After years of a sedentary lifestyle, in November of 2005, I decided that enough was enough and I was finally motivated enough to buy some Russian Kettlebells (cannonballs with handles) and try to get myself into a shape I could be proud of.  After a few weeks of training, I was
feeling good.  A friend of mine was putting on a yoga inversion seminar (mostly handstands).  I decided I was in good enough shape to go.  I know the exact moment when my lower back went out.  I was trying to show off how "strong" I was by the manner in which I kicked up into a
handstand.  I felt the tweak in my lower back, but I kept going. (Author's Note: from 1989 to 1993 I served in the United States Marine Corps, so we don't just stop when we get hurt).

At that time I was not under chiropractic care and I was making great strides in my kettlebell workouts so I didn't want to stop and I didn't. I continued my strenuous workouts; that lasted for about 3 weeks, then I had to stop, the pain in my back was unbearable.  I couldn't stand, I
couldn't sit, it was an effort to get through the day at my job. Finally my wife convinced me to visit Dr. Pennella.  I had never been a fan of chiropractics, thinking it was more akin to voodoo than to real science or medicine.  

I went under care on Feb 3rd.  By March 24th I was able to begin working out hard again.  I am under constant care now.  I see Dr. Pennella every 2 to 3 weeks.  My strength and fitness have
skyrocketed.  In my workout this morning, I took a 53 lbs Kettlebell and snatched it 75 times without stopping and that was my warm-up.  I still tweak things from time to time, but since I am under constant care, it is usually resolved at my very next visit.  Chiropractics is for real and because of her compassion and her sometimes firm care (trust me I need it), Dr. Pennella is an important part of my family.

Gavin L. Rulon

Here is Gavin doing an 88 lb snatch.

(As a note see Gavin's website at www.rulonstrength.com it is incredible to see the results of his training and that of his family)