We believe in Kettlebells here.  They are incredibly simple yet brutal and efffective tool when used properly.  That is why by the end of next month Cathy and I will have both attended the Hardstyle Kettlebell Certification.  I will be attending the “Perfecting the Press and Scientific Breakthroughs in Strength and Conditioning with Master RKC Kenneth Jay” the end of next month.  We have the best selection of kettlebells in the valley and are getting more next week.   So if you want to learn proper technique from certified instructors, we’d love to teach you.

Kettlebells are an essential tool in the toolbox that we utilize (in addition to sandbags, sleds, barbells, dumbbells, and your body) for the functional training that we do here at ICG.  See the Events page for upcoming KB Swing Class details.

There is a well known fitness program that used to promote trying a new sport every year.  That program still exists and is going strong, however they have not spoken up as much about the importance of taking up a new sport in recent times.  That is a shame.  Forcing your body to adapt and respond to different stimuli is what in the end will make us better all around athletes.  And did I mention it’s fun trying new sports?  It’s gotta be fun in some way (even if it is slightly demented) or else all the training is not worth it.

I have to give Adam McKenney (shown above surfing a standing wave) huge props for being the man that has worked very hard to put Stand Up Paddle Boarding (or SUP) on the map in this area.  You can’t see it in this photo, but he does have a paddle in his hands.  Donni and I tried it this weekend and had a blast.  Adam dropped us off at Lake Wenatchee and we paddled/floated down to Plain.  This is not a sport that takes any thing other than some balance and core strength to start and try.  You can rent all the gear at Leavenworth Mountain Sports and either try it on flat water or on a mellow river.  Both Donni and I had a blast and will be doing it again in the near future.  This is a great hot day option for the runners, bikers and climbers out there.

In Justin’s words:

“The training I received at the gym put me in the best shape I have ever been in for a climb.  I felt very strong and had great endurance.  We made it to Camp Muir in 5 hours and made the summit in 7 hours (at 0600 hrs. on Saturday the 26th).  This is a route (the Ingraham Direct) we’ve always wanted to try before, but were never able to because it had never been open during any of my previous climbs. Thanks for all the help with my training!”

What you might not know about Justin is that he is a dedicated father of two and husband who works long hard hours.  Justin’s training had to be focused and time efficient.  Way to get it done Justin!  Thanks for sharing.

This is a great shot of a few of our members mixing it up.  Their workout included some kettlebells, barbells and burpees . . . . among other things.  I like seeing the gym like this.

Thanks to all of the 80 or so of our members  who came down last night to help us celebrate our One Year Anniversary.  You blew us away with your support once again.  We had a great time seeing all of you (even though we might not have talked to all of you!) .

It’s sounds so cliche when I say it, but you guys have truly shaped The ICG  into the valley’s best functional training facility.

Cheers and Leave it all at the Gym!

We’re going to miss Hanne and the other fire fighters this summer.  I’m confident that they’ll be in the best shape they’ve ever  been in going into this season.  I look forward to hearing how it goes for all these “industrial athletes” this summer and also to having them back in the fall.