Lady Lifter Spotlight: Janelle!

by ~jenniferlynn on September 5, 2013

in Lady Lifter Spotlight

While I find my strength primarily with the barbell, there is nothing more impressive to me than women throwing around heavy things. And this week’s spotlight is no exception! I found Janelle’s blog from an article she wrote interviewing a Crossfitter, even though her passion is outside the box. Janelle is an RKC superstar and weighing less than me, the small and spunky, yet super strong Janelle has countless videos on YouTube of her doing kettlebell movements at 20-24kg, including weighted pistols (who does that?!) and even one swinging a KB that almost weighs as much as she does!
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lady lifter spotlight new

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Name: Janelle Pica

Blog: Primal Fitness Pittsburgh
Twitter: @primalburgher
Pinterest: Primal Burgher
Facebook: Primal Fitness Pittsburgh
Instagram: PrimalBurgher
Youtube: Primal Burgher

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

What types physical activity do you enjoy?

Functional Fitness (kettlebell, calisthenics, mobility work)

How did you get started in weight lifting? 

I actually started weight lifting back when I was 22 years old. I picked up a kettlebell after having read about them on a  health blog. I heard that kettlebell training was great for cardiovascular out put and for strength gains all at the same time. Once I ordered my 26 pound weight, I fell in love.  I haven’t looked back since!

Kettle BellFavorite workout or lift?

My favorite lift is the pistol squat. You have to do a squat on one leg while holding a kettlebell. It’s demanding, but incredibly fun!

Kettle Bell

Current lifting-related goal:

Right now I am working on consistently passing the RKC snatch test using a 16kg kettlebell. I actually meet the mid weight class for our testing standards which requires a 14kg kettlebell, but I want the extra strength and conditioning work just to say that I can test with a 16kg kettlebell. Its a personal challenge for me, and thus a personal goal. I have done it before in my practice runs, but I have not made this test result consistent. It’s a brutal thing to practice, but I’m improving. Once I can nail the volume consistently each week, I’ll be set!

Piece of advice for new lifters or those reluctant to try:

Don’t be intimated by those that are lifting heavier when you start. I started my own path to strength with just a single 26 pound weight. You WILL get stronger over time. Be patient, be consistent, and watch your gains soar!

Eat smart! Train hard! Enjoy your life!

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How would you like to be the next in the spotlight? I love to spotlight ladies in all fitness levels; it does not matter if you are a brand new lifter or a seasoned veteran! Check out the past spotlights and contact me for details!
Dana Smith September 6, 2013 at 12:14 pm

Wow, how impressive!! I love my KB’s! I would just like to be able to conquer the clean. Why are those things so hard? lol Your story has given me something to think about for sure. I didn’t even know there was a KB certification. Thanks for turning on a new light bulb in my head 🙂

Tracy September 6, 2013 at 1:16 pm

Janelle and I did our HKC (Hardstyle Kettlebell Certification) together in da ‘Burgh, and I was there cheering her on (and trying not to cry) when she passed her RKC (Russian Kettlebell Certification) earlier this year. She rocks!

Marissa @ Barefoot Colorado
Twitter: barefootcolo
September 6, 2013 at 1:44 pm

Two words: Beast mode.
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Mandy @ fatgirlgonehealthy
Twitter: fatgirlhealthy
September 12, 2013 at 9:42 pm

Oh man, there is nothing about pistols I like or will ever like actually. ha.
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