Interview with Aaron Moulton
One year into his kettlebell sport journey
Introduction
When you meet someone who has discovered a true passion — the kind that transforms both body and mindset — you can’t help but feel inspired. That’s exactly the case with Aaron Moulton. Just one year ago, kettlebell sport wasn’t even on his radar. Today, he’s a proud member of the English Kettlebell Family and a lifter with serious goals on the horizon.
We sat down with Aaron to talk about his rapid progress, the highs and lows of the sport, and what keeps him hungry to improve every single day.
The Interview
Q: Aaron, for anyone meeting you for the first time — who are you, and what first sparked your interest in kettlebell sport?
A: I’m Aaron — a proud family man through and through. I live with my partner of 14 years and our two amazing boys, and there’s nothing I love more than just enjoying time together. Whether it’s going for walks, watching a good TV series, or just the little day-to-day moments, family means everything to me.
Work-wise, I’ve spent nearly a decade in the motor trade as a car sales executive. I enjoy the pace, the people, and the challenge. I’m big on hard work, loyalty, and always trying to be a better version of myself — in sport, in work, and in life.
But kettlebell sport? Honestly, I had zero interest at first. I’d watched my sister, Debbie Moulton, compete a few times and admired her dedication — but it just didn’t click with me. She mithered me for months to try it, and I kept saying no.
Eventually, in November last year, I gave in and went along to a fundamentals session at Wolfpack. That class changed everything. I picked up the lighter weights thinking it would be easy — and I couldn’t even manage two minutes. It humbled me instantly. But it also lit a fire. I needed to come back and figure it out.
Q: You’ve made huge progress in a short time. Was there a moment when you realised this wasn’t just a hobby — you actually wanted to be good at it?
A: Yes — and I remember it clearly. My first ever competition: 10 minutes of long cycle with a 16kg bell. From the first minute, it felt heavy. I could hear people cheering me on, but inside my head I was screaming to put the bell down.
But I didn’t.
I pushed through every second that felt like an hour. And that moment changed everything. It became less about fitness and more about resilience — proving something to myself.
Q: Starting any new sport can feel daunting. What helped you push through the early challenges?
A: The people. 100%.
Debbie believed in me before I even believed in myself. And the whole Wolfpack team made me feel welcome from day one. I felt like I belonged — like I was part of the pack.
There were days where work had me exhausted and I didn’t want to train, but I showed up anyway. Being surrounded by that energy — it always shifted something in me.
Q: What’s one thing you’ve learned in year one that surprised you — about the sport or yourself?
A: How humbling it is. I thought I was strong, but those bells very quickly exposed weaknesses. Just two minutes felt brutal at the start.
But the bigger surprise? How much I grew to love the challenge. I discovered discipline and grit I didn’t know I had. The sport taught me patience. It taught me to respect the process. And it taught me to keep showing up.
Q: Kettlebell sport requires patience, technique, and mental grit. What have been your biggest highs — and any lows — so far?
A: My biggest high has to be lifting 32kg for 10 minutes — that felt huge. I’ve also hit 40kg for 3 minutes, and tested 44kg, 48kg, and even 50kg for a minute each. Those moments remind me the work is paying off.
But the lows taught me even more. There was a session with the 32kg that completely crushed me — no rhythm, no mental strength, just frustration. I left convinced I wasn’t ready for this level.
But lows don’t define you. Coming back stronger does.
Q: You’ve already stepped onto the platform. What was going through your head before that first lift?
A: I was terrified — pure nerves. I worried how I’d look, knowing I was still learning technique and still struggling with rack position (which I’m still improving on now).
But the second the clock started, everything else faded. It was just me and the bell. Imperfect — but full effort.
Q: Technique can be a steep learning curve. What frustrated you most early on?
A: Rack position — without a doubt. I couldn’t get comfortable. It felt like a fight every rep. Jerks were also tough — the timing, the breathing, all of it.
I trained evenings, sometimes alone and sometimes with Debs, just putting in extra reps. Those quieter sessions helped me build confidence without pressure.
Q: Looking ahead — what goals are you excited to chase in year two?
A: My big dream is to compete at the World Games — long cycle with a 40kg bell. That fires me up.
I also want to complete a 12-minute snatch set with the 24kg bell. Brutal challenge — but I’m ready for it.
Every session. Every setback. It’s all part of the journey — and I’m hungry for what’s next.
Q: What would you say to someone who’s scared to try kettlebell sport because they think they’re not “fit enough” or “strong enough”?
A: Don’t wait to feel ready. I didn’t. And if you wait for the perfect moment, it may never come.
Kettlebell sport meets you where you are — but it won’t leave you there.
Q: Outside of kettlebells — what keeps you grounded and having fun?
A: Family time — always. Days out with my boys, chilled nights in, making memories.
I also love strength training and have started getting into strongman — thinking about trying some comps. And when I’m not lifting? I’m watching football. I’m a proud Liverpool fan.
Q: If you had to describe kettlebell sport in one word or short phrase?
A: Transformative.
It doesn’t just build strength — it reshapes your mindset. It changes what you believe you’re capable of.
Closing Thoughts
Aaron’s journey is a reminder that passion can come from the most unexpected places. One reluctant fundamentals session turned into a commitment to excellence — and a complete shift in mindset. His story reflects everything that makes kettlebell sport special: community, resilience, and the courage to show up when things are tough.
As Aaron heads into year two, he’s aiming higher than ever — chasing personal milestones and world-level platforms. No matter what comes next, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning.