Andrea Du Cane - The Ageless Body: How to Remain a Human Dynamo and Retain a Perfect Physique--With The Magic of Kettlebells

he inspiration for The Ageless Body book and DVD began back in early 2002. Now, almost 10 years later, I cant believe it has taken me so long to reach a group of people who not only deserve such a training program, attention, and empowerment but who also need these things so much.

The story really began on the day I picked up my first kettlebell. We had been photographing Pavel doing a few ab exercises for an upcoming book when I saw the kettlebells hiding over in the corner. The only thing I could do with them was a deadlift. I thought they were very interesting, but it was hard for me to envision doing much with them.

Later, as more books came outincluding, finally, Pavels Russian Kettlebell ChallengeI began to ask, Why arent there kettlebells for women to use? (At that time, kettlebells came in only the 16 kg, 24 kg, and 32 kg sizes.) It didnt take too long before Pavel agreed to do a book and DVD for women, which became From Russia with Tough Love.

About a week before filming, I received my first kettlebell. It was 18 lbs. I cant tell you how excited I was! This was MY kettlebell. It was made for mea woman. I could press it and snatch it and do swings and windmills. It was AWESOME!

I distinctly remember thinking, This is what every woman should do. Every personnot just tough military guys, law enforcement officers, and martial artistsbut all people should have access to this incredible tool. My background in dance, martial arts, and Pilates allowed me to see the kettlebells overall health benefits and how this simple hunk of iron could turn into an incredible tool of healing for all people.

I decided to bring the kettlebell experience to a broader female market, and so The Kettlebell Goddess Workout DVD materialized. I intended to make that DVD as interactive as possible, while still keeping the program design simple. It has achieved all that I hoped it would. That DVD has reached out to many women who may not have had the courage or desire to pick up a kettlebell before.

I truly believe that kettlebell training is for everyone. It can be for people coming back from injury, for those who are deconditioned, and, of course, for the elderly. I have spent the last couple years of my career focusing on the needs of people with specific limitations and special issues. For example, my DVD Working with Special Populations was filmed at an RKC Level II certification and was designed specifically to help trainers who are teaching kettlebells to clients with limitations.

Since release of the Special Populations and Goddess DVDs, I have received questions from many people asking me how they can get their mothers, fathers, grandparents, and sedentary friends started with kettlebells. Im aware that this group has been underserved in the kettlebell world. Until now, no product has been aimed at them. Working with them may not be as glamorous as working with competitive athletes and military personnel, but I feel so much satisfaction from knowing that I have helped change a life. If I can make just one person feel stronger, move better, or have less pain in his or her day-to-day life, then I have achieved my goal.

I want to emphasize that The Ageless Body book and DVD are not just for seniors and aging athletes. Young people and those inexperienced with kettlebells will also benefit from the safe, simple, and progressive format that this program provides. The screens and modifications provided by the program will allow people of any skill level to begin their kettlebell program and to advance at their own pace.

My own journey with kettlebells continues, even as a Master RKC Instructor. I hope that this book and DVD will be the start of your own wonderful journey. May that journey be filled with accomplishment, improved health and strength, and continued enjoyment of life.

SPECIAL THANKS

I would like to thank the hard-working staff at Dragon DoorNicole Du Cane and Timothy Spencerfor lending their time and talents to the development and production of this book.

And most importantly, I would like to thank Pavel Tsatsouline for Pavelizing the fitness industry and for personally encouraging me to reach out with our Hard Style School of Strength to empower the boomer and senior populations.

Andrea Du Cane

Master RKC Instructor

Before
You Begin

Introduction

he Ageless Body program is designed to take you to a new level of health and fitness. Its organized so that no matter where you are starting from, you will achieve a level of fitness that will allow you to continue to pursue your favorite activities and enjoy your daily life.