Q. How can I benefit from the CoreFit classes?
A. Anyone looking to build a leaner, stronger, more muscular physique while enjoying the comraderie and energy of a class setting. Our movement-based program will build strength, power, stamina, stability, aerobic/anaerobic endurance, muscular balance, and flexibility. This integrated approach to fitness will develop a more powerful, well conditioned body, helping you look better, feel better, and move better. We believe that exercise should be designed around multi-joint, total body training utilizing multiple planes of motion rather than isolating individual body parts, which creates one dimensional strength. All workouts are designed to strengthen the entire body while, at the same, time boosting your cardiovascular capacity. In our humble opinions, anybody can benefit from a stronger, more powerful body.

Q: What is the benefit of training with a Certified Russian Kettlebell Instructor (RKC) as opposed to learning from a personal trainer or aerobics instructor?
A: All RKC’s have successfully completed 23hrs of training necessary to teach Kettlebell exercises safely and correctly. While some personal trainers and aerobics instructors do have a broad knowledge of exercise and program design, they lack specialized training with Kettlebells. Most have learned to use Kettlebells by watching videos/DVDs or by training with others that may use Kettlebells. They lack the hands on experience of a RKC Instructor who has been exposed to rigorous training which involves developing a skill set that allows the instructor to safely teach Kettlebells to others. It would be a rarity to find a personal trainer that has developed the same skill set.

Q. I haven't worked out in 10 years and consider myself to be in very poor shape from a conditioning standpoint. Do you think I could handle the high intensity classes?
A. We tell you upfront that the CoreFit classes feature high-intensity workouts so that you understand this is not some type of low impact, step aerobics class. With that being said, the word “high-intensity” is a relative term. What you consider high intensity may be considered very moderate intensity by some other participants, or vice versa. Don't get caught up or intimidated by the word “high-intensity”. We have designed the class so that you can work with this much intensity as you want. As your strength and conditioning improves, you will be able to sustain higher levels of intensity which will allow you to challenge your body to work harder. All workouts are scalable to each trainee’s physical capabilities and conditioning levels making it the ideal training program for any individual regardless of age, gender, or ability. We're not here to work you until you puke. We're here to provide you with logical and challenging workouts completed in an environment where safety is paramount and expert instruction is given to ensure proper lifting mechanics. You decide how hard you want to work!

Q. What should I wear during the Kettlebell workouts?
A. Preference in training clothing varies from one individual to the next. Some people prefer to train in shorts while others opt for sweatpants. Our advice would be to train in clothing that does not restrict your range of motion and keeps you at a comfortable body temperature—not too hot, not too cold. Just make sure you are comfortable and your clothes allow you complete range of motion.

Q. Is it true that you should perform Kettlebell workouts in bare feet?
A. Barefoot Kettlebell training is not required, but it is encouraged if you are comfortable with it. This will allow you to become completely connected to the ground increasing your stability and making you more powerful on the ballistic movements. The thick insole of a shoe acts like a barrier between your foot and the ground, absorbing a portion of the energy created from the force contact of the foot to the ground. When your foot is connected to the ground, such as in the case of the barefoot training, the energy created from the force contact to the ground can travel through your body in the form of kinetic energy thus making you more powerful. And who wouldn't want to be more powerful.

Q. Kettlebells look intimidating and dangerous...are they?
A.  Driving a car is dangerous if you don’t pay attention to what you’re doing. The truth is, Kettlebell training is as safe as any other form of training and, in our opinion, is a safer option than most exercise machines…so long as safety is part of your program and not secondary to it. Exercise machines follow a predetermined path that may not be appropriate for your body’s natural range of motion thus increasing your risk of injury. Kettlebells, on the other hand, follow the range of motion most appropriate to you accounting for differences in individual body types and lifting mechanics. But, we cannot stress the importance of safety enough and following a logical training progression.

Q: Is training with Kettlebells difficult to learn?
A: Kettlebells may look easy to the inexperienced Kettlebell lifter, but they are deceptively challenging. Most people will be able to learn basic techniques within 3-4 hours of hands-on instruction, provided they work with a certified Kettlebell instructor.

Q: How many days per week should I attend class?
A: We recommend that you attend at least two-three days per week in order to see a noticeable difference, with three being the optimal number. Since most of our workouts are centered around full body routines it is best to have at least 24 hours of rest in between training sessions. This ensures that you have adequate rest in order to give your muscles time to recover and grow stronger before exposing them to another training session. Remember, muscles grow stronger and/or bigger while you are resting/recovery, not while you're actually training. So a day between training sessions will do you good. With that being said, everyone has different recovery abilities. While some can tolerate training five days per week, three may be the maximum for others. Just listen to your body. If you're still sore from the previous workout, take a day off to rest up and recover.

Q. What do your classes consist of? Kettlebells only?
A. some classes may utilize Kettlebells only, while others use a host of training tools— medicine balls, manila ropes, stability balls, sandbags, Olympic rings, and body weight exercises. The Kettlebell does form the centerpiece of our training program, but we don't limit ourselves to its use. By utilizing different training implements we eliminate boredom in order to keep your workouts challenging and fun, which is an element missing from the commercial gyms. Plus the multiple modes of training used allow us to challenge your body in different manners, helping you build lean muscle and boosting your metabolism.