My blog was born March 10th of 2007, 5 years ago, with this post that started it all. It all started 6 weeks after giving birth to my first baby. The purpose of this blog was to share my journey of embarking as a new mother recovering from a C-section, lost strength, and fitness. I wanted to share my struggles and perseverance in getting back to my pre-pregnancy self all while enjoying my new road in to motherhood. I felt this was an easy and convenient way for friends and family that live all over the world, to see photos of my children and updates about our life. What an amazing experience it has been for me. I never thought blogging my experiences would turn in to so much more. Through my blogging I got the chance to connect with so many wonderful people around the world. I never fully understood how powerful the stories would effect so many people. It's truly been an honor. Being able to continue to drive motivation and hope in to someones life by sharing my life, which in turn helped people on their journey, has been priceless. I will continue blogging as long as I can to keep this inspiring cycle of new stories from real people coming. That is what this blog has been all about. Smart Training, Eating, and Living with real stories of inspiration along the way.
A few weeks ago I received an email from Breaking Muscle, a new fitness website with top notch information. I was told I was nominated for the Top 10 fitness blog contest. I was honored to see I was among the list of all the blogs nominated, which I believe were around 100. I was pleasantly surprised after a month long contest of people leaving comments, the panel of judges ended of voting my blog as one of the Top 10 Fitness Blogs. This couldn't have come at a more perfect time. My 5 year anniversary of blogging!
A few weeks ago I received an email from Breaking Muscle, a new fitness website with top notch information. I was told I was nominated for the Top 10 fitness blog contest. I was honored to see I was among the list of all the blogs nominated, which I believe were around 100. I was pleasantly surprised after a month long contest of people leaving comments, the panel of judges ended of voting my blog as one of the Top 10 Fitness Blogs. This couldn't have come at a more perfect time. My 5 year anniversary of blogging!
To celebrate my 5 year anniversary of blogging I've decided to offer a giveaway to 5 people. This is the first blog giveaway I've ever done, but feel that it's very appropriate. The Giveaway is going to entail my new Kettlebell book and a kettlebell DVD of choice! The first person of the 5 winners, will also receive a full nutrition program in addition to the book and DVD. Yes 5 people to celebrate 5 years of blog entries. So here is how you can be considered to be one of the 5 WINNERS.
Rules: You will earn one entry in to the drawing for doing each of the following below. The more you earn the higher chances you have to win. Make sure when leaving a comment you leave your name and which options you chose to participate in so we can track and give you the appropriate entries. Winners will be chosen at random by picking numbers using random selection tool. It is possible a winner can end up winning more than once. In the case of that happening we will need to redraw for that spot. We want 5 individual winners. The more entries (numbers you earn) the higher chance of winning since you can be given up to 6 numbers to go in the drawing!
Here's how to earn multiple chances of winning.
1. Like my FB Page here (earn 1)
2. Follow me on Twitter (earn 1)
3. Follow this blog (on the left hand side) (earn 1)
4. Share this page (earn 1)
5. Leave a comment below with your name and why you want to win. If you write something really cool or inspiring you will get a bonus entry giving you a total of 6 chances! (earn up to 2)
Good Luck! This contest will end on April 10th. Winners will be announced on this blog. If I don't have your email address make sure you tune in on April 12th to see the winners. Let's have some fun!
Thank you for your interest in our cutting edge fitness programs and information.
To be apart of Lauren’s unique and motivating online gym experience; sign up here for our virtual gym, Lauren’s Playground, while registration is open!
Lauren’s Playground will be open for registration at the end of January 2020!
If you’re brand new to kettlebell fitness, access our FREE Kettlebell Swing online class here to get your fitness journey started!
** For a limited time only, Lauren’s best and most popular Kettlebell DVD’s will be 60% off! Code: 60off Click the link here to find the videos that are right for you **
Comments
Jen Crandall
gjttc@sbcglobal.net
I already like your FB page :)
Jen Crandall
gjttc@sbcglobal.net
I've been trying to incorporate kettlebells into my workouts the past few months, but want to learn more on how to use them. And I want to learn more than the handful of moves I know! I can't wait to try your book and dvds!
I would love to win so I can get the volume 2 dvd. And since I already bought your book (which is AMAZING!!), if I won I'd love to offer that up on a giveaway on my blog, if that would be ok with you :)
And would love another way to keep things fresh!
I already like you on FB and follow your blog so I don't know
If the counts... Hope so!
Congrats!
It's Joanne D. I want to win because I love your training and since I'm far away, it'll be even more useful.
Be the change you want to see in the world.
Joanne
http://www.facebook.com/tigerlilygirl04
I I would LOVE to win this giveaway, because I have a ways to go still. I would love to own your newest video, and since I own your book, I'd give the book to my sister. Being able to have your full nutrition program at my fingertips would be amazing. I am just starting my journey on healthy eating and I would LOVE to learn more.
I am a mother of four beautiful children. And suffer from Hypothyroidism It is possible for you to change your life and to put yourself first. I am so thankful I found Kettlebell
nikschaf@aol.com
I followed your blog and liked your FB page. I was already a twitter follower. :-)
nikschaf@aol.com
Hi Lauren. I am Sarah, a mom of 4 girls age 12y-10m. I was involved in a major auto accident in 2007 & had to have several major surgeries to repair my tibia & knee. Since then I've had my 2 youngest daughters and continued to pack on the pounds. Back in December a friend from church introduced me & my husband to kettlebells & we love it. We recently moved from CA to UT & I've been under a high amount of stress & had to leave behind my kettlebell trainer. I contacted her and she said the best bet was to get your video. So less than 2 weeks ago I ordered your video and on March 1st started doing kettlebells again. I'm looking forward to getting back into top shape & can use all the help doing so!
stargazer.olson@gmail.com
like you on facebook - CHECK!
follow you on twitter - CHECK!
follow your blog - CHECK!
share this link - CHECK!
leave a comment - CHECK AND CHECK!
not to inflate your ego, but I swear, if you gave me a list of 100 things to do to increase my chances of winning stuff from Lauren Brooks, I'd do it! I love you!
I wanted to let you know that you have made training fun again for me. Im a former WWE wrestler that has been hurting a bit more since I have gotten older. I love to work out but have had many struggles with some of my injuries. Being introduced to Kettle bells has been the experience I have been waiting for. Something to get my heart rate going without the over kill of being in a gym for over an hour and 45 min.
I said this once on FB and will say it again.. You are a true inspiration. You make time for your family, but also take the time to answer all our questions and help us with our goals. Being so personable.. thanks again. Keep up the great work kettle bell queen :)
i hope the 5 folks honoured by your 5 year anniversary truly need the benefits of your generosity.
stay with it lauren, you rock.
1-I followed your blog.
1-I shared your post.
2-comment and why
5-Total Points
I picked up your KB DVD after my sixth baby was born. I had severe sciatica just before and during the pregnancy and had to stop lifting weights. Yoga and swimming helped me make it through each day of that pregnancy.
After my baby was born, I continued the yoga, but really missed the weights. Two times I started with my dumbbells and had to quit because of back pain and sciatica. Then I found your Ultimate Body Scupt (volume 1). No more back pain! I was even able to start running again as long as I followed up with yoga.
I bought your new book to add some variety to my training. I'd love to win another DVD because you make it so easy to follow your form. Thanks!
I am a kettlebell fanatic! One year ago, I worked up the courage to walk into a kettlebell class offered at my gym and I NEVER LOOKED BACK! After YEARS of strength training and lifting heavy, nothing has transformed my body like kettlebells! My flabby arms are now toned and ripped, my never-before-seen abs have popped into a bangin' six-pack -- and all with two kids in tow. ;)
As for my "something cool"...just go to my blog and look at my "before" picture of me pregnant with twins (and fat!)...my family pulls it out on their smart phone for party tricks...it's that horrific.
Thanks!
But this blog was already on my Google Reader - but I did hit the "follow" button today.
I'm looking to jump into KB training after my broken foot has healed. I work early morings and most of the classes in my city start after I'm already at work hahahaha.
If I won one of your books I would be over the moon!
You're an inspiration...keep it up!
I already own three of your videos and just bought your book. Thank you for putting such great women-centric KB training out there. I love that my five-year old daughter thinks that moms are supposed to be strong and active (unfortunately, she's also seen me at my worst in hospital at 95 pounds when I was really sick -- I'm glad that now she associates me with strength and sport now!).
I would love to win your nutrition program. After over two decades as a vegetarian, I had to go back to eat meat for some complex and serious health reasons. For moral reasons, I struggle every day with not wanting to eat meat but having to as I recognize my body needs it . I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciated your recent blog when you spoke of your own similar struggles with eating meat as I'd never heard of anyone else going through something similar to what I had to go through (as most vegetarians I know seem to function perfectly well as vegetarians!). Anyway, I'd love to find out more about your nutrition programming as I've had to totally approach eating differently and change my way of thinking about the foods I eat, and I'm still learning.
Keep up with the great blog and congrats on the blogging award!
For those who left a comment anonymously without any name or email address, it will be impossible for us to track and enter the appropriate entries in to the drawing. If you are one of those who left their info out, make sure you leave a comment with your name etc... Thanks again! May the best 5 people win!! ;-)
Thanks!
Cathy
I'm still trying to get back into shape after my myomectomy for a large uterine fibroid; other health issues, some related to the extra weight I put on as I sat around feeling sorry for myself, mean I've given myself some extra challenges to overcome on my journey back to fitness and wellness. I'd love to win your Baby Bells DVD for my future plans of pregnancy - and to complete my collection of your DVDs - and I'd love your book, too.
P.S. I liked your FB page very early on and have enjoyed following it.
I had the privilege of meeting you at the Fitness Business Summit 2010 and I hope that we can meet again in the future or perhaps work together in some way.
Again, congratulations! May your next 5 years be even more fantastic!
Sincerely,
Tom
I love your dvds. They got me moving again!
Tigerlilygirl0@yahoo.com
I started kettlebells in 2007, and I'm not sure when in the mix I first found your blog, but I know I was looking for tips on kettlebells for snowboarding and your first DVD was about to be released (July 2008). They keep my 45 y.o. strong and flexible.
(already a FB fan and I un-officially follow the blog & twitter feed, but I'll make them official now)
jupgrrl at gmail dot com
Congratulations on 5 years, and more to come!
Stephanie Butler
I follow your blog
Finally, I got a PR on my last race I think it has to do with my recent Kettlebell workouts.
Cheers,
Amy
abramos at jewlsthecat dot com
Thanks for share your knowledge and stamina.. Aurora
I follow you on FB, twitter, and follow your blog.
and of course, i love your DVDs and workouts and someday you will come to my town and I will get to meet you!
I love your dvds and can't wait to read your book!
I've using kettlebells for almost three years now, and I never expected to get the results I have. I've slimmed down, toned up, and best of all, kettlebells have given me actual upper body strength - I can lift the 5 gallon water bottles at work now, something I never would've dreamed of doing pre-kettlebells.
So many thanks for all of the time and effort you've put into spreading the kettlebell love around! Here's to five more fit and fun years!
I met you last year at a Power Systems seminar and was very impressed by the ease and confidence with which you presented kettlebells. I became a certified personal trainer last June and besides training am also an instructor for a personal trainer development program. I would love to have more tools to share with my clients and students. Thank you - Milly N.
(PS I liked your Facebook and joined your blog too.)
I'd love to win a copy of the book, which I've been just drooling to get, along with another of your DVDs. Just can't get enough! Your approach is so straightforward, and you always know how to offer encouragement at just the right time in the workout, when I'm thinking "can't go on..." And thank you for not being "rah, rah, sis-boom-bah!" A workout for intelligent people who just want a solid workout that *works* :)
Keep up the fantastic work, Lauren! (And your daughters are just *precious.*)
I'm not always consistent but keep going back to kettlebells because they work so much faster than anything else I've done and I really enjoy it.
I have 5 kids so I pretty much have to work out at home. Your Dvds make it happen! I can't wait to see your new book!
vaneszaf@aol.com
Thanks for this opportunity!
Congrats on your 5 yrs and your nomination. I absolutely love your DVD’s. I have been exercising for a few yrs. I was not seeing many results and was bored. I actually had to talk myself into exercising and would find excuses not to. I tried the Jillian Michaels Shred it with Weights {not knowing she used kettlebells}, I thought she was going to hurt herself. I thought there has to be a better way. I googled kettlebells and came across your website. I really liked the site and all the positive feedback others left. Last December I ordered vol 1 and I loved it!! In February I ordered vol 2, 3 and the workshop along with your book. I love those too. I actually look forward to exercising now and I am getting results. I would like to win to get the Kettlebell Lightening DVD and the nutrition program. I know if change my nutrition I would get even better results. I am trying but could use the guidance to do better.
I completed all 5 options. You are truly inspiring, thanks for this opportunity!
I liked you on Facebook and signed up to get your newsletter. I have all of your KB workouts (except BB's) and LOVE your workouts! I do these workouts with my daughter who is graduating this year and she always picks YOUR workouts to do with KB's. So I would LOVE to win these workouts so she can have her own set to start her workout collection and continue on this lifelong journey of living healthy and staying fit. Here's to 5 more years!
I would really like the prize of the nutrition program. I need to put all the pieces together!
with 4 kids- ages 12, 9, 9 and 7 I have come a long way with my weight loss and fitness. (need to shed the last 15 lbs)I stay at home with them and they enjoy seeing me do kettlebell workouts. They refer to "Lauren" like they know her personally! :)
I liked everything and am sharing on my FB group page for ladies losing weight this year.
gypsymoonjewelry@yahoo.com
kettlebell workshop dvd
Thanks!!
I liked your FB page, followed you on twitter, and followed your blog.
So glad to have found you as a kettelebell resource!
I liked you on FB.
kculver8 at gmail dot com
I liked you on FB.
kculver8 at gmail dot com
I had my third child 2 yrs ago and went from a size 10 to a size 16!! since then i have had some health issues due to my fast weight gain. This is a vast contrast to the person i used to be and sometimes i just feel like giving up. I have followed Laurenn on twitter and facebook for a long while now and have watched clips on you tube, she is truelly an inspiration and to even be half of what she is would be a honour, i have never used kettle bells before but would love to have the oppurtunity to use this to get my life back, it is much needed!
I had my third child 2 yrs ago and went from a size 10 to a size 16!! since then i have had some health issues due to my fast weight gain. This is a vast contrast to the person i used to be and sometimes i just feel like giving up. I have followed Laurenn on twitter and facebook for a long while now and have watched clips on you tube, she is truelly an inspiration and to even be half of what she is would be a honour, i have never used kettle bells before but would love to have the oppurtunity to use this to get my life back, it is much needed! I liked your FB, followed u on twitter followed ur bolg and shared you on fb and twitter x
wiggly_woo@live.co.uk
I'm so glad that I can come to your classes! Kettle bells just make me feel so strong and powerful! I'd love to win. As you know I'm 4.5 months past my c-section and I still feel like I have a long way to go to get back into shape. My job is ver physical as I help people rehab and get out of the hospital and get home. I need to stay strong for myself so that I can continue to help others. Id also like to lose those pesky last 10 pounds from my pregnancy!!
Erica
I did all of the above to enter your contest except twitter
With that said, it is very important to me that I create a an enviornment of healthy eating and exercise for my daughters. I never want them to know the word diet - just balance...I never want them to know exercise as anything other than giving your body the movement it needs - not something you do to be 'skinny'.
This is where I need your help. Your DVD's are incredible sources of education for fitness but I am totally lacking in the nutrition department! I have always been an 'all or none' type of gal and we all know that leads to disaster and disappointment. I would love to win your contest so I can learn the proper mechanics of healthy eating so I can pass it on to my daughters.
Thank you for creating this blog and for being such a great role model for total fitness - even after kids (:
~jen
Happy Anniversary!
My name is Jennifer and I am the proud mother of a beautiful 3 year old daughter and will be delivering my second daughter next month!
WIth that said, it is very important to me that I create an enviornment of healthy eating and exercise. The last thing I want is for my daughters to grow up around the word 'diet' and to think of exercise as a means to be 'skinny'. Balance and feeding your body the movement it needs are key.
I want to win your contest so I can learn the fundamentals to living a fit and nutritionally sound lifestlye so I can pass it along to my daughters (and husband by default - poor guy always gets left out LOL).
I went ahead and completed all the bullets for entering the contest besides Twitter.
Thank you for your consideration for this contest but most importantly for being such a great inspiration and role model!
Jennifer Denley
jenniferldenley@yahoo.com
On behalf of all your fans and followers worldwide, I would like to thank you for your accessible kettlebell instruction and nutrition tools. You've de-stigmatized the macho-manness of resistance training and empowered us mere mortals to greatness!
Cheers to another 5 years from your fan club in Brisbane, Australia!!!