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Kettelbells challenge Sheppard community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga
  • 82nd Training wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  With music pumping and sweat rolling down faces and arms, members of the Sheppard combined weights and muscle training in a new workout class designed to maximize war fighting strength. 

The kettelbell, also known as a girya, is a Russian-designed, ball-shaped cast iron weight with a handle. The weight is meant to be used with full body movements to affect every muscle in the body.

Exercises with the kettlebell focus on a cardiovascular workout as well as a muscular one.
The class kept a steady pace for its duration, keeping exercisers in a constant state of movement, maximizing the effects of the workout.

The class is taught twice a week by Billy Irions, 82nd Force Support Squadron sports specialist.

"We are supposed to keep the Air Force in top shape," Mr. Irions said, "I guarantee this class will do it. It's a full-body, non-stop workout."

Tech. Sgt. Shad Folsom, 82nd FSS NCO in charge of the Sheppard fitness center, said the kettelbell class gives fitness center customers another option to improving their fitness as well a way for Airmen to improve their war fighting strength.

"The kettelbell class is a full body workout and all fitness center customers are welcome to attend. I would put out a challenge to all customers to attend one class and just see what it will do for them," Sergeant Folsom said.

Contact your local base fitness center to see if a kelltelbell class is offered.