Could have SWORN that I’d answered the first question before, and maybe I have, but I also forget what day it is on a semi-regular basis given that sometimes enough interesting things happen in 1/4 of a day to account for a full day. Not complaining about that one bit. Without any further delay, here we go!
Q: Is Convict Conditioning suitable for women?
A: YES! It’s awesome for everyone! This question keeps coming up on social media (and in the search strings many people are using to reach GiryaGirl.com amusingly enough. Just the other day this question was posed on a facebook group that I am a member of–the question was more about if the progressions needed to be modified for women. And again NOPE. These progressions for EVERYONE, as is. They are self-scaling, which is why I’ve been able to use them with all kinds of people of every fitness level imaginable. Including one of my first clients to try it–a grandmother who was uncomfortable getting up and down from the floor. She rocked the wall push ups once we worked on a couple of things, and rapidly progressed from that point forward–safely and with confidence. As can EVERYONE of all genders and all levels. Don’t be fooled by it’s burly manly-man cover Convict Conditioning is a treasure trove of HUMAN empowerment. RARRRRR!
Don't fall into the trap of OTHER people's expectations, biases, or experiences... Share on X
Also, don’t fall into the trap of OTHER people’s expectations, biases, or experiences… people just LOOOOOOOVE to tell women that their lower bodies are always stronger than their upper bodies… and while that might be true for some people, nothing is 100% true for everyone all the time. Don’t let yourself be limited by the limited imaginations and experiences of someone else, and don’t limit your own progress (or goals) because some lame mainstream “fitness authority” (often self-appointed) has said that “all women will struggle with _________” or “big guys will have trouble with _________”. They don’t know you, they don’t know your individual strengths, resolve and tenacity! They might be accessing the internet from a cave for all we know. The mainstream fitness world has such weak and sickly expectations for women… and even some men! We all progress at our own speeds anyway, no need to gender-modify any of it. When the progressions are passed they’re passed. Simple, elegant. No problems. Work from YOUR experiences and YOUR body while patiently and persistently becoming stronger over time… in all areas. Death to gender-based generalizations! (Woo this is some good coffee today!)
I am also VERY proud to report that at the most recent PCC we had in NYC, we had the most women show up of any of our PCC workshops since the very beginning. Should also note that this PCC was nearly exactly TWO YEARS from the first ever one we had back in 2013! It’s amazing to see how the program has grown, expanded and turned out some amazing instructors too!
Ladies… you don’t need my permission (or ANYONE’S) for anything but I wanted to remind you that as an adult human being, you can do whatever kind of training you want–you don’t just have to do “politically correct” or “mainstream” women’s stuff that’s pictured in magazines or catalogs. While things like running, yoga, and dance are all good in their own right, they are NOT the only things you’re allowed to do! Go forth and confidently kick butt at whatever your level happens to be. Master your destiny!
Q: “I’m not a trainer but I have a profound interest in going to the HKC to develop my knowledge and skills in kettlebell training. Do I need to be a trainer in order to attend an HKC?”
A: You do NOT need to be a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, gym owner or anything in particular in order to go to an HKC workshop! Make sure to train with an HKC or RKC instructor before going if you can, so that you can be sure to already have a clue firmly in place to take full advantage of learning the intricacies and real power of every movement. Preparing for the workshop will also up your chances of passing the test at the HKC and leaving with your certificate proudly in hand. Not to dispair though, if you do not pass at the actual event, you will be able to submit a video during a period of time after the workshop. The other good news is that you can usually get very good liability insurance (without having a personal trainer certification, but with having an HKC, RKC, or PCC certification) to get yourself covered for training others with your newfound kettlebell powers.
As a general sidenote, we have had many people who were not trainers (but were physical therapists, real estate agents, doctors, dentists, stay-at-home moms or dads, engineers, computer specialists… etc) who have taken HKC, RKC, and PCC certifications for the knowledge and to help those who are close to them in their lives or in their professions.
Sidenote #2 — if you DO have a personal trainer certification through NSCA or ACE the VERY good news is that the HKC, RKC, and PCC are eligable for continuing education credits/points etc. You no longer have to petition for your hard work at these worthy certification workshops to count! HURRAH!
Last but absolutely NOT least – I am super honored that recent PCC attendee, and federal law enforcement special agent, Marty G. agreed to be interviewed about his experience at the PCC and the Purposeful Primitive workshop. With all the big chatter and macho-nacho-wacko big talk that some people (who usually aren’t in actual tactical fields) have about “tactical training” it’s nice to hear from someone actually in the field about what’s going on in the real world with their physical challenges–and how kettlebells and calisthenics helps keep them on the job and with less risk of injury. I was thrilled that he was able to answer so many of my questions with a high level of specificity. Even MORE thrilled that the interview in its entirety (almost 3x the length of our usual interviews) is now available for you to read on Dragon Door. I can sum it up with the thought that “tactical” often equals “practical” and that it is super cool to know that the simple, humble, and do-able at home training that we’ve all become accustomed to is heavy duty enough for a guy like Marty! I hope you read the interview and are inspired to continue with your training!
Leave a Reply