RAF Shawbury
We heard about Kettlebell training through a contact of ours. The word was that it was an old-fashioned training medium using a heavy metal ball with a handle on it! Never ones to be inquisitive..... we did some research and, through Juice Performance, were given the contact details for the only Kettlebell training provider in the UK, ADPF.
The contacts at both Juice and ADPF were excellent and set up a three day package of in-house Kettlebell training specifically geared towards the Military. As a Physical Education Flight at a busy training Unit we wanted to have some new and interesting techniques to use in lessons and with our personnel that would bring something different to their sessions. The first days training took us through the techniques of using a Kettlebell. Unlike the majority of weight training, Kettlebell introduced a totally new dimension as the techniques are all based around movement and ballistic training. This brings in a vast number of muscle groups whilst also incorporating a brilliant combination of strength training, cardiovascular fitness and flexibility all in one session. The day was great fun with Rob Partridge providing us with clear technique instruction, a quality workout and a lot of laughs along the way.
Our assessment was held a number of weeks later to enable us to have the time to practise the technique and critique one another's form. A sunny day in Jun 09 gave us the added bonus of being able to take the Kettlebells outside and enjoy a day in the sun. The assessment covered all aspects of the course and also gave us the opportunity to assess one another to ensure that we could spot any technique problems in future classes or one on one sessions. Angie Dowds and Rob combined for the day and I think the whole of the PEd Flt can honestly say that we all thoroughly enjoyed the day. We finished the day filthy dirty, covered in sun tan cream mixed with grass and mud and, having taken on every challenge Angie and Rob could throw at us, happily exhausted.
Kettlebell training is not for the feint-hearted. It is hard work and there is no opportunity to let your form slip and coast for a while in the corner. It is however, a brilliant training medium and can have a myriad of uses with a massive range of clients. We are quite sure that personnel at RAF Shawbury will benefit from the introduction of Kettlebell training to their programme. We would recommend Kettlebell and ADPF to anyone. A simple but effective training medium and a company who have the core ethos of training at their heart and portray this in every element of their course. Brilliant!
The Physical Education Flight
RAF Shawbury
Professional Fitness
Justin Edinburgh (ex Tottenham Hotspur FC and Portsmouth FC)
Manager Grays Athletic (Nationwide Conference)
I first started working with Angie Dowds in May 2006 during the filming of "Football Saved My Life" over a 12 week period. During this time I was extremely impressed with her work, which left me to invite her to come and work with me at Fisher Athletic FC, playing in the Nationwide Conference South.
Angie's invaluable and professional work with the team on power, speed and endurance was demonstrated in the team's successful start to the season. I found it was very evident to see an improvement in the players physically in which comment form other managers stated that Fisher Athletic FC were by far the the fittest and strongest team they had come up against during the season.
Angie's 100% professional approach to each training session was a pleasure to work with and I would have no hesitations in inviting her to work beside me again.
Justin Edinburgh
Justin is now manager of Rushden and Diamonds Football Club.
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| Angie taking Grays Athletic through speed training drills in pre-season training |