Iva Geddes-McNabb, a grandmother, combats grief and heartache through the practice of Russian dumbbell kickboxing, better known in English as kettlebell kickboxing.

She is now 76 years old and it is her way of coping with the loss of three family members in just four years.

His son Lionel died of a heart attack in 2013 at the age of 39. A few months later, her husband died of cancer. Then in 2016, at the age of 26, she lost her grandson Matthew to stomach cancer.

In 2019, she tried her hand at Russian barbell kickboxing during a session in the First Nation of Daystar. The course was offered by a studio based in Regina.

As soon as she tried it, she knew she needed it in her life to get through difficult times.

I have found balance in my life. I didn’t feel alone. Something happened, I had a spark.

So she signed up for the classes offered at the studio in Regina, traveling from the First Nation of George Gordona community located 114 kilometers from Regina.

Progress for your health

At first, she had difficulty keeping up with the other participants in certain movements, such as strength and aerobic exercises (burpees) and vertical jumps (jumping jack). This made her doubt her abilities, but she immediately decided to persevere and succeed.

She has made progress since her debut. She used to lift 5-pound dumbbells. Now she manages to use the 13.6 kg specimens.

She now attends classes three days a week. While this activity initially allowed her to combat her grief, she now feels healthier and in better shape.

Her grandchildren are proud to see that a grandmother can be so strong and fit.

The President and CEO of the Regina Studio of Kettlebell Kickboxing CanadaJodi Barrett, met Iva during the meeting at the First Nation of Daystar.

She explains that she is the oldest in the class but is inspiring through her perseverance.

Now Iva Geddes-McNabb is reaching out to anyone who wants to find their passion by posting on Facebook.

With information from Louise Bigeagle