Lauren Brooks's Blog, page 4

How Kettlebells Changed My Life

This week I asked my students and followers "How has Kettlebell training changed your life?"

Here are some of the responses. If you want to see the video responses check them out here. It's kind of fun! 

Loved these answers from people!

I WAS OVERWEIGHT, IMMOBILE, UNHEALTHY POWER LIFTER. NOW STRONGER, FIT, MOBILE AND HEALTHY!   @maass_moves

Kettlebells have changed my mind to what I can achieve. Not only my training, but also MY LIFE!  @Ellzzbelzz

Kettlebells are like the missing piece to my strength puzzle! I m more in tune with my muscles.             @ladyvolsrock

Kettlebells got me interested in lifting weights!  Lee. U

More confidence in myself that I am strong, happy and healthy!  J. Pirofalo 

Strengthened my glutes & core thus ridding myself of back pain! Now I'm a kettlebell trainer!  Robin S.

Stronger, more confident, and defined in places I didn't know I could be.  Marcy M. 

Life Changer. 

I've always been VERY insecure about my body image. Kettlebells make me feel strong and sexy!   Lv.salinas

Just turned 56, stronger than I've  EVER been in my life! I know I will even get stronger!  C. Schlaht

EMPOWERMENT.  

Helped rehab injuries and prevent new ones!   Manny 

I look forward to workouts. I have more endurance in everyday activities. I feel confident and strong!           N. Dalby

Look forward to every workout rather than just making myself do it cuz I know I should!  E. Tomlinson

Just started but feeling committed and determined (Lauren is the BEST teacher) -- thank you.     @_jmaring

My mindset around exercise has completely changed. I no longer dread it, I enjoy and may even be close to loving it because of kettlebells!  R. Austin

Feeling stronger physically,  mentally, emotionally, and spiritually at 53 than my younger days! B. Barrett

I thought I was just getting stronger physically, but little did I know it helped to change my mindset to also be stronger. it also has taught me that pulling back to get stronger is okay instead of pushing harder.          F. Russell

I feel better, move better, am much stronger and can lift heavy things. I'm aging better, I met a bunch of great like-minded women and have a wonderful coach! What did I miss? ;). M. Miller (early 60's)

If you're on the fence of starting or getting back to kettlebell training, let me help you! You can either contact me at info@ontheedgefitness.com or get started right away taking my free HOW TO SWING A KETTLEBELL jump start class right here. To see all the other ways to start check out my streaming and download area here. 

Do you have a story on how kettlebell training has changed your life? If so, please write us or leave a comment. We would love to continue to share the wonderful life changing transformations with the world. 

Kettlebell Fun with Figure 8's and Pass Arounds

 Challenging the brain and CORE with FUN kettlebell moves

Here are some ways to add to your workouts or put your lighter bells to use.

Figure 8’s
Figure 8’s to Hold
Pass Around to Cleans
Alternating Pass Around to Cleans
Pass Around to Clean and Press

A few samples of how to add in some kettlebell fun!

Let me know what your favorite kettlefun drills are!

Before you know it, you’ve worked your brain, core, entire body, and your heart rate is pounding.
For all the members in Lauren's Playground you'll find some of these KB Fun drills inside Spring Fever
If you like challenges, why don't you try one of our SUPER POPULAR WORKOUTS
Maximus Destroyer from Kettlebell Incinerator for FREE  here in our FEATURED WORKOUTS - just this week only!
 If you've logged in our system before with a challenge or own any of our programs, just simply sign in versus sign up. Let me know what you think!
AND DON'T FORGET THE GET UP WORKSHOP - 3 spots left
We have 3 SPOTS LEFT in The Mini Get Up Workshop coming April 17th right to your living room! 
Why Get Ups? 

The Turkish Get Up is well known for building powerful and resilient shoulders. However, there is so SO MUCH more to the Get Up than just amazing shoulders. The Get Up strengthens and connects the entire body from head to toe. 

It will magically transfer over to you getting stronger in everything including push-ups, presses, snatches, pull ups, lunges, most sports, and life. 

 

The Get Up will Strengthen, Connect, and Improve

Your entire Core & Abs

Hip Mobility

Lat Strength and connection

Obliques

Entire Legs and Butt

Ankles and Feet

Grip and Wrist Strength

Proprioception enhancement

(Which basically means that you will heighten your body awareness throughout the entire movement.)

The Get Up will help you turn back the clock in your aging process. One of the ways that separates us from a healthy or unhealthy individual, feeling old versus young, is being able to get up off the floor safely. Having a resilient and anti-fragile body.

The Get Up whether you start just with your body weight or a super light weight all the way up to a heavier load, is just a fantastic full body exercise. 

This workshop will not only cover step by step the proper way to do a Get Up. We will go over ways to create tension to turn on various muscles of the body to make it much easier, which will make your bells eventually feel lighter. 

I will cover personalized head positions, breathing patterns, modifications for those not ready to do a full get up. 

I will also be taking live questions throughout our 90 minutes together and offering feedback on the spot. 

If you're ready to take your Get Up to the next level, want to learn it properly, or simply improve tremendously you don't want to miss this 90 minute workshop!

When: April 17th 10:30a.m PST/1:30 EST 

Duration: 90 minutes

Price: $67 non members /  $47 playground/premium members and $52 for Be SLAM REMASTERED students  (message me for discount code)

 THIS WILL BE RECORDED SO IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT - YOU WILL GET THE RECORDING

This will take place via zoom and in person. 3 Spots left on zoom and 1 in person.

Please specify if you sign up for in person. SIGN UP HERE

See you there!

P.s. Want some Get Up inspo? Watch Denice, petite woman in her 60's, Get Up with a 53lb and Kari, petite woman in her 40's Get Up with the 53lb, and my 62lb PR here 

Kettlebell Get Up Workshop - Live with Lauren Brooks

The Turkish Get Up is well known for building powerful and resilient, shoulders. However, there is so SO MUCH more to the Get Up than just amazing shoulders. The Get Up strengthens and connects the entire body from head to toe. 

It will magically transfer over to get you stronger in everything you do including push-ups, presses, snatches, pull ups, lunges, most sports, and life. 

 

The Get Up will Strengthen, Connect, and Improve

Your entire Core & Abs

Hip Mobility

Lat Strength and connection

Obliques

Entire Legs and Butt

Ankles and Feet

Grip and Wrist Strength

Proprioception enhancement

(Which basically means that you will heighten your body awareness throughout the entire movement.)

The Get Up will help you turn back the clock in your aging process. One of the ways that separates us from a healthy or unhealthy individual, feeling old versus young, is being able to get up off the floor safely. Having a resilient and anti-fragile body.

The Get Up whether you start just with your body weight or a super light weight all the way up to a heavier load, is just a fantastic full body exercise. 

This workshop will not only cover step by step the proper way to do a Get Up. We will go over ways to create tension to turn on various muscles of the body to make it much easier, which will make your bells eventually feel lighter. 

I will cover personalized head positions, breathing patterns, modifications for those not ready to do a full get up. 

I will also be taking live questions throughout our 90 minutes together and offering feedback on the spot. 

If you're ready to take your Get Up to the next level, want to learn it properly, or simply improve tremendously you don't want to miss this 90 minute workshop!

                                            EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION HERE

When: April 17th 10:30a.m PST/1:30 EST 

Duration: 90 minutes

Regular Price: $67 non members /  $47 playground/premium members

EARLY BIRD PRICE: $49 non members /  $29 playground/premium members

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION HERE

PLAYGROUND MEMBERS - Email me or Message for member code.

This will take place via zoom and in person. Spots are limited on both zoom and in person.

EARLY BIRD PRICE IS NOW AVAILABLE - price will go up soon! First come first serve for the in person part. Please specify if you sign up for in person.

See you there!

Be SLAM (Strong Like a Mother) Remastered

Be SLAM Remastered12 Week Follow Along Workout Video and Written Program
to make you stronger and leaner than ever beforeDoors are now open - but hurry... we close in 7 days

Be SLAM Intro





Behind the curtains and what it's ALL ABOUT!





You asked.....I delivered. You all know that I am committed to members of Lauren's Playground both new and old, and I finally was able to complete something you have all been asking for... Be Strong Like A Mother....REMASTERED
Registration is now open! But only for 7 days.  Learn more and sign up here Use code: beslam50 to save $50 in the first 24 hours!
I am SO EXCITED to be releasing the remastered version of one of the most popular 12 week workout plans of my career, Be Strong Like A Mother (Be Slam). What does remastered mean? I have taken the original Be SLAM ebook and not only updated many of the exercises but it now includes follow along videos and a printable progress tracking sheets. Many of you asked me to update this program from a written format to a work along video format. All of these workouts are still under 30 minutes as before, in fact many are under 25 minutes! The original Be SLAM sold thousands of copies and helped well over 1,000 individuals change their lives and become stronger and leaner. 
Don't take my word for it, check out a past testimonial about the 12 week Be SLAM program by Deanne: 
 "I finished the Be SLAM program a week ago and have muscle definition I have not been able to obtain after years of running and strength training with free weights. This plan will add muscles and people will ask you how you got such great arms! You may not lose weight if you're in the 'last 10 to go' category like me, and being on the far side of 40 adds to the challenge, but you will tighten up and be strong-like a mother! The guys in my gym always stop to watch and are impressed to see me swinging 45# or doing renegade rows on 35# bells! This plan is flexible so if you know you can't train on a weekend, or need to skip a day, you just rearrange. I just made sure to stay in order and stacked training days, skipping mobility days instead or subbing in cardio. I was able to maintain my swimming 3x a week while on this program, you get the workout without the burnout. The day I started, I was nursing an out of whack SI joint, it's slowly gotten better as I've gotten stronger and paying more attention to the mobility sessions. Today, I am nearly pain free. The Be SLAM group on Facebook is a terrific way to stay encouraged and be accountable, a very important part of staying on track, in my opinion, is to have a support group. Especially when working out at home, alone...with chores, kids and the couch calling! These workouts can be done in 30mins with a pair of bells in whatever weight you have and the best part is- you don't need shoes! It's 12weeks- you can do it too! I'm getting ready to do the last month again...join us!" 
 I have many many more of these testimonials about this program and many new reviews from the newest one which I'll be sharing this week. 
Also, as Deanne references above, there will still be a community rallied around you to keep you motivated and on track. Whether or not you want to be strong like a mother or BE STRONG LIKE A MOTHER effer, this is for you! 
 Get Ready! I'm SO EXCITED!! xoxo, Lauren

Enrollment is closing for Lauren's Playground closes tonight!

Here we are, in the final hours before the doors to Lauren's Playground closes again for another six months.

 

I’ve told you everything you need to know.

 

I’ve given you a peek inside.

 

I offered my time and guidance with the 21 Day Squat Challenge.

 

Now it is your turn.  

 
Sign up for Lauren's Playground before your chance is gone.  I am only open membership to Lauren's Playground two times this year so that I can personally connect with every member and continue to create content. 

I also create new programs frequently and weekly live classes for my members via Zoom (or locally if you live in the Southern California area). Once you join Lauren's Playground, you too will start to see results if you stay consistent and listen to your body. 

Lauren's Playground is about community, about safety and about growth.  This is not an online gym that believes in pushing you too much. So come on, and join me on the Playground and play with the digital downloads, programs, videos, live classes and coaching.  Remember, this is available no matter where you live in the world.

But you know this already.

If you care about yourself, join others regardless of age, gender or injuries who are getting in the best shape of their lives.

Sign up and Show up. Strength is a choice. Choosing me to guide you will not only be safe, but effective and FUN!

See you on the playground!

Three Months
$127 Quarterly 

JOIN NOW

3 MONTH MEMBERSHIP

Will renew every 3 months

Yearly
$397 ($1.09 A Day)

JOIN NOW

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
BONUS 20 Minute Private Coaching Session With Lauren

Will renew yearly

 

Do you make these same excuses?

Recently I conducted a group participation exercise in the private members only Lauren's Playground facebook group. The answers are too good not to share. I asked my members to share excuses they have made in the past to NOT show up to exercise and then to follow up with how they were so very wrong. 

Before I get in to the common excuses we all make, I wanted to highlight a comment that was just posted last night by one of our members that is 63 years old. Thank you so much for sharing this post with our group Peggy E. I can't tell you how happy I am that you can ski with your grandson after a 30 year hiatus! Truly remarkable! 

Here's what she said.

I have been faithfully working out with Lauren's Playground for over a year now - mostly having fun trying out the huge variety of workouts!

I've worked out most of my adult life - starting as a teen doing Jane Fonda with my big sister, and then with Bess on the "20 Minute Workout" (anyone remember?!) I've worked out in my local clubs and at home with a huge library of workout videos - everything from weight training to barre and pilates to basic training.  But life got busy and I found myself taking a long hiatus from working out. I somehow bought into the myth that feeling tired, out of shape and losing considerable strength was "normal" for someone aged 55 and over (I'm now 62). 

But I felt compelled to try again. I bought one of Lauren's DVDs and later joined the Playground. What I want to say here is it's been life-changing for me! I feel like my old self - I'm strong, energetic, confident and determined, and I recently started skiing again with my grandson for the first time in 30 YEARS!!! I was terrified the night before but I did it and now I'm hooked again. THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT the functional strength and endurance I've gained working out with Lauren!

NOTHING has been as effective or motivating for me as Lauren's Playground and specifically Lauren's leadership and teaching. Thank you Lauren Brooks  !! I'm looking forward to many more years of the most enjoyable (and effective) workouts I've ever done! 

But first, I think we all know why it is important to exercise. Obvious reasons are physical such as weight loss or increased muscle tone. Not as obvious to the eye are mental health benefits, increased energy, better sleep and overall health improvements such as injury recovery and illness fighting. So why don't we want to exercise sometimes? Maybe you take too much on too fast. Or maybe you tend to compare yourself to others both in what they are able to do or what they look like. I have also heard every excuse in (and out) of the book to not join my program such as:

1. I don’t have enough bells

2. I’m too new at training

3. I’m too out of shape

4. It’s going to be too hard for me.

5. Not sure if my spouse will let me invest in myself

6. Everyone else will be so much more in shape than me

7. I don’t think I can do home workouts

8. I have too many injuries

9. I always get hurt when I workout

10. I don’t want to bulk up

11. Kettlebells will hurt my back

12. I’m too old

13. I don’t have time 

14. Nothing has ever worked for me, why would this

15. I’m not coordinated enough

16. I'm too heavy or too small

My members added a few more excuses that they had prior to their lightbulb moment when they joined Lauren's Playground:

1. I already belong to a gym 💡~ I did the 21 day squat challenge and the group were just amazing and supportive of each other. The gym I attended has been closed for most of past year due to covid restrictions. Given the choice now its LP and I'll increase my range of bells as needed

2. I am not dedicated enough to do this at home - 💡~ I need to invest in me, I cannot control what is going on around me, I can only control myself. I don’t have the funds anymore, since CoVid hit,to go to CrossFit but who cares, I can still do this

3. I do not have the funds - 💡 I need to invest in me, I cannot control what is going on around me, I can only control myself. I don’t have the funds anymore, since CoVid hit,to go to CrossFit but who cares, I can still do this

4. I am so tired b/c I work at nights - 💡 but I tell myself it's 30 minutes of a 24 hr day. I sit hours after working on my feet every day.

5. I'm a parent and it leaves me with no time for anything.- 💡 I recently decided to focus on what I CAN commit to for me! That is a 20 solid minutes a day, 5 days a week. If I can do more I will! I finally feel successful!

                                       💡 - Maybe I do have the time. Iphone: Your daily average screentime this week was 4hours 23 minutes.

6. Long Day and always tired -💡  Lauren Brooks The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells DVD has a 12 min fat blast. EVERYONE has the time and energy for 12 mins! IT’S JUST 12 minutes! 

7. I don’t have space to workout -💡  I do have enough space, I just need to be creative at times. And not drop a bell through my hardwood floors.

Do any of these excuses resonate with you? How did these excuses get turned around for my members?

Obviously Covid has had a hard impact on indoor workout facilities. My gym has always been outdoors so those that could safely social distance and are local to San Diego, could physically join us. BUT... those that are not local and joined my 21 Day Squat Challenge realized that they could continue on in Lauren's Playground, my online virtual gym, and receive endless hours of workouts and live workouts via zoom. The squat challenge introduced people to the community that they were missing due to Covid that is so supportive and fun.

You deserve to be in control of your health. You have heard me say this before, strength is a choice. Our community will help you keep going on the days you don't feel dedicated. If exercise were easy, everyone would do it. Sometimes you need a push, or an understanding ear, or an accountability buddy (or buddies).

If you think you don't have the space, you do! You do not need much at all. Kettlebells are at Walmart and most of you have a Walmart near you if you are in need of a kettlebell. If you are creative, you have the space to do my workouts. You can go indoors, outdoors, move the coffee table, etc. You don't even need fancy workout clothes. Even in the squat challenge, people wore pajamas or came home from work and went right at it in their work clothes. It's even better to feel the ground with your bare feet rather than wear shoes.

If you think you don't have time, you have definitely not seen what you can do in 5 minutes or less! Lauren's Playground has many very effective workouts that you can do while you are waiting for water to boil for your dinner, or on your lunch break and STILL have time for lunch! One of my members had a lightbulb moment when she realized that she spent 4 hours a week on her phone alone and she actually did have time!

Are you too tired? Do you work at night? The beauty of it is that my members noticed that kettlebell strength training will help you sleep better and give you more energy! So don't hide those kettlebells like one of our members used to do, put them out front and center even if it is in front of your tv!

Lastly, let's talk about boredom. Many members were bored with their previous routine. Even if they worked out with one of my DVDs, they would do one for 8 weeks straight and then lose interest. This particular member loves the variety you get in Lauren's Playground. No more boredom because you can choose whatever you want, whenever you want! Short on time? We have short workouts. Looking for a light day? We have that. Looking to get your arse kicked? We got that too! And a community that wants to go through it with you!

I want to give a shoutout to all of my members who had the "lightbulb moment" and joined Lauren's Playground. Excuses happen. Life happens, but you can take charge of your health just like they did. So what is stopping you? Join Lauren's Playground today before we close enrollment for a half a year!

Happy Friday!

xoxo,

Lauren

Lauren's Playground - NEW DOUBLE BONUS (expires soon)

I wanted to send out a reminder email to all of my subscribers because I want to make sure that you don’t miss out on this new double bonus I just added to the mix. Yep, you read that right, a DOUBLE BONUS! This bonus goes along with what many of us struggle with: working out hard but not seeing any results.  Do you feel like you are doing everything "right" and still on that struggle bus to lose weight or reach your goals?

It is okay if you haven't had the chance to join me in my recent challenge or newer workouts. I still don't want you to miss out on the chance to get your hands on this epic bonus if you haven't decided to join Lauren's Playground. But....If you're already in Lauren's Playground, SURPRISE... you can access this bonus right here in our new bonus section. And don't forget, today is also the start of the highly requested Squat Extension Week in Lauren's Playground!

Oh, you want to know more about this Double Bonus?  Well let me let you in on a little secret... 

When it comes to really seeing a full body transformation, it's imperative to have a healthy gut and digestion in addition to a solid training program. The nutrition balance is much more than the icing on the cake. It really is a key component to health and how your body metabolizes and absorbs nutrients properly. 

Kettlebell training and proper movement patterns will definitely help you get and stay super strong, increase range of motion, increase energy, reduce aches and pain, and lose weight... but to really feel healthy and see big changes, paying attention to your digestion and hormones are important. 

Here's the deal. I know how to build strong bodies. I've been at this for 20 years now and have narrowed the "how" down to just a few really effective training strategies. It's been quite a journey, but sooo worth it.

Lauren's Playground has been in the makings for 15 years. It's a collection of experiences, working with hundreds of bodies, education, and figuring out just the secret sauce that works for most people. As a clinical nutritionist as well, I know just how essential nutrition is!

Having the nutrition dialed in is a key element. That's why I've decided that the most applicable bonuses to support a strong exercise regimen include material designed by our very own member and Professional Functional Nutrition Practitioner, Paige Reagan. She focuses 100% of her energy in this subject and that’s why I reached out to Paige to give us some of her brilliant knowledge.

Paige literally specializes in digestive health. If you choose to get even more detailed in your personalized nutrition journey, I highly recommend you apply for a consultation with her. She doesn’t work with everyone, so let her know you’re a member of Lauren's Playground! 

Both bonuses (ebook and the 3 day sample meal plan with yummy and easy to follow recipes) were designed only for the current playground members and those that sign up over the next 24 hours. You have no idea what a treat this is for us! I’ll be following this meal plan this week! It's valued at $49.99, although I feel it's worth a whole lot more! 

Here's what you'll get in this special DOUBLE bonus:

Finding Balance Ebook - A guide to understanding why you can't lose weight despite doing all the "right things".
3 Day Real Food Meal Plan with Simple Easy to Follow Recipes for each meal that’s listed for each day. Snack recipes are also included. So priceless! (This is not a vegetarian diet) 

Being eligible to get this bonus will expire soon and will only be available for those that sign up in the next 24 hours. 

If you're one of those people who have struggled with not being able to lose weight no matter how hard you try, you will want to get into Lauren's Playground to have access to this ebook and meal plan with actual recipes. 

Get the bonus when you enroll in Lauren's Playground today. All current members in Lauren's Playground can simply sign in here to retrieve the bonus.

All my best,

Lauren

P.S. this bonus expires on January 26th at 11:59pm PST. So if you want your bonus added to your Playground experience, sign up for Lauren’s Playground now. 
Still not sure what's inside of LP and want to see exactly what you're getting?  Tune in to this video tour I recently put together. 

Kettlebell Strength Training During Chemo - A MUST READ

 I have been steadily communicating with my 21 Day Squat Challenge participants and to the members of Lauren's Playground.  We had over 800 people join in on the squat challenge this year and I have to say that it turned out to be the best squat challenge in six years, all because of the participants. Those of you who participated know how motivating this challenge was both in strength and community and that we had winners along the way who demonstrated both of these qualities. 

For those of you who are reading this newsletter and were not a part of the challenge, I felt it necessary to share the winner because she was truly an inspiration. 
So for anyone who is ever having a bad day, a bad year (like a lot of us in 2020) or are dealt with hardships in life such as serious medical issues, read on. 
The challenge winner won a free year to Lauren's Playground for her dedication to herself and her strength, her dedication to her community and pushing herself through the most serious of challenges, Stage III ovarian cancer. The incredible person I am talking about and winner of the 21 Day Squat Challenge grand prize is Bune-Carter Daly!



Bune is 59 years old, on her 6th round of chemo and showed up for the squat challenge, EVEN on the days she struggled to get out of bed or was sick from chemo. 

Bune signed up for the Playground to continue her strength journey as many people did after the squat challenge, but because of her win, it is on me! 

Now when you see Bune's photos, you will no doubt think Bune is a superhero.  But she didn't get this way overnight. Bune is hopeful that her journey has taken some of the fear out of cancer treatment. Exercise and trying to keep positive were her best hopes in preventing a recurrence. 


So if you are ever having a bad day or going through something hard, think of Bune or join Lauren's Playground. Her inspiration and those of others in LP will support you and help you get through it and get in the best shape of your life!
Congratulations Bune!  You deserved it.  You helped a lot of people while helping yourself and we are so excited to have you in Lauren's Playground!
Just check out those pictures of our own Superhero, Bune Carter-Daly

If you have been on the fence about Lauren's Playground, let me gently nudge you off. You will have access to the most innovative kettlebell, bodyweight and mobility programs and classes that are safe, fun and motivating. 
You also get a kick-ass community that goes with it, special perks and can come to a live class every week where you will be noticed and guided. Our bonus of reserving your spot in the Back to Basics workshop for only $10 (a $57 savings) is available until (tomorrow) January 23rd for one more day, if you join now! 
Sign up and learn more here: Lauren's Playground.
xoxo,
Lauren 

Check out what's actually inside LP here

My C-section and the Winner of Week 2

That was me on the left with my first born in my belly 14 years ago. That’s me on the right 6 months later.

I was scared shitless of giving birth and becoming a mom.

I was devastated when I was told I needed to have a C-section and couldn’t have the natural child birth I envisioned. I literally did everything I could to avoid this invasive surgery.

I knew it could ruin my chances of having a “normal”functioning core and yes I wanted my 6 pack back. I also knew there were many more risks with surgery.

Small problems for some, but big to me at the time.

I tried Moxibustion, laying upside down, singing, acupressure, acupuncture, and even an external version which was gnarly to get her to move out of the breech position. None of it worked!

Despite having to go forward with my first Cesarean almost 14 years ago, I was blessed with a beautiful healthy baby girl. Next week she turns 14! 😭

To make a long story short, smart movement kettlebell training saved me. I recovered very quickly, it wasn’t easy, and was back to swinging my kettlebells in no time at all.

Then 24 months later I did it all over again! Another C-section and beautiful BiG girl!

It’s these real stories and events that brought thousands to train with kettlebells!

One year after I gave birth the first time, I released my first Kettlebell DVD to the masses. Then I did a pregnancy kettlebell dvd with my second baby, then 9 more to titles follow! The rest is history!

Kettlebells work y’all! If they didn’t I wouldn’t have had so much success both personally and with the thousands of people I’ve worked with over the years!

If you’re thinking about it I highly recommend you check out my free how to swing a kettlebell class found here

Now on to the important stuff!

Congratulations to the Squat Challenge members, you have made it through your second week of the squat challenge!  This week you upped your weight and according to all the #21daysofsquats posts, are looking quite strong! Only one week left ladies and gentlemen! Remember, you are going up one more time in weight for the final week of this challenge.  If you don’t have weights or a kettlebell, be creative!! I see you all still using your creative at home remedies like dogs, children and pantry items!!  Or, you can also wear a backpack with some items in it to pack on some weight while holding your current weight or bell. You have come so far with this squat challenge, keep it going!  

So...let’s get to our prize winner.  Remember, your posts not only hold you accountable, but they are super motivating to others. You can also see you might not be the only person who is on the struggle bus that day.  Thank you all for your posts whether you are struggling, heading into a medical issue, or super pumped. This week’s motivating and FUNNY winner of a $50 Amazon gift card is: Jefe Ocho!!! Let\"s give a round of applause for Jeff and his great edited videos and his complete honesty regarding whether or not he felt like doing those squats!  Yes Jeff, we are happy!




Jeff email me where to send your gift card and keep squatting with that awesome attitude!  Go Team Jefe!

Now, have you thought about what you are going to do after the 21 Day Squat Challenge ? Or, if you haven’t been doing the squat challenge, have you thought about what you are going to do for your fitness goals this year? On the final day of the Squat Challenge, I will be opening up enrollment into my online virtual gym called Lauren’s Playground. If you have enjoyed the squat challenge, Lauren’s Playground is 10 times more effective.  It is for individuals who want a full body fitness program, complete with a community of support.  There are so many workouts to choose from and you will also get a bonus pass to one live class per week as part of your commitment to yourself. As you can see from the squat challenge, there is loads of guidance from current members (my OGs, you know who you are!) and, of course, myself.
I’m only going to open enrollment for Lauren’s Playground twice this year. I PERSONALLY put a lot of blood sweat and tears into everything in Lauren’s Playground.  I love the playground members too. I’m not a large corporation but rather a passionate individual who has studied the body for over 20 years and has worked on the most effective and safest ways to move your body whether it be mobility drills or strength training. Although I might be a home grown business, I have changed the lives of over 10,000 people and I would love to help you as well. Speaking of being homegrown, I am always listening to my members and adding new and improved workouts in Lauren’s Playground. In fact, many of you don’twant the squat challenge to end!  Well, seeing as I am here always listening to my members and creating new content, I have some good news!  
LET’S.........KEEP........GOING!!!!
I am going to create a BRAND NEW WEEK of the squat challenge for those of you who want more.  This squat challenge extension will only be loaded into Lauren’s Playground, so if you want more squatting, get ready to join Lauren’sPlayground. Squat Challenge participants, you will get 4 days of rest and then the extension week of varying reps and weight, different than the first 21 days! 
CAN.....YOU.....DO.....IT??
You know it takes 21 days to make a habit stick, and by enrollment you will have your routine down.  
Also, if you join within the first 24-48 hours of open enrollment, you will receive a special bonus!

I will send out a separate email on the specifics of Lauren’s playground for those of you who are interested and eager to learn more.  Remember, I will only open this 2 times this year. so...WHY WAIT?

xoxo,
Lauren

Announcing the Winner of the First Weeks Squat Challenge

 Ladies and Gentlemen, as promised, I am going to announce this week's winner of a $50 Amazon Gift Card for standing out and being a consistent and encouraging poster of her #21daysofsquats journey.  The winner of this week's $50 Amazon Gift Card is....Wendy Wintersgill! Wendy is a 59 year old grandma, 9 years post cardiac surgery!

Although Wendy does not have a kettlebell, she went up in weight this week with a giant bottle of vinegar! Now that is a 'do what it takes attitude,' don't you think?  I do believe we must also thank Wendy for starting the nightgown challenge, as she often completes her squats in her cute nightgown and fuzzy pink socks! Join me in congratulating Wendy!
Wendy, you have been so consistent in your posting, so encouraging and so positive.  DM me where you would like me to send the Amazon Gift Card.
One thing I have noticed in this challenge, which is more than I have even seen before, is resourcefulness.  Maybe it's being quarantined that has developed this resourceful ability, or maybe y'all are just a funny and encouraging group, but it is amazing. I mean look at Ericka below! If she doesn't embody that this challenge can happen anywhere, wearing anything and holding anything, then no one does. This is an awesome post, Ericka! 



I have also noticed that there are no gender or age limits. Both men and women are being vulnerable and showing their progress. Our age groups range from young to old. Diversity is vast through our challenge members, as it should be because squats are SQUATS.  Everybody needs them and everybody can do them. Y'all are showing up for this challenge! 
If you did not win this week's gift card, don't fret.  I SEE YOU. There will be one more winner of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, and the best of all? One of you will be winning a year's access to Lauren's Playground.  So keep squatting and keep posting! If you are already a member of Lauren's Playground, you are also entitled to win! 
Speaking of Lauren's Playground, this is a HUGE prize.  Let me tell you a little bit about it. Lauren's Playground is an online virtual kettlebell fitness gym and community.  We cater to everyone who is choosing to be a stronger and healthier version of themselves. Join other parents, grandparents, teachers, lawyers, doctors, military members, seniors, personal trainers, kettlebell instructors, nutritionists, newbies (shall I go on?) that choose strength.  Lauren's Playground includes videos and written workout programs that can be accessed from any personal device. Remember, we will be giving away a special bonus in the first 24-48 hours of opening the doors to the first people who enroll. More details on this soon... Drop me a line if you think you'll be signing up in the first 48 hours so you can get all the timely bonuses I will be offering. I will put you on a special list. Don't worry if you are a current playground & premium member.... every bonus the awesome new members receive, YOU will get it too. I will never leave you out! My members mean everything to me. I've got you covered. 
Last, but not least, make sure you read all the posts on Lauren's Fitness Challenge Facebook group page.  You are not alone, in fact there are so many posts on what everyone has learned from their bodies and from each other.  Also, don't forget to log in to the portal and watch the videos.  Trust me, you will have the most success with the challenge if you watch the videos in your portal with the suggested reps, especially if you are looking for additional guidance.
Oh wait....there is more!  Since so many of you have been squatting with other things, it made me realize that not everyone has a kettlebell.  If you are in the market for a bell, check out Kettlebells USA or Kettlebell Kings. These are some of my favorites.
Happy Squatting!
xoxo,
Lauren
p.s. Thank you for the emails I've received. It's been so much fun hearing about your goals, your stories, and journey. I have my list of people that have emailed me telling me they're committing to signing up for Lauren's Playground in the first 48 hours. I'm soooo excited!