jkconditioning personal training
Last weekend, I was fortunate to attend the DVRT (Dynamic Variable Resistance Training) Level 1 and Level 2 certification hosted by Josh Henkin, a strength coach from Scottsdale, AZ and creator of the Ultimate Sandbag. I knew this course was more than just about “a bag of sand” but didn’t expect to see so many concepts integrated together.

I’m proud to say that I passed my exams and am now Level 1 & 2 DVRT certified! Whoop whoop!

What does this mean? It means I have the training to successfully integrate sandbag training into a traditional fitness program and still teach proper fundamental movement patterns such as the squat and hip hinge while also enforcing core and shoulder stability. Using the Ultimate Sandbag may enhance the teaching of these movements and body positions compared to traditional fitness equipment.

For my top 3 take aways from the DVRT course, check out my guest post on Josh’s Ultimate Sandbag Website:

http://www.ultimatesandbagtraining.com/sandbag-fitness/this-really-isnt-sandbag-training/

 
I also put together this Ultimate Sandbag complex which kicked my butt yesterday! Here’s what I did:

A1. Lateral Deadlift to Clean
A2. Rotation Lunge to Clean
A3. Rotation Lunge to Clean
A4. Cossack Squat

 
As for the reps/sets, I performed 3 reps per exercise per side per set and did 5 total sets with 60-seconds rest. I used a 3/4 full water bladder inside my Ultimate Sandbag – you can hear the water sloshing around in the video (below). This increases the instability of the implement as you can see my weight shift from time to time during the complex. This increases the complexity of the exercises and forces by body to react to the always changing water position in the bag.

If you want to add sandbag training to your program, I recommend Josh’s Ultimate Sandbag. They are made from a durable vinyl with easy to grip handles. Sand filled or water filled options are available. Discloser – I am an affiliate but remember, I only support the best products available.

jon-erik kawamoto fitness coach

To find out more, check out www.JKConditioning.com/USB.

That’s a wrap.

-JK

I’m 43 and started at JKC just over a year ago. I started at JKC because of multiple recommendations from existing clients. There are 2 main elements that distinguish JKC for me. Firstly the sense of community. I’ve been to multiple gyms in multiple cities/countries, you just  can not manufacture the sense of community and support you get from other gym goers and the team. It’s very motivating and happy to say I’ve made some friends at JKC.

The other major distinguishing factor for JKC is the expertise and passion of the team. Jon, Thomas and Craig craft highly personalized programs based on my fitness goals and know how to push me best without being pushy. They pay close attention to ensuring my form is solid before encouraging me to take on more weight for the exercise. Plain and simple they love what they do and it shows.

I had spent a fair bit of time in gyms in my teens and twenties but I turned away from the gym to focus on activities that I enjoyed more. What keeps me at JKC is that I do really enjoy it. I always feel that I’ve accomplished something when I leave at the end of my workout. The environment is really positive and focused on challenging yourself whatever your level of comfort and fitness. I’ve also seen results that I’m really happy with; having someone who really knows what they’re talking about to guide your workouts makes them way more effective and focused than just “going to the gym”.

Shortly after I started at JKC, I sustained a fairly major injury that took me off my feet for several months. When I started to get back to activity, it was very difficult. Jon and Thomas worked hard to tailor my workouts to my goals and what I could do. With their help, I’ve been steadily building back strength and function.

JKC is different from other gyms/fitness regimes I have tried in the past because of my level of comfort with the facility and other JKC clients and the amount of knowledge both Jon and Thomas demonstrate through personal attention to form, core development and overall strength is outstanding. JKC is by far the best training hands on attention that I’ve experienced period and I have experienced many over a lifetime of activity and playing various sports. The facility has everything you require plus, as you will learn there are many ways to use every piece of equipment and Jon and Thomas are very creative! There are many age groups and professions who attend this gym from elite athlete’s to the rest of us and the casual but focused atmosphere in the gym makes each visit interesting, friendly and challenging at all levels.

I am the oldest client at JKC at 79 years, soon to be 80. I started training at JKC July 2021. I started at JKC because two of my three sons Justin and Michael and their partners Andrea and Keir and one of my doctors recommended JKC. They all train at JKC Now my wife Linda trains at JKC too. My third son Jonathan lives in Kingston. There is a congenial community atmosphere at JKC. People are introduced to each other. There is effective personal training at JKC.

I’m 35 and I started at JKC in November of 2019. I was coming off the win of the Royal St. John’s Regatta in 2019, and our crew was chomping at the bit to be stronger and faster for 2020. The reputation of JKC leached into our group and away we went! Unfortunately the regatta was cancelled due to COVID-19, but I just loved JKC so much I stuck around. JKC is different from other gyms because the level of experience the team has is unparalleled. Jon, Thomas and Craig all mesh well together and mentor me in a way that I know they love what they do and are genuinely excited to guide me towards my goals (and beyond). I really enjoy the atmosphere, the sense of community and all the positive vibes that I experience in every session. There’s never a time I don’t want to go because I’m motivated by the team’s coaching style and I get results.

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