As a 16 year old wrestler I was lacking the strength it took to reach my full potential on the mat.  I lifted with free weights and did tons of cardio, but some crucial muscles (including my core) weren’t getting the full attention they needed to become stronger in order to help my success in competition.   Then I discovered a completely new idea of training last summer (2008) when I heard about Kettlebell Sport.  The word was out that it was an extremely good workout and that it was tough!  To be honest, I had no idea what a Kettlebell even looked like and I was skeptical because no one my age was training with this type of weights.   But when I heard that many Olympic wrestlers and other Pro Sports Teams were utilizing Kettlebells, that got me really interested!   When I met Liberty, the owner of Liberty Kettlebell Sport Studio, I thought she looked great.  When I shook her husband Jerry’s hand, I was surprised because it was so strong that it nearly broke mine!  It was at that point I knew there had to be something to this Kettlebell thing….maybe it was the real deal?  It was then that I committed to giving this Russian derived Sport a try…. I’m glad I did! A year into my Kettlebell training I’ve made tremendous improvements in my strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition.  Another thing I’ve noticed since training is that after a very early morning 30-60 minute Kettlebell session I’m in a better mood and much more focused throughout the day at school and in wrestling practice. I give a lot of credit to Liberty for her knowledge of the Sport and offering the Kettlebell training to myself and other athletes.  I attribute some of the success I’ve had as a wrestler and as an overall athlete to my Initial Training session where I learned of the dedication that she has to her client’s progression in functional fitness through this Sport. Through my ongoing training, it has made me aware that the core utilization of Kettlebell training is always preventing my body from adapting, unlike training with free weights or going for a run.  The different types of lifts and exercises we do in sessions are always challenging and sometimes excruciating, but they leave me feeling good!   The instructors at Club Liberty are professionally trained to challenge me to the top level of my ability, yet they are fair and fun.  I feel like I’m part of a team with their leadership and the addition of my fellow ‘classmates’ who also train there. I’ve made some awesome friendships!  I find the environment is always upbeat and there’s never any negative energy to bring me down.  These qualities are what make it a successful work out and what motivates me to push myself to get the most out of every session.  I recommend Kettlebell training with Liberty to any athlete who wants to dominate in their sport or anyone who strives to be in the best physical shape there body can be in.
Garrett Schaner
Big Rapids High School Senior
Varsity Wrestling Team