ItB次元官网网址檚 part fitness, part weightlifting and Corissa Sivorot is out to spread the word about the emerging sport of kettlebell.
Sivorot, a Colwood- and Victoria-based fitness trainer who competed for the first time in this unique test of strength and endurance in May 2014, has shown to be a fast learner.
She began with a first-place finish in her category at the Victoria Kettlebell Classic at Saanich Commonwealth Place last year and has shown in subsequent tournaments that she is among the best women lifters in the country.
Her performance at the 2015 Canadian nationals in Edmonton, only her fourth official competition, earned her a spot on the national team heading to Dublin, Ireland next month for the World Kettlebell Championships.
Sivorot finished third overall and was bettered only by two professional lifters in the 16-kilogram (the size of the weight) snatch event. She ripped off an amazing 159 reps, or individual floor-to-overhead lifts, in a span of 10 minutes.
The sport, which has deep roots in Eastern Europe, has been growing quickly in North America, especially among women. Asked to describe it, Sivorot says, B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 weightlifting with momentum; itB次元官网网址檚 Olympic lifting with endurance.B次元官网网址�
Sivorot has been working with the loop-handled round metal weights for fitness since 2010, having used them to rehab an injury. After being invited to compete in the Victoria tournament, she says, B次元官网网址渋t inspired me to learn more.B次元官网网址�
She found herself getting hooked on the sport aspect and sought more information on technique and competitions, as well as how to use the bells in her fitness classes.
In the months since, sheB次元官网网址檚 worked on honing her technique to the point where she can teach others.
A Sunday morning class she hosts in Colwood is proving to be very popular with those interested in a different form of fitness, as well as those keen to learn more about the competitive side.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 definitely a niche and I think when people try it, they fall in love with it,B次元官网网址� Sivorot says. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 exciting to see so many people get motivated and start lifting weights.B次元官网网址�
Of seeing more women taking up kettlebell, she says, B次元官网网址淚t used to be strictly for cardio or for losing weight, but getting stronger is more of a focus now.B次元官网网址�
Cathy Kubanski of Metchosin was introduced to kettlebell in SivorotB次元官网网址檚 class. She has taken to watching YouTube videos of lifters in action and says she works out with the bells up to six days a week, either on technique or simply to keep fit.
B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 more to it than it might seem at first,B次元官网网址� Kubanski says. ItB次元官网网址檚 best if you do it with someone who knows how to properly teach it. But you wonB次元官网网址檛 find a much more complete workout.B次元官网网址�
From a competitive standpoint, the popularity of kettlebell in Canada can be seen in the number of national team members travelling to this yearB次元官网网址檚 world tournament.
Last year, CanadaB次元官网网址檚 first appearance at the event, only a handful of lifters travelled to Hamburg for the world championships B次元官网网址� Canadian Kettlebell Alliance regional organizer Linda Gilmour, masters athlete Jean Whitney and junior Tijanne Ross, all from Greater Victoria, were among them. Next month 18 Canadian athletes will compete in Dublin, including 10 women.
Sivorot points out that the team members are various body types and sizes, testament to the fact that anyone can take up the sport, at virtually any age.
The size of the weights vary, with women using anywhere from 12 to 24 kg balls, as does the length of time to allowed for repetitions.
As a way to raise awareness of the sport and raise funds for her trip to the world championships, Sivorot is hosting a fun competition starting at 10 a.m. at Strength in 2 Fitness, #105-2675 Wilfert Rd. across from Lee Valley Tools.
While women in international competition can only do the snatch event, this recreational tournament will feature every event: the snatch, jerk, biathlon and long cycle (clean and jerk). Sivorot and others will be available to give direction to newcomers.
For more information or to pre-register for the competition, send an email to csivorot@gmail.com or call 250-514-6584.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com
