Russian Revolution: Enter the Kettlebell

jon-erik kawamoto personal training

Unfortunately, I have some sad news for you.

Robert Kennedy Publishing, producer and distributor of Oxygen magazine, Reps magazine and MuscleMag has filed for bankruptcy and has closed their doors. As you may know, I was a regular contributor to all of these magazines. In fact, I submitted a training feature on kettlebell training that wasn’t published yet…

I put in a lot of time preparing and writing this article and I was really upset to hear about RKP because I thought this article wouldn’t actually get published.

I went to the best sources I could find (Pavel, Steve Cotter, Brett Jones and Dan John) to get quotes and more information on this training “fad” that just won’t go away.

Luckily, I received the July/August issue of Reps in the mail last week. The article was published! However, I’m not sure it will hit store shelves.

I really wanted this article to be read and shared so I got a jpg of each 2-page spread. I’ve attached it below.

Enjoy the article and please share it with others as it probably will not be seen in stores. Thanks.

NOTE: I was not present at the photo shoot. Some of the exercise pictures in this article are slightly off the technique I use when training with kettlebells. Please read the technique explanation to get a better sense of how to perform each exercise.

photo credit: andrewmalone via photopin cc

Craig Whittle

Personal Strength Training by Jon-Erik Kawamoto

I chose JKC because I row/coach teams in the St. John’s Regatta and was looking to add strength training to our program. My wife is also running friends with Julia, so I got to meet Jon a few times and heard lots of good things. I like JKC over other gyms because of the level coaching I receive and the gym atmosphere. The energy in the gym helps me through the tough workouts.

Betty Mckenna

Personal Strength Training by Thomas King

I started strength training at JKC in the Spring of 2021. I am in my 60’s but happy to say I feel much younger since joining this gym. I joined JKC upon the advice of a doctor. I went through some difficult medical issues last year, that’s when one of my doctors recommended strength training at JKC. I have been physically active most of my adult life but mainly running and completed many road races as I am a distance runner. Strength training has definitely benefited me by increasing my stamina and energy. It sure has enhanced my recovery over the past year. I have the added benefit of becoming a stronger runner as well.

Lee Wicks

I had virtually no real experience using weights and felt intimidated going gyms. I avoided gym-goers using free weights, especially when hearing that loud crash, as they would drop weights to the floor. I thought this was to show everyone around them that they owned that area and that I shouldn’t go anywhere near! So I guess I just wanted to learn how to lift weights safely in a gym environment.

I spent over 18 years in the British Military, so I got to use some nice gyms. 99% of my time and experiences in those gyms was spent doing cardiovascular workouts, because I could just jump on a treadmill, plug in my head phones and do my own thing! JKC is different, because they have given me the confidence to use free weights and equipment that I had feared for years. Their demonstrations and knowledge is impeccable and I thank them for their continuous belief and support they show me at every session.

Cas Dyke

I started training at JKC in 2016 because I had built up a number of muscle imbalances from old injuries and activities like rock climbing which had led to some really bad posture and mobility issues. On top of that some friends had convinced me to sign up for a half-ironman. Working with Jon and Thomas was a way to pull my body back into alignment and make sure it wouldn’t fall apart during my race. The staff at JKC pride themselves on continuously advancing their knowledge, which leads to new and inventive way to address problems, old and new. I got my Dad to start training here and recommended JKC to all looking to improve their strength and fitness.

Courtney Sharpe

Nutritional Coaching by Julia Howard

For the past two months I have worked with the JKC team and have never felt better! In addition to a personal fitness plan, JKC’s holistic nutritionist, Julia, worked with me and around my busy schedule to educate me on healthier food options and meal planning. I maintain a daily food log which Julia reviews and provides feedback on and we also have weekly chats to discuss my nutritional goals and potential improvement areas. Julia also helped me to identify and work around dietary constraints which have caused digestion issues for years!

Julia and the rest of the JKC family have helped me get my confidence back! I love starting my days with a good sweat and a healthy breakfast. I understand what foods make me feel my best and my body is well on its way to becoming more lean, fit and happy! I would totally recommend Julia and the entire JKC team!

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