FITNESS: Glen Bagwell proves that anyone can live a life of health and fun with a little hard work.
By Ashley Gore, Staff Writer
What is kettlebelling? The dictionary defines it as an exercise in which the participant uses a round, flat-bottomed weight with a thick handle on top. Microsoft Word sees it as a nonexistent word that deserves a red squiggly line underneath it. Poly biology teacher Glen Bagwell views it as a “whole-body, explosive motion activity” that keeps him “healthy and limber.”
Kettlebells, which originated in Russia to bulk up newly enlisted army soldiers, require the fitness enthusiast to use several muscles in the body. Bagwell claims that “the fact that you accelerate the weight and then stop it, or force it to change directions, magnifies the force of the weight you move.” This makes kettlebelling so effective in gaining muscle and maintaining fitness.
Bagwell’s kettlebelling career remains completely recreational: “I do it purely for fun and to keep my body healthy.” Not only does he kettlebell, but he participates in surfing and mountain biking as well. His healthy lifestyle defies the student expectation of teachers going home only to grade papers and find new ways to give them more busy work.
He often shares the benefits of physical activity with his students, and even mentions his kettlebelling. “Sometimes I will give demonstrations because I believe they are such a powerful tool,” Bagwell said. He trains three days a week with his workout community and does not plan on stopping anytime soon. When asked why he kettlebells, Bagwell said, “It might sound silly, but I eventually want to become so strong that I can amaze people in funny and entertaining ways.”
He hopes that his rigorous training will inspire his children, students, and other adults to join him down his “path of good health.” While some believe teachers live in a never-ending loop between the classroom and home, Bagwell shows students that anyone of any age can make time to make a difference in his or her well-being. He admits it can be “devastatingly hard at times,” but he knows all of his hard work will pay off: “It is rewarding in ways that cannot be explained.”