Kettlebell Client Profile - Francine Pilon
1)
How did first hear about Kettlebell training?
As an athlete an as a member of the Canadian Forces for 13
years I was required to maintain a high level of fitness. Like
most people, I was exposed and encouraged to perform various
stretching and strengthening exercises, crunches, etc. My background
as a physiotherapist and the knowledge I have acquired over
the years led me to question this type of training as a tool
for improving athletic performances and more importantly for
maintaining a good quality of life.
2) What drew you to Kettlebells and what surprises
if any did you find once you started to train with them?
As I was searching the Web looking for a personal trainer,
I came across Shawn’s Web page. One text made reference
to Scott Sonnon, whom I knew from having red a couple of his
articles, one of which «The Danger of Stretching»
had peaked my curiosity. As I was reading about Kettlebell training,
I knew I had found what I was looking for. A form of training
that would challenge me like any other form of training.
3) How often do you practice with your Kettlebells
and how did you learn to use them? How long have you been training
with Kettlebells?
I started to train with Shawn Mozen twice a week in August
2004. For the past 6 months, I’ve been training one hour
a week with Shawn and during the week on my own, I add two 30
minutes workout. This schedule allows me to progress and does
not interfere with my busy schedule.
4)
What benefits have you noticed from your Kettlebell practice?
What I find most interesting about Kettlebell training is that
it addresses every aspect of training and every dimension pertaining
to the musculo-squelettal system namely : Flexibility, stability,
strength, endurance, balance and concentration. In other words,
Kettlebell training challenges our entire motor control skills.
5) Do you recommend Kettlebell training to your clients
and if so why?
More and more, scientific research tend to demonstrate that
stretching alone does not significantly reduce muscle stiffness.
We also observe that most types of injury such as bursitis,
tendonitis, joint pain are the results of poor joint stability
and increased muscle tone leading to muscle imbalances and poor
muscle action. I believe Kettlebell training is a way of addressing
these problems. At my clinic, we have begun using the Kettlebell
with our patients who suffer from shoulder capsulitis and tendinitis.
Interestingly, our patients are able to manipulate a 20 lbs
Kettlebell quite well although they have limited lateral and
medial rotation. We have found that the weight of the Kettlebell,
somehow, shifts the focus of the individual from a disabled
body to an enabled body. On it’s own, the body finds the
way to resolve the motor control problem by contracting the
right muscles and relaxing the muscle impeding the movements.
Early on, I was amazed at how quickly I was able to manipulate
the Kettlebell with relative ease and without hurting myself.
I also felt for the first time in my life that I was training
my muscles in a meaningful way. Without doing any sit-ups and
back strengthening exercises, I could feel my core muscles getting
stronger and more flexible at the same time.
6) Do you think Kettlebell training is for everyone?
For those interested in Kettlebell training, I would strongly
recommend a few private or semi-private sessions with a certified
instructor. With proper teaching and training there is no doubt
in my mind that Kettlebell training can be practiced by anyone.
The benefits gained from this training are not comparable to
any other form of training. I recommend Kettlebell training
to all of my patients who are interested in starting a training
program and to athletes who are open to a new form of training
and interested in improving their performances.
Francine Pilon is a Phsyiotherapist with a specialty in postural
reconstruction. For information on Kettlebells and Physiotherapy
or any of the services that Francine offers contact her at Phsyiosport
8564, Boulevard Newman suite #206, Lasalle, Quebec. visit www.physiosportplus.com