T.A.T.S. visits Punch Kettlebell Gym

Anthony Diluglio, RKC and owner of Punch Kettlebell Gym in Providence, RI, graciously gave us the pick of dates to host our Tactical Athlete workshops.   We chose July 23 & 24 and prayed for good weather.  Well perfect weather is what we got!  A good thing to – because we were hoping to take the Hand-2-Hand Kettlebell DrillsTM workshops to the park down the street.  We were able to load up the “Punch” hummer with kettlebells, and off we went.

The well-trained and highly conditioned clients of Punch Gym, and others who traveled in from all over the globe, were far beyond basics.  They were ready for more . . . for new . . . for more daring.  So not only did we offer H2H – Level I, but H2H - Level II as well.  The H2H workshops in the park were preceded each day with strength training workshops in the gym:  “T.A.P.S. Circuit Training” and “Core & More”.   

Those who attended “T.A.P.S. Circuit Training” not only experimented with the drills and circuits featured on the T.A.P.S. dvd, but also the exercises on Jeff’s soon to be released T.A.P.S. II dvd.  They discovered that one can do far more than pull ups on the T.A.P.S.   The versatile system takes the place of several apparatus.  In a small gym like Punch, this is a very appealing feature.   Anthony plans to incorporate the T.A.P.S. unit & accessories in each Punch Kettlebell Gym he opens.

In “Core & More” we taught in-depth strength training techniques.  We presented so much variety that abdominal training will never be boring or mundane again for the attendees.  Like Anthony, we use anything and everything as an apparatus – including our favorite T.A.P.S. unit.   With Anthony and Jeff in the same room, training gets quite interesting.  They are both so highly innovative!  It was hard to get these two to stop training during the lunch break and put something in their stomachs! 

As much as we loved teaching all the different workshops, H2H in the park was the most fun!  It was a picture-perfect day in a picture-perfect park.  Every one was willing, determined, and relaxed - knowing that they didn’t have to worry about dropping the kettlebells.  I know you’ve heard it before, but I’ll say it again:  outdoors is the best place to train H2H drills.  (I should know – the one who’s dented the carpet, floor, and mats in the house!) 

We taught many of the H2H drills featured in both Volumes I & II.   Every little tip and visual analogy Jeff & I developed, we shared.  The result:  mastery of most of the beginner and intermediate drills by the participants!    We also practiced seamlessly incorporating different H2H drills together, creating mini routines.  The participants are now equipped to create fun and highly effective H2H routines.

While not surprising, yet still impressive, was the group’s willingness to try every exercise.   Variations, modifications, and advanced moves were provided for the broad range of fitness levels.  Every one present was able to improve their skill and strength, as well as take home new drills to spruce up their present routines.  As it turned out, the attendees left with more than just techniques.  They joked, “We are going to write a little book called –‘Jeff-isms’.”  I guess they got a kick out of our “husband & wife” team teaching style!  

One of the wonderful bonuses for Jeff & I was to visit Punch Ketttlebell Gym and get a better understanding of Anthony’s vision for reaching the mainstream.  We had met a couple times prior at RKC courses, but never really had the time to talk or absorb the total concept.   I was amazed at how similar we viewed training.  We will most definitely be frequenting Punch Kettlebell Gyms.

Most appealing to Jeff & I was the incredibly efficient use of space at Punch.  Without a doubt, it’s the most efficient gym I’ve ever seen.  Punch is extremely organized with an artistic flair unique to Anthony.  From the crazily painted kettlebells to the chalkboard walls, it draws attention and intrigues clients.  I don’t know that there is any other gym quite like it.   

If you are an RKC and looking for a way to transform your part-time personal training business into owning and operating a small exclusive gym, we recommend you check out  www.punchgym.com and contact Anthony to learn more about Punch Kettlebell Gym circuits. 

For those of you who attended our Tactical Athlete workshops, it was a pleasure meeting and training with you.  We look forward to next time!

If you liked this article, please jump on the Forum and share your thoughts.