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.


Gen Ulyate

Kettlebelles Auckland

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Gen is a certified NZ Iron Kettlebell Instructor who trains 6 times a week. You can usually find Gen on the North Shore at Target Road School first thing on a Saturday morning starting the weekend with a VO2Max session or at Tika Training or Integrated Fighting other times. You could also see her running past you on the Kennedy Park stairs in the very early morning.

NZ Iron: Tell us about yourself - where did you grow up, where are you now?
I grew up on the North Shore and I spent a couple of years living in London and travelling around various parts of the world. For the last few years I have been settled back on the North Shore. I work in the insurance industry and my fun time involves swinging metal around.

NZ Iron: Your pictures are amazing - how many times a week do you work out and what do you do?
Six times a week usually. I try to keep a bit of variety in my training with kettlebells 3 times a week along with some sprints, body weight training, and stair running. I’m always keen to try something new and learn new ways to train.

NZ Iron: How did you first find Kettlebells?
One of my friends was running classes at a MMA club and suggested I come along. It only took a couple of sessions before I was completely hooked and wanted to do it all the time. There is always new ways to use a kettlebell and improve technique on a certain weight or rep count.

NZ Iron: What's your favourite KB set/workout? Thats a tough one, I have so many! I would have to say MVO2 Rounds is my favourite. 3/4minutes of different exercises then into a 10 set MOV2 for 4-5 Rounds. Good mix of strength and cardio.
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NZ Iron: We hear from many women that they don't want to get "bulky" from using Kettlebells, what would you say to them?

It’s actually hard to get bulky! KB’s vary in size so there are plenty of options to go with heavier or lighter weights depending on the type of session you're doing. Find a good trainer, set goals and work your ass off to achieve them.

NZ Iron: We believe that women deserve to be strong but many of then don't believe it's "their place" to use a KB, because it's a "man thing" what would you say to that?
Pfft, no way! Kettebells are for everyone at every age and stage. You can adjust the weight, reps and exercise to what you need it for.

NZ Iron: And what about food? Do you follow any strict nutrition plan or eating habits?
Food is important because I need to support my body for the training I do. I’m not really ‘strict’ but I aim for whole non-processed foods and eat lots of vegetables and food that will sustain me throughout the day. I do spend time on Sunday preparing my lunches for the week. That is just as much about sticking to my budget and being organised for the week that is about keeping with my food programme.

NZ Iron: What else would you like to tell people about yourself, training, nutrition, Kettlebells or anything else??
Kettlebells and the rest of my training is an hour out of my day which is just for me. I love the grind, sweat and pain and I do it for myself. I guess some people have other hobbies this is mine and I love it.
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