About Punch Kettlebell Boot Camp
About Stefanie:
An athlete and dancer since I was 6 years old, my strongest interests
have always been in fitness and health.In 9 years of experience as a personal trainer, I have always explored alternative techniques and methods. I discovered the kettlebell in 2006, and I have been hooked on its effectiveness ever since then. When it comes to endurance, intensity, core strength, and full-body exercise, kettlebells have no match.
After attending the AOS Essentials class in February of 2008 and successfully completing the associated test in August, I earned my certification as a kettlebell instructor. Ever since seeing the first Punch Gym in Providence, it’s been my dream to have my own Punch Gym in Fairfield County. In January of 2009, this dream came true -- Punch Kettlebell Gym of Norwalk opened its doors.
I am also a competitor in the sport of strongman. At the suggestion of a friend, I entered my first competition in 2007. Although I was strong, I quickly found out that I was not “strongman” strong, but I was bitten by the strongman bug. I had to take some time off to open my gym, but I returned to the sport in April of 2009. This time, I was prepared. With using the Art of Strength workouts, I have found success in recent contests, including a first place win in New Jersey’s Strongest Woman in August of 2009. I’d like to keep competing in and promoting this sport for as long as I can.
At Punch Kettlebell Gym of Norwalk, strength is for everyone. It doesn't make one any more or less masculine or feminine, just healthy and empowered!
About Kat:
I have always been interested in sports. By high school, I was a star
athlete in cross country and track and field. In college, at the
University of Albany, I made Division III All American. Since then, I
have run in two marathons. I also have a passion for golf, and I have
seen the positive impact that kettlebell training has on my game. After working in accounting for over 16 years, I realized I wasn't having fun anymore. I was stressed, and it was affecting me physically and mentally. I've been training with kettlebells since 2008. From kettlebell training, I developed an enthusiasm for the Art of Strength (AOS) concept and tools and wanted to get more involved with AOS.
Becoming AOS certified and training clients has helped me accomplish something that I have never experienced -- to actually help others achieve their personal goals. I strongly believe that AOS training is the way to do that, whether people need to lose weight, become stronger, become better conditioned, or just feel better about themselves.
Louis Chiaia
My name is Louis Chiaia. When I first started Punch almost a year ago I instantly knew it was something unique and special, and after only a few sessions did I realize the positive effects it was starting to have on me both physically and mentally. I have had my fair share of injuries in my life; from landing directly on rocks rupturing my kneecap causing fluid swelling on my knees to sprained ankles to absorbing baseballs directly in my hips and stomach. Punch has helped make me bulletproof and highly injury resistant, which is secondary to making me healthier, stronger, and giving me more energy day to day.As a Punch trainer, I am looking to pass on the same principles to my clients that have been passed on to me. Whether you are looking to burn calories, shred fat, and be more fit, increase flexibility, speed and agility, rehab an injury or increase your range of motion, or train for your next triathlon or marathon by increasing endurance and stamina, I want to help you reach your goals. If you have the drive and the determination, I look forward to giving you the direction and motivation and helping you select the right "tool" for the job.
I am constantly looking for athletic ways to challenge myself. I grew up playing soccer, baseball and crew as a young lad, and played football and weight training in high school. I currently enjoy cycling both on and off road, running, trail racing, competing in duathlons and entering in as many events as I can to sponsor all of the wonderful organizations that support a good cause.
I look forward to watching you get your sweat on!
Elise Brzoska - Instructor
Elise is no stranger to hard work and competition. Since the age of seven, she has been heavily involved in both dance and softball. While attending Wilton High School, Elise was a student jazz instructor for the Walter Schalk School of Dance and a four-year starter on the Varsity softball team. Elise graduated from Michigan State University in December of 2008 with High Honors and a BA in Supply Chain Management and currently works in Stamford, CT.
After college, she returned to her dance and softball roots as an assistant ballroom and musical comedy instructor for Walter Schalk and an assistant coach for the WHS Varsity softball team.Elise found yet another passion when she joined PUNCH Kettlebell Gym in early 2010. She enjoys the thrill of learning new techniques and the challenge of perfecting them. Strongwoman training provides her with a desire to improve every day and a sense of accomplishment when new goals are reached. She is excited to share her love of kettlebells and Strongwoman training with others while motivating people to challenge themselves each time they enter the gym.
Tricia Buffardi
A mother of two boys, Tricia got the exercise bug shortly after her youngest was born. In 2007 wanting to mix up her exercise a little bit, Tricia starting running. Two months later she trained for her first half marathon and in October of 2007 completed the Hartford Half Marathon. That summer in June 2008 Tricia joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training program and completed her 1st full Marathon in San Francisco.
The feeling of running a full marathon and doing it for such an amazing cause showed Tricia that ANYONE can do it! In the fall of 2008, she became a mentor for Team in Training and now helps her mentees with their fundraising goals for Team in Training events.To date, she has ran over a dozen half marathons and will be training for her 4th full marathon this summer in 2011.
Tricia started at Punch Gym in 9/10. Wanting a smaller and intimate training surrounding, she fit right in. A running injury to her ankle over the summer, sidelined her running and exercise routine, but a couple of weeks at Punch and she was back in shape and ready to hit the pavement.
Tricia joined the Punch Team in April of 2011.
"Punch gives me the ultimate workout every time I step foot in those doors. You always feel challenged, empowered and energized".
"I love teaching at Punch too! It's all about pushing yourself and NEVER GIVING UP! Anyone can work out, but it's YOUR workout - so work out LOUD!