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Little did I know that when I lifted my first kettlebell yesterday, that I would ache with every step today. I mean this in a totally good way. In other words, my first kettlebell work out worked me hard. Every muscle in my body is a bit sore, especially my quads and hamstrings from all those weighted lunges.

If you have no clue what the heck a kettlebell is, you’re not the only one. Up until a month or so ago, I didn’t either. But workouts using these Russian, cast iron weights are rapidly becoming all the rage. So I decided to try a class at Vitality, a studio in downtown St. Paul that also offers yoga and pilates classes, as well as private training and massage.

For starters, a kettlebell class is not just about weight lifting. There are specific moves you do while lifting or holding a kettlebell, all aimed at giving you a full cardio, strength, agility, and core workout. With time and regular practice, kettlebells can improve your balance and cardiovascular fitness, and from what I’ve heard, lead to some serious weight loss, too. All ages and fitness levels were in my intro class, in which our instructor Kimson, walked us through several of the basic kettlebell moves.

Sure, you can buy a DVD and try this at home, but after taking a class, I can’t imagine doing that without instruction first. Let me count the ways I could have injured myself! Kimson wouldn’t let that happen though. He demonstrated each move repeatedly and gracefully, making it look easy (it’s not), talking us through the proper ways to hold our kettlebells, swing them, lift them, and move with them. When I didn’t get certain moves right, Kimson helped me individually until I understood the move he was teaching more fully. I definitely need more practice…

The class I attended was an intro class, and a new session of the kettlebells gets underway next Monday at 4:15 p.m. Drop-in classes are $16.50, but it’s cheaper if you purchase a class pass. Give Vitality a ring to sign up for the next kettlebell session.

Or, sample an outdoor class for free this Saturday from 9 to 10:15 a.m. (Meet at Vitality at 8:45 a.m.) The description for this weekend’s “Iron & Grace” class says you’ll “find the strength of a Russian strongman and the grace of a Russian ballerina.” I think by then my legs should be feeling mostly normal again, and will be craving another go at it. Count me in.

Where: Vitality is located at 145 E 10th Street in downtown St. Paul; (651) 225-4151

Parking: There is plenty of on-street parking, but bring quarters to feed the meter if your class is anytime Monday through Friday before 4:30 p.m. After that, parking is free.

When I met Jeff, the man who would later become my husband, I was living in the South (where I’m originally from) and we did the long distance dating dance, pining over each other and trying to figure out how to live in the same city. St. Paul got the hard sell, and I was game for a new adventure.

As a born-and-raised Floridian I never would have imagined living in Minnesota. The only time I visited St. Paul prior to moving here was during a snow-filled December weekend. Love is a powerful thing.

It didn’t take long for this city to warm my heart. By the time I moved here—three years ago Memorial Day weekend—St. Paul’s outdoor festivals, downtown farmer’s market, restaurant patio seating, and summer weather perfection were in full bloom. I quickly began exploring, and adoring, this new city of mine.

My now-husband was perhaps (and still is) St. Paul’s biggest cheerleader. He has lived here for 18 years or so, knows all those back roads that confuse everyone else, and is a loyal patron of his tried and true local haunts. His affection has rubbed off on me, though it’s me, with my fresh eyes and non-native status that gets us out to try new restaurants, new hiking trails, and more.

This summer I’m taking my St. Paul exploration to a new level. I have a Google doc going of fun things to do that I regularly add to. Jeff and I plan to spend as much time outside as possible with our 1-year-old son in tow. (Note to self: get to the Roseville REI and buy one of those baby backpack carriers—ASAP!) I’ve got my Minnesota bird and tree naturalist guides in hand and my kitchen ready to make use of our fantastic local produce. Maybe we’ll have the chance to meet at the St. Paul Farmer’s Market sometime.

As the outdoors and healthy living blogger for STAYcation, I’ll be checking out biking and hiking trails, the best spots to take a dip on hot summer days, healthy cooking classes, local farms, ways to get to know our lovely stretch of the mighty Mississippi River, and much, much more. I’ve got my eye on a few yoga and pilates classes I’ve been wanting to try, too, along with some spa treatments I can’t wait to indulge in. I’m also looking forward to trying a few outdoor adventures for the first time—specifically geo-caching and disc golf.

Meanwhile, I’d love to hear about your favorite around-town spots. Where in St. Paul do you go when you need a nature fix, a healthy meal, want to catch a fish, or to take a meditation class to recharge your spirit? And if you hear of a fantastic event I should check out, please let me know!