hi! it’s so nice to meet you!
Hi! I’m Kathryn Blaze.
Certified kettlebell specialist + NASM personal trainer + group fitness instructor.
I was always a dancer.
A barre girl.
Not “athletic” or sporty.
Kettlebells changed that for me.
They showed me you could lift something heavy with precision and careful technique. To hone a skill like you’re learning a dance.
To make it graceful and controlled.
To challenge you body with load, and your body will respond by getting stronger, leaner, and more balanced.
I’ve taught group fitness classes for the past 12 years.
After college I was having trouble finding open ballet classes I could take after my day job, so started taking group fitness classes at the local gym. Zumba classes helped satisfy my dance craving, and the instructor recommended I get licensed to teach it. I did, and began teaching Zumba classes at various gyms after work.
In 2012 I moved to NYC and started teaching at Equinox. I soon transitioned out of Zumba and began teaching barre, dance sculpt, and various sculpting formats.
Soon after moving to NYC I started experiencing chronic neck pain and tension. Many days I would wake up barely able to turn my head. I tried a chiropractor who hooked me up to electrical stimulation machines, and then a PT who had me do hot and cold compresses and some basic exercises.
Then I found a chiropractor who focused on functional movement and strength training as part of treatment.
Everything changed.
I started tuning into my body in a different way, worked to correct my breathing patterns, and recognized that I needed strength to balance out my slightly hypermobile joints.
I started using kettlebells in those chiropractic appointments to get the correct muscles firing and challenge them with load.
My body started feeling more balanced and strong when using those heavy weights.
Training with kettlebells started to remind me of a ballet class. There was a technique to master — a drive to find the strength and ability to move heavy weights gracefully.
I began thinking about kettlebells when I was supposed to be teaching barre. I couldn’t wait to get on the floor and perfect new skills.
I watched my body change.
Students in my barre and dance classes starting telling me -
“I guess this format is really working!”.
I said “No - kettlebells are working. Heavy weights are working.”
And beyond what the mirror showed, I simply FELT better.
Experience:
National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (2020 - present)
StrongFirst Kettlebell Instructor certification (2019)
AFAA Group Fitness instructor Certification (2016 - 2018)
Taught barre/dance/sculpt group fitness classes at various locations around NYC + NJ, including Equinox Fitness, Princeton University and Rutgers University (2009-2020)
CPR/AED certified
I’d love for you to join me in getting stronger + feeling better in your body.
Follow-along pre-recorded video sessions under 45 minutes that keep you moving safely, while breaking down movements so you can perform them with confidence.
Personalized programs designed specifically for you, based on what equipment you have available.