Let me introduce our Canadian ambassador, Mark Robson, who runs a fitness studio called MeFirstFitness in Toronto. At Mefirstfitness, the instructor crew specializes in group fitness with 45 classes a week, one on one personal training and weight loss challenges.
Mark has a background in sports such as Hockey, Martial Arts, Volleyball, and a host of certifications from Personal trainer, kettlebell, steel mace and Heroic Sport level 1 instructor.
Let’s hear about Indian clubs and group classes!
How, why and when did you get started with Indian clubs?
I started training with Indian Clubs about 3 years ago. The past 2 years much more seriously due to reoccurring rotator cuff tears.
What kind of clubs do you prefer to swing?
I swing all styles of clubs. I love to swing heavy for sheer power and strength. I like smaller clubs for injury prevention, warmup and rhythm/dance. I also like clubs in between for endurance and cardio.
What is it you specifically enjoy about club swinging?
It doesn’t feel like exercise to me. I love to put on my favourite music and swing for hours. No two workouts are ever the same.
What do you see as the main advantage of lifting odd unbalanced objects versus conventional weights?
I feel its more functional and practical to real life movements and situations. I also feel like I get a better full body workout.
What are the benefits of club swinging for your clients in your opinion?
I do a lot of club swinging with clients for warm ups and to help increase their range of motion (mostly at the shoulder girdle). Clients are also less familiar with them than dumbbells so they find it to be a little more fun when used for more traditional exercises.
How easy/ hard was it to get your clients sold on the idea of swinging clubs?
It depends on what and how you teach them. Most feel the benefits of the light clubs immediately and often ask me if we can start our workouts with them.
For someone wanting to improve athleticism and well being, is swinging clubs enough? What are some great complementary activities to club swinging?
I never like to limit myself or my clients to just one type of training. The obvious answer to this question would be body weight exercises but I also am adamant about adding cardio as well as some power lifting and kettlebell training to all my clients routines. This provides a good combination of endurance, strength and power to your workouts.
What do you like about the Pahlavandle, compared to other types of clubs on the market?
The biggest benefit for most people getting started is the price. The pahlavandles are the most affordable clubs on the market today. In addition you can take them anywhere you go and they are adjustable in weight based on the size of the bottle you use and the filler. Same could be said for the Pahlavandle TG. In addition the shipping costs from Heroic Sport are incredible. You won’t pay cheaper shipping anywhere in the world!
Do you use the Pahlavandle in your classes or workshops? How do people react the first time you show them a plastic handle?
Yes, totally! They react no differently than they would to a regular set of wooden clubs. Most wouldn’t know the difference, plus the Pahlavandle swings virtually the exact same way as a wooden club, so even experienced users wouldn’t notice a difference.
What advice can you give to people just starting up?
Find a coach, take a course or get yourself some online videos to study. You need to start with the very basic circles and moves. Practicing is the only way to get better.
Do you have a favorite template to structure a training session?
I’m not a fan of structure personally as I get bored rather easy. But when teaching clubs I like to start with one move before adding another and building to more complex sequences as we go.
1 thing people wouldn’t know about you?
I’m also a musician, comic book lover and avid gamer.
Anything you wish to add?
I’m very happy Thierry asked to interview me for this Blog and I am a proud Ambassador for Heroic Sport. Reach out to me if you want, as I would love to share my passion for everything Club related with you! Cheers and keep swinging!
You can get in touch with Mark through his facebook and instagram pages, or head to his site.