Sweat Like a Mother with Brook Benten!

We can't bottle Brook Benten's energy, but speaking to her sure comes close! This was a high-octane episode that combines Barbara's favorite topics: running (and exercise writ large), and storytelling. Just like with writing, you've got to earn your sweat. Brook Benten, author of Sweat, discusses her professional and personal experiences that led to this book. Part memoir and part exercise guide, Sweat targets women and moms who are looking to reclaim a more authentic life balance.

Brook Benten is a GIANT in the fitness industry: since trading in her twirling batons for step boxes, Benten has been inspiring exercisers for over twenty years.

You may know Benten for her dozens of workout DVDs. She has represented brands including Livestrong, Hyperwear, Prevention, Power Music, and Lebert Fitness. Johnny Goldberg (“Johnny G,” the inventor of Spinning) asked Benten to represent his brand as one of six international ⁠Johnny G Spirit Bike Master Trainers⁠. After graduating from Texas State University with a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science and a minor in Business Administration, she earned an M.Ed. in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sport and Fitness Administration from The University of Houston. Her gold-standard certifications include ACE Personal Trainer, ACSM Exercise Physiologist, and Physical Mind Institute Pilates. Benten is among the world’s top 1% of kettlebell instructors to train under Pavel Tsatsouline, having earned RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge), SFG (StrongFirst Girya), and SFG II (StrongFirst Girya Level II) kettlebell certifications. 

Benten has lectured at universities, led presentations at national fitness conferences, and served as an adjunct faculty member. Her 9-hour kettlebell curriculum is used to teach personal trainers and fitness instructors how to safely and effectively train with kettlebells.

In 2023, she published her first book, “Lift Light, Get Lean,” and completed her Professional Life Coach certification through Baylor University.

Benten is the wellness travel writer for Texas Lifestyle Magazine, hosts a podcast honoring self-sovereignty by building emotional and relational boundaries, and continues to inspire women to get moving.

In this episode, Benten emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding balance as a mother and encourages women to prioritize their own well-being. She also opens up about her experiences with trauma, sobriety, and the challenges of facing uncomfortable emotions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brook Benten and 'Sweat'

01:54 The Journey of Writing 'Sweat'

04:16 The Structure of the Book and Target Audience

07:00 Finding Balance and Including Children in Workouts

10:17 The Importance of Short, Effective Workouts

12:37 Brook Benton's Background in Fitness

15:55 Becoming Known for Kettlebell Workouts

22:26 Navigating Trauma and Sobriety

28:56 Overcoming Alcohol Addiction and Finding Wellness

30:25 The Power of a Morning Routine and Quality Sleep

36:40 The Importance of Social Connections in Well-Being

38:36 Seeking Evidence-Based Information in the Fitness Industry

49:21 Introducing 'Heavy 100': A Holistic Approach to Wellness

56:33 Wellness as a Journey: Consistency and Commitment

Where to find Brook:

Website: https://www.brookbenten.com

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/brookbenten

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmI7X5SgSPIRNbAHY5bfTxg/about?view_as=subscriber

Trying to quit drinking? You don't have to do it alone. Here are links where you can find help:

• NIAAA How To Quit Drinking? Tips From Rethinking Drinking https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/Thinking-about-a-change/Support-for-quitting/Support-Strategies-For-Quitting.aspx

• Treatment navigator https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/