Merits of kettlebells ring true for trainer
Classes on Soviet exercise method now taught in No. Brunswick
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

JENNIFER AMATO Personal trainer Eric Chasko (right) demonstrates an exercise using kettlebells, a Russian form of training that is slowly gaining mainstream popularity. The weights allow full-body workouts in a limited amount of time because of the multiple muscles engaged in each routine.

NORTH BRUNSWICK - Swinging a cast-iron, cannonball-shaped piece of equipment with a handle over your head may not come to mind as a normal exercise. However, kettlebell training is gaining popularity as a fitness routine to strengthen multiple muscles at one time during an all-inclusive workout.

Personal trainer Eric Chasko is trying to revive kettlebell lifting, which began in Russia a few hundred years ago. Originally used to raise the popularity of physical culture and sport, the technique was eventually used as a military training regimen. A kettlebell commission was formed under the USSR Weightlifting Federation to organize citizens for group workouts because of its effectiveness as a simple technique applicable to the general population, the durability and cost effectiveness of equipment and the low risk of injury.

The kettlebell equipment ranges in weight from 9 to 105 pounds, and the exercises are based on ballistic swinging movements. The kettlebell swing engages the glutes, hamstrings and abdominals as the bell is swung forward by bending over and snapping the hips. The kettlebell windmill keeps the ball over the head while bending down to the floor. The Turkish get-up, possibly the most difficult exercise, has the person lie on the floor, driving straight up with the ball overhead and then returning back to the floor.

According to Chasko, during each exercise the entire length of the body is engaged, allowing the body to regain core strength and build explosive strength, especially for law enforcement officers, fire department personnel and athletes.

Women benefit as well, despite the common misconception that "women think they will explode if they lift weights." He said the amount of resistance provided by the kettlebells offers a good balance of tone, since women lack a significant amount of testosterone.

"It looks intimidating, but it's very easy to pick up and learn. Usually I start people off very slowly with low repetitions and movement," he said. "Kettlebell lifting also teaches people how to use their bodies and breathing effectively and efficiently to move weight. This has an enormous carryover benefit to both everyday tasks as well as performance applications. Anyone training with kettlebells can expect significant increases in strength, power, endurance and conditioning, while developing greater flexibility, mobility and joint stability."

Chasko believes kettlebell use is a great modality for the average person because the movements incorporate the whole body, therefore creating a greater training effect for the individual. However, proper technique is critical to avoid injury while maximizing results.

"Some of my most intense and most fun workouts have been between 15 to 30 minutes on days when I was strapped for time," he said.

The North Brunswick resident also said that learning to focus on exercises and proper techniques enables people to focus under pressure and slow down their thinking, which helps with real-life problem solving.

In addition, the personal trainer works on joint mobility restoration because of the sedentary lifestyle society tends to lead. He said that over the course of several years the body will lose its muscle retention if the muscles are not activated. Joint mobility restores range of motion and healthy movement by rehabilitating dysfunctional movement and by lessening pain, and re-educating the nervous system in the most efficient and healthy ways to move. With regular practice, high levels of coordination and controlled, flowing movements can be obtained in a very short period of time.

"Our body is designed to move in an infinite number of ways, but over time, the central nervous system develops amnesia," he said.

Chasko also teaches integrated kickboxing, integrated martial arts and self-defense, and his wife, Lisa, offers integrated therapeutic massage. Kettlebell classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., and private and semi-private training sessions are scheduled by appointment.

Chasko began his interest in fitness around 1993, when he was 21 years old, while surfing and doing physical work. After 10 years of researching exercise and nutrition, he became certified in 2002 through the National Council on Strength and Fitness and the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and left a gym to pursue his own business goals.

He developed ALIVE Training Systems out of personal research, applied training experience and observations made in the people he has trained and consulted. He created what he calls a truly holistic system of health and fitness, focusing on mind-set, health and athleticism for people of all walks of life.

"Most people think of strength training as adding bulk and creating stiffness and immobility. I want people to experience being strong and powerful with flowing and coordinated movement. Imagine moving powerfully through smooth, effortless movement: that's performance! Reclaiming your movement and breathing while realizing your fitness goals is a truly transforming process. It's like being re-awakened from your limitations and becoming alive to a new way of living - thus the name ALIVE Training Systems," he said.

Since Chasko was training his clients in-home, space became limited and traveling with weights was difficult. He is now using space provided by Mike Rizk, who owns Fitness Solutions on the corner of Livingston Avenue and Walnut Street. Fitness Solutions offers personal, group and flexibility training, kickboxing, nutritional counseling, integrated massage therapy and metabolism testing.

For more information about Chasko, visit www.becomealive.com or call (609) 273-7765.

For more information about Fitness Solutions, visit the company's Web site at www.WhatsYourStartingPoint.com or call (732) 249-9000.