Ladies of NZ Iron
Let's shatter the myth that ladies who work with weights will get "bulky", look like men and have giant muscles!
Lets meet the Ladies of NZ Iron, some of our certified NZ Iron Instructors, from across New Zealand who regularly train with Kettlebells.
Lets meet the Ladies of NZ Iron, some of our certified NZ Iron Instructors, from across New Zealand who regularly train with Kettlebells.
Lesley Eru
Contact: 0212376415
Iron Alley: Wanganui
In 2010 Lesley graduated from Wanganui UCOL with a Certificate in Human Performance and was employed by Fight Fit Gym in 2012 as Administration Manager, Boxfit Instructor and Personal Trainer.
In 2013 Lesley became a certified NZ Iron Kettlebell Instructor.
Lesley trains 4-5 days a week with 3 Boxfit (cardio based training) sessions a week and 3-4 Kettlebell sessions a week.
We caught up with Lesley and asked her how she manages to train, teach and juggle a family life....while still looking amazing!
NZ Iron: How do you manage to juggle a family life, teaching classes and doing your own workouts?
It is not always easy to juggle a family, work and training, but I find that planning ahead and routine really help. I train in the morning giving myself time later in day for chores and planning my sessions for the week. Once I have collected my children from school its dinner preparation and home work time, then off for my evening classes. For me it's all about finding what works for my family and I. Having an awesome husband who can cook has its advantages too.
NZ Iron: How did you first find Kettlebells?
I picked up my first Kettlebell 18 months ago when we introduced them to Fight Fit. I basically fell in love with them straight away and have never looked back. May sound corny, I know, but they are a way of life!
NZ Iron: What's your favourite KB set/workout?
I really love the Kettlebell MV02. 80 rounds can be quite shattering but I always feel a sense of accomplishment at the end. Another favourite of mine is incorporating Kettlebells into strength AMRAP. I'm really not too fussy, any chance I get to pick up my 'bell....I'll take it!
NZ Iron: We hear from many women that they don't want to get "bulky" from using Kettlebells - you are certainly not bulky - what would you say to them?
The pure and simple truth is; when you pick up heavy things your muscles get stronger, but not necessarily bigger. Women bodybuilders who look really bulky, they eat, train and take supplements specifically so they look like that. I can guarantee that using Kettlebells will not turn you into a she-hulk, but they will make you feel stronger, sexier and fitter than you've ever been.
In my experience so far I have found more women using Kettlebells than men. The women attending the classes that I instruct range in ages from 17 to 60. I do not believe there is the stigma attached to women using weights that there may have been the past, but I understand that there are still some women who are reluctant to try due to misconceptions. I definitely think a lot of women underestimate the value of weight training. They may also feel intimidated initially at the prospect of using Kettlebells, but love it once they get started.
NZ Iron: And what about food?
Healthy Nutrition is really important to me. Although I am not a fanatic I do believe in "Healthy Choices". As a busy wife and mother I have found weekly meal planning paramount. As a family we decide what meals we will have for the week and what is needed for those meals and that is what I purchase from the supermarket. For me it's all about going back to basics. Making meals from scratch without additives, preservatives, artificial flavours, sugars and such, that way I know exactly what my family and I are eating. Although I would be lying if I said that I don't eat junk at all, because I do. I will have the occasional pig out with the kids while watching a movie and I am quite partial to the odd cold beer!
NZ Iron: What else would you like to tell people about yourself, training, nutrition, Kettlebells or anything else?
I have seen amazing results from clients using Kettlebells. Your body is your investment and the return is almost guaranteed. We have a saying at Fight Fit "Nothing will work unless you do!" and I truly believe that. TRAIN HARD!
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