Hello! I’m Valeriy Ponomarov, an experienced personal trainer. My fitness and physical activity journey started in Ukraine when, at the tender age of six, my dad introduced me to the world of Judo. So, that’s where my passion for fitness first took root.

About twelve years ago, life brought me to the stunning island of Mallorca. And it was here that I discovered cycling. The sport captivated me entirely, and to this day, my enthusiasm for it has never waned. However, I strongly believe that cycling alone, without any form of complementary training, can easily lead to various discomforts and eventually serious problems. While spending many hours on the bike is certainly a lot of fun and can be considered one of the best activities for developing and maintaining a healthy aerobic system, cycling only comes with a very limited range of body movements. To ensure you can enjoy riding bikes for years, I highly recommend complementing cycling with strength and mobility training.

Here, I do not adhere strictly to one system or modality. As Bruce Lee famously said:

Absorb what is useful, discard what is useless and add what is specifically your own.

This conviction has led me through various fitness trends, countless courses and workshops, and a wealth of books and articles. Despite I love exploring new trends and pathways, I consistently find myself returning to the minimalist, yet exceptionally effective programs crafted by seasoned kettlebell coaches.

My path to mastering the kettlebell has been marked by a share of challenges, like shoulder instability, a torn meniscus, and even an autoimmune disease. Still, in each of these situations, I’ve discovered that being strong isn't just about physical prowess. It’s a cornerstone of maintaining a high quality of life!

Through the years, I have seen remarkable transformations. Not just for myself, but also with my students and friends. When they start with proper strength-focused resistance training, I’ve seen long-standing aches and pains diminish, chronic back issues resolve, and overall flexibility improves. Often even without extensive stretching.

So, there’s one simple rule I want you to remember:

You can be anything you want. But first, you must be strong!

As a contributor here on Rik's blog, I’m more than excited about sharing my insights on off-bike training. Which is in my eyes a key element to your cycling experience. Also, I’m passionate about connecting with others who share my dedication to fitness and well-being. So, in that sense, feel free to reach out to me! You can send me an email or just follow my journey on Instagram for more insights and inspiration!

Valeriy