A family history of bad knees, bad backs and arthritis was catching up to me at age 55, and I was having trouble moving without pain. Going to the gym for years and had done a little to help me feel better, but it was boring and I was not motivated to push myself harder. I was not looking to be a body builder, I just wanted to be able to walk upright in 10 years! I knew about kettlebells and had one in my basement for a year, but the workout looked scary on the DVD that was included and I decided that I needed a trainer to teach me how to do it properly.
I ran across the Precision Kettlebell information booth at the Malvern Festival and I decided to sign up for the 8 week introductory course. It was a little intimidating at my age, I was skeptical that I was up to the challenge, but Mike assured me that I could do it. After the very first class I was hooked. It was the hardest workout I have ever done, but it was fun too! Mike spends time teaching correct technique so we do not injure ourselves and carefully monitors what everyone is doing. Mike has this very positive, calm faith in his students. He constantly encourages everyone to push ourselves farther than we think we can go and does it in such a nice way that you want to do it and actually can do it. His classes are always challenging and fun, and no two classes are the same.
In less than 2 months I have seen many changes in my body, and the constant pain is almost entirely gone. I continue to feel better and stronger each week and I have noticed several unexpected side benefits of kettlebell training, one of which is that my musical ability has improved! I have played the clarinet for 45 years and I recently noticed that my breath control has improved remarkably. I can sustain difficult notes for far longer than I ever have in my life!
I am delighted with Mike Barbato and kettlebells, and I am looking forward to continuing classes with him.
Betsy Bryce - Malvern, Pa