If you grew up with parents who won’t quite let go of their rebellious 70’s side,  A Yin & Yang symbol usually just means a flash back to the groovy van they would putts around in, occasionally having to drop you off at school. That’s not just me, right?

Well, there is actually a lot more behind this simple black and white design.  Yin and Yang, in a nut shell, means that two opposing forces must work evenly together to have perfect harmony. Think black and white, Earth and sky, or female and male. Martial Arts are one example of how this theory has been used for centuries. Martial Arts has many different styles- some focusing on defense and disarming your opponent- A more passive side. Then you have the other side of the sport that is strictly fighting and attacking- the opposite and aggressive side. When a fighter is able to master both aspects, he has become an ultimate force to be reckoned with.

It just so happens that yoga and kettlebells are able to share this relationship as well. Yoga is representing the softer side.  Slowly moving in and out of poses, deep relaxed breathing, and a focus on how each posture creates a transfer of energy throughout the body. Gently creating a better understanding of how your body moves and functions as one unit. It is a mind body connection that you have to experience first- hand to completely understand. Kettlebells are the opposite side of this perfect harmony in finding mind body connections, and creating true functionality. Kettlebells use muscle tension instead of muscle relaxation. The swing, for example, is a powerful movement that uses quick and tight muscle contractions. Your whole body is at work as you flow through different kettlebell movements. The energy you draw up from your feet, pressing into the floor, and zip up through your body as you drive a kettlebell overhead creates a unique sense of power.