From Coach Gregory’s Desk

Romanshorn Switzerland, crisp and sunny

Greetings from the Lebe Stark team!

I’m Gregory, and I’m here to share my passion for kettlebell training with you.

Although I was once a novice in the world of kettlebells, I’ve invested the time and effort to become an expert.

In the past, my focus was primarily on traditional bodybuilding-style training at the gym.

But something was missing.

I felt unfit and wondered why kettlebell training had such a different impact on my fitness.

So something had to change…

It was in 2019 when I became certified by Steve Cotter that I truly discovered the power of kettlebell training.

Since then, I haven’t looked back.

However, the journey was far from easy, and I’d like to take a few minutes to share my story with you.

I believe it will resonate with those who have faced similar challenges.

I vividly recall the first time I picked up a 20 kg kettlebell while preparing for Steve Cotter’s IKFF certifications.

I was immediately overwhelmed by the weight.

How was I supposed to lift two of those kettlebells 40 times and then snatch one of them for 100 reps, all without putting them down?

But let’s backtrack a little.

It all began in February 2019 when I made arrangements for Steve Cotter to come to my studio in Switzerland for private coaching and certification.

I was thrilled that such a master in the field was coming to visit us, and there was no turning back.

As I researched the fitness tests for Steve Cotter’s IKFF certificates, I approached the 20 kg kettlebell with determination.

However, as a younger trainer with a background in split training and bodybuilding, I was shocked to discover that even the 16 kg kettlebell proved challenging when attempting to snatch it overhead multiple times.

It left my forearm in pain, my palms chafed, and my spirits low.

In my moment of despair, I reached out to Steve, expressing doubts about my ability to succeed.

Looking back, I now realize that this was a crucial turning point in my journey from being a kettlebell novice to becoming the expert I am today.

Fast forward to the certification day in June 2019—a personal experience I will never forget.

On that day, during Steve Cotter’s IKFF certification, I was about to face the 20 kg kettlebell for the first time.

Even the 16 kg kettlebell had been a challenge for me during the snatches.

As a younger trainer with a focus on split-training and bodybuilding, it was disheartening to struggle with what seemed like a relatively small weight.

However, I continued to train diligently, refining my technique. Eventually, Angie and I managed to pass the CKT1 test.

Yet, the ultimate test still lay ahead of me.

Forty jerks and 100 snatches with a 20 kg kettlebell—a solid Russian BIATHLON.

I was nervous, doubting whether I could accomplish it.

When the time came, I went in second since Angie had passed her test before me. Nervous yet determined, I faced the challenge head-on.

Everything went smoothly until the 36th rep, when a momentary loss of balance led Steve to shout “No Count!”

I felt like giving up, but Angie’s motivating screams and Steve’s reminder to focus on “fast legs” ignited a second wind within me.

With their support, I managed to reach the 40th rep.

During the 100-rep snatch test with the 20 kg kettlebell, I suffered cuts and wounds that I referred to as “battle scars” at the time.

Adrenaline masked the pain until after the set was completed.

Looking back, this challenging yet immensely rewarding experience taught me the value of perseverance and unwavering dedication.

Welcome to the present day.

I have devoted my life to the art of kettlebell training and discovered a remarkable trend: the growing fascination with kettlebells among individuals, particularly men, aged 40, 50, and 60.

Every day, we receive numerous messages, comments, and feedback on various platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and within our gym community.

These interactions have shed light on the challenges faced by men in this age group:

1. Painful joints that hinder daily life and well-being.
2. Strained marriages and severe injuries.
3. Demanding life situations and increased responsibilities.
4. Disappointment with ineffective approaches like traditional gym memberships or diets.
5. Struggling to maintain a work-family-life balance, requiring a superheroic body and mind.
6. Growing health concerns that demand attention.
7. Sedentary lifestyles contributing to obesity.

While kettlebell training cannot solve every issue on this list, it excels at addressing many of them.

Chances are, you’ve arrived on this page because you recognize the potential benefits.

And that’s fantastic!

However, kettlebell training presents its own set of challenges compared to conventional exercises like strength machines and cross-trainers.

It requires skill and practice.

The solution is right in front of you, brother!

Let me share with you my Kettlebell Workout Guide, specifically tailored for beginners and men over 40.

If you’re serious about transforming both your physical and mental state, this guide is perfect for you.

As we age, the inclination to move and train tends to diminish, while indulging in food becomes more enticing, leading to long-term, negative consequences for our bodies.

This lifestyle, experienced by millions, perpetuates the myth that life after 40 is a continuous decline.

However, this couldn’t be further from the truth!

Weight gain and muscle loss have little to do with metabolism and more to do with how we humans are wired.

We often become complacent, enjoying life while coping with everyday stressors that accumulate massive pressure.

This pressure needs a valve; one way or the other…

So if you don’t buy into the notion that life is over at 40; I’ve got your back.

Enter the kettlebell – a powerful and versatile tool that enhances human performance.

It boosts strength, cardiovascular endurance, and remains gentle on joints, making it perfect for those with prior injuries.

Moreover, the kettlebell effectively combats back pain and restores natural body elasticity.

This FREE guide is designed to introduce you to the incredible benefits of kettlebell training. By embracing it, you’ll unlock your physical and mental well-being, enhance longevity, and elevate your overall quality of life.

Being there for your family and excelling in your job or business becomes attainable with this transformative investment of only your Name and Email Address:

1. Hone your kettlebell skills.
2. Develop functional muscle.
3. Enhance your cardiovascular fitness and strengthen your heart.
4. Build strength.
5. Relieve back and joint pain.
6. Recover and bounce back stronger, even from severe injuries.
7. Save time with efficient workouts.
8. Accelerate fat loss.
9. Boost overall kettlebell confidence.
10. Achieve peak mental and physical condition.

Does this sound fair enough?

Then let me help you get started with kettlebell training!

– Gregory von Lebe Stark