Canadian Kettlebell Coach Profile - Gary Gonte

Gary Gonte is the first Agatsu Kettlebell coach in Michigan and part of a growing number of Americans who are making the trip up to Canada to take the Agatsu Kettlebell Certification. In this issue of CKM we catch up with Gary to find out about his background, influences and what drew him to Kettlebell training.

Tell me about your background and how you came to be interested in personal training and fitness

I have always been an active person. I rolled over in my crib when I was 10 days old. I have been in sales for 18 years 5 of which I sold wellness products; I come of from a family of doctors (4 in the immediate family). I have been training since I was 19 years old and have tried most types of exercise. I have taken doctorate level classes in: general anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pathology, microbiology, public health, general diagnosis, neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, associated clinical sciences, public speaking These courses helped me gain better insight into the human body and reinforced my belief that our bodies are amazing and complex and that each is unique.

Who are your typical clients? What are they looking for?

My typical clients are people that start off wanting to try something that will strengthen their core. Their ages range from 28-45. Typical they are looking for something new vs. conventional exercises. They love the fact that kettlebell training gives you maximum results for minimal time expenditure

What is your approach to fitness? How do you define a fit person? My fitness approach is very client focused. I am not going to preach to a client on diet if theirs is ok and their goal is cardiovascular endurance. Essentially you must know you client’s needs and wants and customize your workout program to meet those goals. The kettlebell has so many facets to it that you have to discover people’s hot buttons to explain to how and why they will attain their goals

A fit person to me is some one that maintains balance. Meaning that all of their medical numbers are exactly where they should be, from a mental stand point they must be a very positive person with realistic goals and have effective techniques for minimizing their stress. People should be able to talk to a person and know from their observations and conversations that this person is fit.

What drew you to Kettlebell training, both for your own training and as a coach?

A friend of mine owns a gym in my Miami; he told me kettlebells are starting to catch on in his city. Michigan is consistently in the top 5 least healthy states for years. Typically we are about 5 years behind Florida, for example when spinning was big in Florida, it took 5 years to make a significant impact here. When I researched kettlebells I found out that it was popular in New York and L.A. so I figured how could I go wrong. As a coach I love to teach people how to improve their lifestyle keeping their mind, body and spirit in harmony.

What impact have Kettlebells had on helping you reach your fitness goals
and the goals of your clients?

For me and my clients it offers me a very fun and exciting way to accomplish our goals in a short amount of time, it allows us to reassess our goals and set them higher. As people are starting to get comfortable with the kettlebell they are realizing the pronounced effect is has. Even on someone's 1st training session they should start to feel the power and value of the kettlebell and what is has to offer.

What do you think is the most essential quality a person must have if they are to attain their goals?

A strong mental attitude that includes persistence, effective time management and a logical plan of attack

What qualities do you think a great personal trainer should possess?

They should recognize that each person is an individual with their own personality and need to be treated differently then everybody else. As a trainer you need to discover what their hot buttons are and explain to them how you are going to motivate them to accomplish their goals. You should set both short and long-term goals so your client can gain a feeling of accomplishment as they take their steps to the level they ideally want to be at.

"The most thought out things are only as good as the follow up"

For more info contact Gary at Fitness Xperience