Best Kettlebell Workouts In The Sacramento Area
Kettlebells came into the workout world in Russia in the 1700s, or perhaps in the British Isles much earlier. Used extensively in the Russian military and throughout Europe, they've successfully migrated to the United States. Since about 1960, the bells have found a place in the American fitness quiver. They differ from dumbbells by extending the center mass of the weight beyond the hand. Basically weighted balls with handles, they allow for swinging movements. A workout with the bells will leave you ringing, but not rung out. Said to be a great way to tone up and build strength and endurance, swinging the bells provides a whole-body workout. It's a great addition to any workout regimen. Sacramento has a boatload of possibilities for taking up kettlebell workouts.
Forest Vance Training
3200 Riverside Blvd., Suite A
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 273-9366
www.forestvancetraining.comHolding a master's degree in Human Movement, personal certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Academy of Sports Medicine and being a level II Russian Kettlebell Challenge Certified instructor puts Forest Vance in a particularly good position to introduce you to the entire kettlebell world. His studio, which has been up and running for eight years, offers personal training and group classes. Boot camps are also on the menu for those wanting a more intense introduction or tune up. You can rest assured that you'll be taken care of as the entire staff consists of certified personal trainers.
Bodytribe Fitness
920 21st St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 835-4982
www.physicalsubculture.comHow's this for a motto: "You. Only better."? Bodytribe has a mission. In short, it's train hard, eat well and rest hard. Bodytribe works on a very personal level with participants in its program. Located in Midtown, this isn't your typical gym. You won't find any machines or mirrors here. According to AJ Sanchez at the gym, the focus here is driven by quality rather than quantity. For the last 10 years, this philosophy has earned Bodytribe a loyal following. Bodytribe coaches are very good at what they do. They are trainers of trainers who come from all over the US to learn more about what kettlebells offer. Stop in to find out what swinging an iron bell can do for you.
Midtown Strength and Conditioning
2010 3rd St.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 955-0536
www.midtownstrength.comAnother gym without machines and mirrors? Believe it or not, Midtown Strength and Conditioning bills itself as a non-commercial gym. The emphasis is on traditional strength training methods. Being a client here brings with it the personal attention of your coach. Tara Getty regularly contacts her clients by e-mail, texts and calls, all the better to maintain momentum and growth. This friendly neighborhood gym wants you to come in and work out on a regular basis, taking advantage of kettlebells, sandbags, tires, sledgehammers and your own body weight to become stronger and more fit.
Peak Performance Health Club
2795 2nd St.
Davis, CA 95618
(530) 759-7746
www.peakperformancehealthclub.comJust across the Yolo Causeway, Davis is home to the University of California Davis with open fields, an eclectic downtown and kettlebell training at Peak Performance. Doug Dienelt, Russian Kettlebell Certified, instructs groups of 10 to 15 bell swingers. Classes are five weeks long and you work out twice a week. After the session begins, Doug gets the more advanced moving and spends personal time with those just starting out. Flexibility, strength and nutrition are all part of the experience. Take the drive and enjoy the burn.
Auburn CrossFit
132 Borland Ave.
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 830-0077
www.auburncrossfit.comFor something a little bit different, head to Auburn CrossFit. Training here encompasses several elements. What this gym offers is a fitness that is "....by design, broad, general and inclusive." In addition to kettlebell training, throw in a little gymnastics, plyometrics and some olympic weightlifting, and you have a basic idea of the kind of workout that you'll go through. Head trainer here is Elijah Hrbek, a US Army veteran, who has mentored 3,000 personal training sessions and over 1,000 group sessions. He's well certified and experienced. A little pizza along the way is part of his routine.
Related: Best CrossFit Studios In Sacramento
Charles Ferris is a freelance writer who has lived in the Sierra, halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, for the last 37 years. He retired from teaching after 36 years in 2010. He and his wife hike, kayak, cross country ski, snow shoe, ride mountain bikes and road bikes, year round. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
