Kettlebell Strength and Conditioning

More Kettlebell Instructors

• Os Aponte
• Cody Bramlett
• Erica Buechner
• Carla Cocco
• Charlie Fields
• Jessie Shea
• Alex Verdugo Jr.

Os Aponte, RKC

"As a trainer it is my responsibility to empower you with the right tools to efficiently and safely reaching your goals. I'm also accountable for giving you direction in how to use those tools, and motivate you to go the distance in your quest for fitness. Whether you are new to working out or an elite athlete, there is something to be gained from kettlebell training. There is simply no other tool out there that can deliver the strength and conditioning combo of the kettlebell. Come down and take a class. The results are undeniable." — Os Aponte, RKC, CK-FMS

Osvaldo Aponte was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico. At the age of 13, he began practicing Chinese martial arts, under Victor Perez and William Rodriguez, and continues to do so today. He wrestled for the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey campus, for two years under Dimo Kustov from Bulgaria. At 21, Os joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in San Diego at the Southern CA District and Veterinary Command, in Seoul, Korea at the 106th Medical Detachment, and in the home of the Airborne Fort Bragg, N.C. In January 2004, after 6.5 years of service, he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant from the 248th Medical Detachment. He began training and dancing with Faith Jensen-Ismay in June 2005, and is performing with the company in Young Audience programs as well as main stage works. After years of training, and numerous satisfied clients in San Diego, Os discovered kettlebells from Sarah Lurie at Iron Core in 2005, and has been doing them ever since.

Mr. Aponte's professional accreditations include:

• Certified Russian Kettlebell Instructor (RKC)
• AFTA (American Fitness Training of Athletes) Certified since 2005
• Certified Functional Movement Screen Specialist

Osvaldo "Os" Aponte is currently pursuing the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certification.

Os is available for personal training and workshops. Contact him at 858-551-2673.

Cody Bramlett, RKC

"I knew this was the perfect style of training for both inner and outer strength. I'm never afraid to bring something new or spontaneous to class or stop everything to spend time on the basics. During my classes, you will be challenged to look past what you think your capabilities are. You will try something new, move something heavier, or endure a bit longer. Physical knowledge is not just a way to get in shape, but more importantly a key to living a long active life." — Cody Bramlett, RKC

Cody Bramlett discovered kettlebells when he learned that his brother was using them to rehabilitate himself after a bad bicycle accident. After seeing his brother build strength and make a full recovery from his injury, Cody wanted to learn more.

He researched kettlebell facilities and found out that Iron Core was not only within the vicinity of his home, but it was also the best training facility in the country. After taking an introductory class he signed up and began taking regular classes.

Impressed by the knowledge and training of our instructors, Cody got into the routine of making kettlebells an important part of his life. After training at Iron Core for over a year, Cody became a certified instructor in September of 2007.

Mr. Bramlett's professional accreditations include:

• Certified Russian Kettlebell Instructor (RKC)
• BS Business Management, San Diego State University

Cody is available for personal training and workshops. Contact him at 858-551-2673.

Erica Buechner

Erica Buechner has been teaching and performing as a professional dancer since 1999. She graduated from SDSU in 2006 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. She acquired her NASM certified personal trainer certificate in 2008 and has been studying kettelbells under the direction of Os Aponte for over a year. Erica's teaching philosophy has been influenced by her exposure to the Franklin technique, yoga, Pilates, and many dance professionals, along with her commitment to understanding functional movement. She is an active dance professional in the San Diego community.

Ms. Buechner's professional accreditations include:

• BFA Dance, SDSU
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer

To schedule an appointment with Erica or for information on classes please call 858-551-2673.

Carla Cocco, RKC

"Fitness, function, and fun... if you take a kettlebell class from me, you'll get all three. If you have tried other forms of training that haven't worked or if you're always looking for something new to add variety to your fitness routine, kettlebells are the answer!" — Carla Cocco, RKC

Carla started her journey of physical fitness as a "late bloomer." In her late forties she hired a personal trainer, learned how to workout, and discovered how to eat for energy and weight maintenance. In her fifties she discovered kettlebells and trained hard for a year at Iron Core before becoming a certified kettlebell instructor.

Carla understands the first hand challenges of trying to stay fit, keep weight off, and maintain strength as we age. If you're looking to add some fun and variety to your fitness routine, she will push you and motivate you with her challenging workouts.

Miss Cocco's professional accreditations include:

• Certified Russian Kettlebell Instructor (RKC)
• BS Education, University of Guam

In addition to being an Iron Core instructor, Carla is a former 4th grade school teacher and is currently employed by Intuit as a project manager for the Turbo Tax Online Tax Application. Carla enjoys teaching kettlebell classes, listening to music, and spending time with her family.

Charlie Fields, RKC

"The best thing about kettlebell training is how great you feel after the workout. My workouts are designed to make sure that you leave my class feeling strong for the rest of the day. I focus on your safety and form while motivating you to take it to the limit. For me, it is a dream come true to help people achieve their fitness and weight loss goals, and I feel very lucky to be able to do it!" — Charlie Fields, RKC

At 13, Charlie lost his first 20 pounds during the summer before ninth grade. Over the next twelve years he would gain and lose the same 20 pounds many times, trying every fitness program he could find in the process. After turning 25, he became fed up with the gym and quit exercising altogether.

A year later, Charlie happened to see a demonstration of kettlebell training and decided to try an intro class at Iron Core. For Charlie, it was love at first swing. As someone who had never enjoyed exercise, he couldn't believe how much he actually looked forward to each kettlebell class. It wasn't long before his body transformed and his weight problem disappeared. He knew that in kettlebells he had found the holy grail of fitness. When Mike and Sarah encouraged him to become a certified kettlebell instructor, he seized the opportunity to share his discovery with others.

Professional Accreditations:

• Russian Kettlebell Certified Instructor
• Iron Core Pre-Certification Course
• BA in French, Northwestern University
• MS in Accounting, San Diego State University

A former competitive gymnast and dancer, Charlie was a Division I cheerleader and competed in the UCA National Cheerleading Championships in 2000. He has worked as an elementary and middle school French teacher and tax accountant. Charlie also has a line of spray-painted shirts called "hope & spray."

Jessie Shea, RKC

"I'm an animated instructor who is passionate about kettlebells and helping people use them efficiently and effectively. My goal is to provide you with the proper tools needed to achieve your goals safely — whether it's blowing off steam, gaining strength, or shedding pounds. I design my workouts to include exercises that target several areas of your body allowing you to rest some muscles while targeting others. You'll get a full body workout and leave class feeling stronger, accomplished, and happy every time you train with me!" — Jessie Shea, RKC

Jessie Shea has always been an active person. She has participated in high school athletics, college fitness classes, hiking, and white water rafter down rivers. She has also worked out in gyms where she really enjoyed training, but got bored with the same old routines. Needless to say, Jessie was looking for something different when she found Iron Core. Even with all of her fitness experience, she had never really focused on building a strong core. She simply didn't realize the potential that rested within.

That potential was released the day she joined Iron Core. She felt soreness in muscles she didn't know existed. She discovered rapid gains in strength and changes in body composition. Jessie finally discovered the ultimate workout. Within her first month of training, the instructors of Iron Core told her she would become a certified instructor. In September of 2007 Jessie indeed became a certified instructor after training at Iron Core for less than a year!

Miss Shea's professional accreditations include:

• Russian Kettlebell Certified Instructor (RKC)
• Z Health Certified Instructor (R and I Phase)
• BS Management, Bently College

Jessie is available for personal training and workshops. Contact her at 858-551-2673.

Alex Verdugo Jr.

"I love Kettlebell training! I was introduced to kettlebells by my mother, and I've gained a deep passion for it through the RKC Prep Course at Iron Core. My goal is to study and teach new and diverse training methods to my clients so they can achieve high caliber athletic performance. As a trainer, I like to concentrate on helping my clients improve their weakest link. You're only as strong as your weakest link." — Alex Verdugo Jr., RKC

Strength training is a family tradition for the Verdugo family. Alex is the son of Alex Verdugo Sr., a former competitive body builder, football player and baseball athlete. His mother Sylvia (an Iron Core member) is a competitive marathon runner and kettlebell athlete. Needless to say Alex has embraced the active lifestyle himself. Before joining the Iron Core team Alex established himself as a personal trainer for 3 years with L.A. Fitness. In addition to kettlebell training he also has a background in Muy Thai Kick Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Football, Hockey and Lacrosse.

Mr. Verdugo Jr.'s professional accreditations include:

• Certified Russian Kettlebell Instructor
• Iron Core Pre-Certification Course
• NCCPT Certification

Alex Verdugo Jr. is currently pursuing a Business Management Degree.

To schedule a session with Alex or for more information on classes, call 858-551-2673 or email alex@ironcorekettlebells.com