Lauren Brooks Fitness

Kettlebells for Women: Strong is the New Sexy That’s right everyone! If you’re not “in-the-know,” strong is now considered super sexy! Women with lean muscles (that are actually useful) are finally considered beautiful. Since strong is the new sexy, I’m proud to say that I probably have one of the sexiest group classes in the world. The women that walk into my classes end up being the strongest they have ever been and it only gets better. Over the last few years, we have taken kettlebell training to the next level. After I published my first article, “ The Need to Train Like a Man, Especially If You’re a Woman ” back in 2005 (refer to this article if you are interested more in the science behind this concept), my female clients were no longer as fearful of lifting heavy objects. Ladies are starting to realize more and more that as they became stronger, the feelings they experience are empowering: increased self-confidence, better posture, and most...

3 Strength & Conditioning Workouts for Kettlebells by Lauren Brooks Designing your own workouts can be quite a challenge. Even the most experienced exerciser who has a clear understanding of how to properly execute a variety of exercises can struggle with laying out a simple, effective program.  Designing a workout to fit your goals does need to be thought out. Over the years I have worked with many clients, including fitness professionals, who unfortunately design poor programs, which then cause them to become frustrated with their lack of results, and often create imbalances and injuries. As much as it’s exciting to constantly have fancy and fun exercises, keeping it simple and balanced is what will deliver the most results. Below are three workouts an experienced kettlebell user can do on their own. This program is for individuals who have continued goals of moving better as well as increasing their overall strength and conditioning.  This, of course, will ...

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 driv...

Ashley shared this lovely inspiring summary with me on her struggles with getting pregnant to a  healthy successful pregnancy using kettlebells.  Even more importantly a healthy beautiful baby. Currently her son is 23 months old and she is now pregnant with her second child.   Congratulations Ashley and thank you for sharing!!! Here is Ashley's story: I first learned about Lauren Brooks and kettlebells listening to an episode of "Pregtastic" podcasts while trying to get pregnant.  As a result of my PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), it took us over two years to get pregnant.  I even went on medication to regulate my blood sugar and insulin levels, which are strangely key to PCOS.  However, what actually helped me get pregnant was not medication but changing my diet and exercise.  I was a very moderate size, but making changes to my diet (mainly using a book called  The Natural Diet Solution to PCOS and Infertility ) and losing just th...

That's right ladies!   Strong, Sculpted & Sexy is just what will happen when using kettlebells the right way with a properly designed program.  This book will guide, teach, and show you how, when, and why we use kettlebells.  It will also explain why most females do not need to be using tiny, fluffy weights.  Women are astounding themselves on a daily basis with the strength and conditioning they are developing from the proper exercises designed in a safe program.  My clients, friends, colleagues are over the moon with the results. At the present moment I have never had any cosmetic surgery.  I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it and that's a personal choice that is none of my business.  But I don't want to give people a false sense of reality so I have accepted my flaws.  It's more real when you are trying to aspire to a real person with natural imperfections.  This is not a fake photo of a young girl who has had...

Getting Started with Kettlebells: How to Buy, Learn & Train by Lauren Brooks   Now that kettlebell training has become popular with fitness professionals, the mainstream population is finally catching on.  Seven years ago, when I picked up my first kettlebell , it was rare to find anyone who even knew what a kettlebell was. I remember for years explaining it over and over to my friends, new clients, other personal trainers, and family members. People still referred to them as “cow bells” or “kettle balls.” Someone once asked me how my “cow balls” were doing. I have to admit I had a real hard time keeping a straight face.   These days I’m happy to say I don’t have to explain what kettlebells are as frequently, and people are slowly starting to call them by the correct name.  Unfortunately, like any fitness tool that becomes popular it tends to get very watered down. Fly by night kettlebell certifications are constantly popping up as well as new ket...

I write this post today to share with you my imperfections, challenges, and personal struggles that I've been going through.  I understand being open puts me at risk for people to judge me.  Some will love me, some may hate me.  That's what makes the world interesting, right?  Life would be too dull if everyone shared the same opinions and personalities.  We simply can't relate to everyone.  I often have to remind myself that pleasing everyone is a battle that can't be won. This year has been packed full of changes for me.  Some very good, exciting, and many challenging.  My first change was an experiment with my foods.  I decided to take 100% animals out of my diet and see how I could survive on a healthy mostly gluten free vegan lifestyle.  During my experiment I researched the hell out of plant based living and thriving without animal proteins.  After all I was eating close to a Primal/Paleo type lifestyle before embarking on ...

This past weekend I flew to Houston, the city where I lived for a good part of my childhood.  I don't go back to Houston often with my crazy schedule, but really glad I made this work.  Let's face it, Houston is not known for the beauty or great weather.  I will say Houston has some of the greatest and warmest people I've had the privilege to meet in my life.  The few days I was there just wasn't long enough.  Next time I'll have to go back for longer. I was lucky enough to arrange a unique Women's kettlebell and Self Defense workshop with Jay Armstrong.  Jay is an incredible person, athlete and teacher.  I really enjoyed learning from him as well. We had a great intimate group and it was a very productive day!  There were some very inspiring ladies there and it was a pleasure to meet each and every one of them. Jay Armstrong/ Lauren Brooks Women's Kettlebell Workshop with Self Defense Here are some quotes we have received from the ...