Q: How long have you been a PT at Elizabeth Street Fitness First?
A: I started here at Elizabeth street when the club opened just over 4 years ago now.
Q: What is your training philosophy?
A: My training philosophy would be “Train With Purpose” identify what exactly it is that you want to achieve from your body and train effectively towards that goal.
Q: What are you focusing on with your own training and your clients training?
A: My key focus for myself and my clients can be summarised in a few key points.
Focus – body weight strength , kettlebell strength , barbell strength
Function – Flexibility , Mobility , movement and co-ordination
Frequency – Repeat effective training techniques with high frequency and volume.
Flow – Be sensitive to how your body is feeling , learn to be connected to the intricate details that form free flowing movement and strength.
Mindset
Patience – the patience to do the mundane with precision and commitment.
Persistence – the persistence to maintain the path and not be distracted.
Perseverance – to put the work , to get the work out.
Plan – Plan your work , work your plan.
Progress – not perfection.
Practice – practice all of the above.
Q: Why do you have such a heavy focus on kettlebell training?
A: Kettelbells have long been apart of my training tool kit and for good reason too. They are super practical and can be used for so many different training purposes, from functional strength to metabolic conditioning and also really great for rehabilitation and correcting movement dysfunction. The kettlebell really has no limits and few other pieces of gym equipment can rival it for diversity and effectiveness. When asked by clients what gym equipment I have at home I simply say ” 2 Kettelbells and Me ” you can do some serious work with a basic KB kit and they are easy to transport In the boot of the car if your heading to the beach for the weekend. What I have learnt very quickly when working with kBs is that I don’t train with them , they actually train me, and what I mean by that if my movement or technique is incorrect then the Kettlbell lets me know about it and often that can be a painful experience. This I find not only humbling but it means I must engage a huge amount of mental focus to be sure that my movements are not compromised by improper form.
I would recommend that despite your goals , a tailored KB program can pretty much fit in any basket and should be a mainstay of anybody looking to get optimal performance out of themselves. Seek an expert in this field and learn to understand how they can best work for you , develop correct form and technique and practice , practice, practice!
If you want to contact Ritchie for any more advice
Phone: 0437 110040
Email: [email protected]
