K-Fit Kettle Bell and Functional Fitness | Freek Carelse

Brain and body behind K-Fit Nelspruit, Freek Carelse, was born with an enormous love for sport and fitness. So much so that he was even willing to lie about his age when he was six so he could play rugby with eight year olds.

By Benno Stander

“Sport has always been a big part of my life and from when I started playing rugby when I was six I have just never stopped,” says Freek who is one of five brothers of which four played rugby on a provincial level.

Freek was 12 years old when he entered a gym for the first time and hasn’t stopped training ever since. His rugby career also gained quite a bit of momentum and he managed spots in Tranvaal Primary, South East High Schools, Northern Transvaal under 19 and 23, Natal B, Griquas and Natal Midland teams.

In 2000 Freek moved to the Lowveld where he coached Komatipoort Rugby club for 2 years. Then two years ago he made the move to Nelspruit to open K-Fit. “For me it has always been pretty impressive how many people in Nelspruit are health conscious and active. No matter where you go you always see people exercising. When I walk around town I see that people work out and are concerned with their physical appearance and well-being. It just seemed like the perfect place for me to open an alternative training facility,” he explains.

The idea of opening K-Fit was born out of a business Freek had in Gauteng called Back to Basics Bootcamp. He soon realised that there was a demand for it to expand and decided to formalise somewhat. This is when Freek decided on the concept of K-fit which combines kettle bell training and functional fitness. “Starting out wasn’t easy when we opened the doors on the first of March 2012 with not one member signed up. But by the last day of the month we had 12 members and from there it picked up quite rapidly. In 2013 we had over 400 members who joined,” Freek smiles.

The K-Fit difference

According to Freek K-Fit is not just a fitness and training facility. He sees it more as a community project. “It’s like taking people on a journey. Transforming the old you into a healthier happier new you,” says Freek. Since the classes take place in group format clients get to know each other and make friends that help and encourage each other when things get tough.

According to Freek there is always a good helping of competition involved when a group of people gather and do the same thing. “I don’t believe people when they say they are not competitive. Every cell in our bodies is competing for survival so in essence you are who you are because of the competitive nature of the matter that is you.”

At the same time it is also important to compete against yourself and track your progress. K-Fit is for everyone from youth to senior citizen and the exercises are all movements you need to perform in everyday life. Whether it is squatting or picking things up.

“We also do some indoor competitions and even though K-Fit is not affiliated to any one organisation, we compete in any kettle bell competition. In 2014 South Africa’s very first national kettle bell competition will be taking place and many of our members will be attending,” Freek proudly acknowledges and adds, “Kettle bell lifting has come a long way and is not just a conditioning tool any more, but a sport that will be part of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Talk to us
K-Fit is situated at 47 Waterfall Ave, Riverside Industrial, Nelspruit. For more information call Freek on 079 871 6223 or visit www.k-fit.co.za

View the 2013 K-Fit year end Function gallery here

See more ways to stay fit in Nelspruit