The kettlebell can be a curious piece of equipment. It has a rounded body with a handle and comes in various weights and colors. They can honestly look a little too cute and aesthetically pleasing! Despite the looks though, they’re designed for functional strength and whole body conditioning.
What sets the kettlebell apart is its versatility. From ballistic exercises like swings and snatches to more traditional strength moves like presses and rows, the kettlebell offers a wide range of movements that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This not only improves strength but also enhances endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
The origins of kettlebell sport can be traced back to 18th century Russia, where farmers would use kettlebells to weigh crops. Kettlebells were then used for military training and general fitness. However, the sport didn’t gain international recognition until the late 20th century. Today, kettlebell sport and hardstyle boast a dedicated following with international federations, world championships, and competitions held worldwide.
Kettlebell has gained some popularity in the Philippines over the past few years. It’s part of a broader fitness movement that emphasizes functional training and strength development. While it may not be as mainstream as other sports, there is a dedicated community of enthusiasts and athletes who actively participate and promote kettlebell in the country.
Part of that movement is GIRYA Collective, who is currently making waves with their dedication to safe kettlebell movement training and making it accessible to everyone through workshops, often in partnership with Kinetix Lab and Strength and Movement Academy. Kinetix Lab branches have a wide array of kettlebells for members to use in their strength training.
Comprised of passionate individuals like Mark, a StrongFirst elite instructor with a penchant for blending nerdiness with gym prowess, and Reg, a trailblazing kettlebell coach holding certifications across various kettlebell disciplines, GIRYA is on a mission to spread the transformative power of kettlebell workouts.
Mark and Reg sat down with us to share what makes this interesting collective tick.
Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?
Mark: Mark. Strongfirst elite instructor. Original strength pro. A cross between a nerd and a gym rat.
Reg: Hey! Reg here. Some of my students call me Mama as probably one of the few, if not [the] only female kettlebell coach in the country. I’m an IKSFA (International Kettlebell Sport & Fitness Academy) Level 1 Coach, KetAcademy Level 2, and IKO (International Kettlebell Organization) Level 3 Kettlebell Sport Coach. I’m also a Candidate Master of Sport in Amateur Biathlon and Amateur Long Cycle.
What does GIRYA Collective mean? What does your collective stand for?
Mark: “Girya” means kettlebell in Russian. The collective’s advocacy is to push safe kettlebell movement to as many people [as] we can reach.
Reg: Girya, like Mark said, means kettlebells in Russian. Like how creative and versatile it became from a simple weighing and trade tool to a fitness tool used by the Russian military, and later on, evolving into what we know today in fitness and Kettlebell Sport, the collective stands for sharing how this small equipment can change our lives, hopefully for the better.
How did you guys meet?
Mark: PJ and Marts were my students. Reg [and] I indirectly met through a colleague and helped her in a fundraiser.
Reg: Mark and I met when I was trying to raise funds to compete in the WKSF Asia Championships held in Taiwan in 2019. That same time I also met Martin when I got to train around them. I met PJ just last year in a catch-up session with Mark and Martin.
What inspired you to form the GIRYA collective?
Mark: We all just want more people to enjoy the kettlebell as much as we do.
Reg: Way before when the pandemic started, I’ve been dreaming of a collective of coaches sharing their knowledge, specialties, and experience as a means of bringing fitness disciplines more accessible to Filipinos. I tried to work the idea out with multiple coaches and friends but nothing worked until I met with Mark, Martin, and PJ in September last year. We just flowed almost effortlessly and here we are today!
Can you share success stories or achievements that the group has accomplished together?
Mark: We have learned to teach the kettlebell movements in so many ways that is often not seen in most socials and courses.
Reg: I think one thing we’re doing that I am most proud of is creating an avenue for people to try kettlebells without judgment of style or methodology. One is not better than the other, but I see the contrast between Hardstyle and Kettlebell Sport as a way to express one’s preferred application of strength.
What do you enjoy most about working together?
Mark: I consider the collective as my siblings by choice.
Reg: Never have I ever felt safe, heard, and seen. I trust these guys like they’re family, and I welcome their critique because they understand my personality and work style the best. It’s like with kettlebells where I train a different style than them, but sharing what we know makes us better coaches to our students too. Kung baga, walang tampuhan, walang samaan ng loob. I trust them enough to call me out when I’m not being myself.
What was the biggest challenge you guys have experienced so far as a group and how did you overcome it?
Mark: When there were incidents where we didn’t communicate precisely but putting friendship and welfare of students first, we always [came] to a resolution.
Reg: Same with Mark. We recently [went] through some communication trouble, but I think resolving it (special thanks to PJ’s leadership) made our bond stronger. We now work better, communicate clearer, and our friendship now has a stronger foundation thanks to that.
Do you have any advice for athletes who want to start training with kettlebells?
Mark: Start when you can and be a student.
Reg: Don’t be afraid to go out and seek classes and coaches to explore. With the modern methods in kettlebells nowadays, there are so many styles and disciplines you can choose from. As much as I am extremely biased with Kettlebell Sport as my preferred style and method, what’s more important is enjoying what you do. No one else’s opinion on what they think is “best” or “superior” should matter as long as you become fitter, healthier, stronger, and overall a better person through your training journey.
As GIRYA continues to inspire, educate, and empower individuals on their fitness journeys, their impact reverberates far beyond the gym walls. With a steadfast commitment to safe and effective kettlebell movements, a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, and a passion for sharing knowledge, GIRYA stands poised to shape the future of fitness in the Philippines and beyond.
GIRYA Collective, in partnership with Strength & Movement Academy and Kinetix Lab, regularly hosts kettlebell workshops at Kinetix Lab branches. You may reach out to Strength and Movement Academy for schedule and registration inquiries.
