PULSE Kettlebells and Yoga
I went to PULSE KettleBells and Yoga this week. It’s actually in Sunnyvale, but it’s really close to Mountain View and the owner is very active in both communities. Yes, I know, I usually only write about activities in Mountain View, but occasionally I do travel outside of our city limits.
Anne Jelinek, the owner of PULSE Kettlebells and Yoga, has been working with kettlebells for almost 10 years and she is an RKC Kettlebell Instructor, ACE Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified Group Fitness Instructor. Check the calendar on her website to see her upcoming group classes and the different packages available. I liked it so much that I’m thinking about purchasing one of the class packages.
The class started with some gentle stretches and warm ups, then she showed us how to do swings and squats. Apparently there are two different techniques of kettlebell training and Anne uses the Hardstyle method, which “chooses power production over power conservation.” Strength and power come from solid technique and form. Here’s a link that explains Hardstyle.
The bell that I used was 18 lbs, or 8 kg. After learning how to swing the bell and do squats with it, and a little planking, we learned a move that involves lying down, sitting up and then standing up, all while holding the kettlebell over your head. It’s called a Turkish Get-up.
Not that I want to mislead anyone. I didn’t actually hold an 18 lb kettlebell over my head. I just learned how it might be done, if I were strong enough and coordinated enough to do it. I practiced with a shoe instead.And someday, I’ll be able to do a real Turkish Get-up and I’ll have someone take a video of me doing it. I know I’ll get there and I think it’s a good goal for 2013. My visit to PULSE Kettlebells and Yoga was a few days ago and I can definitely feel that my core muscles got a nice workout. Anne was friendly and helpful and I found the entire experience to be very encouraging. I think I just might be a big fan PULSE Kettlebells and Yoga.
