Kristin Dankanich has been a student of Russian kettlebells at The Dragon Gym since October 2010. After dealing with some medical issues, she was unhappy with her weight gain and was looking for something different than most traditional exercise programs could offer. While making major body composition changes (dropping from a women's size 12 to a size 2, drastically reducing body fat, and getting very strong!) she fell in love with the art and practice of kettlebell training. Prior to coming to Dragon Gym, she competed in both English and Western equitation for the Kutztown Equestrian Team. Her current "day job" is actually not fitness-related. Because of this, she understands the challenges most other working people face--sitting for too long (and usually with poor posture), having to summon the willpower to not eat that piece of cake at the office luncheon, and trying to find time and motivation to pursue personal health and fitness goals. It is her mission to help those in similar situations devise a realistic plan to meet their health and wellness goals and to assist with proper kettlebell training to build strength and body awareness. The "carryover" effect from training with kettlebells to everyday wellbeing is an amazing experience she hopes to share with others. Kristin earned her Hardstyle Kettlebell Challenge (HKC), Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) Level I and StrongFirst Girya (SFG) Level I certifications in 2012. She continues to progress with her strength goals and passed her SFG Level II certification in the fall of 2013. She teaches an all-levels kettlebell class with joint mobility at 10am Saturday mornings and often assists the beginners and advanced classes on weeknights at 6:30pm. She is known for stressing good form but also having a good time while training!
