Hoboken, NJ Health and Fitness

The free-weight section of the local gym has commonly been a place to hear the thunderous sounds of Hercules-like lifters grunting their way through reps and clinking dumbbells falling to the floor. This scene could easily scare away beginners and guests with non-heroic physiques. Known for constantly straying from the norm, trainer Ashleigh Kast forged a routine that works equally well at initiating beginners and helping experienced lifters push themselves over a strength plateau, combining drills from the Functional Movement System with the Russian Kettlebell Challenge. The purpose of each kettlebell-bolstered movement is to stimulate as many muscle groups as possible, forcing them to work together towards the common goal of tone and calorie burn. Kast introduces a new kettlebell skill into the program each week to prevent muscles from becoming bored and defacing the bones with obscene doodles. When the weather cooperates, classes move outdoors, and one Sunday morning a month, she invites students to attend a specialized workshop.