Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Can I Just Workout?




If you ask me what I do, I'll say, "I teach Russian Kettlebells", I am not a personal trainer. I happen to know the world's best personal trainer and I could never put myself in his category! I may not know everything there is to know about training, but more importantly, I know what I don't know. What I do know is that most people, once they make the decision to start "working out" again, just want to work out. When I was ready, what I wanted was to sweat, and feel like what I was doing was making a difference.

I base my classes around the ballistic kettlebell movements, the swing and the snatch. But I also use some of the other movements like the clean/press, and squat, in more of a ballistic way, with the help of interval training. This is how I train myself, this is what I love to do and anyone that has taken a class with me can see I practice what I preach. Mark has always said that most trainers train others the way they train themselves.

Of course there's so much more to being a good trainer, teacher and coach than simply giving someone a "good workout". I like to think that anything I lack in knowledge I make up for in hope, and inspiration. You can always count on me to show up and just workout!

8 comments:

Jen said...

Tracy,
When I first commented on your blog is was because you gave me hope and inspiration. You continue to do that every day. I brag about you every day to anyone that will listen to me (during my massage today!)

Your training method made me fall in love with kettlebells. I'm lucky enough to have trained with you and even luckier to call you my friend.

Thanks for all of your inspiration. xoxo Jen

Tracy Reifkind said...

Jen,

I'm going to give you a call tomorrow....I've got some unbeliveable news I want to sahre with you!

thanks to you and Greg for your friendship and support. I'm super lucky'1

Jen said...

Yay! Can't wait. <3 <3

jockeRKC said...

Wise words Tracy real nice and wise.

I am not a PT i am an RKC kettlebell instructor and thats what i do. i now movement (I did CK-FMS last year) and kettlebells and thats what i teach (and learn )
Like Gray Cook said do what you know and dont think you can if you dont know.

Tracy Reifkind said...

jokeRKC,

After working at a major Fitness Club and watching (and listening to!) some of the most ridiculous coaching ever, I feel real good about what I do.

Lucky for me I'm married to the the worlds best personal trainer, and I'm always running home for any training information I need. I'm never too full of myself that my clients won't hear me say..."I'll ask Mark about that and get back to you!"

jockeRKC said...

thats a good thing that many so called trainers dont do, to say "i dont know, but i can see if i can ask some one who know and get back to you"

I would love to meet you and Mark and learn from you both.

Maribel said...

I love your training style and the inspiration and proof is right in front of me when I train with you. For the first time in my life I have definition in my arms and shoulders and it's only the beginning.

Your work ethic is another area I'm learning from. My goal is to follow your lead and not miss a session. Whether it's work or life that gets in the way, you've taught me that all you need is a kettlebell and some basic swings. In other words, no excuses!

Mark Reifkind said...

It's a small world Joakim, I am sure we will meet someday. Plus I LOVE Sweden.I was there to coach a powerlifting meet in 1993; Jonkoping. LOVED it.