Kettlebells for Heart

Fit Forever is all about helping others to live a long and healthy life. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is all about finding ways to extend life spans through research and education. HSF sponsors Fit for Heart events year round promoting an active and fit lifestyle. For this reason, Fit Forever is going to be holding the first annual Fit for Heart event called Kettlebells for Heart on Sunday, May 31st, 2015.

Kettlebells for Heart is an opportunity for me to share with friends, family and the community my personal passion for being active and fit – for life! In participating in this event, you will be raising funds for life-saving research and education that continues to protect and save lives.

We all know someone who is dealing with or who has dealt with heart issues. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada will tell you that heart disease is preventable.The foundation will also tell you that there are risk factors that you can do something about, and risk factors that you cannot control. Age, gender, family history, ethnicity, and history or stroke are all risk factors beyond our control. Research has helped those faced with a genetic heart condition but further research is needed. In addition, physical activity can make a huge difference in people’s lives, whether or not they suffer from a heart condition.

I have chosen to make this a kettlebell event because I love kettlebells; they are a great tool for strength and conditioning. The Kettlebells for Heart event will test your endurance, raising your heart rate and keep it there for an extended period. The event will last two hours, which is a long time to swing a kettlebell. But take heart (no pun intended), the workout will be divided into 15 minute blocks with a 10 minute break at the halfway mark. You can alternate with a partner or form a team and rotate individuals in and out every 15 minutes. The choice is yours. There will also be plenty of cold water and fresh fruit on hand to keep you hydrated and fueled.

You can register yourself or your team, or make a pledge by clicking on this link: Fit Forever Kettlebells for Heart

If you have no previous experience with kettlebells but would like to participate, I encourage you take one of my kettlebell classes – free of charge - prior to the event. It is imperative that everyone who takes part knows how to swing a kettlebell safely. One hour classes take place every Monday at 6:30pm at Stronger You Martial Arts.

And the pièce de résistance is the post-event barbecue. With the help of sponsors and volunteers from the community, we will have a heart-healthy barbecue for participants and supporters alike to enjoy after the workout. Bring your family and friends; get a great workout, have fun and support the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Mark May 31st on your calendar!