It’s not too late to go from flab to fab for the holidays. If you’re an entrepreneur or dream of being one, then you probably know how important image is. Why not throw out the crash diets, toss that Cabbage Soup recipe and consider getting your swagger back with kettkebells?
Kettlebell expert, and entrepreneur Sarah Lurie has the 411 on why this is a superior workout. She was the first to bring kettlebells and workout DVD’s to retail stores such as Target. And she practices what she preaches. You’ll find her teaching classes daily at her studio, Iron Core in San Diego, California.
It doesn’t matter if you’re the chief couch potato at home, need to ditch the monotony of your current workout, or want to break a plateau. Sarah sums it all up by answering 6 simple questions.
Why Kettlebells?
Sarah Lurie: I started using kettlebells after sustaining an injury on a piece of equipment at the gym. Like most people, I thought machines were a great way to get in shape. But, machines don’t engage or tax a major portion of the bodies musculature and don’t train your body to move and feel better in everyday life. When I found kettlebells as a rehabilitation tool, I knew the regime made sense. Our bodies live in a 3 dimensional world and training the body in isolation with machines just doesn’t make sense. Kettlebells train your body as a unit- how it moves in everyday life.
So what’s the secret to getting in shape?
Sarah Lurie: One secret to getting and staying fit is discipline. There aren’t any short cuts or magic pills. The great thing about kettlebells is that the program is effective and efficient. In other words, you can work out three times a week for 30 minutes each time and get twice the results from spending 8 hours a week in the gym. And the results come quickly, so you will stick with it.
How would you compare Kettlebells to other fitness practices?
Sarah Lurie: Walking, running and Pilates are great, but lack the power movements and strength-training component that our bodies need to be healthy and fit. Women love the workout because their muscles get lean and tone- not bulky (a lot of men like it for this reason too). Each kettlebell exercise engages the bodies major muscle groups and the movements are very dynamic and powerful.
How can we avoid packing on those extra pounds– especially during the holidays?
Sarah Lurie:Â Weight gain during the holiday season can be avoided by sticking to a plan. If you know you are going to a party, eat moderately the days before. In other words, save your calories for when you want to splurge.
I actually eat like this on a regular basis. I have one or two “cheat� meals during the week when I eat what ever I want. The rest of the week I eat well and for energy only. Each meal doesn’t have to be some pleasurable experience- I just want to feel energized and good after I eat it. My cheat meals are when I let loose and enjoy myself.
What are some of the health risks for people who are overweight?
Sarah Lurie: USA Today just reported results from one of the largest studies linking cancer and obesity- it concluded that excess body fat increases the risk of cancer of the colon, kidney, pancreas, esophagus and uterus as well as post-menopausal breast cancer www.dietandcancerreport.org/
Any tips for ending the viscious cycle of yoyo dieting?
Sarah Lurie: To end yoyo-dieting find a food plan that you can easily adhere to and keep a food journal. My clients are required to either work with a nutritionist or follow the Jay Robb Fat Burning Diet and keep a food journal for at least 8 weeks. You can’t expect to get any results if you continually deprive your body of the nutrients it needs. Eating healthy is actually pretty simple- eat fresh protein, fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Stay away from fast food and processed foods and you will feel good and look good. Take the time to cook for yourself and exercise.
 I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Sarah offers a free class if you take the introductory kettlebell class. Her studio offers kettlebell training for overweight and de-conditioned people, for moms wanting to get their pre-baby bodies back and for active seniors.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 at 1:30 am and is filed under Work, Diet, Work at Home Mom, Growing a Business, Women in Business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.4 Responses to “The Hot New Workout That Women & Men Adore”
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November 16th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Honestly, I used to do yo-yo dieting a lot. In one week, I’d be sticking to a strict diet. By the next week, I’m giving myself breaks every now and then. It does absolutely nothing but shatter your self-esteem and keep you frustrated. There are workouts for every kind of individual. However, the one common theme is discipline. Unless you have discipline, nothing is going to work long-term for you.
November 17th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
I am looking for a business so that I can work from home. I would like to know how this particular business would work as a home based business.
Thank you,
Vicki
November 19th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Hi Vicki,
The Kettlebell workout discussed here is intended as a fitness alternative (not as a home business). However, if this is a skill that you want to learn, my suggestion is that you visit the Kettlebell Concept website: http://kettlebellconcepts.com. This website is not connected in any way to Sarah Lurie. However, David Ganulin of Kettlebell Concepts is the founder and has a certification program.
Is there something you enjoy doing that you can get paid for? Or, is there a skill or a hobby that could be turned into a business? For example, if you like to organize, you can become a professional organizer. The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) has a website, and you can get more info there.
If you are in search of ideas, Weekend Entrepreneur is a book that I co-authored, and it has more than 100 businesses that people have successfully launched in their spare time.
Another thought, it is the holiday season and this is the time of year when people make and sell cakes, and other food products. If you enjoy baking, this may be your season to shine.
Direct-selling companies–also known as party plan companies–are extremely popular, so you may want to do some research to see if there is a business that you like. A few companies that I have seen in the news include: Discovery Toys, Mary Kay Cosmetics, The Pampered Chef and Tastefully Simple, to name a few.
Best wishes on your journey!
Michelle
June 6th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I PERSONALLY HAVE USED KETTLEBELLS FOR 2 YEARS PLUS AND HAVE HAD FANTASTIC RESULTS, YOU CAN GET YOUR ENTIRE WORKOUT IN AS LITTLE AS 5-8 MOVES AND ABOUT 30 MIN. I HAVE SCULPTED GREAT MUSCLES AND LOST ABOUT 48 LBS WITH A SENSIBLE EATING PLAN. KETTLEBELLS ARE THE NEWEST AND MOST INOVATIVE THING IN WEIGHT LIFTING.. LOVE EM!