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!

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!!)

Kettlebell Revelation� DVD and Streaming Options

Revitalize and awaken your body from head to toe with Kettlebell Revelation. Lauren proudly brings you into her gym to experience the innovative program she has designed for both men and women. This program consists of highly-effective strength and fat burning workouts she uses with her intermediate to advanced kettlebell students. These workouts will truly rejuvenate you. The Kettlebell Revelation DVD includes exercises that are not on any of Lauren's other DVDs. Prepare to be blown away by all the workouts and especially the bonus abs of steel section. 

PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE
OR YOU CAN DOWNLOAD/STREAM YOUR COPY HERE

Lauren teaches you a variety of exercises that will take your training to the next level! Just to name a few she includes:

Tall Kneeling Press

Bottoms Up Clean

Bottoms Up Press

Pistols (Single Leg Squat)

Double Front Squat

Plank Rows

Side Lunge

Single Leg Dead lift 

DVD FEATURES:

Over 12 demonstrations

Warm Up/Cool Down Section 

4 follow along workouts

Revelation Strength 1  30 minutes 

Revelation Strength 2  27 minutes

 Fat Burning  12 minutes 

Bonus: Abs of Steel featuring SkateCore�   7 minutes 

DVD Running Time 96 minutes




PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE
Or Download or Stream you copy here 



DVDs are here and shipping out!

Turkish Get Up Part 2 - Mastering the sweep thru.

The Get Up 

Step 2

Here's a super simple tutorial of how to sweep your leg through ending in the proper position. You will find this exercise utilized in the popular Be SLAM program, Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning part 2 and the new Kettlebell Body DVD.

Featuring Ida: Amazing Weight Loss Story and NOW Beautiful Fit Kettlebell Instructor.

Always extremely touched and honored with testimonials and success stories such as this one!  Here's a story of a woman that was severely overweight, had babies via C-section and suffered from hormonal issues. Fast forward to today she is now a kettlebell instructor getting her Strong First Kettlebell Certification (SFG). Read her story that she wrote to me. If you needed some inspiration this is the real deal!


Hi Lauren -

A little over 5 years ago I found your name as I was researching how to recover core strength after having a c-section.  At that time, I was severely overweight due to general poor diet, hormonal issues, pregnancy, and hormonal medications I had to take to become pregnant. I had always been physically active, but still overweight. I weighed 216 pounds. I am 5'2".

Your research led me to kettlebells, and my very first kettlebell workout was with your DVD The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells. I studied your YouTube videos and your blog to make sure my form was good and to make sure I was using the kettlebells correctly.  With your email advice, I started with an 18 pound kettlebell.

After that c-section in 2008, I had another in 2011 and recovered so quickly because I continued to use kettlebells during that pregnancy. Even my doctor was impressed!


Fast forward to today. Using your DVDs as a springboard, I started using kettlebells as my primary form of exercise. Eventually, I started training at FIRE-BELLZ and then with Zar Horton, Master SFG.

I am now a ketttlebell instructor at FIRE-BELLZ. (I also have a professional career, so kettlebells are my part-time passion!) I will be attending the October SFG I cert in San Diego this year.  My weight hovers between 140 and 145 pounds, and has for almost 3 years. I am stronger than I have ever been in my life. My normal swinging bell is either a 20kg or 24kg bell. I turn 40 this year, and feel the best I have ever felt in my life. 

I continue to follow your blog and do your workouts. You are an inspiration to me and many many others. 

Even though I train now with Zar and at FIRE-BELLZ. I will always credit you for starting me on this path. When I signed up for the cert, I knew I had to reach out to you and share my story. You started this! And I thank you so very much for doing so!

So, if you happen to be at the October cert and see a short, dark curly haired chic running up to you to give you a big hug, do not be afraid. It's just me!!!

With lots of thanks and tons of kettlebell love,

Ida Hernandez 

Turkish Get Up Tutorial Part 1 - Lauren Brooks

Part 1 of my favorite exercise - The Turkish Get Up

Practice this before moving on to the next sections. Next step coming soon....

For more free videos and tutorials subscribe to my youtube channel right here 

Why Lift Heavy Things?

Real Raw Reasons of Why You Should Train to Lift Heavy Things


Why lift heavy things?  Why focus on getting stronger?  I asked this question to a diverse group of people of all ages.  Some of their answers were obvious while others offered up not so recognizable reasons of why one should focus on lifting heavy and getting stronger.  This applies to EVERYONE! Strength is truly a personal decision that one embraces.  If you are able bodied and have chosen to not work towards being a stronger YOU than you've made your choice.  It's never too late to start.  First accept the fact that you are worth it.  As we age, we realize fitness and training is no longer about just looking good.  We've had a major paradigm shift about what it is to look and be healthy and sexy.  I find it truly liberating.  Trying to be very skinny is no longer sought after.   It's about being strong, powerful and carrying an aura of vigor that the world will feel and see from you. 

1. Haul two 42 pounders of Costco kitty litter to my car.  

- Inna Zozulyzak 

2.  I can do what I set out to do.  My confidence in myself and my abilities has grown exponentially in just a few short months!

 -  Melissa Szurovy

3.  I can now easily carry all 6 grocery bags into the house at once! 

- Maia Molina-Schaefer

4. Can easily pick up and carry boxes of novels and textbooks around campus! 

-  Robin Duncan 

5. Preventative maitenance...I work as a nurse, and see the elderly who are 30-50 years older than myself, and how some of them break a hip from losing their balance, are too inflexible to squat or get back up again, or cannot even go from rolling to the side and sitting in bed. Use it or lose it, I say.

 - Tina Bragdon

6. It helps when moving. I could easily help lift the tv stand, move dressers, the tv, heavy boxes AND held up a car for a friend while they changed the tire. 

- Christina Bower

7.  I can carry my 35 lb child up the big hill from Beacons, along with two beach chairs & a heavy beach bag. KB's has also given me a new confidence in my strength, I used to feel that I could never try anything new that required much physical strength (mud runs, rock wall climbing, etc) I felt too weak, or that I just wasn't that girl. But now, I feel more like, why not? I can be that girl. 

- Leilani Carducci

8. Lug my big maya 55 lbs and lil sis kiana 35 lbs around and run with them in the jogger  the heavy reps with kbs feel sooo good

- Hilary Girvin

9. Heavy lifting has had the obvious physical effects most noticeably during my running, golf, swimming and cycling. But more importantly, heavy lifting has provided significant mental toughness and focus and allows for me to accomplish all of the challenges that life throws at me with confidence and poise. 

- David Sacks

10. Heavy lifting makes me feel stronger and stand taller. The physical benefits are obvious and can be seen by all. The mental benefits of accomplishing goals, finding focus, feeling strong and standing tall are for me to personally enjoy.

- Andrea Suarez

11. No need to ask men for help moving furniture  

- Lindsey Dunn

12. I like being strong enough to carry my daughter around when she needs me to.

- Meghan Collins

13. To use the muscles God has given me, and honoring Him with my body, to use it and not let it go! I chose to have my children after I was 30, I want to be there physically for them, and exercise also helps with the mentally part too. To enjoy the life I have been given, and to be blessed and bless others. 

- Amy Mahar

14. I love having a surplus of energy for my every day activities. Strength allows me to roll with the punches effortlessly.

- Husna Lapidus

15.  I like that I can do push ups! I like that I'm setting a good example for my kids. I'm amazed and proud at what my body can do, and have grown to love it instead of hate it. Stretch marks and all. 

- Cyndi Gangi

16. Serious answer - when I became a mom I swore I'd do what it takes to keep my children safe. A few years ago they started topping 100+ pounds and I realized I needed to step up my game in order to carry them to safety. Even though they're now teenagers I still feel this need to be able to fireman carry them out of a burning building at a moment's notice. And yes, test this theory out on occasion. 

- Jill Singer

17. Maybe this isn't a direct correlation to strength, but at 51 years old, being able to move my body as a whole; to have gained functional strength as well as conditioning using kettlebells has been amazing. I used to do a lot of yoga but I never got into half pigeon until I did kettlebells, my flexibility has greatly improved. I think the strength gained physically manifests in emotional and spiritual strength as well. Thank you Lauren, for all that you do for us Slamers! 

- Jane Miller

18.  I can handle my own! I don't need to depend on someone to do the work that needs done. And I also think that Muscle strength gives you mental strength... Aka confidence. 

- Rachel Mac

19. Being in an obese family, I like that my 4 year old daughter asks me to do squats and push ups... oh and she was the only kid at the park who could do pull ups and go all the way across the monkey bars. She is seeing that it's "normal" to be healthy and that girls can be strong too. 

- Melinda Yvonne

20. Over 50 and still in the game and feel as fit as the younger crowd! I love keeping in shape, inspiring others (found one of my kettlebells in my 17 year old son's room) and getting strong with planned out goals. Cardio, running,yoga, walking and classes at the gym cannot compare to the results from the kettlebells! I had back surgery 3 years ago and haven't looked back. 

- Susan Romano

21. I could write a novel about this. One unique reason: Being strong allowed me to be a Human Ski Lift in the mountains to ease my little ones plus their friend, in to the new world of skiing.  Hiking up a snowy mountain holding a child fully loaded with skis and then walking down to catch them over and over and over again was truly amazing.  Couldn't have done it if I didn't make the choice to be a super strong powerful woman/mom!  

- Lauren Brooks (Me)  :D

22. I like being strong enough to handle things that others think a woman would have trouble with...I have loaded six 40lb bags of water softner salt, have moved 5 yards of topsoil by wheelbarrow by myself, and other such stuff. 

- Tina Bragdon

23. Heavy KB Lifting most enabled me to have a PR (Personal Record) the 10K (55:15) followed by a time of 2:04 in the Half Marathon the following day (PR is 2:01), WITHOUT DOING DISTANCE RUNS.  Thanks Lauren for all of your encouragement, blogs and training!

- Melissa Szurovy

24. Being strong shifts the focus to what your body can do instead of what it looks like and that is like a breath of fresh air.

  Leanne Lane

25.  My 13 year old granddaughter has cerebral palsy. She is a wheelchair user but is learning to walk with the aid of a frame after an operation. I would hate to be in a position where I was not strong enough to help her get around.

- Christine Hand

26. We live on an acreage and out back of our house we feed the deer this apple flavored deer corn. Hauling the 40 pound bags of deer corn doesn't sound like a lot of work but it IS! 

 - Carrie Kiene

27.  When my mom had brain cancer I helped take care of her. I was the only one in a fam. of six who could lift her and when my dad broke his cervical collar, who do think could help move him? Couldn't do it without strong muscles. I couldn't stand it if I wasn't able to help aging or sick family members. A somewhat odd reason (maybe?) is that I am super impatient when it comes to getting things done. I hate waiting for someone to help me lift, push, or pull something! 

- Ann Rizzo

28.  I like being able to walk for 10 minutes with 3 heavy shopping bags (plus a cross body bag) from the bus home & not feel like I'm going to die.  

- Charmaine Hanshaw

29.  I want to maintain my independence into old age and part of that is to build and maintain a foundation of strength. 

- Charmaine Hanshaw

30. As someone who is over 40 with 5 kids, with the youngest being just 8, I want to be able to keep up with my kids as they grow. I want them to see that I do take care of myself, and that even if you have an area of weakness (I've never been strong) you can do something about it. And I don't want to grow old with grace; I want to grow old with strength. 

- Kim Rafalski

31. Because being a mom,who is also single, almost 40, independent and STRONG makes me feel like a complete and sexy woman. Women like you Lauren Brooks, inspire me!  Thank you! 

- Susy Presedo

32. Being physically strong makes me feel emotionally strong. That combination will get you through anything life throws at you!

 - Regina Blood







Now a few words from my friends and colleagues whom I've personally worked with, laughed with and we continue to share our reasons of why. We invigorate one another and continue to inspire this strength movement each in a unique fashion.  I asked them each to share a simple not so obvious maybe even funny reason.  Here is what these ladies have shared. 

33. As I am living my life with my two beauties, I've come to realize that they ARE my strength. Before I had babies, I underestimated my strengths, I didn't appreciate my body, or the result of my hard work. I really took a lot for granted (including a full-night's sleep!). Life with them is slow & fast at the same time. Seeing life through them, is like a new life every day. Guiding and molding them is my opportunity to make the world better, brighter & stronger. The best I can do now is be a steady & strong example for them. I am a firm believer in the long-lasting benefits of nursing, baby-wearing & most to all things "granola." Which, usually makes things a little more taxing on my part. But that is when I have the opportunity to learn, grow, & become stronger...all of which I am grateful for &I appreciate that I have the ability to continue to do. 

- Sara Cheatham - Master Z-Health Trainer, Founder of Red Star Athletics

34. The obvious reasons were not the initial attraction for me. Lose fat, increased bone density, look good naked and so on. It was the undeniable confidence of executing the lifts themselves. Something about owning a lift you've worked so hard to complete is so empowering and joyful, the rest of it just falls into place naturally. So, I lift because it brings me joy. 

- Gabby Eborall SFG II and owner of North Beach Kettlebell 

35. I lift heavy things because... NOT doing it just seems kind of stupid. And boring. 

- Nikki Shlosser  SFG Senior  super duper strong chic

36. I lift heavy things because I like how it makes me look. Really if it didn't make me feel as if I looked good I wouldn't do it. I spent a large (no pun intended) portion of my life, over 40 years, living in a body that was way below my potential and it was not fun, in fact it felt very painful, but I didn't know I had any other option. I started lifting/moving heavy things in hopes of looking nicer. I have many people tell me how much they admire my "discipline" to my reply is that I'm not disciplined, I'm greedy. I'm not going back to how things were before, I'm not giving any of this back, ever. And of course I'm also referring to the confidence and freedom I feel when I live a strong, capable, healthy and fit life, not just feeling like I look good. Lifting/moving heavy things is a win, win, win, win, win situation. 

- Tracy Reifkind - SFG, Queen of Kettlebell Swings and Author of "The Swing"

37.  I lift heavy things because I want to age well and never be frail. But let's face it, at 51 with 9 year old twins, it reminds them that I am stronger than the other moms even though I'm older. I don't want them to think they are missing anything. I have more wrinkles but I have more muscles!!

- Candas Jones SFG II

38. I lift heavy because the benefits and results for doing it makes me a physical and mental healthy person.
 -  Yoana Teran  SFG Team Leader 

39. I lift heavy because I care deeply about my health and want to stay as strong and independent as possible my whole life long. Also, it just feels good. 

Melody Schoenfeld - Owner of Flawless Fitness, SFG 2  Tiniest vegan package of strength and power.  

40. I lift heavy because I am constantly working to better myself, in hopes of becoming more than I've ever been. I feel that strength is the ultimate physical manifestation of one's dedication, commitment, passion, and drive to be not only self-sufficient, but to be a force to be reckoned with in all fronts of life. I lift heavy so that I can work hard for others, play long with loved ones, and live a strong, empowered life. 

- Laura Nepodal  SFG awesome strong chic

41. I lift heavy things because I don't want to depend on someone else to do every day tasks for me. When I worked a corporate job I hated when changing the water at the cooler, a girl would say "Get a guy to do it." I strive to be as self sufficient as possible and being strong plays a big part in that. 

- Delaine Ross  SFG Senior and owner of Condition Kettlebell Gym

42. Learning how to be strong physically in ways that have gone far beyond the typical gym-rat mentality and deep into the principals of true strength is one of the reasons lifting heavy is so rewarding. Heavy has brought me so much more than just the physicality if being strong - it has informed my motherhood, how I am in the world, how I see myself - strong has given me back to myself, and there is no richer reward.

- Andrea U-Shi Chang SFG Senior and owner of Kettlebility

43. I have always been a small boned petite girl with long legs and long arms... Mighty Mouse" was my nickname in school. Strength was important to me and came as a by product of my years of formal dance training to be honest. But it was this overall strength that kept me injury free and able to do many fun things in and out of highschool, college, motherhood,etc! But now more than ever I have come to appreciate my own strength gains through the years of training because it empowered me for, well, LIFE!! In my opinion, training for strength is more than just physical training , it builds mental toughness, stamina, the drive to be self disciplined, self motivated, emotional stability, and builds a can do attitude that when in contact with others is infectious. When you are strong you learn to deal with crisis better! I learned firsthand on November 15 when I was the victim(sort of:-)) of an attempted mugging. Instinctively, I fought the perpetrator and won. They say you either choose fight or flight in moments like that. I chose fight and won. Had I not been strong in mind and body I don't think I would have had the same result of my mugging. I am grateful for my abilities and opportunities to train for strength. WE ALLl have the opportunity to do so. And it will make us better for ourselves and those we come in contact with too! We will be able to help others in need as well however that may be.... Just my humble opinion. BTW it is cool to be small and lift HEAVY! Some are shocked and amazed!! 

Betsy Collie  SFG Senior and owner of Rapid Results Fitness

44. I lift heavy to be a strong yet feminine example for my daughter. I want her to grow to be a strong confident young lady who inspires others. Another reason I lift heavy is because I enjoy what it does for my body. I want to show women that age doesn't matter, it is possible to look and feel better at 40 then at 20. 

- Karen McDowell Smith SFG Master and Owner of Kettlebell Elite

45. There is nothing I love more than working out. It's the only thing I have that no one else can take from me. It's a release and my best friend. I can honestly say that it's changed my life at the same time that it has saved my life. It's not a work out, or a program for me, it's a life style I can't live without.

- Katie Dawers SFG and Coach at On The Edge Fitness

46. I lift heavy because of the positive benefits it has on me physically and emotionally. Through the journey of learning how to lift heavy I have gained self esteem and confidence that I never knew I had. All of these benefits I have been able to transfer into a happier and healthier life.

- Mira Kwon  SFG and Nike Performance Network Manager

47. It's the basis of me running fast on the football field. So the relationship is not necessarily direct, but rather a component of the speed I need to still play flag football at a decent level. To be honest, I find lifting SUPER boring. I am too ADD for it but it is like flossing my teeth. I do it for my health because I know the value in it. And it allows me to do other things safely. Plus it is fun running a 40 at the same speed as a man almost 1/2 your age. WINK! 

- Carmen Bott    Performance and Conditioning Specialist at Fortius Centre and Instructor at Kinesiology at Langara College

48. We have become accustomed to comfort and convenience, and the market responds to our demand to make everything easier. We forget that we are wired for survival in harsh conditions, that it wasn't so long ago (in evolutionary terms) that we lived in a brutal state of nature. Strength was required to live, not just look fit during Spring Break at the beach. I'm running a strength program at the gym right now that includes the powerlifts. Many of the women in the program had never deadlifted with a barbell until they took this class. They are exhilarated by the move, which taps into some sort of primitive natural impulse to be strong. Lifting heavy things connects us deeply to our genetic inheritance to survive and thrive through strength and the mental fortitude that comes with it.

- Keira Newton Master RKC - Owner of DKB Fitness











THANK YOU for reading.  Please share with us why YOU have chosen to lift heavy things of why you are considering it. I encourage you to leave a comment if any of these reasons speak to you.  Thanks again!


To Yours in Strength,





Lauren Brooks
OnTheEdgeFitness.com