebells has made me a better person, a stronger person, a better mom and wife. As a full-time working mom of 3 and a wife, it�s not easy to carve out the time for myself. Sometimes I feel guilty that I go off to kettlebells 2-3 times a week, but it makes me so confident that I come home thinking I can handle anything life throws at me�and with 3 girls�a lot gets thrown at my husband and me!

STRENGTH

Today, I�m almost 42, I�m the healthiest and strongest I�ve ever been and can honestly say that, for the first time, I am comfortable in my own skin. I�m currently training for my second half marathon�let�s just say my first had a less than desirable ending and I want to prove to myself that I can do it.  I�m hoping I get there, but what I can tell you is how kettlebells has positively impacted my training. Now, I have to build up my lung endurance, but my legs and body are stronger than ever. I remember going out for my first run in almost 2 years and was shocked at the strength in my legs. That was the moment I knew kettlebells was definitely working for me�not to mention I can do regular push-ups back to back. That to me is motivation to keep going, to keep training with kettlebells, and become stronger and healthier. I also feel it�s a good role model for my girls. They have no idea the struggles I�ve gone through with my self-image and I�m so careful not to discuss weight or anything like that in front of them. I want them to love the body God gave them and be comfortable with who they are and not let society or anyone else change that for them. What I love seeing is how they want to run with me or do sit ups or planks alongside me at home. Several times I�ve brought them to class with me, because I couldn�t leave them home, and they love watching. I find that to be the best way I can teach them�leading by example. If they see me do it, at almost 42, then they know they can do almost anything! I never thought I would be in better shape today than I was at 25, especially after having 3 children. However, I feel amazing, healthy and strong and I thank God every day for bringing Lauren and kettlebells into my life when he did.  

Quick words from me:

Thank you so much Kimberly for sharing your deep personal story with us. I know many women of all ages will find this extremely inspiring. Kimberly also has a little side business of sewing and photography. She's quite talented and you can check her out here.
At the end of the day it's imperative for you to never feel guilty to carve out a small chunk of the day to take care of yourself. This will make you a stronger rock for your loved ones and they will appreciate it in more ways than one.  YOU GO GIRL! Keep rocking and motivating those around you.