In the world of fitness, few stories are as compelling as that of Gabbi Kurtz. From her early days in high school, finding solace and strength in the gym, to her current status as a competitive bodybuilder and a dedicated trainer, Gabbi's journey is a testament to the transformative power of fitness. BodyKore had the privilege of sitting down with Gabbi to discuss her fitness journey, her passion for glute training, and how BodyKore equipment has become a staple in her regimen.
The Fitness Journey Begins:
Gabbi's fitness journey wasn't sparked by sports or athletic pursuits in high school but by the discovery of the gym as a second home. "It became my escape," Gabbi shares, "helping me feel physically stronger and more confident." This newfound strength and confidence propelled her to want to empower other women to feel their strongest selves.
A Passion for Glute Training:
When asked about her focus on glute training, Gabbi emphasizes the importance of the glutes as the body's center. "It's the strongest, most resilient muscle of the body," she explains, highlighting how weak glutes can lead to pain in other areas. For Gabbi, glute training isn't just about aesthetics; it's about strengthening a crucial part of the body for overall better quality of life.
Glute Training Tips
Gabbi is not only passionate about the importance of glute training but also has some invaluable advice for those looking to enhance their glute workouts. "If you're aiming for glute growth," Gabbi explains, "it's crucial to ensure you're actually engaging your glutes in every leg exercise. It's not uncommon for people to perform squats and feel it mostly in their quads. The key is to shift your focus and adjust your form to activate your glutes more effectively."
She emphasizes the importance of being mindful about muscle engagement during workouts. "Sometimes, it's as simple as altering your stance or the way you move. This shift can make a significant difference in targeting your glutes during routine exercises."
When asked about her go-to glute exercises, Gabbi shares, "Glute extensions, hip thrusts, and cable glute kickbacks are my top picks for maximum glute engagement. There's a wealth of science backing these exercises, especially hip thrusts. A crucial tip for hip thrusts is to remember that the bottom of the movement isn't a resting point. Your glutes should be under tension throughout the entire exercise. There's no break for your glutes until the set is complete."
BodyKore Equipment: Enhancing the Training Regimen:
Gabbi's enthusiasm for BodyKore equipment is palpable, especially when discussing the upcoming weight-loaded Glute Press machine and the BodyKore Universal Trainer’s cable system. However, her current favorite is the pendulum squat. "It's really smooth, and the starting weight isn't aggressively heavy, making it easier to load weight and warm up," she says, appreciating its user-friendly design and safety.
Advice for Aspiring Bodybuilders:
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Gabbi's advice is simple yet profound: "Never give up on yourself." She stresses the importance of mindset and taking baby steps towards your goals. "Those baby steps really do add up," she assures, sharing her own experiences of moving from maintenance to actively pursuing her dream of competing.
Looking Ahead:
Gabbi's professional and competitive goals continue to evolve, but her focus remains on being a role model and helping her clients and followers feel their strongest. Her message to her followers is clear: "Don't give up. Even if your dreams seem impossible, with the right mindset and consistent effort, you can achieve anything."
Gabbi Kurtz's journey with BodyKore is more than just about fitness; it's about building a lifestyle that empowers and inspires. Through her dedication to glute training and her use of BodyKore equipment, Gabbi is not just shaping her body but also shaping the lives of those she trains. For more insights into Gabbi's training methods, her competitive journey, and daily doses of fitness inspiration, be sure to follow her on Instagram at @gainzwithgabbi and also her personal profile at @gabrielakurtzzz. Join her as she continues to inspire and empower through her passion for fitness and health.
