by Jennifer Farnsworth
For Ryan Carpenter, the kettlebell is more than a fitness tool. As the owner and founder of Simple Strength and Conditioning, a kettlebell gym, Carpenter has found that it has given him direction both physically and mentally.
The former U.S. Marine said his fitness operation, at 110 Main Street, Midtown Plaza in South Glens Falls, has been met by the public with an enthusiasm that helps to keep him inspired and driven.
He said when he left active duty with the Marines he struggled to connect with a fitness program. When he found himself making poor nutritional decisions, he decided it was time to focus on his fitness and his diet. It was during that time that he found the kettlebell.
“I started in 2015. I was 335 pounds … I knew I needed to change, so I started slowly by just refining my diet and doing easy simple workouts. As I started to lose weight, I branched out with my workouts and was introduced to kettlebells,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter credits his mentor Chris Abbott, a gym owner who he said gave him the opportunity to become a coach and prepared him for certification. Once COVID hit, Abbot had to close his gym, Kettlebellworks, and it was then that Carpenter made the decision to open a location in South Glens Falls. Since first opening in July, Carpenter, a Strong First certified trainer, said he has worked with people from all different backgrounds, something he loves doing.
“I use simple, but effective, exercises through the use of kettlebells that have proven to make people stronger and leaner while having a low impact on the joints. I have clients from 13 years old all the way to 78 years old. I love to teach and see people achieve their goals,” said Carpenter.
He oofers drop-in workouts and people can also purchase a packages ranging from five classes to an annual rate.
There hours are 5-7 p.m. Monday thru Friday; and 8-10 a.m. Saturday.