Waltham High athletes stood around trainer Anthony DiLuglio, paying attention to his every move and instruction with good reason.
DiLuglio stopped by Waltham High's summer enhancement program yesterday to introduce his method of utilizing kettlebells - a small cast-iron sphere with a padded handle. The method behind such drills is to improve one's explosiveness, athleticism, strength building, injury prevention, aerobic conditioning and joint stability.
The whole overarching idea behind the kettlebell exercises is to maximize one's quality of movement with the element of resistance. Apparently, novices to weight training and those who exercise infrequently can do just fine with DiLuglio's drills. The prospect of the underdog having success is but one appealing characteristic.
``It's (kettlebell) basically a gym in a ball,'' said Waltham boys indoor track coach John Bourque, who helps run the summer training program along with Rick Vittum and Brenda Burke. ``I think because anyone can use it, it's less intimidating than going to a big gym.''
DiLuglio seconded that notion.
``You never know who can be the superstar here,'' said the trainer after completing the first of three one-hour training/instruction sessions yesterday.
Bourque said some of the benefits he sees to the athletes present yesterday at Kenneth Harding Field were rehab and injury prevention. He also noted that kettlebell exercises don't just isolate one group of muscles, but rather relate to many muscles, including the core ones. In other words it is a very time-efficient manner for completing a workout.
Still, it is important for these Hawks to get tutelage in the proper techniques so as to not waste a tiring workout.
``If you use it correctly, you will get the benefits from it,'' said Bourque.
DiLuglio, who works out of his gym in East Providence, has made quite a name for himself in the kettlebell industry, producing DVDs, publishing books, while helping both professional and amateur athletes train.
DiLuglio and his kettlebell techniques got introduced to Waltham High thanks to efforts of Bourque and Vittum. Both teachers went down to a two-hour seminar held by DiLuglio this spring and since then have been telling their colleagues about the wonders of the kettlebell.
This summer, many Hawks are getting exposed to the advantages of kettlebell workouts and perhaps a year from now, Waltham High teachers and students alike will all reap its benefits.
DiLuglio spent several years training in Sweden while learning the value of the kettlebell drills. He saw in the kettlebells a perfect combination of speed and strength build up that could be beneficial to all people, from those trying to lose weight to the defending Super Bowl champions. In August, DiLuglio hopes to introduce his kettlebell mastery to members of the Indianapolis Colts.
``You start developing the body the way it's supposed to be - through hard work,'' DiLuglio explained about why his methods work. ``It doesn't matter the weight they're moving as long as they're moving.''
DiLuglio would love to see kettlebells become a household word for high school athletes, but in order for that to happen he needs outlets such as this Waltham camp to carry his message.
``It takes coaches like this (Bourque and Vittum) to spread word and (implement) the system,'' said DiLuglio.
Hawks from all ages and all sports participated in what, by all accounts, was an enlightening and enjoyable afternoon.
``It's been awesome,'' said recent Hawk grad and state wrestling champion John Coutoumas. ``You can get a lifting, conditional (workout) at same time.''
Vittum believes that kids from all athletic backgrounds feel a high level confidence after acing the kettlebell tests.
``They feel bullet proof. They feel they can do anything,'' said Vittum.
