Strength Diaries

Reneta is a 6th  degree Master Karate Instructor  and a 3rd degree black belt in Shurite Kempo.  She is a Team Leader with Strongfirst as well as an Elite Instructor having achieved and maintained all certifications in kettlebell, bodyweight and barbell modalities.  She teaches group and private lessons  as well as the Livestrong program for cancer survivors at the Mansfield YMCA and teaches at Strongfirst certifications and courses throughout the United States.  She's married to Gary Music who is also a Strongfirst Team Leader.  Renata was Amy's team leader in 2016 at a Bodyweight cert and we immediately clicked.  She's an excellent coach and you will not meet a kinder person.

Jason Marshall is the owner of Lonestar Kettlebell in Lubbock Texas where he trains students from all walks of life.  He has a degree in Exercise Science, is a CSCS and Strongfirst Master Instructor leading kettlebell and barbell certifications throughout the world.  In this podcast we talked about how he coaches, his own strength training history including lifting the Dinnie Stones, and his interest in mountain biking and snow boarding.   It's a great listen, we hope you enjoy!

Amy had a fantastic chat with Megan Kelly of the UK!  Megan is a Strongfirst SFG II and SFL Instructor.  She's currently training to take back her title as the World Record holder in kettlebell swings (total kilos in one hour).  Megan is dedicated to the Strong Endurance principles taught by Pavel and has some great insight on ballistic training, endurance and recovery.

Thomas and Nicole Benge are the owners of Breakthrough Strength and performance in Redmond Oregon A Strength and conditioning gym specializing in group, semi-private (individual design) and personal coaching. They have been there for 13 years.

They are SFG 1’s and Nicole is also an SFB. They have been married for 21 years (this October) and have 2 growing up daughters.

Nicole was a competitive High school athlete playing volleyball and softball. Thomas competed in basketball and track in HS and played basketball in college (all 4 years).

Through their gym, they have coached competitive athletes in powerlifting, Crossfit and Strongman. They have coached national level competitors in Crossfit having the 50th fittest female age 40-44 in 2018 a national level middleweight strongwoman also in 2018, Heavyweight national qualifier in 2019 and the middleweight champ (160lb) - female in 2014 who also went on to place 10th at the Arnold 2 consecutive years. In addition to competitors they have helped many achieve body composition and strength goals as well as helping 6 people prepare and pass SFG 1,2 as well as SFB.

Thomas is a retired police officer (Sgt) as well as a nationally recognized police and military trainer. They are both active in their local church where Thomas is co-teaching pastor.

Thomas is a lifelong martial artist and an active USPSA competitor. Nicole is starting to enjoy shooting. They love adventuring together.

Amanda and Amy so stoked for this podcast!  They chatted with Erly Gomez of Lubbock Texas, a world-record holding powerlifter, mother, grandma and all-around joyful person!  Erly talked about discovering strength training after years as a runner, meeting her coach Jason Marshall who introduced her to the  Strongfirst  system, and her unparalleled success in the sport of powerlifting.

In this podcast Amanda and Amy talk to Michal Radar Vrátný, owner and operator of the hugely successful Železná Koule gyms in the Czech Republic. Radar discusses his businesses he began in 2011 and the systems and programs he set in place to grow what is now becoming a worldwide venture. Radar is also a long time skydiver, snow-kiter and world traveler as well as a certified practitioner of the RKC, Ground Force Method, FMS and The Amazing 12.

Amy and Amanda have a great chat with Kelly Manzone.  Kelly has spent 17 years in the fitness industry and loves sharing her passion of physical culture by brining people together through the love of movement and creating resilient bodies with traditional and holistic training tools.  Kelly's approach to circular training methods is the perfect balance to traditional strength and athletic training.  Anyone from seasoned athletes to home-bound folks looking for a way to stay physically active can benefit from Kelly's teaching.    Kelly has collaborated with Paul Taras Wolkowinski and Kevin Rail to provide a unique education series at Indian Clubs International.  You can find out more at indianclubs.com.au as well as her own website kellymanzone.com  Follow her on Instagram @kellsbells88 and Facebook.  She is currently active conducting on-line workshops and plans to get back to her rigorous schedule of live workshops and clinics when able.