Mike Mahler's Level 1 Kettlebell Workshop

Last Saturday I flew down to NYC to attend Mike Mahler's Level 1 Kettlebell Workshop. I had a blast! Meeting Mike and seeing him demonstrate each exercise with great strength and ease was very inspiring and motivating. It's not everyday that you see a guy clean and press 2 70lb kettlebells!

I've been training with kettlebells since 2004 and have seen tremendous results. Everything from losing 40lbs, increased strength, muscle tone, endurance, flexibility, and going from 30% body fat to 10.8%.

For me, this workshop was an excellent opportunity to go back to basics, master the techniques and take things to the next level.

We began the workshop by introducing ourselves. Half the class consisted of beginners while the other half were comprised of personal trainers and people who have had been using kettlebells anywhere from 1-5 years. I was one of 5 girls in attendance.

The workshop was professional, well organized and catered to both the beginner and more advanced kettlebell users. Mike's extensive knowledge & teaching method was very clear, concise, and done with a good sense of humour. A wealth of knowledge and entertainment value, all in one!

Mike's emphasis on proper form ensured that by the end you can properly execute each lift safely and effectively. By breaking the moves down in a way that would build up to each lift, this was a great way of visualizing and understanding the mechanics that go into each move.

He took us through a series of joint mobility warmup moves and demonstrated/taught all the basic lifts including 1 arm swings, dead lifts, cleans, military presses, rows, snatches, windmills - which he had me demonstrate :), side presses, side bends, and variations on double cleans, military presses, and swings.

I learned a lot about the biomechanics, form, technique, and how to lift the heavier bells much more efficiently by making use of leverage points, generating body tension, and essentially working the body as one unit - functional strength that transfers well into the real world.

Once you have mastered the technique, going with heavier bells is only a natural progression. Everyone was encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and lift a heavier kettlebell. With that being said, I found that just by tweaking my alignment and technique I went from using a 26lb to being able to comfortably complete each move with a 36lb KB and clean a 50lb kettlebell. Needles to say, now i'm gonna have to get myself some heavier bells!

This in and of itself was an incredible experience. So good that my whole body was sore even days after the workshop (thanks mike!). If you're looking to learn from a leading expert in the field, Mike Mahler's your man. I recommend this workshop to anyone who is new to kettlebells or looking to learn the finer points and nuances of effective kettlebell lifting. You won't regret it!

Mike will be doing a Level 2 Kettlebell workshop in Vegas on September 13. Be sure to check it out as well as his books and dvds at www.mikemahler.com