Optimal Life Fitness Group Blog - Kettlebells, Olympic Lifting and Boxing

OLF Newsletter - 4th March Issue 84

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:28:00 +0000

In this weeks issue we have the OLF Training Centre's timetable, a look at all the special guests we have coming to our venue, our courses that are coming to you, an article on Kettlebells and Fighters and a couple of reminders.

OLF Training Centre Timetable
We now have our weekly timetable all sorted out. We've even had sessions running this week. As of next week our timetable will be running in full. If you can get to south east London and you’d like to try your hand at Parkour, Kettlebell Sport, Weightlifting or Muay Thai then you should. Follow this link to check out what's on when.
Look who's coming in 2010…

As well as providing our own courses, when we moved into our own location we wanted to get people we respected into our venue. So far we can confirm that Steve cotter of the IKFF will be running his cert at the OLF Training Centre on the 13th and 14th March. We have Gregor Sobocan of the WKC running a Kettlebell Sport Training camp from the 17th to the 19th March and I can now confirm that Steve Maxwell will be running a seminar here at a date to be confirmed soon. We also have a Kettlebell Sport Competition on the 21st March. There’s a lot going on and more to be announced!

The best Kettlebell Exercises for Fighters
Here's a list of the 3 best Kettlebell Exercises for fighters.

Our Bells are now cheaper than ever
We're receiving a shipment of bells and as a result we are able to reduce our prices. Please visit our store to check out the new prices.

Kettlebell Sport Training Camp and Kettlebell Sport Competition: Limited places
The Kettlebell Sport Training Camp is now filling up. To reserve your place you must contact the office now. For more info on the camp please visit here.
The Kettlebell Sport Competition is now full. However you are more than welcome to come and have a look.

Educational Courses 2010
We've finalised all of our course dates for 2010. We have put out our timetable and lists for our educational courses in 2010.. If you want to attend any of our courses in 2010 you best get in quick. To check our current courses please visit our online store.

Keep lifting and stay strong,

40 Lifts for Lent - Starts Tomorrow! Are You In?

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:44:00 +0000

The day we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. Exactly a year ago I decided to challenge myself with a physical and mental battle that took me 40 days complete!

What was it?

40 Lifts for Lent!
40 repetitions with a 40kg kettlebell for 40 days!

This challenge led me to put together 'The Manual for Heavy Lifting with Kettlebells' the most comprehensive guide to lifting heavy kettlebells out there. It's got everything you need to start lifting and will inspire you to press, snatch and pick up heavy kettlebells over and over again!!
I wrote the manual soon after completing the challenge last Easter and guess what people; the time has come round again to challenge yourself to '40 Lifts for Lent'.

I hope you are ready for it and up for the challenge! Don't worry if 40kg is a bit too much, you can do this challenge with any weight of kettlebell, just as long as it's going to push you!

The Manual includes:
· 38 Different Lifts with colour pictures and technique tips
· 12 week strength program
· 1 Super set training session
· A 40 day lifting challenge session
· Tips on Nutrition
· Tips on programme design
· Tips on recovery
· My 40 Lifts for Lent Diary and Experiences
· My top 5 favourite lifts
· Key Techniques and Principles of Lifting
· The Benefits of lifting heavy kettlebells

Don't miss out on this chance challenge yourself!

Get your copy of the '40 Lifts for Lent' – The first and only manual for lifting heavy kettlebells.

"Get ready to start lifting what you once thought was never possible, with great tips and techniques to help you press, pull, and lift more!"

To purchase your copy of the 69 page colour manual click here and download it for only £14.99
That's right only £14.99 for all of this!

This is a special offer for Lent and won't be around for long, soon it will go back to its full price of £22.99

So download it now and start lifting today!!!

Click here to purchase your copy
Or call 0208 318 7000

OLF Newsletter - Issue 81

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:01:00 +0000

The OLF Training Centre is now fully operational and we're inviting you all down to come and have a play! For more information read below about our Open Days. In this issue we also have an article on Pressing Overhead plus we have more info on our Kettlebell Sport Competition and on the Kettlebell Sport Training Camp with Gregor Sobocan, plus info on all of our upcoming courses.

OLF Training Centre Open Days
Mark the 20th and 27th in your diaries now because we are having Open Days at the OLF Training Centre. Between 12pm and 4pm we'll be having an Open Matt No Gi BJJ session with World NO Gi Champion Dan Strauss, we'll be having Parkour participation sessions, boxing training sessions, kettlebell sport and other training sessions for yout to sample. To find out more and to see a more in depth timetable please visit here.

The Overhead Press
One of the main objectives of the Strongman of old and antiquity was to pick things, heavy things up and put them over their heads! How much you could put over your head was a real test of strength, almost a right of passage of sorts. To find out more about this lift and how to perform it please visit here

Kettlebell Sport Training Camp and Kettlebell Sport Competition
March is an exciting month. We're hosting a Kettlebell Sport Training Camp with Gregor Sobocan and a Kettlebell Sport Competition on the same week. For the Kettlebell Sport Training camp places are filling up so if you're keen please let us know ASAP. For more information on both please visit the Trojans website.

Our first course at the OLF Training Centre
Last weekend we had our first course at our new training venue. We had 28 people on our EKI course and they all got involved and stuck in for the 2 days. To check out the pictures please visit Tommy's review on our blog.

Educational Courses 2010
We’ve finalised all of our course dates for 2010. We have an Olympic Weightlifting for the Fitness Professional Course this weekend which has a few places remaining plus our Performance Boxing Course the week after. If you want to get onto either of these courses please contact the office straight away.
We have put out our timetable and lists for our educational courses in 2010.. If you want to attend any of our courses in 2010 you best get in quick. To check our current courses please visit our online store.

Keep lifting and stay strong,
BJ & Tommy

The Optimal Life Fitness Group
174-176 Hither Green Lane, Hither Green SE13 6QB
London Office: 020 8318 7000 / Fax: 020 8297 8441- info@optimallifefitness.com / http://www.optimallifefitness.com/

OLF Training Centre Open Days

noreply@blogger.com (bj rule) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:21:00 +0000

The OLF Training Centre is now fully operational and will be having 2 Open Days on the last 2 Saturdays of February. The Open Days are to showcase some of the clubs and training sessions that will be available to training enthusiasts, athletes and the truly 'hardcore' alike.

The OLF Training Centre will be home to the Trojans Lifting Club (both Kettlebell Sport and Olympic Weightlifting), Brasilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA, Boxing, Thai Boxing, Parkour, Cross Training circuits and more. If you are interested in taking your training to the next level or if you just want to take a look at our new facility then you really need to check out the timetables below and make your way to the OLF Training Centre on the 20th and 27th of February between 12 and 4pm. If you are coming you must RSVP and let us know in advance.

Saturday 20th February

No Gi- Open Matt

Submission Wrestling Sessions

Parkour particiaption class

Combat Conditioning Session

Boxing Training Session

Thai Boxing Training Session

Saturday 27th February

Kettlebell Sport Demonstration

Combat Conditioning Session

Boxing Training Session

Thai Boxing Session

Circuit Training Sessions

See you next Saturday!!!!

The OLF Training Centre

174-176 Hither Green Lane

Hither Green

SE13 6QB

020 8318 7000

bj@optimallifefitness.com

http://www.optimallifefitness.com/

Special Offer on the Advanced Performance Boxing Course

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:41:00 +0000

For this week only, OLF are offering all Performance Boxing Instructors 25% off the Advanced Performance Boxing Course.

Only £145.40 inc VAT
You Save £48 !!!

This is the UK's most advanced boxing course for fitness professionals and this time it will be held at the brand new OLF Training Centre in London.
What you will learn:
- Advanced punching techniques
- Specific Boxing Warm ups
- Refining Technique and Adding power
- Foot work and movement
- Defence and Counter attack Combinations
- Bag Work - Heavy bags, floor to ceiling, maize and combination bags
- Boxing Conditioning drills and circuits
- Boxings Greatest Workouts

Come and train at the UK's first dedicated CPD Training Centre and get the OLF Experience!!

To book the course please call 0208 318 7000 or click this link

This offer MUST end this Friday!

OLF Newsletter - Issue 80

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:41:00 +0000

Welcome to February! In this weeks newsletter we have an article and clip on Dipping on Rings, this quarters Lift of the Quarter: the Left Hand Snatch, a review of our first ever EKI in the OLF Training Centre, an update on the Kettlebell Sport Competition and on the Kettlebell Sport Training Camp with Gregor Sobocan, plus info on all of our upcoming courses.
Dipping on Rings
Dipping on rings is a brilliant upper body exercise. To find out more about why you should incorporate dips on rings in your programme please visit here.

Lift of the Quarter: The Left Hand Snatch
Are yours and your clients training sessions in need of a bit of a spruce up? The Lift of the quarter may just be the thing to do it. Every quarter there’s a different lift put forward. This quarter it’s the Left Hand Snatch. To find out more about the lift and to see how you can enter an international competition check out this link.

Kettlebell Sport Training Camp and Kettlebell Sport Competition
March is an exciting month. We’re hosting a Kettlebell Sport Training Camp with Gregor Sobocan and a Kettlebell Sport Competition on the same week. For the Kettlebell Sport Training camp places are filling up so if you’re keen please let us know ASAP. For more information on both please visit the Trojans website.

Our first course at the OLF Training Centre
Last weekend we had our first course at our new training venue. We had 28 people on our EKI course and they all got involved and stuck in for the 2 days. To check out the pictures please visit Tommy's review on our blog.

Educational Courses 2010
We’ve finalised all of our course dates for 2010. We have an Olympic Weightlifting for the Fitness Professional Course this weekend which has a few places remaining plus our Performance Boxing Course the week after. If you want to get onto either of these courses please contact the office straight away.
We have put out our timetable and lists for our educational courses in 2010.. If you want to attend any of our courses in 2010 you best get in quick. To check our current courses please visit our online store.

Keep lifting and stay strong,
BJ & Tommy

The First EKI in the New OLF Training Centre

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:32:00 +0000

Last weekend was a big weekend for OLF. After working tirelessly for weeks to get the new OLF Training Centre ready, we finally opened the doors to customers on Saturday. It's been a long term goal of both BJ's and mine to have a training centre where we can run our courses, host competitions and training clubs. The realisation of that goal has only really just started to set in after a great weekend with our first Extreme Kettlebell Instructor Course of 2010. With 30 people coming on the course we welcomed Judit Rago, a top kettlebell sport lifter and Trojan lifting club member to the team.
In addition, Andy Marshall was also there to form an exceptional team of 4 instructors ready to put these budding lifters through their paces.
As we opened up on a cold, frosty Saturday morning, we set about getting the centre ready for its first guests who would be soon joining us from near and far. With the heaters on and the hot water urn rumbling away, the trainers started to arrive with trepidation and excitement. After navigating your way to the OLF Training Centre, it's always a surprise and somewhat of a shock when you open your eyes to what you have just walked in on!

As the numbers grew and the atmosphere built, it was time to start the first EKI of 2010. Gathering round, we did are usual introductions and welcomes before cracking on with the mornings theory. As I sat back and took a few photos of the group it was a pretty cool site to see so many trainers in our own training space! As the day progressed it just got better. We worked long and hard on all of the lifts, taking us right through to 5pm. Having Andy and Judit there as well made it very easy for everyone to get a lot of one to one attention. Day 1 tends to be a very challenging day for the trainers as we deliver so much information in such a small time. By the end of the day it was clear to see most of the group were mentally and physically knackered. Now BJ and I on the other hand, although completely shattered after the build up to this course were buzzing! It was a great moment for us, seeing all of this hard work come together. Seeing 30 PT's swinging bells and learning from us was a great feeling and we can’t wait for the next course.

Our aim to treat every course we run like an event is coming together nicely now that we have our own place. We had our shop open all weekend, selling products and courses. We ran boxing; Olympic Weightlifting and kettlebell sport demos. All in all, and we’ll be forever improving this, we aim to make every course a real experience for trainers. It's a chance for trainers to come and learn, be inspired and go away and better their business.

As day 1 drew to a close we disappeared home for a quiet night and a chance to catch up on some missed sleep, in the hope that we'd be feeling fresh for Sunday morning. Now it's kind of hard not to feel fresh when you walk into the training centre. Firstly, because it was slightly cold and secondly, there is nothing better than the feeling you get walking into this place. I think everyone on the course would agree it just makes you want to train!

So day 2 kicked off nicely with some demos and then the assessments. Once we'd got through the assessments and everyone was suitably warmed up we did a full run through of all of day one's lifts. Just to hammer home those teaching points. The afternoon was gearing up to be quite a big one with Andy planning his beasting session to finish off the trainers and send them home with a sweat on. Both BJ and I were slightly worried at this point, Andy had a spark in his eye which we could tell meant he was going to work them hard! That he did, with a killer 5 set conditioning circuit that he uses with his MMA athletes.

After the trainers had recovered and we'd given them a few demos, we said our goodbyes and the OLF Training Centre had officially had its first course.

Thank you to all of the trainers that came on the course, thank you to all those who help in getting the OLF Training Centre up and running, a special thank you to Steve and Ritchie from Escape for doing the flooring. Finally, we look forward to seeing all of you down here at some point to the home of continuing professional development!

For information on all 2010 courses go to http://www.optimallifefitness.com/

Educational Newsletter - Issue 79

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:29:00 +0000

In this weeks newsletter we have an article on Combat and Conditioning, a closer look at the Pull Up and Chin Up, exciting news and updates regarding the OLF Training Centre and all of our upcoming courses.

Combat and Conditioning
If you're a trainer or strength and conditioning coach or even just a fitness enthusiast, MMA (mixed martial arts), or at least the training for it must have come across your radar. If it hasn’t well it will soon, MMA is one of the fastest growing participation sports in the world and people are loving it. There is something primal and extremely competitive about rolling around on the ground and fighting and the training for it can be extremely rewarding. Last weekend I went to an MMA club and got beaten up and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. To find out more and to watch a clip please visit here

Pull and Chin your Up
The pull up and chin up are brilliant exercises for upper body development. They've also been used as markers for relative strength and strength and endurance forever. To read a little more about why you should be chinning and pulling plus to look at a couple of cool clips please visit here

The OLF Training Centre
We're almost there, like the Death Star the OLF Training Centre is soon to be fully operational. We have our first EKI course in there this weekend, our first OWL (Weightlifting course) next weekend and our first PB (Boxing) course in our own venue the week after. As well as being the venue for all of our education, we also have a Straps course, Plyometrics course and more coming, it will also be a training centre where we will have Boxing, MMA, Weightlifting, Kettlebell Sport, BJJ, Judo and Cross Training sessions on offer, if you fancy somewhere to train and take your training to another level than this is the place for you.

Educational Courses 2010
We have put out our timetable and lists for our educational courses in 2010. Our January EKI is almost full. If you want to attend any of our courses in 2010 you best get in quick. To check our current courses please visit our online store.

Kettlebell Sport Training Camp
Places are filling up very fast!!!!! Ring the office now to book your place!!!!!
CLICK HERE for more information on it!

The OLF 2009 Annual Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Welcome to the OLF's end of year review. I'm pleased and excited to be sitting here writing this as so much has happened throughout 2009. In this review I'll be highlighting 2009's big events, big changes, the new initiatives and I'll be letting you in on what's happening in 2010.

We started 2009 with a bang with our first ever Annual Launch Party. Many of you managed to make it to the York Hall in Bethnal Green where we had a full day of workshops, competitions and demonstrations. All who came were lucky enough to take part in some great sessions and see our team demonstrating how they 'Walk the Walk' and 'Talk the Talk'. The whole day was a great success and although an organisational nightmare we'll definitely be doing one in 2010. There'll be more to come on that later on in this review.

The launch was a big moment for BJ and I, it was our first real big event, the first time where we put everything on the line. Failure was not an option, to have a huge hall with no one in it would be a disaster! But, with a lot of effort we pulled it off and it was a proud moment to see so many trainers in one place all getting involved in 'What We Do'. Click here to see the launch video.

With a huge start to the year and the energy levels flying high the OLF team were ready to take on the world. With our next big event being the Fitpro Convention in April we had plenty of time to get stuck into the courses. With our first Extreme Kettlebell course at the end of January, closely followed by the Olympic lifting course and Performance Boxing courses, there wasn't much time for a breather. That's kind of how the rest of the year has been as well!

Before we knew it, the Fitpro Convention was upon us and this year, like the others we were going there to make some big waves! I was privileged enough to be asked to do a presentation on kettlebells, which I duly accepted! I'd prepared a presentation called 'What's the Big Deal About Kettlebells?' which was aimed at discussing why and when we should and possibly shouldn't use kettlebells. I wanted to get a completely open view of what they can do. Now obviously I could be said to be slightly biased and I'd not be upset if you thought that. After all, I've spent the last 5 years using them! However, the talk went down really well and it was very pleasing to see we'd managed to pull in such a big crowd.

Along with the presentation, we had our stand in the trade show. As ever we didn't hold back here, with a rather large open stand to help show off what we do. The show was another great success for the OLF team. We had more post show course bookings than last year and brought in more new leads. So we travelled back to London with our head held high and all the windows down in the car... BJ decided that now would be a good time to take off his 5 fingers, which after 3 days of convention, did not smell good! To see the video of 'What We Do' Click Here

The Fitpro convention is used as our launch for all of the national tour training dates. So after the show it was time to hit the phones hard and get the numbers up on our courses. This year's tour had some new locations for the courses and also the introduction of the Performance Boxing National Tour. This was our first year to head across the pond to Ireland as we visited Dublin to run EKI and Performance Boxing course. Thanks to the success of the EKI course we also put on an Advanced EKI later in the year. It seems Ireland can't get enough of their education! Because of that, we'll be back next year for more and delivering the Olympic Weightlifting course out there.

Some of the top venues of this year's national tour would have to be The Body Development Studio in Bath; Primal Fitness in Manchester and OutKlass Fitness in Nottinghamshire. Some of the highlights would have to be the journey's we made to Dublin, which were certainly a challenge and then there was the largest EKI course to date in Dublin with 35 people on it. On a personal note, the pint of Guinness I had in Dublin was amazing!! We always enjoy our national tours and we feel it's important to do, so many companies are scared of travelling. But for us it gives everyone the opportunity to take part even if they can't make it to London. We've been lucky enough to meet so many people that we probably wouldn't have done if we didn't travel length a breadth of the UK. For that reason we'll keep doing our national tour, year after year.
To see photos from all of our courses please visit our facebook page

September is always a busy month for us and 2009 was no exception. We had national tour dates to deliver and plan for our UK Kettlebell Open Competition. On top of that I was off to Leisure Industry Week to work with Escape Fitness. Over the year we have been developing a partnership with Escape and LIW solidified this nicely. It is a great honour to be working with Escape and delivering educational training for their customers. We're excited about the year ahead and the opportunities available. I believe the concepts that we're bringing to the industry will change it forever!

The UK Open Kettlebell Competition was the first official competition held in the UK (as far as we're aware!). Although we'd held a small comp earlier in the year, this one was publicised across the world and we were aim to attract a big crowd. We used the Peacock Gym as the venue and had it set up perfectly for the day. We managed to get 20 lifters down to compete in the traditional biathlon event (jerk and snatch). There were also some great lifts, ranks were achieved and PB's were hit by many. BJ had spent days organising this event and it was tribute to his passion for kettlebell lifting that we had so many people competing. We will now be holding the UK Open Kettlebell Competition annually in London every October.

As we entered the final quarter of the year, the work load stepped up a notch or two with some in house training courses to run. Firstly is it was time to head back to Germany to work with Fitness First on a 13 club kettlebell install and training week. It was my good self that had the job of driving around Germany delivering the kettlebell workshops. It was then the turn of Esporta UK as we helped out Start Trac with the gym installs. We had been recruited to deliver the training for kettlebells, TRX and Boxing for their training teams. Finally and possibly the most exciting was our work with DW Fitness, which is an ongoing project. We're working with DW to educate their training teams and deliver the Move It training course to all of the new and refurbished clubs. The Move It concept was created by Escape and we came in to help out on the Education front. This is a really exciting new era for us and Escape as we set out to change the way the industry thinks about training. All I can say is 'watch this space people, watch this space'!

As all of this was going on we welcomed Sarah Devlin to the team, she came from an education and sports background in Australia and is now working as our Sales and Operations Manager. After a few weeks training Sarah told us to leave her alone and she got on with the job (she didn't really!). Sarah is a great addition to the team and we're really pleased to have her on board.

Finally and to save the best for last! We took the big step, the step we'd wanted to do for ages. The step that we knew we needed. The step that would catapult us ahead of any of our competitors and secure our place in the educational market place. It's with this 2009 review that I'd like to introduce you to the new OLF Training Centre. The first of its kind, the only educational training centre dedicated to continuing professional development (CPD). We wanted to provide the ultimate in learning experiences and now with this move we are able to. Not only will customers come to learn new skills, they will come for the experience! We'll be taking CPD to the next level with this unique training environment. The centre will be complete with a kettlebell and Olympic lifting area; a boxing ring; boxing bags; an MMA area; a climbing wall; a TRX and rings frame along with climbing frame for Parkour; a sprint track and a free weights area with squat rack and cables.

So you can't blame us for being just a little bit excited, we will be operational at the end of January and aim to have our launch party soon after that. Keep an eye out for this as there will be an invite to all of our customers!

As I try to summarise everything that's happened in 2009 I'm finding it a little hard to keep it short. It's been such a busy year for OLF and both BJ and I are looking forward to firstly having a little break over Christmas and secondly getting stuck into 2010 and taking OLF to the next level!

Thanks To...
All of the venues that have hosted our courses over 2009 and special thanks to the Peacock Gym for giving us over 3 years of great times and brilliant courses, we will miss that place, but will be over for a cup of tea every so often!

All of our Master Trainers; Andrew Marshall; Mark Hill; Rocky Dean and Mark de Wit.

Our head trainer Andy Phillips for everything and Lisa Hayes for all your help.

And finally to all of you!

Have a great 2010!

The OLF Training Centre is coming!!!

noreply@blogger.com (bj rule) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:54:00 +0000

You've probably heard already, 'cos we've probably told you already. We've moved office. But what we're really, really excited about is the facility we're building.

We've moved into 4000sqft of warehouse space in Hither Green, London, which is just 8minutes by train from London Bridge. This means: we have a new office- yes; we have warehouse space so we never run out of our stock of bells- yes; but more importantly we have a facility and space that we can host all of our educational courses out of.

That's right starting with our EKI on the 30th and 31st of January next year all of our London courses will be run out of the OLF Training Centre. This includes our EKI and Advanced EKI courses, our Performance Boxing, Advanced Performance Boxing courses and Olympic Weightlifting for the Fitness Professional courses, plus we'll be launching our Straps course early in 2010.

We also have a host of events including the OLF Training Centre launch, Kettlebell Sport Competitions, plus presentations and seminars delivered by world class athletes and strength and conditioning coaches- I can't wait.

On top of this the facility will become home to the Trojans Kettlebell Lifting Club as well as other clubs we will be establishing in the new year. We're keeping these a little hush- hush right now but watch this space as it's pretty exciting.

The facility will also operate as a Performance Centre, focusing on improving the performance of everybody from kids to World Class competitors. For now it is just an open space, Tommy has been digging away and our first scaffolding poles are in place in what will become our climbing, ring training, suspended training and parkour climbing frame.

"Beej- I dug a hole!"

It's all happening people, stay in touch to see how it all develops.

OLF Educartional Newsletter - Issue 73

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:44:00 +0000

In this weeks issue we have a look at how to set goals for the new year, I have a review of last weekends EKI course in London, I have an update from EKI Instructor and Trojan Andy Marshall on his MMA strength and conditioning facility plus some news on our extended November Sale- that's right it‘s continuing in December!!

What are you going to achieve next year?
That's right it's that time of year again. Yep it is the end of the year, but not that, yep it is getting close to Christmas, but it’s not that. It's time to start having a think about what you want to achieve next year.
Now this could mean everything you want to achieve for next year including your family and social life, your career and finances, but what I really want you to do is set some goals concerning your strength and fitness (the other stuff is really important too!)…. To find out more read on

Last weekends EKI
We had a brilliant turnout for last weekends EKI at the Peacock. To read a review and to check out the pics please visit the OLFBlog.

Mill Hill Combat Strength and Conditioning
A couple of months ago I let you know about EKI and Trojan Andy Marshall's Strength and Conditioning facility, well it keeps going from strength to strength with the athletes of the facility bringing home medals. To have a look to see how his facility is progressing follow this link.

The November Sale is Still On!
That's right the November sale is still on. Due to our move and popular demand we are continuing the November sale. This will not be indefinite and prices will go up in 2010! So to get all your continuing education at knock down prices: check out the links below. Don’t forget, all London courses in 2010 will be held at the new OLF Training Centre.

To view the calendar of courses please go to the links below. If you would like to book a course please call us on 0208 318 7000 or follow the links below.

2010 Kettlebell Course Dates
2010 Performance Boxing Course Dates
2010 Olympic Lifting Course Dates

Don't forget our new phone number!
0208 318 7000

Keep lifting and stay strong,
BJ & Tommy

St Helens Rocks! DW Move It Course Review

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:15:00 +0000

After a very hectic week of travelling around the UK, I was hoping to round it off with a good day, a long one, but a good one. So as Andy and I set off from London at 4.30 this morning, we made our way to DW Fitness in St Helens. Where I would be teaching my final Move It Course before handing over to Andy to do the next 4 while I'm away in the Sun!

Arriving at the club at 8.45 we had a little look around to see how the refurb was going. It is early days for St Helens as most of the work is happening over the Christmas period. However the Move It training space had been installed and was ready for OLF to get this training team Moving It! Joining us from Blackburn and Bolton DW's were a few more trainers. They just can't get enough of it up here!! So we had a big group of 14 to deal with which makes my job interesting.

Starting with the usual dynamic warm ups, SAQ and plyometric work we got the group mentally and physically ready for my hour long speech about the fundamentals of movement and principles of lifting. Yes, I do go on a bit about this stuff, but it's so important and transforms the way people thing about training. Thankfully these guys were well versed and ready to take on board these fundamentals.

After ploughing our way through the strength zone and the compound movements we went straight of the power zone. The power zone is where we introduce kettlebell and power bag training. We spent some time working on the key lifts with the kettlebell and then proceeded to integrate the KBs, power bags and SAQ drills into some nice circuits. We had all 14 people ustilising the Move It space, all working at the same time, all moving around, lifting, jumping, pressing and squatting. All of this before lunch?! We were on for a good afternoon!

So after breaking for lunch we took the guys through a few more power bag moves and then it was time for the TRX. With a complete body progression on the TRX to teach there are a lot of exercises to look at, but with the frame set up and the TRX ready we fired through the lot in no time. We introduced the group to complexes, circuits and the 40/40 challenge, which can I just say, was great to see all of them get involved and give it a go.

So, onto Boxing and in stepped Andy to take the group through the progressions and lead them into pad and bag work. Clear to see that we had a very competent group of boxers we felt it ready to start some full Move It circuits. Splitting them into groups of 4 we set up the zones to allow the groups to move around each zone performing 4 different, exercises, complexes and punch drills in each zone. We worked for 4 minutes in each zone, moving them all around after the 4 minutes and basically getting finishing them off! It was awesome to see them all working together and pushing right to the end, especially after the day of training they'd just been through.

"Well done to all the trainers that completed today's training, you all did very well! As I said I look forward to stopping by in a few months so you can show me what how you've been using the space, oh and to give me a session!"
DW, thank you for a great few weeks of courses, it’s been fun! Looking forward to 2010!
For more information on the Move It training course please contact info@optimallifefitness.com

In 2010 we will holding Move It courses from the OLF Training Centre in London.
To see more photos of the training in St Helens please go to our facebook page.

They're coming from all over!

noreply@blogger.com (bj rule) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:29:00 +0000

Last weekend we had an EKI course at the Peacock Gym in Canning Town. We had quite an international feel with participants coming from all over. There were participants from Ireland, Spain, Italy, Poland and from all over the UK.

It was quite a large group which added to the excitement and energy of the whole weekend. Everybody is to be congratulated on putting in when it was required. Particularly in Andy's last man standing- well done!

Here are some pics from the weekend:

The EKI is definitely growing in renown and reputation. We'd like to thank all those who attended both Andy and myself thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

DW Fitness Opens in Milton Keynes with a Bang!

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:58:00 +0000

After having a very busy week travelling around the UK from Plymouth to Sheffield, I was looking forward to my short drive to Milton Keynes. It was time for another Move It Training Course at DW Fitness who has just opened a brand new club next to the new MK Dons stadium. Fully kitted out with pool, Jacuzzi, steam, dedicated weights room and of course the 'Move It' training space, this club was definitely going to be a busy place. In fact before they had even started their pre-sale, they'd already taken 700 memberships.

So all was looking good for the DW at MK. All that was left to do was for the OLF team to come in and finish off their education. Each team is currently getting a training week which culminates in the Move It course to set the team up as 'Functional Trainers'. The success of the Move It training space at DW has so far been outstanding and with a fantastic space like this, I think Milton Keynes will be moving it very soon!

As they say, variety is the spice of life and with this course that is certainly the case. It's a great mix of different training methods and tools, which gives OLF and the trainers a real challenge and helps to gain a broad spectrum of experience. From kettlebells to power bags, TRX to boxing we cover it all and this sets the training team up with a great knowledge base to deliver fun, exciting training sessions to their members.

Our DW Tour continues with St Helens tomorrow and then throughout the next month, we'll be in Canterbury, Poole, Bangor and Carlisle. I wish all the guys at DW MK the best of luck with the opening and I hope you all have lots of fun in your new play ground!!

For more information on the Move It training course please contact info@optimallifefitness.com

In 2010 we will holding Move It courses from the OLF Training Centre in London.

To see more photos of the training in MK please go to our facebook page.

Educational Newsletter Issue 72

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:39:00 +0000

In this week's instalment we have more on Tommy's travels, there is an article on not having enough time to train and another piece on getting lean like Wolverine, plus some news about our OLF Training Centre plus more.

Tommy's Travels
Last week Tommy updated you about his recent German invasion, Tommy's been out and about even more and here's a link to his blog with plenty of pics. He's been in Lanarkshire and Getting a Move on with DW Leisure to have a look at Tommy Movin' it visit here.

Not enough time… blah, blah, blah
Life can be hectic, but we need to move to improve. This article gives a few ideas about what you can do with very little time. Read here to find out more.

Getting lean and mean like Wolverine
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine has body that us guys want to be like and that the ladies want to be with. How can we go about getting a body like that? In this article I point out some of what is required to have a body that has the X-Factor. To find out how you can look like Wolverine or James Bond read here.

The November Sale is Still On!
We've had a great response from our November Sale and trainers are taking advantage of all of the deals we've got on for the courses throughout 2010. Don't forget, all London courses in 2010 will be held at the new OLF Training Centre.
To view the calendar of courses please go to the links below. If you would like to book a course please call us on 0208 318 7000 or follow the links below.

2010 Kettlebell Course Dates
2010 Performance Boxing Course Dates
2010 Olympic Lifting Course Dates

Don't forget our new phone number!
0208 318 7000

Keep lifting and stay strong,
BJ & Tommy

Esporta Lanarkshire Gets the OLF Experience!

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:53:00 +0000

As Esporta go about the refurbishment of some of their clubs, OLF have been set the task of introducing their trainers to some of the more functional training tools available at their clubs. As Star Trac kit out the gym with their strength, CV a Human Sport range OLF are coming in to up skill the trainers with their usual, highly successful blend of theoretical and practical training. The task at Esporta Lanarkshire in Hamilton was to introduce the team to kettlebells, Suspension Training and Boxing.

After making my way up the country the night before, I arrived in Hamilton early on Friday morning to be met with a bit of a problem! Due to all the bad weather the install of the kit hands gone as well as planned and this meant it was up to me to get the TRX frame up and the kettlebells ready for the training. With a spanner in hand and some helping hands from Barry Ross (an old EKI who was there helping out Star Trac) we got the frame up and the kettlebells ready.

The training team were all ready to go so after a quick dynamic warm up we got straight into the kettlebell training. The aim was to get them to understand the progressions and key lifts. So I went through some principles of lifting whilst teaching them how to deadlift and squat. After covering the basics, it was time to get swinging! We looked at the teaching points and benefits of the swing for clients. We also spent some time talking about how beneficial it is for CV training, which was a good opportunity to get the trainers doing some interval swings sets! Once nailing the swing we moved through the other exercises with good form and technique. The group were looking good so I was getting excited about the circuits we'd be doing later on!

After satisfactorily working through the kettlebell exercises we had a quick breather before moving onto the suspension training section. With the TRX set up we got straight into the push, pull, integrated core and leg exercises. In addition I put in a few complexes and circuits. The group were working really well so in the spirit of good training and the need to give these guys a good work out, I introduced them to the 40/40 challenge which finished them off nicely before moving onto boxing.

As ever with boxing training it is important to get the technique correct firstly. So we spent some time on shadow boxing and mirror boxing. Once I was happy that the right things were happening we got the gloves and pads on and I took them through the punches and some combinations. They got on really well so we even had them running the pad sessions, allowing the trainers a chance to piece together punches and work on their pad technique.

The final task for the day was to show the group how to integrate all of this equipment together, giving them group and PT options for training. We did some great circuits utilising the TRX and Kettlebells, then the Boxing and TRX. I couldn't believe after such a hard days training the guys were still giving it their all and putting everything into it! It was really great to see and left me feeling very confident that this fitness team would soon be making a big difference to this gym and its members.

Well done to all of the guys that took part in the training, it was a great day and worth the long journey up to Glasgow, especially when you get a group of trainers so keen to learn and train.

For more information on the in house training courses that OLF run please go to www.optimallifefitness.com or contact us on 0208 318 7000 or email info@optimallifefitness.com

For more information on the supply of equipment such as TRX and Boxing equipment contact Escape Fitness www.escapefitness.com

Setting a Moving Trend with DW Fitness

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:17:00 +0000

There's a new movement in the fitness industry and funnily enough, it's called Move It! Created by Escape Fitness and OLF we've come up with the concept of 'Moving It'.

So what's it all about?
'Move It' is a versatile space bringing together top quality functional training tools, expert education and flooring that brings the area to life. It's an area within in a gym where people can play, move and enjoy keeping fit. The area utilises kettlebells, power bags, TRX, boxing, SAQ equipment, barbells and dumbbells. Any training goal can be achieved within the area and all at the same time as having fun and moving the way we're designed to.

The concept is no longer a vision, thought or dream. It's actually out there in the industry today. OLF and Escape are installing the spaces into clubs right now and it's clear to see that they are already a huge success. DW Fitness are setting the trend and putting the Move It space into their clubs across the estate. After the success of the first club in Bolton, this had over 4000 members trained by trainers in the space in the first 5 weeks, we are quickly installing in the other clubs. The Move It space comes with its very own training course developed by OLF which helps to introduce the fitness team to the areas and allows them to understand how to implement the training methods into group and pt training.

The most recent install and education was done at the brand new DW Fitness club in Tunstall, Stoke on Trent. The club boasts an impressive swimming pool, steam room, Jacuzzi and not mention the very large Move It Space! The fitness team in Bolton were put through their paces by OLF with an intense dynamic warm up routine which includes gait drills, bodyweight exercises and SAQ work. All of which is designed to prepare members for the specific zones within the Move It space. They then went into the bodyweight and integrated core training zone, to look at how challenging members with just their own body weight can be a great way to work out. Bodyweight training was swiftly followed by the Strength Zone where the trainers were taught about the fundamental movements and the benefits of compound movements for the body. Focus was put on the technique and range of movement for the strength exercises. The group were given useful circuits that are designed for small group or PT sessions.

The next zone to work on is the Power Zone and this introduces kettlebell and power bag training. Two of the most versatile tools in the industry, they allow for multi joint, compound movements. You can train for many different goals and the results you get are dramatic. The Power Zone is a hit with all groups and the guys at Tunstall were no different. The key kettlebell lifts were taught, the power bags were then introduced and together integrated circuits were used to push the trainers to their max and show them what can really be done these pieces of kit. The Move It training course gives fitness professionals a chance to see what can really be done with the body and the training tools available to them. The kettlebells and power bags are such a pivotal part of the space and they are used heavily by members. So it's important that in their education, they understand how to implement them into anyone's training program.

The Move It course is intense and full of practical, trainers can expect to learn hundreds of different exercises, drills and circuits to challenge their members and completely change the way they've trained in the past. The next zone is no exception to this, TRX 'suspension training' is a great addition to any gym. Its origins stem from gymnastic ring training and it's quite strange to see that the gyms of the future are slowly turning into the gyms of the past. Open spaces full of free weights and functional tools that get us moving. The TRX section is a chance for the trainers to see how suspension training should be part of any training session. The trainers look at push and pull patterns, leg exercises, integrated core movement and great complexes that work well in group classes. TRX is always a good challenge for the trainers as it requires strength across the whole body and good stability.

The final zone that the DW trainers looked at was the Boxing area, equipped with Reebok bags hung from the unique Escape 4 station free standing frame. Boxing is a very technical sport and there is a real art to it. However with only a short period to teach the group, it is important to get across the fundamentals and stress the importance of being a good pad technician. The course touches on shadow boxing to teach good punching technique. Mirror boxing to teach trainers how to introduce focus pad training. Then finally after the trainers understand how to build up to glove and pad work, a demo is given to show how to piece together punches and create combinations. Then it's time for the trainers to show their skills and control when working with others.

After introducing all of the zones we then go into circuits which integrate different zones and demonstrate how the Move It space can become a fantastic area for small or large group training. The versatility of the Move It space is unique and it gives fitness trainers the opportunity to do what they are here to do, train people! The space allows members and trainers to interact and develop relationships that are vital in developing a good gym environment. The space gives trainers the chance to get hands on and enjoy what they do with training tools that introduce variety and fun to fitness.

When the course concludes we discuss how this space is totally unique and the opportunity the trainers have in front of them. They don't need too much inspiring as the training and the kit has already done that! In Tunstall specifically, members will shortly be coming through the doors for the first time and they will be greeted with this new space. As the figures have already shown, it is a guaranteed success and with a good team like the one in Tunstall, it will only be a matter of weeks before we're seeing the same usage numbers as Bolton.

This is a really exciting time for us and for the industry as a whole. I personally can't wait to see the developments across the next few years. For DW Fitness, this is a new era and a very exciting one. It's great to see the energy in the trainers and this can only pass on good vibes to the members. DW Tunstall is the second of many clubs that are getting the Move It experience, by the end of 2010 we're hoping to see a lot of trainers and members Moving It!

Thank you to all the team at DW Tunstall for making it a great days training. We're looking forward to coming back soon to see how you’re getting on!

Advanced Kettlebell Course London 14th November

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:11:00 +0000

After the week I'd had I wasn't too sure if I was actually going to stay awake during the Advanced Kettlebell course, but after having a quick coffee down the Peacock and a bacon roll I was feeling reasonably perky! As the group came in nice and early on Saturday morning, Andy and i got things ready and with a bit of help from the group, we got the bells up stairs.

So with everyone looking slightly worried about what they had signed up to I got straight on with telling them what they were about to do! The advanced course is all about kettlebell sport lifting and odd lifting. So it's a great challenge for anyone looking to really learn about kettlebell lifting. With the work that I had done recently this course was set to be a very good one and I was looking forward to passing on the knowledge I had gained.

We started on the theory, which in this course focuses on making the body perform better by looking at what joints are designed for and their function. Once everyone had mobilsed and opened up all of those tight areas it as time to start lifting. Without telling the group about the level of technicality we were going into, we got straight into teaching the jerk. I was really impressed with the uptake, which meant that we were able to progress into some very advanced lifting techniques, breathing patterns and much more. Once we had worked on the technique we got into some timed sets and made the group work! They soon realised that 2 24's was a bit ambitious!

After lunch we carried on with the jerks and with a few full bellies we did a couple more timed sets of 2 arm jerk. After discussing how to train the jerk and going over the techniques again, we moved onto the snatch. As I've learnt, snatches are a very technical lift and it was good to see the surprise on peoples faces when they realised how hard it is to get it right. However, it was more pleasing to see everyone work so hard to get it right. We did some more timed sets with the snatch and by that time everyone was fairly knackered.

The odd lifting section of the course tends to be a bit of fun at the end of the course and this course was no exception. After the group had worked so hard, it was important to make this fun and quick, before I lost a few people to the world of sleep! We went through the lifts, bent press, 2 hand any how, chair press, bottoms up and many more. This is a great chance for people to challenge themselves and see what they can lift. As ever we had a few people really going for it, even a few attempts with the 48kg!

Overall, for me this was the best advanced kettlebell course I've worked on. Pushing people so far with their technique and seeing them develop as great. I was really impressed with the quality of lifting and I only hope that the trainers are now inspired enough to want to carry on lifting and possibly at some point compete!!

To get more info on the Advanced Extreme Kettlebell Course click here.

To get more information on kettlebell lifting and competitions please got to the Trojan Lifting Club Website

Fitness first germany, training and Installs

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:35:00 +0000

After packing the van up in London and getting some extra clothes for the week away, I jumped in the van and headed off to the channel tunnel for an overnight crossing. I arrived in Calais at 1am and had about 300 miles to drive to get to the first club in Munster, Germany. I made it most of the way before I had to get my head down for a quick sleep. When I eventually arrived in Munster I managed to find the club after a few phone calls asking for directions. I dropped off the kettlebells and made my way to Dusseldorf where I would be teaching the first workshop.

The club in Dusseldorf was in a shopping centre so getting the kettlebells to the gym was not easy, but once in we made a start and in my best German (which is none!) I started teaching the group swings and snatches. It was very promising to see that everyone picked up the techniques really quickly and we were able to get through lots of different lifts. After finishing the workshop I packed up the van and made the quick journey to Koln to drop of some kit and then it was a drive down to Wiesbaden for Tuesday's workshop.

With a bit of time to spare in the morning I made sure I had a look around and get a coffee in before starting the workshop. After checking out the club it was clear to see that getting the kettlebells to the studio was not going to be easy. The closest I could get my van to the club was about 200 metres away which meant a lot of carrying. Thankfully I had a helpful PTFM to give me a hand. We kicked off the workshop with some more swings and progressed quickly onto snatches. Again everyone was picking up the techniques quickly which meant we could really challenge them. We went through numerous complexes, supersets and hybrids. The major aim of the Extreme Kettlebell Workshop is to give trainers an introduction and get a feel for bells. Well these guys were certainly getting that!
After finishing in Wiesbaden I made my way to Frankfurt, although I didn’t actually need to go there for a workshop, Frankfurt has always been a big favourite of mine. Over the past few years, all of the meetings and work I've done with fitness first has been based in Frankfurt so I've got to know it quite well. I had to stop off there and get some Gluwein and bratwurst! I stopped at one of the restaurants I knew of and stuffed my face with the local cuisine before jumping back in the van and making the 2 hour trip to Karlshrue. With spirits high and feeling well fed the journey went by quickly and I was in Karlshrue in no time, thanks to those autobahns!
The next morning I went to check out the gym, I'd learned my lesson from earlier experiences that getting there early and finding the place was important. Some of these clubs are hidden away in shopping centres and they're not that easy to find. Thankfully the club in Karlshrue had easy access and a goods lift, which made my life very easy! I’d been warned by one of the regional PT managers to look out for the PTFM at the club. Florence was there to greet and help out and I don't think I've met a more active, lively PTFM before! Although by the end of the workshop she was just starting to go quiet! Had a great workshop here and the group were very keen to push themselves! They even went away with a few Trojan Lifting T-shirts as a souvenir.
After saying my goodbyes to all at the club and packing up the van it was time to drive to Munich. Now many of you may be thinking, wow Tommy must have seen so much! Well in actual fact I've hardly seen anything, most of my travelling has been done by night so some of Germany's best scenery has just been a blanket of black. The trip to Munich is quite a spectacular one as I've seen bits of it before. However this time as I snaked through the hills all I could see were the oncoming head lights. The only thing that kept me going was the thought of real Bavarian beer at the other end. So I got through the 200 miles and made my way into to Munich centre. I found what looked like a good beer house so parked up and made my way to the bar! Sitting back and relaxing with a good beer in Munich is always something that I savour and this time was no different to any other. I even tried a few more Munchen and Nuremburg sausages. What a way to spend a Wednesday night!
Thursday morning and I had a few hours to kill before the workshop. I'd already managed to find the club the night before when I drove in so I headed straight into town to see the sights. Possibly the first sights I'd really seen all trip! Munich has an impressive array of cathedrals and churches all within a stone's throw from each other. So when it hits the hour, you're in for an orchestra of bells! I relaxed back with a cappuccino and soaked up the sun before it disappeared behind the church spires. With a couple of hours still before the workshop I made my way to the club to do a bit of work and catch up on a few things. I was greeted by the PTFM, who spoke a little bit of English, but assured me that he was probably the best English speaker in the group. Oh! This workshop could be interesting! We managed to get through without too many misunderstandings. Over the last 4 days I've become used to speaking very slowly and in a funny tone, I hope when I get back to London I can snap out of it quickly otherwise people will think I'm foreign!
I didn’t hang around in Munich, as I had to drive to the other end of the country over night, so I though the sooner I leave the better. Unfortunately I was left at the height of traffic which meant it took me 2 hours to do 20 miles. I wasn't happy! However, I got on with it and soon the traffic was flowing and the miles were counting down, all 500 of them! If I kept going I was due to arrive in Hamburg at 1am. But luck just didn't seem to be on my side. As I made my way along another rollercoaster like autobahn, I saw some blue flashing lights behind me. I thought, oh dear, what have I done? Well it can’t have been speeding because there was no limit! The police pulled in front of me a directed me into a parking area off the main road. Getting out of my van I was quickly ushered away from the vehicle by 3 policemen. They started talking to me in German at which point I quickly said, 'sorry only English', hoping that that wouldn't annoy them further. Thankfully all they wanted to do was check my van for customs and to see that I wasn’t doing anything illegal. They asked what was in the back, so I said 'big steel balls with handles on'. They didn't understand, so I opened the back and showed them. At that point they started laughing and saying 'ah ya Strongman'!
So all was fine and they let me go on my way to Hamburg with another story to tell when I get back to England. Time was getting on and as the clock neared midnight my energy levels were dropping. So it was time for some late night German radio! Some old classics to sing along managed to get me going again and give me some much need alertness. I eventually made it to Hamburg and went straight to bed.
I had arrange to meet a friend who works for fitness first at the club for 9, so I went into town and met up with Seb for a coffee and a catch up. The kettlebell delivery then arrived and the Hamburg club are now the proud owners of some lovely bells! The workshop was the biggest yet and we had a lot of trainers getting involved.

So after saying my goodbyes, I packed up the van, set my satnav for London and off I went. Unfortunately, this was not going to be a leisurely drive, I had to be back in London for 8am to run and Advanced Kettlebell Course. After going through possibly the longest road works I’ve ever seen and making my way through Germany, Holland, Belgium and France I got to the tunnel in the middle of the night and waited for my train. I got back into London at 3am, caught a few hours kip and then it was time for the Advanced Course.

For more information on Fitness First Germany, please go to http://www.fitnessfirst.de/

For more information on the Kettlebell courses we run, please go to http://www.optimallifefitness.com/

Educational Newsletter Issue 71 - We're back and it's Good!

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:57:00 +0000

We're back and it feels good, so we've packed this news letter full of reviews, articles and more!

Over the last 10 days we have been moving our office to our brand new location! Unfortunately during the move our broadband was cut off for 10 days and we have had no access to emails. So firstly we would like to apologise to anyone who has been trying to contact us recently. It has not been easy, but we're finally back up and running smoothly as per usual. With this move brings new address and telephone details. Please take note of these so you can keep in touch with us!

The Optimal Life Fitness Group
174 – 176 Hither Green Lane
London
SE13 1QB

Office Number: 0208 318 7000
Fax Number: 0208 297 8441

If you'd like to come and see us, please feel free to pop in anytime. We're in the process of setting up something rather special down here. So keep an eye out for more news on the OLF Training Centre!

If anyone has been trying to contact us over the last 10 days, please send us the emails again so we can get back to you.

So what else have we got to tell you about?

Well, Tommy has been keeping busy over the last couple of weeks, to read about his adventures please see the links below for his reviews and photos.

To read about the EKI Course in Retford please click here
To see photos of the Course please go to our Facebook Site

To read about his trip to Germany and the workshops he did for Fitness First please click here
To see photos of the Course please go to our Facebook Site

To read about the Advanced EKI Course in London please click here
To see photos of the Course please go to our Facebook Site

Whilst Tommy has been travelling around Europe, I've been spending a bit of time in Australia and catching up with a few strength coaches and trainers. I'll have some awesome interviews for you next week, so make sure you look out for those. To continue on from the recent articles on my Top ten Exercises I've written a bit more on some of those lifts. Please click here to read more about front squats

The November Sale is Still On!
We've had a great response from our November Sale and trainers are taking advantage of all of the deals we've got on for the courses throughout 2010. Don't forget, all London courses in 2010 will be held at the new OLF Training Centre.

To view the calendar of courses please go to the links below. If you would like to book a course please call us on 0208 318 7000 or follow the links below.

2010 Kettlebell Course Dates
2010 Performance Boxing Course Dates
2010 Olympic Lifting Course Dates

What's in next week's newsletter?
We've got Tommy's review on the first ever Official Move It Training Course at DW Fitness in Tunstall. I will be reviewing my interviews with some of Australia's top strength coaches and we’ll have more news on the upcoming courses and specials!

Final 2009 Courses
These are our last 2 courses for 2009, so you'd better get on now!

The Final EKI Course is this month:
28.11.09- 29.11.09
London

Don't forget our new phone number!
0208 318 7000

Keep lifting and stay strong,
BJ & Tommy

Extreme Kettlebell Course - Retford 7th - 8th November

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:59:00 +0000

Last weekend I was in Retford a small town in Nottinghamshire to run the Extreme Kettlebell Course, in fact I was actually in the middle of the country side in a small village called East Drayton. The course was being held at a personal training studio called Outklass Fitness which happens to be the first PT studio that I've ever been to that runs on sustainable fuels. Luke Staton, owner of Outklass has moved his business onto a brand new business park developed on an old farm estate. The building has been completely modernised to run on power from the wind, sun and most amazingly, willow trees! So when I found all of this out I was immediately impressed. The Outklass studio is a great place for PT, it's very open and has plenty of space to move. Kit includes kettlebells, TRX and lots of games, so it's a really great place for clients to have fun and get fit.
I drove up to Outklass on Saturday morning, setting off nice an early in my van. This was actually the start of my marathon 10 days on the road teaching courses. From Retford I would be driving straight over to Germany to do 5 days out there. I arrived at the studio in the morning, with the wind turbine spinning relentlessly. The fresh, clean air was a happy change from the London smog. With a group of 12 trainers on the course, we got straight into the usual day one theory.

After getting everyone mentally ready for the kettlebell and its benefits it was time to get them swinging! A lot of the trainers had already used kettlebells so all that was needed there was a few adjustments. The new swingers, picked the techniques up really well, so it wasn't long before we were into the snatches.

Having a break for lunch, Luke gave me a tour of the buildings and how they generated energy from willow trees. All of this was very interesting to hear and great to see that people are taking an active and manageable approach to renewable energy. I only wish we could stick a wind turbine outside our training centre in London, I just don’t think Lewisham council would go for that one!
We carried on in the afternoon with the cleans, squats, military presses, windmills and turkish get ups all of which took us all the way through to 5pm. The lads decided that a quick pint would be a good idea, so off to the local pub we went. I was booked into a local hotel, so I hoped into the van and drove off to get checked in. By the time I had got my bags up stairs I was almost falling asleep, so it wasn't long before I was fast asleep and getting my hours in before my big drive to Germany on Sunday night.

I had a full English in the morning and then headed back to Outklass for day 2. With the assessments up first I gave a quick demo of the lifts and then it was time for the guys to show me what they could do! Day 2 is a chance for the trainers to learn how to implement kettlebells into training programmes and where best to use them. It usually works best when I get lots of questions and thankfully this was one of those courses where there was an abundance! (You know who you are!!) We got talking about all sorts of things and before I knew it we were running late and needed to crack on with the work outs. The afternoon was intense and hard work for all, it was good to see everyone pushing themselves.
We had a quick round up and I said my goodbyes and without further ado I was back in the van and off to London. I had to pick up a few things from London before making my way to the channel tunnel to get across to France.

Thanks to all who did the course and thanks to Outklass Fitness for hosting the course.

The next and last Extreme Kettlebell Course of the year is on the 28th – 29th November in London. There are a few places still available, if you would like to book this course please click here, or call us on 0208 318 7000

To view the 2010 calendar of courses please click here.

November Sale on all Educational Course

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:25:00 +0000

That's right! It's that time of the year when The Optimal Life Fitness Group has their Annual Educational Course Sale. We've introduced our 2010 calendar of courses, we've got more dates than ever before and now you can save more money!

What training and development do you have in mind for next year? Not too sure yet? How about the UK’s number one CPD Courses!

Are you looking for REPs accredited CPD courses which actually make a difference?

Then look no further, we've got the course for you!

What great courses are on next year?

The Extreme Kettlebell Instructor Course
The Advanced Extreme Kettlebell Instructor Course
The Olympic Weight Lifting Course
The Performance Boxing Course
The Advanced Performance Boxing Instructor Course

All of our courses are REPs accredited and full of Real World Application. The November Sale is only available for a limited time and will end shortly. To take advantage of the November Sale please visit our website or call to book now!
Tel: 0207 731 3133
For more information:
www.opitmallifefitness.com
For Online Booking:
www.olfstore.com

Who Are We?

At the Optimal Life Fitness Group we constantly strive to develop and provide cutting edge education to the fitness professional.
Including Kettlebell Training, Olympic Lifting and Boxing; our instructor training courses are REPs accredited and full of real world application.

For you the forward thinking trainer and your ongoing educational needs The Optimal Life Fitness Group has the course for you.
Our specialist team strives to deliver the highest quality training in kettlebells, boxing and Olympic Weightlifting for the

The Optimal Life Fitness Group Newsletter - October 29th, 2009. Issue 69

noreply@blogger.com (Tommy Matthews) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:57:00 +0000

In this issue I give you my top 10 exercises, I have a write up of the FIA talk that Tommy and myself delivered this week and the date of the next one, I have news about our November sale which will be starting this Sunday plus a reminder about our final 3 courses of the year.

My top 10 exercises
My top ten exercises include a selection of Weightlifting, Kettlebell sport, rings and bodyweight exercises. They cover strength, power, speed, stability and coordination to have a look and to let me know what you think follow My top 10 Exercises.

FIA Talks
I mentioned last week that Tommy and myself were presenting at the Maximuscle sponsored FIA event in London. The seminar was a great success to read more about the event visit the OLF blog. To find out how you can attend the one in Sheffield in December visit the FIA website.

OLF Sale
On Sunday our November sale begins. All of our next year courses and all of our products will be on sale at discounted rates. If you want to any educational courses in 2010 you will not want to miss this sale so keep any eye on our website and in your inbox.
Reebok Boxing Kit
I mentioned this last week and our boxing kit has been flying out of our store. If you want the best kit available look no further. We wanted to supply the very best and Reebok sponsor Amir Khan- enough said. To get yourself and your clients in the right kit please visit our online store.

Final 2009 Courses
These are our last 3 courses for 2009, so you’d better get on now!

The Final EKI Course is this weekend:
28.11.09- 29.11.09
London

The Final Advanced Kettlebell Course is:
Click on the link to book now!
14.011.09
London

Upcoming Performance Boxing Courses
Click on the links to book now!

The final PB Course for 2009 is on the 21st November book here

We hope to see you soon.
Keep lifting and stay strong,
BJ & Tommy

FIA Talks

noreply@blogger.com (bj rule) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:34:00 +0000

On Tuesday I presented at an FIA member event alongside nutritionist Lynn Clay and my faithful assistant Tommy Matthews. I presented about the importance and the many benefits of reisistance training as a mode of exercise in health and fitness.

My part was a two and a half hour seminar which covered sub topics ranging from the importance of body weight training, to Weightlifting, Kettlebell Lifting, movement patterns, exercise selection as well as how to put it all together and design an effective resistance training programme.

Audience participation was high with plenty of interaction, we had people lunging and moving about. They all looked like they enjoyed themselves and the feed back has been really positive. Tommy and myself had a great time as we always do interacting with enthusiastic members of the health and fitness industry.

Lynn Clay presented on the importance of Nutrition in health and fitness in the afternoon, a lot of brilliant and really useful info was delivered about how people can improve results and their lifestyles as a whole through smarter nutritional choices. Lynn and myself then ran a joint workshop and got the group to write up exercise and nutrition plans for various case studies.

To have a look at some pics of the day please follow this link.

We'll be presenting together again at the next FIA event in Sheffield on December 1st. The topics will be the same so if you are interested at all please follow this link to the FIA website.

EKI London October 17th-18th

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Phillips) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:37:00 +0000

After a great 4 days in Ireland taking courses it was back to the Peacock gym for the London EKI course, Peacock gym is one of my favorite places to train. everyone did really well with there swing with it being a fairly small group we managed to get a lot done, it was a great course for questions everyone got involed, and was interested in training with bells and how to put them in to there programs. Anton on of the guys on the course, did one of the most impressive press up routines i've seen, i'll put the clip up on our facebook page so you can check it out. Everyone did really well. and i looked forward to the second day. A few sore bodys started slowly but soon got in to the swing of thing, a good sleep and everyione technique had impoved over night. After the asseessments it was time to relax and have a bit of fun with the circuits. the group really pushed each other. Made for a great end to the course. Thanks to everyone for a great two days.