Lauren Brooks Fitness

Here is a strength workout that can be for either men or women.  This workout in the video is demonstrated by two small ladies.  Katie Dawers, soon to be RKC, at only 121lb's easily doing double cleans with a pair of 24kg's (53lb) kettlebells. That's a total of 106lb's.  Lauren Brooks 114lb's demonstrating Goblet Squat's with a 32kg (70lb).   There will be a new article being released, I wrote dedicating it to "Strong is the New Sexy" theme.  It's good to know that this is finally what's accepted and not the anorexic unhealthy flabby skinny look.  Women can and should be strong as well and now it's sexy, so I hope you enjoy the new article coming out in the My Mad Method's magazine.  Details below to get your copy.   Kettlebell Strength Workout for Women Instructions: Perform each set with 90-120 sec between sets and exercises. Kettlebell Strength Workout designed for Women but powerful enough for a Man: A: Alt Clean & Pr...

We did this workout in my class last Saturday.  The beauty of this workout is, it's designed to where you can still use relatively heavier weights due to the time interval being only 20 seconds per exercise.  Give this workout a try and let me know what you think. Set your timer for 20 seconds. Go through the following exercise and only break 20 seconds when you need to transition to the next exercise for both sequences. Sequence #1 SWING FLOOR PRESS (less strong side) FLOOR PRESS (stronger side) GOBLET SQUAT FRONT LUNGE (less strong side) FRONT LUNGE (stronger side) H2H SWING Repeat 3-4 Rounds Sequence #2 PULL UPS OR ROWS SNATCH (less strong side) SNATCH (stronger side) BACK LUNGE BACK LUNGE Repeat 3-4 Rounds Cool down Plank Holds Side Planks 2-3 rounds Attention : SAN DIEGO AND NORTH COUNTY LOCALS .  Check out our most recent  FAT LOSS WINNERS and get started on your wellness journey with us.

Many of you may already know Robin Duncan.  Robin trained with me side by side in the first DVD that I ever filmed back in 2008, " The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells ."  Robin was in her early 50's during the filming.  I remember that day like it was yesterday.  We ended up filming for 16 hours in 110 degree weather on top of a building downtown.  It just happened to be one of the hottest days in LA.  She was such a trooper!  I wanted Robin in the DVD not only because I admired her strength, beauty, and youthfulness, but I wanted to show other people in their 50's, 60's, and 70's that they too can use kettlebells this way.   Filming of kettlebell DVD Robin in her 50's Before working with Robin I was very enthusiastic about trying to convince my older friends and clients in their 50's and 60's, that training with kettlebells properly is a must!  Many would say things such as, "Lauren, as y...

I just finished teaching one of my evening kettlebell classes outside.  I was lucky enough to be able to join in this time around.  The workout that we did tonight is a workout I will be featuring in the next edition of My Mad Method's magazine.   It was a tough one!  Being that it's summer time, we were all pretty drenched after this class.   With that being said, the only food that my body was craving after this sweaty evening was a glass of fresh juice.  I wasn't planning on juicing tonight so I didn't have my usual staples.  However, with what I had in my kitchen I made a surprisingly refreshing juice that satisfied me to the fullest.  I had to write this one down so I can go back and repeat this amazing fresh green juice filled with rainbow chard, cucumber, celery, apples, and key limes I made with my Breville juicer .  Yummy!!! Fresh Green Juice - this made enough for 2-3 servings Ingredients 1/2 bunch of Rainbow Chard (I...

I am truly excited to share this beautiful story about a wonderful couple who has clearly made some amazing life lasting changes.  I had the pleasure of introducing kettlebells into Robyn and David's lives along with some nutritional influence along the way.  Robyn and David now look and feel the best they ever have.  Many people out there can relate to Robyn and how she suffered from a weak lower back that would constantly give her problems.  She was very active but continued to have back pain.  Like most people who have ever had back issues, she was intimidated and wasn't sure if she could trust kettlebells.   Robyn has given birth to 2 beautiful girls, and like me had very large babies, via C-section.  David, Robyn's husband, came to me with little strength, much like the average endurance athlete and in just a short time he has become a machine.  He is unstoppable, extremely strong, fast, has a balanced body and lots of muscle.  As a hus...

Here is a free podcast interview with me regarding some topics such as raw food, plant based eating, paleo diet, and more.  Download your free episode on itunes here or visit Smart Fitness Coach to download the mp3 and get some show notes and things discussed in the interview on where to go. A few resources to learn more about raw foods or plant based living can be found at the post directly below this one.

I never thought in a million years I would be where I am now with my current eating.  Being in the fitness industry for so long and surrounded by lean bodybuilders and athletes, I was convinced that we absolutely had to get our protein from meat or animal sources to sustain energy and physique.  I thought that if I were to ever give up animal protein I would not be able to have a lean body, would get weak, and become deficient.  Growing up, I always loved and cared for animals but chose to not think about the treatment of certain animals before I put them in my mouth.  I worked in a fine dining restaurant when I was 18 years old, where most of the dishes were rack of lamb, duck, pork chops, quail, steak and prime rib.  We were encouraged to try all the dishes so that we could properly describe the tastes to our guests and pair them with the appropriate wine.  I always felt so strange eating each bite but looking around me, no one else seemed to feel strange...

Here is another super fun strength and conditioning workout.  We did this the other day in the kettlebell class .  Most of my ladies were using 16, 20, and 24kg kettlebells.  Men were using 24, 28, 32, and 36kg.  For the swings almost everyone was using at least a 24kg. This is meant to be used with a heavy kettlebell.  However, if you have a hard time lunging properly I prefer you go light or without a bell to have great form.  Form is first, then load yourself up only if you can keep your form flawless! Warm Up -  Down dog to Plank Hold x 5,  BW Turkish Get Up 3 per side, Prying Squats x 8 Workout - Go through each exercise and perform the amount of reps prescribed.  For example. 6 Back Lunges each side, 6 Front Lunges, 6 Pull Ups etc..  Swings will always be 20 reps.  Then start over again to 5 Back Lunges. Ladder Reps  6,5,4,3,2,1  - if you are a beginner start at 5 or 4 reps instead of 6.  Back Lung...

I thought I'd share a workout that my super strong kick ass class did this week.  It was a beautiful day outside here in Encinitas at around 68 degrees.  This was the class design.  Feel free to give this a shot.  Part 1: Partner you go I go.  Go through each exercise back and forth with your partner.  First round you will do 2 reps of each then your partner will go, then 4 reps of each then your partner, 6, 8, and finally 10!  2 Kettlebells needed.  Push Ups on Bells Double Front Squats Double High Pulls Double or Single Stationary Lunges While your partner is working you are lightly stretching your hip flexors, glutes, or chest in between.  Reps 2,4,6,8,10.  Your partner is really there to pace yourself. If you try this alone take rests as needed so you can go in fresh. Let me know how you do. Part 2: Pull - Ups or Rows 75% Planks - 30 seconds Snatches  5,4,3,2,1 Repeat 2-3x Many of my ladies were snatching 20kg's w...

  Over 5 Inches Lost in Waist in 4 Weeks After Trying Everything! " In 4 weeks I have lost 5+ inches from my waist and I haven't felt this good in years. I LOVE your workout and I love kettlebells. It is the perfect workout for me. I have so much fun doing it, I can't wait for the baby to take her morning nap so I can get to work! I have never done a workout that didn't feel like a chore before this."  Patty M.  from South Salem, NY Another new mom reaches out and shares with me her experience with finally finding a workout that not only gives her the results that she wants, but also makes her look forward to it. Everyone has to realize that there are many paths to get to your fitness and health goals. However, to stay motivated and actually enjoy the chosen path is what's most important. If you are bored to tears and  dread the activity that you have chosen you really need to figure out a more exciting and enjoyable avenue for yourself. Otherwise...

 I gave a quick inspirational speech at a meeting this morning.  Thought I'd share it. I have found in all my years of teaching fitness, nutrition, and health, that exercise is a way to live in the present.   Reaching for foods as nature intended is a way to preserve your health and fight off disease.  The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, said: “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”             Let’s all take a moment and slow down.  Make it a priority to spend extra time preparing whole foods, spend the extra time moving.  Do...

For the last couple years I have had the honor of working with Karyn Randolph from a distance.  I am amazed with her transformation.  Karyn not only has proven that a mother of 3 young kids can achieve a fit and healthy lifestyle, but she has also been able to take her training to a whole new level.  She is stronger, leaner, and healthier now than she has ever been!  I received this latest email from Karyn. Hi Lauren,    I have been meaning to send you a little update for some time now.  Since 2009 your videos have taken me from a beginner with no experience and almost 30 pounds overweight, to in shape and maintaining 120 pounds and stronger than ever. I am stronger and healthier than I have ever been. I am not sure what to say except THANK YOU!! Thanks to your help with the food plan I was able to finally kick the afternoon Dr. Pepper and candy bar habit. I have learned that I really can take it or leave it with the morning snack, but I MUST have ...