Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Coaching for Success

"Experience is the teacher they will remember." -Fran Rudolph

When I first began to toy around with the idea of doing group kettlebell classes, my head was spinning in five different directions. I had post-it notes on every surface imaginable...computer, notebooks, datebooks, you name it. Each contained short scribbles that would make no sense to anyone but me. I cannot say that I have completely broken that habit but I am on a path that is far more organized and planned out than when I started.

It has been my lucky break to have Fran Rudolph walk in to the gym and want to start a personal training program. About three sessions in, she brought up the idea of doing a trade out for some life coaching sessions. I had been to a coach one other time because I felt like I was taking on too much in life at once and needed to figure out what my priorities were. But this time was different. This time, my head was on straight but I had no idea how to reach my goal of starting HeadSTRONG Athletics without the guidance of a coach. The post-it note trail would have kept building and all great ideas would have been hidden in the shuffle. And so my life coaching experience with Fran began.

Going to a life coach is different than talking with a counselor...especially in my experience. Fran actually took on the role of a business coach and editor in my case; though, that is the exception and not the rule. I actually saw Fran as more of a mentor, having gone through the start of a business herself (Today Coaching). We spent about 2 hours almost every Friday going over the details of a business and marketing plan so that I could start HeadSTRONG with confidence. And that I have. I have been able to reach a balance between family life, personal life and my career. (My main concern when starting HA was not having enough time to be an attentive mom and wife) The response thus far has been wonderful and I feel like all the hard work is paying off.

In life, there are going to be times when you have the focus and strength to see your goals through to the end without outside help. More power to you if you can do this and accomplish what you have set your heart on. Then, there are bumps in our path that require a hand holding. It was necessary for me to find someone to hold me accountable. Knowing I had an appointment with Fran kept me on track and got me where I am today.

If you have trouble making exercise a habit, maybe you need a coach too. Turning towards a professional for training will bring results faster, safer and you will have more fun doing it. It would be my greatest pleasure to be that personal training coach and guide you towards physical achievement. Come join the team at HeadSTRONG Athletics and find your new path.


Fran Rudolph is the founder of Today Coaching located in Wilmington, NC. I highly recommend her guidance for any situation you may be facing. Without judgement, she will lead you down the path towards happiness, respectfulness, serenity and confidence. Call her today!

Fran Rudolph

Call 910.231.5011 or email shawn@headstrongathletics.com for more information on our group kettlebell classes and personal training.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Second Launch

Despite the fact that there were only two people in this Saturday's Launch class, it was a big success. The two Elis(z)abeths were natural athletes with awesome attitudes. Each of them picked up the Swing, TGU and Press very quickly. They have decided to take it a step further and sign up for the Tactical Athlete classes. Thanks you two for joining me and making my Saturday that much better.

Anyone who is interested in attending a Launch class but cannot make the times listed (Aug 30th 10am, Sept. 3rd 5:30pm), please call me. More dates will be listed soon. You can even get your own group together for a private Launch. Minimum of 5 people, please. 910-231-5011.

On that note, check out this video of the Russian Kettlebell Challenge Certification that I went through. This one was actually in Denmark but it was similar to my experience. And yes, it was that hard.


Call 910.231.5011 or email shawn@headstrongathletics.com for more information on our group kettlebell classes and personal training.

Friday, August 22, 2008

A Positive Life Spreads

As many of you may already know, forming HeadSTRONG Athletics is something that has brought me back to life as a trainer and as an individual. The joy of this new venture comes out in my training, in my family life and in my laughter every day. I feel alive and know that those around me have benefited from this experience as much as I have. By this, I mean, positivity spreads. Like the plague, in fact.

Have you seen the commercials out recently about passing on kindness. (Like this one for Liberty Mutual)
To the advertisers dismay, I actually had no idea what the ad was for until I looked it up...but I do remember the message. There is someone in the street who sees someone else doing a wonderfully unselfish deed and then pays it forward to the next lucky soul. They don't stop to think how it may benefit them...they just do what comes from their heart. Can you imagine where the circle started? Hopefully not. The fact is, despite all the terrible things happening in our society, it is important to remember that kindness and joy have and always will be within us.

I have the most ultimate pleasure of helping people every day and passing along the joy I feel doing so. Clients walk into the gym exhausted, mentally drained and grumpy all the time. But I promise you one thing, within 10 minutes their real personalities start to shine. People feel comfort and pride knowing that they are doing something good for themselves. They leave my presence feeling alive and, for the lack of a more sophisticated word, HAPPY! There is an energy associated with exercise and being around others who are working to better themselves that lives within each of us. That is why my clients keep coming back. Their session doesn't end after the hour...they carry it with them throughout the day and pay it forward.

If you want to feel that same energy, join HeadSTRONG Athletics for a Launch workshop or Group class today! It will be your gift to society's happiness.

Call 910.231.5011 or email shawn@headstrongathletics.com for more information on our group kettlebell classes and personal training.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

First LAUNCH Success

Wednesday afternoon kicked off the first Launch-Introduction to Kettlebells Workshop. We had five kettlebell virgins attend but each left with a good understanding of how the bell can help them relieve lower back pain, strengthen muscles with full body movements, and lose stubborn unwanted body fat through interval training.

When everyone walked in the door, nobody had any idea of what to expect. After my first Swing demo, I looked around to see 5 sets of "deers in the headlights." And I will admit, when I first saw someone doing this drill, I thought the guy would be in a full body cast within 5 repetitions. But I gave in and tried it, having great faith in my mentor, Pavel. With the addition of Z-Health joint mobility drills, I was feeling like a machine within no time, ....powerful, flexible and NO back pain. I was addicted! I vowed then and there that there would be no more traditional weightlifting, no more long distance running and no more wasting time with hour-long workouts that just left me too sore to walk the next day.

If you are still apprehensive about how the kettlebell swing can heal your back pain, take a look at this article written by a Physical Therapist.

If you are serious about losing fat, check this one out about Tracy Reifkind. She lost over 100 pounds using a healthy diet and kettlebell training.

Wilmington, NC...Bring it on! Let HeadSTRONG Athletics introduce you to the POWER OF THE KETTLEBELL! See the Kickoff Post below to find out what HeadSTRONG Athletics is all about.

Here is a picture of one of my clients, Susan H., who absolutely loves the kettlebell. After surviving a head-on collision and suffering from lower back pain for years, her back feels great!

Call 910.231.5011 or email shawn@headstrongathletics.com for more information on our group kettlebell classes and personal training.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

KICKOFF!

ENTER THE KETTLEBELL with
HeadSTRONG Athletics and
Shawn Manning, Russian Kettlebell Instructor!

The time has finally arrived to kickoff HeadSTRONG Athletics, the result of years of personal training experience and brain busting work. It is proven that exercise is more fun and habitual if done in a group setting so I have put together a semi-private workout experience that is unlike any other in Wilmington. You will learn and master the art of the kettlebell, gain strength, lose fat and improve your cardiovascular health. Join your friends and neighbors this August for one of HeadSTRONG Athletics' LAUNCH workshops to see what all the buzz is about!

Since 1999, my clients have been taught that weight machines and treadmills are not the answer the to true fitness. Now, it is your turn to experience fitness instruction that gives you real results. With the use of body weight drills, sandbags, heavy ropes, a nutrition program and my favorite, the kettlebell, you will see your strength explode and your body fat melt away.

HeadSTRONG Athletics offers a variety of classes and programs to fit your schedule:

Please see the attached file for more detailed information on HeadSTRONG Athletics and our in-demand programs and classes!

LAUNCH: A thorough and safe 2-hour introduction workshop that teaches you the basics of kettlebell use. Use Launch to power up your own workouts or as a stepping-stone for other HeadSTRONG Athletic Classes. All kettlebells will be provided for in-class use.
Dates offered: Aug. 20th 5:30 pm, Aug 23rd 10 am, Aug. 30th 10 am, Sept. 3rd 5:30 pm.
Cost: $35 for 2-hour workshop. Present clients come for free!

ATHLETIC RESOLUTION: The most comprehensive 12-week exercise and nutrition weight loss program in Wilmington. It is inevitable that you lose body fat and gain lean muscle with this program! Classes are 1-hour each.
Start Date: September 8th, 2008
Times: Morning Class Option: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 am and Afternoon Class Option: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4:30 pm
Cost: $750 for 12-Week Program (Take advantage of this price now! Pricing will go up to $950 in Decmeber!)

TACTICAL ATHLETE: A Strength and Conditioning Class for those who are not afraid to push their limits. This class is for all levels of athleticism and abilities. Classes are 1-hour each.
Start Date: September 8th, 2008
Times: Morning Class Option: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 am (3-day per week class) and Afternoon Class Option: Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 pm (2-day per week class)
Cost $15 per class

SPRINTER: A 30-minute Express Strength and Conditioning Class for those who don’t have much time to spare but want to reap the rewards of the kettlebell.
Start Date: September 8th, 2008, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:00 am
Cost: $10 per class

Times of each class are tentative and depend on class demand. All classes will be held at
McKay Healing Arts on Wrightsville Ave. One-on-one personal training will still be held at Lumina Fitness.

Call 910-231-5011 or Email
shawn@headstrongathletics.com TODAY to sign up.

Please see the attached file for more detailed information on HeadSTRONG Athletics and our in-demand programs and classes!

In addition to our exercise programs, I also offer nutrition and program design consultations and one-on-one personal training. Call 910-231-5011 or email
shawn@headstrongathletics.com for more information. (My email address shawneepearson@gmail.com will also work.)

It is one of my greatest pleasures to facilitate healthy changes in my clients. I encourage you to forward this email to anyone you feel may be interested in participating. Thank you to past, present and future trainees for helping make HeadSTRONG Athletics the superior choice for fitness training in Wilmington!

Yours in Determination, Confidence and Physical Achievement,

Shawn Manning,
Certified Russian Kettlebell Instructor
910-231-5011