2024: The Year of the Kettlebell --Reflections

2024: My Year of the Kettlebell 

About this time last year, I declared 2024 as the “Year of the Kettlebell.” I was introduced to kettlebells in 2018 and used them primarily for strength for myself and with clients. In 2022, I attended my first workshop, the Die Mighty Method with Coach Fury, owner of Speakeasy of Strength, to improve my form and coaching. A year later, I participated in a StrongFirst barbell certification weekend with many who had already earned their StrongFirst kettlebell certs. I observed how their kettlebell knowledge transferred to the barbell and admired the beauty of their kettlebell swings during warm-ups. I wanted to learn more and StrongFirst – the long-established experts on strength and kettlebells - was naturally where I turned.

1 Arm KB Snatch, Form Check Video for Die Mighty Method, March 2022

Training for the StrongFirst SFG-1 Kettlebell Certification

While I had long understood the benefits of kettlebell workouts—strength, endurance, and fat loss—I had yet to follow a structured program and knew that I needed one to prepare for the StrongFirst SFG-1 certification. I committed to training consistently, enhancing my technique, and improving both as a practitioner and a coach.

Following a 2013 training program written by StrongFirst guru Brett Jones, I dedicated over three months to practicing 4-5x/wk. I studied videos, sought guidance from local StrongFirst Elite instructor Ian Huekle, and gradually made progress. The snatch presented the steepest learning curve and the strict press the biggest strength challenge.

My patience, consistent practice, and Brett Jones' training plan paid off. In September, I passed five proficiency tests and completed 100 snatches in five minutes to earn the

SFG-1. Along the way, I noticed remarkable improvements in my strength, stamina, body composition, and even blood sugar levels—a story for another day.

Leveling Up with Kettlebell Coaching University (KBCU)

Eager for more, I enrolled in the Kettlebell Coaching University, Level 1 (KBCU), a 12-week intensive training and certification led by Hunter Crine. Along with my cohort of 19 others, week by week I improved my technique on the basics, learned more ways to use kettlebells for different purposes, moved on to more advanced exercises, expanded my coaching skills and knowledge, got stronger, and became a better coach. 

Equally important I learned the tangible and intangible benefits of group training. With the support and example shared by the KBCU leaders and my peers, I felt inspired, challenged, and supported to attempt and set personal records, learn more advanced exercises, and step out of my comfort zone. The experience was so impactful that I’ve signed up for a eight more weeks with the same amazing crew to pursue my Level 2 KBCU certification starting January 2025.

Snatch Progress KBCU, Fall 2024 (Continuous Snatch, Dead Snatch, Double KB Snatch)

Empowering Women in Midlife and Beyond Through Kettlebell Training

Kettlebell training is not just exercise; it’s a path to discovering strength, joy, confidence, accomplishment, resilience, determination, and camaraderie with others who seek to lead active healthy lives.

Today, I'm declaring 2025 the Year of Group Kettlebell Training and super excited to help women in midlife and beyond discover the beauty, power, and magic of this journey. Stay tuned for updates on my progress, insights, and kettlebell offerings in the year ahead.