Pulse – Kettlebell and Functional Fitness

Mom of three, hardworking businesswoman and passionate kettlebell instructor, Pulse owner Dina Crichton has offered specialised kettlebell functional training in Ballito for nearly 15 years. She now runs her popular classes at FITPOD at The Ballito Lifestyle Centre.

One of the best forms of functional fitness, kettlebell training works various muscles, builds core strength and burns calories.  “I fell in love with kettlebell training the first time I tried it,” says Dina. “So much so that I decided to do my certification. I was intrigued and wanted to learn as much as possible.”  

Originally from Potchefstroom, Dina and her high school sweetheart husband Kyle (who is well known as the founder of Footy at Townsend Park) moved to Ballito 18 years ago.

“We lived overseas for a while, and then both did a short stint in the corporate world in Johannesburg. But, as avid swimmers and water babies, we knew we wanted to live near the ocean. We came to Ballito on holiday – and the rest is history!”

The couple now have three daughters, Skye (6), Harper (4) and Ayla (2). Dina is the business development manager for an exciting sustainability-driven company called Green Meets Africa, which supplies stores with an eco-friendly range of mobile accessories. 

Kettlebell training and her Pulse clients remain her true passion, though. “I started doing kettlebell training myself in Umhlanga in 2010 with Flux owner Sean Temple. After getting my certification, I helped with classes on the beach in Ballito. I started running Flux Ballito from the Lions Club Hall at Townsend Park in 2012.”

As one of only a few gyms in Ballito at that time, Pulse was an instant success. “It was a great time, and many clients who started with me then are still with me today.”

Dina decided to rebrand her business, and Pulse officially opened in a much bigger studio space at The Quarter in Ballito in 2014. Since then, Pulse has undergone a few changes, including relocating to a non-permanent structure in Townsend Park, online classes during COVID, and Dina and Kyle having three babies!

“It’s been quite a juggle, but I love what I do. My day job is rewarding, allowing me enough flexibility to be there for my girls and still offer my Pulse classes.”

Dina moved Pulse to FITPOD at the end of 2024. “Some of my clients have been with me for 13 years and have truly seen and felt the benefits of kettlebell training.”

Having been involved in the sport for over 15 years, Dina’s classes have evolved and are now very focused and fine-tuned. “Kettlebell is an exceptional conditioning tool for other sports. Whether you are a runner, cyclist or swimmer – or just going about your daily life – this training will strengthen you.   

“Every swing of the kettlebell activates your posterior chain – your glutes, hamstrings, quads and your core. Your body counteracts the weight and movement of the bell, and you are always in motion. It is definitely something to get used to, so I always encourage people to come and try it first, to see if it’s for them. Under the correct guidance, kettlebell training can be one of the best forms of strength, conditioning and mobility training.”