Johanna Funk

Johanna has been living the "Functional Strength" lifestyle since February 2007. Beginning as a client, Johanna showed an early interest in kettlebell training as it produced significant results in her fitness beyond other programs she had used. Her interest grew to kettlebell sport (GS) competition and she placed first in the 2007 Great Lakes and Cross World Meets respectively; impressively snatching the 12 kg (26 lb) bell 178 times at the Great Lakes, and 148 times with the 16 kg (35 lb) bell at the Cross World! She then achieved the "Iron Woman Award" at the 2008 Cross World Meet by lasting 10 minutes in all events (Jerk, Snatch, and Long Cycle). Most recently, Johanna achieved Candidate for Master of Sport (CMS) ranking in the Long Cycle Event (83 reps with 44 lb bell in the 53 kg weight class) at the 2010 Mid Michigan Kettlebell Invitational. Johanna became a certified kettlebell instructor through the Russian Kettlebell Challenge in October 2007, and maintains her interest in using kettlebells as her primary training source. Additionally, Johanna has a special interest in nutrition and diet, is a certified kettlebell trainer (IKFFand IKSFA), certified battling ropes coach (John Brookfield), certified flex band instructor (Jump Stretch), has undergone TRX suspension and Movnat training, and is currently attaining certification as an NSCA personal trainer.

Johanna Bells

johanna@funstrength.com

What does Functional Strength Training mean to me?

Almost four years have gone by since I first wrote this testimonial - I was 46 years old:

'I have been a workout fanatic for more than twenty years. In that time, I have used progressive free weight training, aerobics, elliptical machines and distance running. About four weeks ago I began the "functional strength training" program with my trainer. I have never experienced this type of immediate body change. The program has increased my strength significantly. I am most impressed with the way it has improved my flexibility.'

Now, here I am at 50 years old, and feeling better and stronger than I did back then. I truly believe my overall fitness is because of maintaining and being consistent with my fitness program through "functional strength training". I can honestly say that to train the functional strength training way can, and has been, a real challenge at times; but once my core was strengthened, is was easy to maintain my fitness level. Being advised by Bob Budai to set goals and having him there to help reach them has been the key to my success, not only as a client, but also as an instructor. I believe it is never too late to get stronger or to improve your health through fitness.

The proof of this came from how my strength has improved. My ability to lift more weight over the past 4 years has been incredible.

Back in 2007 - beginning with a 12 kg (26 pound) Kettlebell, the workout was very challenging. As of today, after almost 4 years of commitment, my workout was done with 24kg (53 pounds) and 22kg (49 pound) kettlebells!

One of my best workout days came when I reached a goal of CMS, which would not have been possible without the training I had been doing through functional strength training.

As well as kettlebell lifting, I have reached many other personal goals not related to lifting such as being able to do pistol squats with and without weights, and pull-ups from a dead hang just to mention a few. Feeling this great at 50 years old just inspires me to keep up the training and see how good 60 is going to feel!
- Johanna Funk