I’ve been going to The TOUGH Spots’ Kettle bell classes for the past 3 weeks now. I’d have to say it’s easily my favourite my class, because you get a great cardio workout without having to struggle.

My first class at The TOUGH Spot, was the Kettle bell class with Alex, it was also the first time I had done Kettlebells, and probably the first time my heart rate was going to increase in 4 months. A lot of firsts!

Being a bit on the “fat and unfit” side, I needed to find a class that was going to help me lose weight, without putting a strain on my body.

The instructors Alex and Anna suggested I look at doing Kettlebell classes, its low impact on your body, doesn’t leave your joints feeling sore, but gives your muscles and cardio a very good work out.

The classes contained a mix of people like me, looking to lose weight, and people who were extremely fit. Looks like Kettlebells might be for all types!

I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to keep up, or if I was going to be able to keep up with the pace, being so unfit and overweight.

After a few warm ups, Alex corrected our Kettlebell technique – very easy, and before long the class was in full swing with the Kettlebells.

What I found cool was that Alex was doing the Kettlebells with us, he wasn’t a spectator instructor, he was going through the same things we were when he wasn’t correcting form and technique.

I started to feel myself slip behind, the Kettlebells were getting heavier – I wanted to rest, but Alex came over and pushed me to keep going.

He kept telling me “Keep moving, don’t quit. You can do this, don’t be a quitter. No pain, no gain. It’s hurting, but you’ll thank yourself later.”

Alex just wasn’t going to let me quit just because I was finding it difficult, and I wasn’t the only one who wanted to stop or take a break mid way, some of the regulars were being pushed as well.

After my first 45 min session, I was sprawled out on the floor, taking in the air, I looked around, and everyone was doing the same.

That night, I felt like I had run a marathon, the next day my muscles groaned and I was happy. Two days later, I wanted more.

I found out later (Google!), that a 45 min session burns about 1000-1200 calories. Insane, but after one class you realise why it’s so effective.

Rak Karan