Virtual Book Tour: Lauren Brooks and Kettlebells

We’re pleased to be hosting Lauren Brooks here on the blog today. She’s the author of Kettlebells for Women: Workouts for Your Strong, Sculpted and Sexy Body.

For those of you who don’t know, kettlebells are iron balls with handles that allow you to move the weight in a natural swinging motion with your hips. They provide an all in one workout that results in increased strength, conditioning and fat loss all at once. If you’re ready to know more about this unusual and effective kind of workout, let’s get started:

Nourishing Relationships: We all know how passionate you are about teaching kettlebells. Please tell us a little more about what inspired you to write this book for women.
Lauren Brooks: Writing a book about kettlebells allowed me to take everything that I’ve learned and believe in and put it down in an easy and welcoming step by step format. For the last 7 years, I have watched hundreds of transformations in people who have added kettlebells into their life. Many have had the opportunity to use my kettlebell DVDs. The majority of my fan base is female because my experiences made it easy for them to relate to me not only as a woman, but also as a mother who has gone through two pregnancies.

Many women have this fear that if they lift anything heavy they will get big and bulky muscles and thus not look feminine anymore. Others may glance at a kettlebell and immediately think, “There is no way I can do that, it looks too hard and I will probably hurt myself.” I am hopeful that my book will prove to women of all ages and fitness levels that they too can learn how to successfully incorporate kettlebells into their fitness regimen.

NR: Can you tell me a little about why you chose the book cover that you did? Most female fitness books have someone looking more cheery. Why the serious look?

LB: The serious look was to highlight that this book cuts right to the chase. There’s no fluff or fillers. I wanted to show that it’s all about building strength and toughness, yet leaves room for plenty of femininity. There is a time and place for cheeriness, but “Kettlebells for Women” is about focus.

NR: What would you say is the main premise of your book?
LB: This book is about showing women of all ages that they can unleash an incredible power inside themselves. No matter what fitness level or age, any woman will benefit tremendously by increasing her strength and conditioning in this primal way of movement. The feeling of being empowered, confident, and incredibly sexy is exactly what has happened for the ladies whom I know have incorporated kettlebells into their life. This book guides you in such a way to make it easy enough for anyone to follow. I’ve seen that even husbands, along with men in general, are getting inspired to join their women in these workouts. Like any new exercise, having several private sessions would ensure safety. However, once the form and technique is achieved, the beauty of this program is it can be done almost anywhere.

NR: I understand you have released 6 workout DVDs. Would you say that the book is a better option to start with?
LB: For the last 4 years people all over the world have been learning from and working out to my kettlebell DVDs. I generally recommend beginning with my first DVD, “The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells,” since it has an extensive tutorial section along with a couple of follow along workouts. My workout partner in that DVD is in her mid 50’s and she truly sets the bar high as far as what people are capable of doing at any age. The book is a perfect companion to any of my DVDs. It breaks down around 100 different exercises using pictures and descriptions, which should enhance the learning curve.

NR: Is this something that people of any age and fitness level can benefit from?
LB: I have personally worked with women and men of all ages and all fitness levels. It’s getting very popular for the baby boomers since it’s approachable, fun, doesn’t take a long time out of the day and the results are fantastic. I have lots of happy clients who are between the ages of 30 and 80. They are all reaping the benefits of moving better and improved strength and conditioning, thanks to this easy, no nonsense approach to healthier living. Chronic knee pain is suddenly diminished along with hip and shoulder pain. Glutes are firming up, arms are toning, and everything else in life, such as carrying groceries, playing with children and improving in all sports for that matter, is just getting better!

NR: Where can I find the book and how do I get started?
LB: The best way to get started is to purchase a kettlebell ranging in weight anywhere from 15-18 pounds. I know that sounds like a lot, but it’s much lighter than you think when it’s used properly. My 50 and 60 year old clients are currently able to swing 53 and 60 pound kettlebells with ease! They are little ladies too! You can find the book and DVDs on my website. I look forward to hearing from everyone and can’t wait to hear about more journeys of optimal strength, fitness, health and happiness.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us today, Lauren. Learn more about Lauren and her work on her Facebook page. And now, readers, it’s your turn. I know you have some questions as well as concerns about your fitness program. Lauren will be checking in throughout the day - so here's your chance - just click on "comments" below and fire away.

Aging vs. Growing Old: It Doesn't Depend on the Calendar

Lifetime Achievement Award winner Betty White is in the news again.

It seems she is following the advice for staying young we gave you earlier this week: cultivate humor in your daily life; hang out with your peers; find the time to interact with younger friends too.

This time, she has jumped into the fray of those making predictions about the future of NBA basketball star LeBron James.

White has joined with her adopted city of Cleveland, hoping to entice LeBron to stay with the Cavaliers for another season. As she teases him in this clip with her Hot in Cleveland costars, she can make it worth his while to stay! At 88 (and ½ as Betty proudly declares), White is the poster child for reminding us to throw away the calendar when we are talking about age.

So here are some more tips for today about aging without growing old:

Work with what you've got to stay in shape. Start slowly, perhaps walking with a friend or exercising on your own. When you're ready, look for a fitness center that has classes for all levels of physical ability - ranging from salsa hi-impact aerobics through belly dancing, stretch classes, and water aerobics to chair classes and tai chi for balance. That way you'll be able to challenge you body no matter where you're starting - and have fun in the process. And incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine will help you feel younger.

Set goals for yourself and do something meaningful. Research shows that people who are sociable, generous, and goal-oriented are generally happier and healthier than other people. Think about what kinds of activities bring you the most satisfaction and plan how you can get more involved and spend more time doing them. You may want to look for places to volunteer in your community through Senior Corps or America's Natural and Cultural Resources Volunteer Portal. Or contact your local school or community center to for opportunities to mentor or tutor children. Sharing your wisdom with others will bring a spring into your step and joy into your life.

Although studies have found that there may be a gene for long life, you don't have to worry about the calendar, even if you're a Sandwiched Boomer. Instead, enjoy your age whatever it is and follow this week's tips to feel as young as you can.