Simple Strength and Conditioning, a new kettlebell gym in the Atlas Jiu Jitsu facility in South Glens Falls, is now open.
Ryan Carpenter, a former Marine and recovering alcoholic, opened the kettlebell gym earlier this month in the Midtown Shopping Center.
“I teach basic, simple kettlebell movements because they work,” Mr. Carpenter told Glens Falls Living. “It’s strength aerobics, getting your heart rate up and moving weight. It’s all about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Ryan Carpenter • Photo: Bri Lyons
Kettlebells are essentially metal balls with handles that come in a range of weights.
After serving in the Marines from 1993 to 1997, Mr. Carpenter said he started to gain weight.
“I didn’t have the best eating or drinking habits,” he said. “It was harder to keep the weight off.”
Then in 2012, “I got sober,” he said. “And I turned to sugar, and went from 270 pounds to 335 pounds. I hurt all over.
“Finally I said enough is enough. I started exercising. The first time, I went to Planet Fitness and walked on the treadmill for 10 minutes. I kept going, and the weight started to come off. I got down to 260 pounds and I felt like I needed to push harder. I was seeing results and I started to crave it.
“Then I was introduced to kettlebells and my strength exploded. It’s very low impact. Anyone can do it. And you can do it anywhere because the kettlebells are easily transportable.”
Ryan Carpenter at Simple Strength and Conditioning in South Glens Falls • Photo: Bri Lyons
In 2017, Mr. Carpenter lost his father, brother and grandmother, “the three people who stood by me when I was getting sober. It started a huge fire in me. It was cement in my foundation. I decided to become a coach, becoming a Strong First level one instructor.
His kettlebell gym in Saratoga closed, and he bought much of the equipment. Atlas J&J owner Joseph Zakriski “gave me a small area in the back and the opportunity to bring this all to fruition.”
Simple Strength and Conditioning is open Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday morning from 8 to 10 a.m.
“Opening night was amazing,” he said. “We’re getting people willing to try it out. I love seeing the ‘aha’ moment when people realize they can do this.”
Classes are $15 for a drop-in, five classes for $70, 10 classes for $140, or unlimited classes for $110 a month. Frontline medical workers, fire, police and military unlimited passes are $100 a month.
“I wish my father could see this,” Mr. Carpenter said. “To be as hopeless as I was in 2015 to now running my own gym is amazing. I want people to know they can do this. The first step is the hardest one.
“I feel an obligation to help people. After seeing my brother give up on his death bed, I don’t want to see anyone give up. I want to help as many people as I can.”
For more information, visit their website at www.simplestrengthconditioning.com, or email rycarp155@gmail.com.
