Lauren Brooks's Blog

She Spent 6 Weeks in the ICU. Now She’s Crushing Pull-Ups and Saving Lives.

She Was Told Her Fitness Saved Her Life — And She Didn’t Stop ThereHow LP member Jennifer went from ICU bedrest to pull-ups and RKC certification

 Some stories stop you in your tracks.

They remind you why you do the work. Why you keep showing up. Why strength is never just about the body.

Jennifer’s story is one of those.

She’s a mom, a physician, and a longtime member of Lauren’s Playground. But a couple years ago, she faced something unimaginable: a life-threatening carotid dissection that landed her in the ICU for 6 weeks on strict bedrest.

The fear, the uncertainty, the physical toll — it would’ve been enough to make anyone give up. But Jennifer didn’t. Instead, she rebuilt herself from the ground up.

And now? She’s RKC and StrongFirst certified, banging out pull-ups, training before sunrise, and balancing it all with a demanding career and family life.

Her words speak for themselves. I’m honored to share them here.

🗣️ What would you tell someone who’s in the middle of a major setback or recovery and feeling like progress is impossible?

I know how frustrating this is firsthand.
I remember feeling really down and terrified that I would have a recurrence of the carotid dissection.

After being on strict bed rest for so long, I felt so de-conditioned and weak. I also had challenges with my movement patterns, balance, and proprioception. My right upper extremity did not want to follow what I wanted it to do.

My mantra became:
“I have nothing but time.”

That reminded me that I actually have all the time in the world to recover — I just needed to take it one day at a time.

Each week I kept track of my progress and saw I was improving. Eventually, I set a goal: to get my RKC kettlebell certification and my StrongFirst barbell certification.

I accomplished both about two years after my injury.

🧠 What role has strength training played in your recovery?

Because of the unique aspects of my injury and the need for collateral blood flow to my brain, one of the neurologists in the ICU told me:

"Your level of fitness saved your life."

After being discharged, even the outpatient PT was shocked at how much strength I’d retained. Sure, I had lost some muscle mass but I started with a solid foundation thanks to years of strength training.

I only met with the physical therapist once. She said I could probably manage my own recovery  and I did.

I was so thankful for Lauren’s kettlebell programs. I needed help with strength, conditioning, balance, and proprioception — and her workouts hit every one of those areas.

🏋️‍♀️ Is there one program or movement that made a big impact?

I love all of Lauren’s programs  the mix of strength, conditioning, and mobility is just incredible.

My absolute favorites? Kettlebell snatches and pull-ups.

I love Some stories stop you in your tracks.

They remind you why you do the work. Why you keep showing up. Why strength is never just about the body.

Jennifer’s story is one of those.

She’s a mom, a physician, and a longtime member of Lauren’s Playground. But a couple years ago, she faced something unimaginable: a life-threatening carotid dissection that landed her in the ICU for 6 weeks on strict bedrest.

The fear, the uncertainty, the physical toll  it would’ve been enough to make anyone give up. But Jennifer didn’t. Instead, she rebuilt herself from the ground up.

And now? She’s RKC and StrongFirst certified, banging out pull-ups, training before sunrise, and balancing it all with a demanding career and family life.

Her words speak for themselves. I’m honored to share them here.

🗣️ What would you tell someone who’s in the middle of a major setback or recovery and feeling like progress is impossible?

I know how frustrating this is firsthand.
I remember feeling really down and terrified that I would have a recurrence of the carotid dissection.

After being on strict bed rest for so long, I felt so de-conditioned and weak. I also had challenges with my movement patterns, balance, and proprioception. My right upper extremity did not want to follow what I wanted it to do.

My mantra became:
“I have nothing but time.”

That reminded me that I actually have all the time in the world to recover  I just needed to take it one day at a time.

Each week I kept track of my progress and saw I was improving. Eventually, I set a goal: to get my RKC kettlebell certification and my StrongFirst barbell certification.

I accomplished both about two years after my injury.

🧠 What role has strength training played in your recovery?

Because of the unique aspects of my injury and the need for collateral blood flow to my brain, one of the neurologists in the ICU told me:

"Your level of fitness saved your life."

After being discharged, even the outpatient PT was shocked at how much strength I’d retained. Sure, I had lost some muscle mass — but I started with a solid foundation thanks to years of strength training.

I only met with the physical therapist once. She said I could probably manage my own recovery  and I did.

I was so thankful for Lauren’s kettlebell programs. I needed help with strength, conditioning, balance, and proprioception — and her workouts hit every one of those areas.

🏋️‍♀️ Is there one program or movement that made a big impact?

I love all of Lauren’s programs  the mix of strength, conditioning, and mobility is just incredible.

My absolute favorites? Kettlebell snatches and pull-ups.

I love being able to do several pull-ups in a row. I never take that for granted.

🕔 How do you stay consistent as a busy mom and physician?

It’s something I’ve had to figure out over time.

I’m lucky to have a garage gym with kettlebells, TRX, battle ropes, and more. I usually wake up at 5am to train before work. On days off, I get in a longer session if I can.

And I definitely take rest days — I listen to my body and schedule.

What I love about kettlebells is that even a 10- or 20-minute workout can be incredibly effective.

I used to get stuck in perfectionism, thinking I had to follow a plan exactly or it didn’t count. If I couldn’t get the “perfect” workout in, I’d skip it entirely. What a waste!

Now I do what I can, when I can. And it works.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Jennifer ended her message with this:

“Thank you again so much for all you do. YOU are the inspiration!”

But let’s be clear: Jennifer is the inspiration.

Her story is a reminder that strength isn't about never falling.
It's about getting back up. It’s about trusting the process. And it’s about doing the work — even in the face of fear, loss, or setbacks.

Jennifer didn’t just survive.
She came back stronger — with muscle, with purpose, and with a message every woman needs to hear:

“You have nothing but time. But you do have to start.

Ready to build your own comeback story?

Jennifer is one of hundreds of women inside Lauren’s Playground  my online strength and conditioning community designed specifically for women who want to get stronger, reclaim their bodies, and feel supported through every season of life.

We’ve got 50+ follow-along programs, live coaching, form checks, and one of the most real, no-BS communities you’ll ever find.

Enrollment closes tonight at 9pm Pacific.
If you’ve been thinking about joining, now’s the time.

👉 Click here to join Lauren’s Playground 

🎉 Big Holiday Sale: Get Fit with Personal Training Packages at Exclusive Discounts! 🎉

Take Advantage of Our Limited-Time 

Personal Training Package Sale!

It’s time to invest in yourself and finally crush those fitness goals with the help of two professional coaches who truly have your back.

Are you tired of struggling through workouts on your own, only to end up frustrated, injured, or worse—giving up on your fitness dreams?

Don’t let that happen this time! Let us guide you every step of the way, saving you time, money, and most importantly—helping you achieve your ultimate fitness goals safely, while having fun, and being floored on your results!

Why Choose Us?

2 Expert Coaches:
You'll work with Lauren Brooks for a 75-minute Comprehensive Fitness Assessment (valued at $300) and Kari Miller, our head coach, for personalized private training sessions designed just for you.

Flexible Training Options:
Whether you're local or far away, we can train you in-person or via Zoom—the choice is yours!

Exclusive Holiday Discount:
These packages are only available at this special price until 12/26, and 3 packages per household max, so don’t wait!

How to Reserve Your Spot:

Choose Your Package:
Select your preferred training package from the dropdown menu here.

Claim Your Discounted Spot:
Limited availability—act fast to secure your package at this incredible price!

This is the perfect time to start working with a coach who truly understands your goals and will help you reach them faster and more efficiently. Don’t let this opportunity slip by for yourself or loved one!

Reserve your spot today and kick-start the new year with a healthier, stronger you!

[Reserve Your Package Now]

Use this QR code to choose your package from the drop down menu here!

Just F*cking Lift. - Your Ultimate 12 Week Workout Program Crafted For Women 40 and Beyond

 

Your Ultimate 12 Week workout program to OPTIMIZE Strength, Leanness, and Mobility

Eliminate Unwanted Hormonal Fat Gain. Designed for Women 40 & Beyond.

JFL MAIN FOCUS

WHO IS JFL DESIGNED FOR?

WHAT KIND OF WORKOUT FORMAT WILL YOU FIND INSIDE?

2 EASY WAYS TO JOIN JFL

Weeks 1-6 are now available!

Train 3 or 4 times per week. 

Follow along workouts inside.

Weekly Sparkle Additions (fun focus exercises that are game changers)

Supplement Discussion and hand out (coming soon...)

Purchase Part 1 of JFL here ( Part 2 will be available in a few weeks for an additional purchase)

or

Join Lauren's Playground today and check out some of extras you get.... 

If you want ALL of the above mentioned and sooo much more... get access to this program, plus the next 7-12 weeks when it comes out, and so much more by becoming a member of Lauren's Playground.  

Live Q&A weekly for JFL - Only available in Lauren's Playground

Interactive options to discuss JFL in a private Facebook group. 

Full community support of others going through the same hurdles you may be experiencing. 

Accountability and check-ins.

Access to hundreds of other workouts, videos, tutorials, private community, bonus live options, and nutrition education.

Special Member Discounted coaching, events, and workshops available. 

ENTIRE JFL plus all the bells and whistles of Lauren's Playground

Yearly Membership $475 

(less than $40 a month)

Quarterly $197 

You have full control to cancel before your membership renews, if you do not want to renew. Or stay a member for years like our members we've had for 7.5 years!

If you join the membership you will manually be receiving an email with your special access code and log in info. Please give us up to 24 hours to get this information to you! I promise it will be worth it!

Push, Pull, Swing Challenge 2024

Attention: Sign Up Now For Our New Challenge! 
We start Monday April 29th as a community!
Each sign up option has different features and benefits!! 
This is one of the most effective, results driven, full body designs I've offered in a challenge format. I can not wait to dive deep in to this one with all of you! What a great way to get our spring training on in a very intentional way. 
You will be absolutely amazed at the sculpting, strength building, and all over body changes you'll achieve! 
 The newest 21 Day option is truly one of the most habit building, full body strengthening, and conditioning programs that will make big changes each day! 
The older BASIC version we offer is totally free and is not an every day program. Current playground members automatically get the SILVER up-leveled option as part of their membership here. If you're not a member you can still access this with a fee... or brace yourself... we are cracking the doors open here just for a few days for those who would like to take advantage of the Playground discounts and multiple programs we offer. 
Tap the sign up options to be taken to the PDF where the links are live and take you to exactly where you want to go!!! Or read below!

 BASIC - FREEOLDER VERSION here - 16 days - 4 weeks

SILVER OPTION $97UP-LEVEL NEWEST VERSIONPUBLIC SIGN UP HERE
Playground Members Get Access with their Membership here
Want to become a member? Doors are cracked open just for a few days here. 

VIP OPTION $197
UP-LEVEL NEWEST VERSION with a Private Coaching Call!PUBLIC SIGN UP HERE
Playground Members Get the Vip Option heavily discounted with their Membership (members only) 


Have questions? I mean any and all questions! 

Do You Have a Sloppy Snatch (Kettlebell Snatch of course.. duh)

Due to the dire need of smoothing out snatches since I'm seeing sloppy snatches every where, I feel it's my duty to spread the word of how to do smooth and safe snatches!

Who agrees?

I usually charge a nice fee for these types of workshops, however, we need this so badly, that I'm going to offer this 30 min MINI SMOOTH YOUR SNATCH out mini class for FREE.

All you have to do is sign up below and you'll be sent all the info to join us live or watch the replay!!!

I won't promise a quick fix. Everything takes practice. But at least you'll have awareness, new skills and tools, cues, and drills to work on, to really smooth out your snatch and prevent unneccessary injuries!

The snatch is a FUN AF and badass! It's a powerful strength, conditioning, power and fat burning exercise. It must be done correctly do truly reap the benefits.

If you'd like to join my FREE LIVE MINI CLASS, it will be recorded if you can't make it, make sure to sign up here and you will be sent the FREE link to join.

Make sure to check your inbox and confirm so you don't miss this valuable info that will be life altering!!!

KETTLEBELL WARRIOR

 

GET READY FOR

4 Intense and Effective Kettlebell Workouts all under 12 minutes, that will get your heart pounding and muscles stronger and leaner. Modifications given for different levels! 

4 Workouts

Conquer

Hero

Gladiator

Slayer

Plus 1 Cutting Edge Mobility (can be done daily)

1 Cutting Edge Mobility Section that will help get your fascia, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons ready for the training and keep your body  feeling mobile, open and lubricated for years on end. 

6 Week Program Guide included to do this alone or mix and match with other Playground offerings.

Have FUN becoming a Kettlebell Warrior!

Want access to this EXCLUSIVE program and hundreds of hours of other tried and true transformative workouts?

 Join Lauren’s Playground community today, registration open for a limited time!

Sign up and learn more here 

On a strict budget? 

For the first time, I am offering an annual pass,  in a monthly installment format. You will have a 1 year commitment broken down in 12 monthly installments, to make is easier on your budget. If you go this route, you will receive a 1 year access pass that will expire after your 12 months is completed. There will be options to continue as well if you love it like the hundreds of other members we have. 

Or you can join the other traditional money saving options that auto renew, depending on the membership you choose. You have the freedom to cancel any time before your renewal date. However most people stay for years on end. We still have hundreds that have stayed from the very beginning 7 years ago!

Foundations Workshop

 

Your Journey to Strong and Mobile - Early Bird Price in effect.

Step by step skill work for beginners or anyone looking to refine and improve their basic bodyweight and Kettlebell techniques. Plus we will be diving in to what daily mobility can look like and how it will improve your entire body like no other.

Free live recording of the workshop for everyone who purchases a spot.  

Early Bird Prices Apply, but will go up. 

Lauren's Playground Members $99 - Playground Members... please purchase here for the discount since the private membership site isn't allowing payments at this time. Thank you!

Non Members - $129  - purchase HERE.

Please put in the comments or send me a email when you purchase, if it's for an in person or zoom spot,  since both are limited.

Address will be given after purchase. 

Next Level Plank for abs, lats, and shoulders of steel

Need a new plank variation that challenges your lats, shoulders and your core ten times more?
Here you go! Ease into this one!


If this is way too challenging, start on your knees first with a raised surface. Hold on to your elbows. 
And for the love of god please keep the “hollow shape” posterior pelvic tilt and ribs in! If you can’t do that for a regular plank, please don’t try this one just yet. 
Lemme know how you do. 
ANNIVERSARY 8 YEARS AGO
 of when I was filming Shut Up & Train with Kettlebells in the Rain
To celebrate this Anniversary of the 6 Workout Session Video, all under 15 minutes each. For all levels and a student favorite...
Please take 50% off today HERE!



KETTLEBELL QUICKIE LIVE CLASS



This will be the last Sunday to join us for Free for a Kettlebell Quickie
30minute all level Workout - with the Squat Challenge in mind.
Join us LIVE here
 

Last Minute Fitness Gift Guide and Holiday Class Schedule

Looking for some super easy, but life changing last minute gift options? 

Well look no more. 

Here are 3 easy options you can choose from. 

GIFT IDEAS

1. INSTANT FITNESS VIDEO DOWNLOADS 

50% off on All Available INSTANT Downloads HERE

Code: holiday2022

2. AN ENTIRE YEAR ACCESS PASS TO LAUREN'S PLAYGROUND

YEAR PLAYGROUND GIFT PASS HERE

Best Online Kettlebell Fitness and more Gym and Community around!

You will receive an email with an access code and Welcome Letter, within 24 hours of receipt, where you can forward this to your loved one or we can send it directly them. 

They can begin getting access to Lauren's Playground as soon as Dec 31st, 2022. 

**Access code will expire after 1 year of first use.

If you want it to be an automatic renewal, please email kbellqueen@me.com to set you up for an auto renewal.

3. GIFT CERTIFICATE

You will receive an email with the name and amount on the PDF that you can print out on stock paper or sent it to them via email. 

Increment Gift Certificate Options are $150, $250, or $500

GIft Card Options
Use Drop Down Menu Option 1 $500.00 USD Option 2 $250.00 USD Option 3 $150.00 USD

The Holiday Class Schedule is now up. Please see details below.

HOLIDAY CLASS SCHEDULE 

TO JOIN THE JANUARY 1ST, 2023 

SQUAT CHALLENGE KICK OFF MINI CLASS

MAKE SURE YOU'RE REGISTERED HERE

As always hit me up with any questions you may have! 

What Fitness Aspirations Do You Have?

Listen up. If I can get strong and my hundreds and hundreds of students can. Many starting at rock bottom, now at the top of their game…. YOU CAN TOO!!!! 

Leave a comment or question or your goal below. If you’re too shy send me a DM. Reminder… I was a super late bloomer. I was NOT a gymnast, as I’ve been asked many times lately.
I actually laugh because I didn’t begin discovering true strength, until I dove in to Kettlebell training in my 20’s. Despite multiple pregnancies and C sections, I didn’t let that stop me from safely moving forward.
I didn’t have a nanny, family near by to help with the kids, I ran my own business, and have been through many set backs in my life, that stopped me dead in the tracks with training. It wasn’t this seamless upward progression.
I had to start over again more times than I’d like to admit. Truth??? The basics have SAVED me. The basics allowed me to have mental/physical life set backs and restart without overwhelm.
Just in the last few years, I started becoming more interested in ring training as well, which forced me to really pay attention to mobility work.

The point is… if I can do this, so can you. Diving deep in to the “boring” mobility world has been the real ga me changer. I don’t find it boring but many do and it’s why this important piece of the puzzle is ignored. Leave a comment or a question as to what you’d like to see.
Being 43 and having ALOT on my plate, time is not on my side. I don’t spend hours training. That’s why having movement “snacks” are also a game changer.
Dive into the basics and your body and mind will thank you.
So lay it on me. If it’s in my expertise zone, I will share tips and ways to get you to where you want to be! I'll show you the road to get on.Best time is NOW And if you just don’t know… take a leap and join my free 21 Day Squat Challenge here if you haven't already done so... We start 1/1/23 TOGETHER.