Excellent coach. Very precise coaching, every detail counts, from breathing to tension and flexibility etc. If you want to make a great progression, you can count on her. Highly recommended.
Shaun was my Team Leader for SFG I Certification. I cannot think of a better person to lead through a cert weekend than him. He is humble, knowledgeable and concerned with getting the most out of you. Even though I entered the weekend pretty well prepared, I came out of it with even more confidence thanks to his leadership and teaching. Would highly recommend working with him in either an individual or group/team setting.
Besides the professional figure, a great personality, personally the best! I have been training with Cristiano for 2 years and besides him, no one has managed to pass on the passion and the right criteria concerning the world of physical preparation. Thanks to him I have started a journey that I will never abandon as long as my body will allow it. The top!
Oltre la figura professionale una grande personalità, personalmente il migliore! Sono 2 anni che mi alleno con Cristiano e come lui nessuno è riuscito a trasmettermi la passione e i giusti criteri che concernono il mondo della preparazione fisica. Grazie a lui ho iniziato un percorso che non abbandonerò mai finché il mio corpo lo consentirà. Il top!
I trained with Robert during certification for SFG I. I was grateful that we got paired up together because I gleaned some great information from him concerning the lifts tested as well as personal training experience in general. It has helped me with those I train! Friendly and knowledgeable, highly recommended!
I worked with Renata on occasion while preparing for SFG I. Though our interactions were few, she brought a technical eye to my training and saw small issues with the lifts that we were able to fix prior to certification weekend. I appreciated her honest and insightful feedback. I would highly recommend her if you are looking for somebody who will take your lifts to the next level!
I trained with Gary in 2021-2022 to prepare for SFG I. With his guidance and encouragement, I was very well prepared for the weekend. He helped me immensely and provided an excellent pressing program to help me build strength on my weakest lift at the time. He is very personable and embodies well the StrongFirst principles.
Super knowledgeable about the strong first standards. Nora offers her suggestions in an understandable way that makes it easy to apply to our skills as the student. She helped me a lot through my sfg 1 certification with suggestions and answering questions anyone had about anything we were doing.
I just completed my SFG 1 certification with coach Shuman this weekend. I am thrilled to say that I received my certification.
When I look back on the weekend, coach Shuman stands out for so many reasons. His passion for sharing his knowledge was radiating through his teaching. He was able to keep everyone on their toes while educating us in a way that was understandable. While sticking to the rules of the program, he was able to make us all laugh at the same time. I felt comfortable asking him what I needed to ask and always got an answer that was beneficial and accurate to help with my training . I’m thankful he was part of my experience with this .
We invited Logan to create a basics workshop to prep our Iron Lab training team with the skills to make barbells safe and simple for our clients.
Aside from obvious passion, Logan embodies the Strongfirst principles. He was the PERFECT amount of detail and technical nuance mixed with the real world application our team needed to apply to all users from beginner athlete to seasoned lifter.
His humor and humility and total professionalism would make our Strongfirst team leaders proud. An exceptional colleague and resource to have nearby.
Many thanks!!
Joely Churchill and Kim Berube
Iron Lab
Lacombe, Alberta
I got to know Kenneth at the SFG I Cert in Darmstadt. He is an outstanding instructor with a very appealing approach to teaching kettlebell knowledge. Thank you Kenneth.
I started training with Logan two years ago, and this has been my favourite fitness journey by far. I really appreciate that he enforces understanding and teaching the basics to form a strong foundation for every move implemented in the kettlebell workout. Not only does he cheer me on when I crush my workouts, but he also applauds me if I need to re-start for a better form. Aside from the high teaching and ethical standards he holds, I also appreciate that I’m never rushed, he makes time as needed for each session, and his gym is clean and always ready to go. He is a fountain of knowledge, and a genuine person. I always enjoy the conversations and laughs as much as the workouts. I am excited to continue learning from him.
David is a great trainer! He’s knowledgeable, energetic, and very motivating. I had lost the motivation to stick to a work out / exercise regime due to work and family obligations, which led to me developing some health issues. A friend referred me to David. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but he quickly got me engaged and refocused, and my physical fitness and health have greatly improved as a result. 10/10 would recommend this guy!
My wife and I took a private kettlebell class and Anne walked us through every motion and technique to where we had a very solid understanding of what we needed to do without getting hurt.
About a month since we took the class and I feel my core and lower back getting stronger and less achey.
If you’re interested in getting into kettlebells I would highly recommend working with Anne. She’s a great teacher and generally just fun to be around!
Dave is a knowledgeable, fun and energetic trainer. He looks out for proper technique, takes time to teach when needed, and I always look forward to his class!
Charly is a great and professional instructor. His experience and the way he share his knowledge is one of his main strength. I am really happy to be part of this workshop and met Charly!! Awesome Coach!
I have been training various sports for 18 years and Grzegorz is the best coach I have met during these years. He is a trainer with great knowledge and a heart to do his job. He points out every tiny detail that helps me improve my technique to get better results. He encourages and motivates me and shows me how I can fulfil my potential and achieve goals that I have never dreamed of before.
So if you are considering starting training with Grzegorz, do not hesitate. This is the best choice you can make.
Louka is a deeply gifted instructor. I feel deeply fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from him. His ability to demonstrate, communicate, and help students grow is truly remarkable. I cannot recommend Louka or StrongFirst highly enough.
I have had several sessions with Steve online and in person. He is an excellent coach. He is great at explaining concepts and technique. I have gained a lot of skill with kettle bells. He is supportive and good at pushing his clients without breaking them.
As a professional, I appreciate Steve for his intelligence and personality as well.
Nothing but great things to say about Steve.
J.P. is a really good trainer and a really good guy. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great ability to communicate and dispense that knowledge. He asks what you want to focus on and modifies his plan accordingly. I had not ever trained with kettlebells before and was a bit skeptical initially, but I have really enjoyed the challenge and am pleased with the results. His ability to provide consistent applicable feedback delivered in the most positive and encouraging fashion makes him a cut above most trainers.
I just completed the foundations workshop and really enjoyed it.
I found John extremely knowledgeable, he gave very clear instructions and explained the principals of each exercise. Comfortable environment.
Top class, would highly recommend. Will be back for another workshop!
I have been working with Steve for over a year now. I found him through the StrongFirst website while looking for a new Kettlebell coach. I was so happy to find someone in my area. I couldn’t have asked for a better find: His knowledge of the human body and how it moves is remarkable, I mostly appreciate his way of explaining the technical aspects of each movement. He shows great adaptability to each of his clients and is trying to speak my language to get the technicality across.
His programs are 100% tailored towards me and always excite me. He listens to my wishes and needs while pushing me at the same time.
I trained with him while he was working on his SFG II certification and his dedication and motivation taught me a lot. He sets such a great example and he is constantly working to upgrade his skills and add new techniques and tools to his repertoire.
The most important thing to me though is that I trust him. He is one of the least judgy coaches that I have ever met. I am grateful for his encouraging words and belief in me.
Charly has changed me a lot in a short time, he is a great coach and a great person, he really loves it in his work, you can see the passion he has for him. He would like to be the same as him or even better because he is too good: 3
Charly me ha cambiado muchísimo en ya poco tiempo, es un gran entrenador y una gran persona en verdad se la rifa en su trabajo, se ve la pasión que tiene hacia el. Quisiera ser igual que el o hasta mejor por qué es demasiado bueno :3
John Kenny is an excellent, knowledgeable, informative trainer. We had a brilliant session with him, he’s so engaging and a brilliant communicator. Highly recommend this StrongFirst trainer. I’ll be back for the next workshop.
Analisa is a truly unique combination of amazing strength, fantastic coaching skills, genuine warmth, energy, professionalism, hard work, and the authentic desire to improve the lives of others.
Analisa is a highly accomplished athlete and coach, yet she makes everyone around her feel welcomed, appreciated, and valued.
She is energetic while also being highly professional and organized.
She is always fun to be around while also sharing precise knowledge.
She is a talented teacher and a great listener.
I have assisted Analisa at various StrongFirst workshops and I have also been lucky to learn from her at some StrongFirst certifications. I am so thankful for her mentorship and everything I have learned from her.
If you have the chance to meet Analisa, jump at it. Your life will be brightened, and you will learn from her not only how to become stronger, but how to live a good life.
I am grateful to call Analisa a friend, mentor, and teacher.
Guido is my master, friend and role model.
He taught me how to be methodic,
technical and to train with the head and
with the heart. It’s a honor to be his
student.
P.S. No Guido, No Deadlift
Cody provides excellent instruction! I was very hesitant to do video only, but there are no Strong First instructors near me. I found Cody and decided I would give virtual training a shot. I’m glad I did. He provides feedback in a timely manner and his video tutorials and detailed explanations of all the things I could improve (and even some things I already did pretty well) really helped me clean up some bad habits and learn a lot. I feel so much better about my training now.
Joan has been preparing me for sfg 1 for 2 months now,
And the difference is felt, I progress quickly and efficiently joan is benevolent, always smiling and above all a lot of empathy he is truly an excellent coach who takes care of you to take you as far as possible, he adapts to your level … I’m going to stop there because it would take hours to qualify joan …
Cela fait maintenant 2 mois que joan me prépare pour le sfg 1 ,
Et la différence se fait sentir, je progresse rapidement et efficacement joan est bienveillant, à toujours le sourire et surtout à beaucoup d’empathie c’est véritablement un excellent coach qui prend soin de vous pour vous amenez le plus loin possible, il s’adapte à votre niveau … je vais m’arreter là car il y en aurait pour des heures pour qualifier joan …
Training with Paul has been incredibly rewarding, a life-changing experience.
I’m an older dad with a 12-year old son. My son was starting to work out, and I wanted him to learn good technique for safety and to get the most out of his workouts. For me, I had just read Pavel’s books, and wanted to use kettlebells as a regular practice. We found Paul through StrongFirst, and my son and I have been training together.
It’s been much, much more than I expected: we’ve learned the basic kettlebell techniques, along with movement and flexibility, body weight and ring exercises. My son and I are both much stronger than when we started, with better balance and posture. This with me just putting in 10 minutes a day! The exercises feel great, something we both look forward to.
Paul is an outstanding instructor. He has a good sense of our limits and adjusts to work with them; he’s patient and can explain the same thing in different ways till we get it; we get excellent feedback and help with technique, all in a warm, positive manner.
If you want to get motivated, humbled and put to the test David Doza is the one to teach & guide you through the operation of where cruicial impact training exercises with kettlebell and powerlifting will acsend your strength and conditioning game in no time.
Cody is an awesome trainer! I began training with him roughly at the beginning of last year and was able to train with him for around 8 months or so. He definitely helped me Train Strength Through Discipline because there were some days I came home from work super late and because of his training, I was able to push through my workouts. He’s helped me with minor changes to my technique which produce better long term results. If I ever had a question or anything, he would respond as soon as he got the time and I was very appreciative for it. He will always be one of my favorite trainers and i respect him for everything he does. I will recommend him to anyone interested without a doubt!
My son attended the kids’ kettlebell class and absolutely loved it. Dave was so energetic and made the class really fun for the kids. While knowing how to have fun, Dave also made sure the kids were using proper form and helped each of them safely use the equipment which I really appreciated. Dave was wonderful and we have been recommending our friends to try out the class!
Dave is a great guy and knows his stuff. He motivates me to get the most out of every minute I spend training. More importantly, Dave reins me in if I push to overdo–he’ll critique and correct form or modify exercises and workouts to ensure no injury derails my progress. I’ve achieved and set new goals with him in less time than I thought possible.
Dave is very high energy and good at pushing folks to make progress. However, he also does a strong job critiquing form, and ensuring that each exercise is done safely.
Vicki has taught me how to really use the kettlebell. Once you know you get going with strength training wherever, whenever. Never thought I would be able to get up a 36kg. but I did. Top coaching makes all the difference!
To say Heidi is the bomb would be an understatement! I am approaching my 50’s and wanted to start off strong. Heidi took the time to understand my goals and my body to create the best plan. She made sure I was challenged but comfortable with each step we took and was my cheerleader every day. I would highly recommend Heidi! You won’t regret it!
Heidi is an INCREDIBLE instructor! I worked with Heidi for about 6 months, and felt extremely comfortable with her from the start. While I have always been active/busy I have rarely felt super fit or strong. I did not know anything about kettlebell training when we started and Heidi was very educational, instructional, encouraging and motivating throughout the process. She is extremely knowledgeable about safe training techniques. I’m so thankful for the foundations she has taught me and because of her guidance I am stronger, healthier and more confident than ever! I highly recommend Heidi!
I was very nervous about getting a personal trainer. I was always the last kid picked in gym class. But by my mid fifties, I could feel myself weakening and knew I needed to do something. Heidi made the whole process so unintimidating! I never believed that I would be lifting weights but what a positive difference its made. More strength and less pain!! I highly recommend Heidi.
It has now been 3 months of preparation with Joan for the SFG1, and I do not regret at all having placed my physical and technical preparation in her hands.
Thanks to his knowledge, his quality of teaching, his requirement but also his humor and his benevolence, he allows me to advance in my preparation with serenity and confidence to validate my certification in March 2023.
With him, I discovered a new way of working that allows me to carry out this preparation with great enthusiasm.
Whether you want to prepare for a certification or just for coaching, I recommend this person with an irreproachable state of mind and who will know how to motivate you and move you forward in your projects!
Cela fait maintenant 3 mois de préparation avec Joan pour le SFG1 , et je ne regrette pas du tout d’avoir placé ma préparation physique et technique entre ses mains .
De part ses connaissances , sa qualité d’enseignement , son exigence mais aussi son humour et sa bienveillance , il me permet d’avancer dans ma préparation avec sérénité et confiance pour valider ma certification en Mars 2023.
Avec lui , j’ai découvert une nouvelle façon de travailler qui me permet d’effectuer cette préparation avec un grand enthousiasme .
Que vous vouliez vous préparer pour une certification ou juste pour du coaching , je vous recommande cette personne avec un état d’esprit irréprochable et qui saura vous motiver et vous faire avancer dans vos projets !
I decided to contact Lois in order to pass the SFB certification.
His care was very complete and the exercises very progressive, which allowed me to constantly evolve and to arrive ready (and even with a margin of advance) to pass the tests during the certification.
Despite the distance, he was able to offer me an online service and always made himself available to meet my needs.
My next goal is SFG certification, so I asked him to follow me like he did before and I trust him completely.
J’ai décidé de contacter Lois dans l’objectif de réussir la certification SFB.
Sa prise en charge fut très complète et les exercices très progressifs, ce qui m’a permis d’évoluer constamment et d’arriver prêt (et même avec une marge d’avance) pour passer les épreuves lors de la certification.
Malgré la distance, il a pu me proposer un service en ligne et s’est toujours rendu disponible afin de répondre à mes besoins.
Mon prochain objectif est la certification SFG, je lui ai donc demandé de me suivre comme il l’a fait précédemment et je lui fais entièrement confiance.
When you meet Andżelika in her gym you immediately know that she’s the right person in the right place. I had the great pleasure to assist her during SF workshops in Kraków and I was very impressed by how truly professional she was. Her knowledge and passion for kettlebells that she passes to her students are incredible. If you’re looking for tips and tricks to improve your exercise technique, no matter whether it’s a press, squat or TGU, she knows them all. Or maybe you want to become a certified SF instructor? She’s definitely the one that will know how to help you achieve your goal.
Megan has been coaching me towards Sinister for a year and a half now. Despite encountering problems, challenges and injuries Megan has always been a source of practical knowledge as to what to do to progress and to keep my training enjoyable and effective. To top it off, most of the sessions we’ve had have been online and yet Megan remains engaging and provided quality feedback on my training. Her help has been invaluable.
I came to know about Vikas from one of the subreddits for KB enthusiasts. I have been training under him for almost 20 days. I liked his technical approach and way of dealing with problems (one of the benefits of being trained by an engineer;)). My swing has improved a lot, and there are small details about core activation, lats engagement, foot placement, etc. that you somehow miss online, and Vikas really helped me to include those aspects in my swing, which made me feel confident. Right now I’m trying to improve getups, and I’m really excited about learning other movements as well.
Having practiced S&S for about 7 months, I met John to review my swing and Turkish Getup form. I was delighted with the time and level of detail we went into from the warmup right the way through. We spent most of the time on the swing which yielded a great improvement of how it feels overall. Highly recommended.
This is my first year with Lise Marie and through the practice of the Kettlebell, I have seen my endurance, my strength and my support improve.
This allows me to be more efficient and more comfortable in the practice of Roller Derby.
He is a coach who encourages self-transcendence in a good mood and with the smile.
I can’t wait to start new sessions with Lise-Marie at the start of the school year.
A big thank you for sharing this practice of the Kettlebell.
Bonjour à tous,
C’est ma première année avec Lise Marie et par la pratique du Kettlebell, j’ai vu mon endurance, ma force et mes appuis s’améliorer.
Ce qui me permet d’être plus efficace et plus à l’aise dans la pratique du Roller Derby.
C’est un coach qui encourage au dépassement de soi dans la bonne humeur et avec le sourire.
J’ai hâte d’attaquer à la rentrée de nouvelles sessions avec Lise-Marie.
Un grand merci pour ce partage de cette pratique du Kettlebell.
I got into kettlebell practice during the first lockdown and read-up and researched as much as I could. After over a year of self-taught practice and the second lockdown coming to an end I wanted to take my practice to the next level and I found Tim.
First of all, Tim is a beam of light and positivity and such a great coach – he takes all his time and attention for you and really works with you depending on your personal skill level and needs (no one-size-fits-all approach, no copy&paste workout plans). You can sense his passion and he is very encouraging and a fountain of health when it comes to fitness, strength and movement.
Since working with Tim I have improved my practice noticeably. He is great in breaking down movements and providing pointers and cues. I also like that he offers in person and zoom sessions, which is great and very convenient.
And lastly, it is worth mentioning that I live in Bondi and have plenty of PTs and instructors in my area (and I tried my share of different coaches in the area). But I happily make the journey out west to work with him, as I haven't found anyone in my area who offers me the same quality of coaching, while keeping it fun and relaxed. Thanks for that Tim!
Had the pleasure of joining John for his recent 101 S&S & 102 Rite of Passage seminars. His down to earth teaching style quickly put everyone at ease in the first 5 minutes. His ground up coaching approach quickly fixed small problems I had with my swing and get ups that I didn’t even realise I was making. His focus on tension and breathing had me pressing more weight in my KB press than I thought possible and made it feel easy! Can’t recommend him enough, will be definitely joining future seminars
To be upfront, I turned 75 in June. Back in November of 2021 I was diagnosed with needing spinal fusion surgery for constant sciatica-like pain that ran down from my lower back all the way to my right foot. I delayed having surgery as honestly the idea of it creeped me out. A friend who is also a member of the Baltimore Kettlebell Club, recommended trying the Strength after Sixty group instead. I am happy to report my efforts have paid off! The pain and soreness are gone, and any sensitivity is barely noticeable. I have stopped using pain medicines with the exception of sometimes taking a prophylactic dose before training. I’d be fooling myself to think the spinal problem had magically gone away, but here’s the most important point… Through kettlebell training I am building strength to compensate for the issue. When my brother had hip replacement surgery in his forties, he was told that he had to exercise to get his life back to normal. The same is true for me now. Muscles are the skeletal system’s best friend. Finally I need to say that Dan is an amazing trainer. Under his watchful eye and constant encouragement, he has helped me to gain the confidence to grow in strength. Most of all he has helped me to get my life back to normal.
JP is a beast! I started off with awful kettlebell habits and after just one session with JP, I was already swinging the bell with good, hardstyle form. I’m about 8 months into being trained and not only have I gotten stronger and conditioned, but my chronic back pain has also nearly disappeared completely thanks to his knowledge and meticulous coaching. Furthermore, he is a good dude and a friend; I’d recommend JP to anyone within the area.
I was reluctantly convinced to take Baltimore Kettlebell Club’s Strength After 60 class. I started in April and 4 months after beginning the class I have to say that I have noticed a difference in my balance, overall strength and health. I might even like it more than I expected. Dan is a very conscientious trainer. He looks after us for progress and safety and it is a very comfortable environment in which to embark on this new adventure. I highly recommend classes at Baltimore Kettlebell Club.
I met Katka about 10 years ago. She came to a self-defense class. I had no idea she already had made a career as a kickboxer and personal trainer. We became sidekicks and I started to learn from her. She has been gaining experiences in strength training, nutrition, self Defence and martial arts. She became a true professional at a top level.
I always recommend her to everyone as I am driven by my own experience. As I needed to
get ready for a fight or I struggled with my shoulders, having difficulties after a knee surgery or I simply needed to get in shape etc.
To be honest I said to myself I can try this or that as they write it here or there. However, Kate was always the certainty of success. Let me tell you one thing. If you decide to put yourself in her hands, listen and do what she says. It will work. Trust me. I know. It will be no bed of roses, but it really works.
Testimonial for Strength Coach Jazz Gulati – PT Client Saarthak Chhibber (Professional Golfer)
I am a professional golfer. A year ago I began working with Jazz sir and the results have been nothing short of great, with his systematic approach to my training while keeping golf in mind, I have seen great progress on the golf course and in my overall health. His focus on building strong fundamentals has kept me injury free.
Jazz Sir, who is a level 1 StrongFirst Certified Kettlebell Instructor since Feb 2018 has employed various SFG principles in my sessions in my training using kettlebells, barbell and progressive bodyweight exercises. All this has helped my performance in Golf.
Since the golf swing is a repetitive and violent asymmetrical movement, Turkish Get-up exercise used by Jazz Sir in my sessions have greatly helped me in restoring left and right symmetry to the body. Turkish Get-up with Kettlebells has increased my stability, mobility, increased my grip strength, rotator cuff function and improved my hip hinge.
Since many shoulder injuries happen due to scapular instability, Jazz Sir’s planned sessions using highly effective tools mainly Kettlebells in Carries, Deadlifts, Swings etc helped me put a demand on the grip which has a strength-building effect on the muscles of the cuff, which are important to golf because they stabilize the shoulder as it goes through flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and internal/external rotation.
I highly recommend anyone whether be a Golfer, or an athlete from any other sports, and people in general looking to improve their mobility, strength, endurance, to get in touch with Strength Coach Jazz Gulati Sir who shall help them achieve their sporting performance and help them get stronger, more mobile and help perform their daily tasks with ease. He has a beautiful PT studio setup for face-to-face classes and also offers online classes on Zoom. Thanks and regards
I completed both 101 and 102 workshops with John and can highly recommend him as an excellent instructor and teacher, his delivery in detail is excellent, giving everyone equal time and patience. His approach to teaching is firm, frank but most of all fun. His eye for the small details ensured everyone came away from the workshops with a bundle of knowledge to apply to their training. Thanks John for a great weekend.
Had John for 101 simple and sinister. Lovely guy, humbly knowledgeable who takes the time to ensure everyone in the class has gotten it. The GLAD method has already helped me shift more weight and I can now reliably do a Turkish get up (I couldn’t beforehand)! Am already considering doing 201 rite of passage. Thanks John!
Just finished a 2 day Kettlebell workshop with John. Absolutely loved it, his style of teaching is fantastic and it’s clear he knows what he’s talking about. I’ve come away with so much more knowledge than I went in with. John is amazing at what he does and his style of teaching makes it easy for anyone to understand. Couldn’t recommend enough!
I just completed 101 with John. His coaching style is second to none. He gave great coaching cues and made it a relaxed, enjoyable and friendly environment. Looking forward to the second one ! Thanks again John , brilliant day . ?
FR
Après 3 années de musculation “classique” j’avais déjà un passé sportif et une base de connaissance mais j’avais malgré tout besoin de changer mes entrainements. Grace à Lise Marie j’ai découvert la pratique du kettlebel, je travaille ma force, ma mobilité. Cette pratique m’aide à prendre confiance et j’ai hate de pouvoir réaliser mes premières perf ! Un grand merci à coach Lise Marie
EN
After 3 years of “classic” bodybuilding I already had a sporting past and a knowledge base but I still needed to change my training. Thanks to Lise Marie I discovered the practice of the kettlebel, I work on my strength, my mobility. This practice helps me gain confidence and I can’t wait to be able to perform my first performance! A big thank you to coach Lise Marie
I have worked with Lise-Marie for several years.
I developed, thanks to different methods, mobility, strength, tone. This is what suits me, because the programs she offers are personalized for her students.
I feel good in my body, and I love going to train because the sessions all take place in a good mood, and serious at the same time.
I can only recommend her.
Je travaille avec Lise-Marie depuis plusieurs années.
J’ai développé, grâce à différentes méthodes, de la mobilité, de la force, du tonus. C’est ce qui me convient, car les programme qu’elle propose sont personnalisé pour ses élèves.
Je me sens bien dans mon corps, et j’adore aller m’entraîner car les séances se déroulent toutes dans la bonne humeur, et le sérieux a la fois.
Je ne peux que la recommander.
I have been training with Lise Marie for several years, always in joy and good humor. She taught me how to position myself well, always with kindness. She was able to follow me in different stages of my life with different objectives, even accompanying me during my pregnancy. Thank you.
Je m’entraîne avec Lise Marie depuis plusieurs années, toujours dans la joie et la bonne humeur. Elle m’a appris à bien me placer, toujours avec bienveillance. Elle a pu me suivre dans différentes étapes de ma vie avec des objectifs différents, jusqu’à m’accompagner lors de ma grossesse. Merci Lisou ?
Lise-Marie est précise, posée, technique et toujours de bonne humeur. Grâce à son enseignement on acquière de la rigueur, de la force, de l’endurance et de la mobilité. Bref, on devient tout simplement meilleur sous sa supervision.
—- ENGLISH—-
Lise-Marie is precise, calm, technical and always in a good mood. Thanks to her teaching, I’ve acquired rigor, strength, endurance and mobility. I’ve essentially become better under her supervision.
The best coach I’ve ever had. Training with Grzegorz is pure pleasure and a guarantee of success. A trainer full of professionalism, a treasury of knowledge, an amazing approach to the student. He is always ready to help, gives tips and supervises greatly. He cares a lot about the exercise technique. I recommend such a trainer to everyone!
During my first session, before picking up a kettlebell, JP evaluated my starting stability and technique. By the end of the session, having improved my technique, I DOUBLED the weight I comfortably swing. I’m looking forward to 100 daily injury-free kettlebell swings and my next coaching session. I highly recommend scheduling a session with JP. An in-person coach gets you better results faster than a book or video.
I’m am very happy with the session I had with Fran – he helped me immensely with my swing and TGU. I will be back for further instruction in the future.
Muy contento con la sesión que tuve con Fran – me ayudó muchísimo con el swing y el get up. Volveré para mas instrucción suyo en el futuro.
Tim is an amazing coach. I’ve been passionate about fitness for most of my life and have trained with many personal coaches including competitive IFBB Pros and ex Olympian sprinters and Tim is one of the best and most enjoyable coaches I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Firstly, he has the technical know-how and can guide you from where you’re at to where you want to be with your kettlebell swings. His keen eye for detail helped me to correct my Turkish get up, single arm swings which I almost gave up on as well as my clean so that it’s now a smooth fluid motion as I was previously aggravating and old elbow injury. This helped me tremendously in avoiding poor form leading to injury allowing me to keep up my practice and stick to my program.
He’s not only great with kettlebells but many other forms of training from resistance to endurance as well as functional training. The latter was a tremendous help for me as I suffer from Ankylosing Spondylitis. Tim is helping me fuse together a kettlebell and functional movement program which as we discussed is helping me to bulletproof my body!
On top of all this he’s just an absolute gentleman who is very encouraging and generous with his time and knowledge.
Thank you brother! God Bless!
I am totally hooked. I’ve been training with Marta for just two months and have felt already a true change in both my strength and my motivation. She is a professional: extremely knowledgeable about anatomy and the science of strength and fitness, while also clearly possessing a grasp on sports psychology (as she magically manages to encourage and motivate more each class). She prioritizes proper form and safety to help us progress without injury. I’d rate her ten stars if allowed!
For someone that takes so little credit for what he does for so many it is only right it should be known. Many of you who know me only online will understand I am not an easy person to deal with. To my suprise Mark always had time to talk and discuss training. This is a rare thing indeed. Much less for someone to do this freely.
With his suggestions and input I was able to start to address many of the problems following my injury and illness. He is a great example of what a coach should be. While he might not hold a national record or trophies the man’s mind has great strength that has more use I think to most.
I would encourage anyone who has need to contact him. Keep an open mind to his words and many of your issues can be resolved or mitigated.
PT Client testimonial for Strength Coach Jazz Gulati
Training with Jazz was an absolutely great experience and I would highly recommend suggesting Jazz to anyone who is considering to start or further develop their kettlebell training. Jazz is very thorough in his explanations and it is easy to understand what he is trying to teach. As an international client and training online, Jazz also recommended and constantly requested videos of myself training in my own time, which he would then evaluate and provide me with constructive feedback. This helped quite a lot in my training and showed that as a client of Jazz, it is not only the class time that he allocates to his students, but a lot of time and effort outside of the class time as well. In addition to the kettlebell learning program, Jazz would also add in other suggestions on how to maintain health and wellbeing which I found very thoughtful. It was great fortune to come across Jazz in helping me start my kettlebell journey and I would highly recommend anyone looking at learning kettle-belling to reach out to Jazz, it’ll be one of the best decisions you will have made.
Training under the vision of Marta is an amazing opportunity.
Her skills are so incredible. Her professionalism goes into all the details of the movements. The results are just fantastic.
I am greatful for the having the honor and the pleasure to be coached by such a wonderful soul.
Thank you Marta you are a life changer !
I’ve been Katerina’s client for more than 3 years already. She is a qualified trainer with multiple certifications and interest in many sports and physical skills but also a very nice helpful and positive person. She knows when to push your limits and when you just appreciate support and encouragement. I’m a big fan of hers.
Marta is a truly awesome coach, professional, committed and knowledgable. It has been a pleasure to attend her classes ( cannot wait for next one!) . Marta’s personal example and passion keep you motivated and, moreover, make you challenge yourself every time you work with her. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced in your fitness activities , I highly recommend Marta to guide and coach you to your next level.
Wael is the only instructor and coach who I learnt through the “True meaning and Feeling of Strength”. He is one who is keen on the strong development of his students in a way that makes strength transferable to all parts of one’s life and not only on the mat. He is so generous and detailed in sharing the technicalities of all movements in a way that reflects massively on the quality of any movement when practiced. By being a student of strength under Wael; I have learnt patience, resilience, the integrity when performing and most importantly: “there is never one size that fits all”, but each has their own challenges that they need to deal with or break through them!
He is so humble to always call himself a student who is constantly in a state of learning and that in my opinion makes of him a great true teacher & coach!
I knew right from the initial phone call that I would get along with Grahame. He helped me with my form before making the big jump to a 32kg bell. Would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for kettlebell training.
Cause his great experience in martial arts and gym activities, Antonio is able to make the beginning phases less difficult and improve strenght and tecnique to his students. patience and perseverance make him a pleasant and professional coach.
Wael is a very competent coach. He is very passionate about teaching his students the skills he has learned. He give constructive feedback and is very patient and supportive to all.
I have trained with Karen for the past 18 months and the results have been consistent and solid. She is very knowledgeable and patient, and I am growing stronger and fitter every month. I would strongly recommend her to anyone looking to become stronger, fitter and more mobile.
I would highly recommend Coach Wael for anybody looking to improve their fitness level. He is an excellent communicator and very aware of proper form and techniques to prevent injury and improve strength. Coach Wael is also able to apply all of his knowledge to help make any adaptations to movement(s) due to previous injuries or limitations. I have been very impressed with his professionalism and keen eye for small details, which make a HUGE difference!
I’ve seen first hand how much work and dedication Bob puts into preparing his programming for his clients. As a training partner on occasion, I know that he never asks them to do anything he isn’t willing to do himself. You can’t go wrong with, Bob…just don’t take fashion advice from him.
Aphrodite except from being really really nice and polite she can be very fun and is possibly one of the best personal trainers I have ever had! And probably the best I could have!
Deciding to train with Wael Al Sayegh 7 years ago was by far the best decision I could have made as an athlete. Wael possesses every quality you’d want in a great coach. He is an incredibly talented, passionate and innovative coach and a great motivator. More importantly, he instills these same qualities in his students and coaches he interacts with. His energy and passion for strength & conditioning combined with his relentless work ethic is contagious! My agility, total body strength and performance have improved tremendously, which I contribute to Wael’s training sessions and coaching. Wael is truly one of a kind and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a professional, sincere and deeply passionate coach!
This man inspired me to be STRONG in many way. I am very lucky to have been coached by him directly. His observations are on point and his solutions to fixing issues is the same. His students are luck to have him as a guide and coach.
We are the SCHOOL OF STRENGTH, and Antonio is definitely a perfect example of Student Of Strength. Watching him during the SFG1 was a pleasure, I was impressed by his determination and self-confidence, and also humility and willingness to help others. In SF we say that we never graduate. He understands that the key to being a good coach is to have an open mind and keep learning. If you are looking for a strong and good teacher, he is your man.
A strong man with strong attitude for coaching and teaching , he support me during my SFG certification .
No doubt if you want someone with the right experience !
I watched Blazeh through Instagram and Facebook and I new his abilities but getting to know him, his mindset, character and knowledge was a privilege.
I met him in Vicenza, Italy. Unfortunately I wasn’t on his team but I had the chance to see how he is coaching others from up close.
He he is a man of detail, focused and driven by doing what he loves that there is no question for his evolution and success.
We are definitely brothers and sisters in Strength but I also consider him as a friend of mine.
We met during the SFG1 in Vicenza, IT, where I was one of the Assistant. I’ve been watching her work throughout the course and I can tell you one thing: you rarely see a person so ambitious, humbe, with an open mind to learn new thing. It was pure pleasure to congratulate her on the title she earned. Greece has gained a fantastic instructor and StrongFirst has gained a new family member. Oh, and by the way – privately Aphrodite is a very nice and warm person. If you are from Greece and looking for a person to learn how to swing – she is your person 🙂
Wael had introduced me to kettlebells, and has been coaching me on how to properly use them. He is dedicated to learning and improving, and passing on the knowledge, while paying special attention to safety and integrity of technique. Couldn’t ask for a better teacher!
I became a part of the Stout community about a month ago, after encouragement from family members that Anne was the best personal trainer they had experienced. I have experienced serious past injuries and want to get strong, while being safe and decided to give Stout a try. Anne is helping me to reach my goals at my pace, all the while watching my form and helping me to prevent further injury. Strength training should be a part of everyone’s fitness goals and if you feel like you need help to get to a place where this seems attainable, I highly recommend you reach out to Anne. She is a high level professional, extremely kind and encouraging and can help anyone work towards their goals no matter their experience, age or fitness level.
I started my kettlebel training with the redstar kettlebel “simple&sinistre” live class 1 year before sfg1 in March 2020, I discovered the swing and the get up..today certify sfg1 thanks to Lois who found the patience and the tactic that would take me to certification. A big thank you for all your knowledge and your availability. Thank you for everything.
jai commencé mon travail KB avec “simple&sinistre” en mars 2021 avec lois et les cours en ligne. je découvrai a l’époque le swing t ne savais pas effectué un set up.
Aujourd’hui me voila certifier sfg1 (1 an après S&S) grâce a toi et tes précieux conseils. un grand merci pour ta patience et toute cette planification qui m’a beaucoup appris mais aussi pour m’avoir faire évoluer mentalement. Une grande source de savoir et un exemple que beaucoup devrais suivre plutôt que de tenter de copier comme on peu souvent le voir.
I attended this Foundations course and I really liked it! I learned several very interesting technical things and I went back to see some concepts that are fundamental. Thanks to Charlie for the professionalism and dedication to the course, I left very satisfied and eager to apply everything I learned immediately. A highly recommended course!
Asistí a este curso de Foundations y me gustó muchísimo! Aprendí varias cosas técnicas muy interesantes y volví a ver unos conceptos que son fundamentales. Gracias a Charlie por el profesionalismo y la dedicación para el curso, me fui muy conforme y con ganas de aplicar todo lo aprendido de inmediato. Un curso muy recomendable!
Carlos is an excellent instructor, he is very clear when he explains the moves. It is very clear that he practices what he preaches. It is an honor and a privilege to train with him.
Carlos es un instructor excelente; él es muy hábil para explicar los movimientos. Es claro que él práctica lo que predica. Es un honor y un privilegio entrenar con él.
What can I say about my Coach & Trainer since 2004 she has taught me everything I needed to know about Kettlebell training and more. One of the Best TRAINERS I know that’s for sure and a true friend for life. she is amazing in every aspect knows the body so well and how it works. Her teaching methods are great and makes you understand why each movement of fitness exercises make you strong in Life. I give her credit for where I’m at in my fitness training kettlebell classes at Eos Fitness in Palm Springs. If you train with her I know you will get the results you need plus more strength you need in your body to live a healthy long life . I recommend her always to my people. Thank you very much for always being there for me and having a true friend to trust always for life.
Charly is an excellent coach. The training sessions he give us are always effective and prepared carefully to get the better result for each us. My teammates and me enjoy every movement and every new thing we learn in order to be stronger day by day.
Charly is a great person and the best coach I’ve meet. He is always pending each us, always improving and continue preparing himself to be able to help us being stronger people in all ways. The team he have done is commited and focused all the time, they help us to work in our opportunity areas to get a balanced body and mind.
Professionalism, knowledge, physical fitness, strength are the features of a good trainer. Marta has all this and something more, a talent for working with people. I recommend it with all my heart.
Hey Dan, I want to thank you for giving Robbie the opportunity to work in your gym in exchange for training at a young age. Not only the opportunity to have a job/responsibility outside of our home, but the seed that you planted on the importance of exercise and working out. It really started his path to making it a part of his daily routine and I am so grateful. That was not always a part of my daily routine until I was in my 20’s and even then went in and out of a scheduled work-out routine. I always prayed that my kids would understand and adopt the importance of being healthy (mind, body and spirit) at an early age and while we encourage that in our home, sometimes outside influences make a bigger impression. I credit working out throughout the pandemic to keeping him strong (mentally and physically) and it gave him a social outlet. Thank you again for being a part of Robbie’s journey. Fast forward 4 years, he is 17 and a total gym rat, he loves it and it’s awesome! Tammy Edwards
Andrey is a professional in the truest sense of the word: he engages in strength as a profession; he “embodies the ethical and technical standards of that profession”; he pursues strength at the highest level. Looking at the Merriam-Webster dictionary entry for the word professional is like a checklist for his qualities: whether noun or adjective, the word springs to mind when thinking of him, and that is perhaps the greatest compliment a professor of strength (which Andrey is as well) can receive.
I’ve trained with Andrey in person back when he was stationed in Shanghai, and when I first came to him, I couldn’t properly lock out a 8kg kettlebell overhead at a bodyweight of 85kg. I had chased the deadlift on my own for a year, had stalled out, had turned myself into a “tin man,” as Jon Engum puts it, through desk work and the belief that mobility wasn’t necessary as long as I could pull a weight off the floor. Andrey set me straight with a mobility diagnosis and recovery plan, carefully instructed me in the kettlebell deadlift, swing, get-up, goblet squat, and press, and guided me in my program development even after he moved to Thailand.
But as in all things, the results speak for themselves. In the last three months of following StrongFirst programs that Andrey guided me towards (and as he guided me away from my tendency to needlessly randomize things), I’ve tripled my pull-up technical max, doubled my airborne lunges, and nearly doubled my 24kg kettlebell overhead press technical max.
Strength is a profession, and if you want someone that has studied that profession to guide you, then seek out Andrey Zyurin. You won’t regret it.
JP is an excellent teacher.
His communication skills are on point as he is able to break the fundamentals of various kettlebell and conditioning modalities into clear, concise steps.
My overall conditioning and strength have reached new heights since I began training with JP. I always look forward to our next session and appreciate his follow up’s in between.
Bill E., Wichita Falls, Texas (age 54)
I found my time with Hugo invaluable. Great understanding, great delivery. I will be seeing him regularly, and he will allow me to achieve the beast Tamer Challenge, & Sinister.
Ai is amazing! I have worked with her for several years. She very focused on form and making sure you get the most out of the exercises. She designs programs to really help you and provides nutritional guidance if you need it. I am in better shape now than I have ever been. The workouts are fun and varied and she is always mindful and careful with injuries.
Ai is always professional, on time and a genuinely nice person.
I have been training with Ai for over 3 years now. In addition to being an incredible human being, she is a true professional trainer with extensive technical knowledge and tons of patience. She’s truly the best at what she does and takes great pride in her work.
I attended the kettlebell 101 and 201 workshops Kevin hosted in early May and had a blast. I found much of what we learned in a condensed amount of time very tangible and helpful, especially for an introductory workshop. Kevin provided great feedback to learners, just enough to help improve, but not too much to overwhelm. I’m likely going to pursue further certifications because of Kevin’s workshops and I would definitely recommend to others!
But it’s not magic . It’s science , patience, kindness, persistence and a quest for answers which makes Marius special.
After 25 years of thousands of medical procedures , my body was broken. I had torn a rotator cuff, received steroid injections in multiple joints and could not perform basic athletic moves .
Through a careful evaluation, Marius has brought me back to life . My back feels great , my core is stronger than ever and I am now walking upright ! It’s a credit to Marius , when someone asks me if I’ve lost weight . I’ve not lost weight: I’m standing up straight and am pain-free!
Marius has also helped my wife and daughter become better tennis and volleyball players, respectfully.
Andrey is a kind, patient, and detailed man and an excellent instructor.
I have been working with Andrey for several years now, both in-person and online. He is so careful to ensure that your form is correct to avoid injury and takes the time to explain and demonstrate how to do each motion. His feedback is encouraging and precise, without being nagging or patronizing. His workout plans are thorough and expertly personalized.
Andrey genuinely cares about his clients as the well-rounded and complex creatures we are: he would at keeping in touch with my nutrition, sleep schedule, and phone habits–all to ensure that I am growing in my health in all aspects.
I loved needing out with him during rest periods about scifi, mindfulness, and finance.
I’ve loved training under Andrey I hope you give him a chance. He is a good dude and an superb teacher.
After many years of moving kettlebells with what I self-assessed as “pretty good technique” I’ve encountered Andzelika’s Instagram account. Amongst many other “kettlebell” accounts hers was standing out with detailed and precise hints on the technique. This is what convinced me to follow. Ever since then I wanted to meet her in person and draw from the wisdom directly. Few years forward, it’s 2022. The wait is over. I’m at two-day kettlebell workshop at her gym in Cracow, Poland. Before I know all my confidence is destroyed… and rebuilt ground up. Swing, press, one arm, double arm, turkish getup – all of them! I hated this initially but now, after a few months, I’m grateful. My training plan has more consistency and is more intentional. The weights regressed initially to focus on technique but are catching up quickly. It is amazing how well Andzelika and her team can coach a such a simple tool – kettlebell!
Had a remote session with Migiwa to clean up my kettlebell swing technique. She took me back to the basics and gave clear instructions on what to improve. Highly recommended. ありがとうございます。
Louka is one of those rare teachers who can do and can teach!
Just being around such an accomplished instructor makes it easy to learn.
On top of that he is very articulate, diagnosing issues and suggesting immediate corrections that take into account any limitations that the student may have. There is no time wasted and it is possible to make very quick improvement.
Thank you for a great course, Louka. I look forward to more courses and instruction in the future.
Dan has been training our boys personally for about a year and before that as a coach. Dan has gone above and beyond what was ever asked of him, he has developed a strength and conditioning program specific to their individual needs and as a group. He holds his athletes accountable and checks in with them almost daily, weather it be lifting, stretching, conditioning, heath, or nutrition he is very attentive and extremely knowledgeable. I am extremely grateful for Dan and the work he does with my boys and all the athletes he trains!
The workshop was amazing and Kevin was super cool, down to earth and able to explain the basic and fundamental movement of kettlebell. Thanks for helping me help others ?
I attended the Kettlebell 201: The Rite of Passage Workshop (May 7, 2022). Kevin’s instructional style is informative and entertaining. Kevin shared experience and insight that improved my kettlebell technique delivered in a fun workshop experience.
Kevin was polite and professional while creating a fun and welcoming environment for his attendees. I also admired his attention to detail to ensure everyone was performing all exercises correctly and safely. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to get stronger!
Dan has worked with all three of my sons (Ages 19, 14, 14). Each of them have shown increased confidence since beginning their work with Dan. Dan has a gift of connecting with the human spirit. He is innovative, inspiring and an amazing male mentor for my sons. I’m so grateful for all Dan has given to my boys, in addition to and beyond strength!!
Stout was exactly what I wanted and needed in a gym. Small classes, with a community feel and programming you will literally never grow out of. Anne is extremely knowledgeable while her personality adds a fun flare to serious training.
Having worked with RKC, HKC, and Strongfirst coaches across America, I can confidently say Anne is one of THE BEST practitioners of kettlebells, strength, and functional movement coaches in the game. Anne’s use of stellar cues and sound science have helped me to get in the best shape of my life at 32 years old. Her gym, Stout Strength and Conditioning is a welcoming environment for all types that relies on small steps and incremental growth to achieve goals and maximize your time spent there. I would recommend Anne for anyone that is looking to improve their daily life from physical to mental and everything in between.
Anne’s group classes have made getting into kettle bells and fitness completely accessible to a beginner (me). I’ve been able to get stronger on a great schedule and improve my other fitness activities. Really appreciate her attention to detail and the community here.
Best gym with best trainer I’ve experienced. Mature crowd and excellent programming. I’ve seen dozens train with Anne, and we’ve all made continuous gains in strength and fitness. Kettlebells have improved my biking, climbing and mental health. Recommend without reservation.
My first visit to Logan was spring of 2021. My wife heard about him at the gym she goes to, and thought I should have a few sessions with Logan for some kettle bell instructions. Had no idea what I was getting into. I’m 64 years old and have always been physically active in sports but had no interest in joining a gym, but here I am a year later doing weekly sessions in a gym setting with a personal trainer! Can’t imagine a trainer that could do a better job of explaining, demonstrating, critiquing and encouraging. I feel if I continue with this program, I am doing my part in preparing my body to stay active and healthy as the years go by.
Consider Logan if you are looking for a personal trainer, you won’t regret it.
Recently had the pleasure of attending kettlebell 101 and 201 with Mike at his gym in Modesto. Sessions were phenomenal and very detailed. Mike is able to break down complex movements into very understandable sections.
During the courses I received extremely helpful corrections that I now keep in mind while training at home. I walked away feeling much more confident about the movements and my ability to perform them correctly. I cannot recommend enough. Sign up, get strong.
I have been training with Joan for 2 and a half years now.
I did not practice any sport, I started from scratch, and he gave me the taste of practice and surpassing myself.
He was able to accompany me and adapt to my level and my pace, with incredible kindness, without any judgment.
Through his coaching I also learned to raise awareness of my body and I now feel more connected to myself.
I even went from one session per week to 3 sessions, they are so beneficial for me!
I recommend it to everyone, all ages and all levels!
Sweat and guaranteed results!
Je m’entraîne avec Joan depuis maintenant 2 ans et demi.
Je ne pratiquais aucun sport, je partais de zéro, et il m’a donné le gout de la pratique et du dépassement de soi.
Il a su m’accompagner et s’adapter à mon niveau et à mon rythme, avec une bienveillance incroyable, sans aucun jugement.
A travers ses coachings j’ai aussi appris à conscientiser mon corps et je me sens aujourd’hui davantage connectée à moi-même.
Je suis même passée de une séance par semaine à 3 séances, tant elles sont bénéfiques pour moi !
Je le recommande à toutes et tous, tous âges et tout niveaux confondus !
Sueur et résultats assurés !
I have been training 1-1 with Paul for about 4 months. I could not be happier with his training and the results it has garnered. I am a 55-year-old mother of two, cancer survivor, and office job desk warrior. Although I have been athletic and fit most of my life, Paul’s training has taken me to a level of fitness and confidence in my body that I did not think was possible at my age! Paul is a technician and will find a way to articulate subtle movement cues that work perfectly for me and my style of learning. I highly recommend Paul as a trainer and coach. He also plays great music in his gym!
The level of detail provided was simply encyclopedic. Absolute world class attention to detail. Corrected so many small nuances that other trainers might never have picked up on and left me very confident of performing lifts safely.
Katka, is amazing person, excellent dedicated trainer and passionate kettlebell and profi sport fan . Her friendly, professional approach, advices and personal energy could be used as leading example . I started with kettlebells early 02/2022 I wish be able to train more then 3 weekly 🙂
Pavel is unbelievably captivating, motivational and knowledgeable guy you just want to listen to. Workshops under his lead are professional, packed with great deal of education and my kinda humor. His demeanor is calming and inspiring. Every time I meet him (and his team) I feel respected yet guided, which is something not that common in my experience and very important to me. To put it short, Pavel is a gentleman who knows his sh..tuff and it shows.
Pierre is an extremely conscientious and knowledgeable coach who is dedicated to his task: helping you get stronger! He will take the time it needs to help you progress and reach your goals.
Thanks to his advice, I did a very, very big step forward on my simple and sinister journey.
If you are looking for a great instructor, Błażej is definitely one of them. He has huge knowledge about strength and conditioning training, and a sharp eye for any mistakes. Kettlebells keep no secrets from him, and no matter what your training goal is he’ll help you to achieve it.
I’ve had an awesome experience with Fred and his strong first principals,I highly recommend seeing him at his studio in east Malvern called real fit you will walk away knowing how to move your body ?
I met David during the SFG1 cert in Budapest. I took a part of it as an assistant and David was one of my Student. It was a great honor and pleasure to work with him, to answer his questons and see how professional he is in everything we worked on. I’m sure that David is what StrongFirst is all about. Great athlete and instructor. Good man. Thank you David and hope some day to meet you again.
I met Blazej in Budapest last year when I was doing my SFG 1 certification. From the get go he was kind and friendly but also professional. I was in the group under his supervision and his guidance and knowledge was unmatched.
I believe that he participated in my success and I can not recommend him more. If you are going to Poland and want to learn about kettlebells the right way, then Blazej is your guy.
Błażej is a great hardstyle instructor and professional. Working with him is pure pleasure. He provides help, advice and support at any time. I highly recommend this man.
Jesse is a fantastic strength coach and is very passionate about kettlebell training. He introduced kettlebells to my training sessions more than seven years ago and the exercises started off very basic with light bells and I have progressed to more complex exercises with heavier bells. As Jesse learns more about kettlebell training and techniques he passes that information to ensure I am getting the most out of every exercise for my goals.
Training with Jesse has given me the necessary skills and confidence to train with kettlebells in my solo sessions and I have really developed a love of kettlebell training and appreciate the versatility they add to my sessions.
Jesse Fuller is an exceptional strength and conditioning coach and an excellent kettlebell coach. His relentless pursuit for perfect technique and form is something all coaches should aspire to. I completed my SFG 1 with Jesse and his expert coaching was one of the reasons I did so well that weekend. If expert kettlebell coaching is what your after Jesse is the right man to talk to….
Joan m’a accompagné pendant la certification SFG1 de mars 2022, c’était parfait.
Il est à la fois précis et encourageant ; grâce à lui, j’ai amélioré de nombreux points dans les différents mouvements de SFG1.
Joach trained me during the SFG1 certification of march 2022.
His way of teaching is precise, clear and friendly. Thanks to him, I brought my technique to a whole new level.
I look forward to training again with him !
Joan est un entraîneur perfectionniste! J’ai adoré m’entraîner avec lui! Il a su trouver les mots et les moyens pour m’encourager à persévérer !
Sa qualité de travail et top! ?
Lois lead me through the certification with confidence and knowledge.
I have started kettlebell training 5 months before the SFG-1, with him, during a 101 course. 5 months after, I am certified
Thanks a lot Lois for your knowledge, experience and enthusiasm !
On the road for SFG-2 !
I’m in my early 40’s and my goal was/is to improve my fitness and general health (and just feel better). My wife and I were first referred to Logan, and we trained with him together. We all really hit it off. Logan’s a true master. He’s also funny, personable, and kind; just a big teddy bear covered in tattoos. I knew I needed to do more – but it was probably year 1 of the pandemic (that added all sorts of stressors and unhealthy habits) that was the real catalyst for me. I was gaining progressively worse muscle aches and pains that weren’t getting better. My sleep was suffering, my stress was high, and I was losing the ability to do day-to-day activities or really keep up with our kids.
Last summer I turned to Logan for personal training; and (without exaggeration) I look back at this as one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself.
We’ve been working out regularly once or twice a week for almost a year now. I’m amazed by the progress (and very grateful). Logan invests the time to make sure I understand how to complete the exercises safely and with the right technique. He get’s me excited about learning new things. His training is thoughtful, attentive, and he’s extremely enthusiastic and encouraging. I’ve never been the guy that’s looked forward to working out before. Today I genuinely look forward to our weekly sessions. He’s helped me build up my strength; always been available; and encouraged me at every step. More than a trainer, he really is a friend, and someone I consider an excellent role-model and mentor. He’s truly great at what he does.
You will not regret working with Logan. I whole-heartedly recommend him to anyone that’s looking to make a positive change for themselves.
I was very fortunate to meet Yann at a low point in my life where I was struggling with severe protracted inflammatory back problems. After receiving the appropriate medical treatment, I still had to get stronger to get my body and life back on track.
Thanks to his expertise, I could quickly and safely engage in a tailored resistance training regimen including many kettle bell exercises as well as TRX, TRX rip trainer, elastic bands, mobility stick and bodyweight exercises. After a series of 15 private sessions, where mobility was also a key focus, the result was amazing: I had substantially gained muscle, felt way better in my body and my spirits were markedly lifted.
What turns out to be very effective in Yann’s approach is the way he zeroes in on your weaknesses after a thorough body analysis and elaborates a custom program to tackle them. He challenges you but never goes beyond what you can safely do. Good form is of utmost importance for him and ensures a safe training.
He’s been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years and his many certifications testify to his high level of practice and knowledge in the domain of weight lifting, strength conditioning and overall body fitness.
To this day, I continue my training sessions with him and keep seeing progress in my recovering body. Thank you so much, Yann!
I participated in the 201, Rite of Passage course. I like how John and Strongfirst have short one day courses leading towards SFG 1 certification as it gives you plenty of time to get your technique and programming correct. As always Johns coaching style os second to none. Great coaching cues all done in a relaxed fun and friendly environment which for me helps the learning process very enjoyable. Thanks again John , brilliant day .
Just done my first ever strongfirst workshop held by John. Really enjoyed The experience, John is a Great guy and a great coach and Felt I really got something from it to help me going forwards in my own training and clients kettlebell training! I hope to get to more of these workshops in the coming future for that to help me Consider going for my SFG1 sometime in the future!
Thanks again John
Started training with John some 7 years ago having had surgery on a major shoulder injury. Following strict instructions, techniques and advice I regained almost full fitness. Way more than expected by surgeon and physio’s. Fast forward 4 years and had to start from scratch again, having been hit by a car. Serious surgery again on opposite shoulder
Thankfully, John worked his magic and got me motivated again to commit to training, diet and rest. Thankfully lightening did strike twice.
Jesse is an amazing strength coach and personal trainer. Before meeting him I had never touched a kettlebell. He has taught me how to do kettlebell swings, progressing from double arm to single, and recently Turkish getups, which is something I had doubted I was even capable of doing.
Every program Jesse creates is tailored to you as an individual and helps you to achieve your goals by couching on how to improve your technique, knowledge and mindset.
I have been with him for nearly a year and travel 40km twice a week to see him, and for me he is definitely worth the drive.
Jaime is super knowledgeable and an outstanding trainer. I have worked with Jaime for over five years and she always provides new challenges and workouts to keep you moving towards your goals. She was also instrumental in helping me return to full rugby fitness after an Achilles rupture.
Mark really helped me out with my cleans and presses and TGUs as I was recovering from an injury and stuck at home during a lockdown. He also offers great advice on the forum. His form tips and programming advice were very helpful – I highly recommend working with him.
Baptiste is a coach who knew how to find the right words to give me confidence throughout the certification. His advice, his eye allowed me to improve my technique on the fundamentals. A big thanks to him .
If I had to describe Jo in one word, it would be “knowledgeable”.
She can teach you not only the correct techniques and give you a program that is right for you, but she’ll also teach you corrective and mobility work to make your progress sustainable. I think this is particularly important for the not-so-young, but probably needed by everyone. As a coach, I think she is just the right amount of tough to push you, without ever compromising your safety. I’ve been training with her for some months now, and I’m very glad I started.
Due to an injury I had to take a break from kettlebell ballistics. James provided me with a strong endurance deadlift template and gave me remote coaching to rebuild my stability in the hinge pattern and get me back to swinging, and it worked amazingly well! After spending about two months on his program I’m very impressed with the results – my swings feel stronger, easier, and most importantly, they don’t cause back pain anymore. I highly recommend working with him.
Have been training with David for 4 months now – to lose weight, build muscle, repair injury and be straighter and stronger. As a woman over 60, I was concerned with poor muscle mass and sedentary lifestyle. David has been extremely encouraging and with him – it’s all about the technique!! I started at a small knee bend and can now achieve a deep squat in just 4 months! I cannot recommend David highly enough – my children are now training too and we are all loving the kettlebells!!
I wanted to prepare the SFG1, Pierre gave me the opportunity to be stronger trough his passion and knowledge of strength training.
With him you ll becom the Best version of yourself!
I have been training with Paul and he has been great to work with! Very knowledgable and breaks the kettlebell movements down in a helpful way. I highly recommend training with Paul to learn the proper techniques and to get stronger.
I thoroughly enjoyed my session with Tim learning the swing and get-up. His enthusiasm for kettlebells is second-to-none and he is very generous with his time and knowledge of technique.
I left feeling confident that I was on the right track with my kettlebell journey.
Philip is a phenomenal coach. I’ve been learning from him for the past two years, and his style of coaching is unbeatable. His attention to detail with form/technique and the way he cares about each individual person under his coaching makes him stand out above all other coaches I’ve ever learned from. I’ve recently completed my second kettlebell course with him, and I’ve become so passionate about it that I’m working on acquiring my own set of bells for my home. I recommend anyone and everyone who’s interested in learning more about fitness, especially kettlebell and CrossFit disciplines, to reach out to Philip.
After several years of benefitting from Louka’s targeted and minimalizt videos, I moved to some remote coaching. Frankly, I thought my form was better than it was… In 1 session, he quickly and nimbly offered about 15 adjustments through a range of KB movements. I could feel right away through applying them over time it’s likely my trips to the chiropractor will be less frequent, and my ability to reap the benefits of my practice will increase – while I have more fun in the process! Louka is not only highly fluent with the kettlebells and movements, he’s a grounded and effective instructor.
I visited Claire for one-to-one body weight training. It was a really positive experience and I left with a treasure trove of cues to improve my form, a programme of exercises and the confidence that the work will produce results.
I’m very grateful for Claire’s warm, patient, non judgemental, detail oriented mentoring style.
Went to one of his workshops a few weeks ago, John is very very knowledgeable and was able to answer all my fitness questions, even my running specific ones. I sent him a couple of form videos afterwards and he replied promptly with some good feedback. Very happy with my experience, great investment in time and money.
Yoana is really amazing. My daughter and I have been training with her for 6 months. I keep telling my wife that Yoana is either going to kill me or make me stronger. I am still alive I am really, really, really strong. In 6 months, she has more than doubled my swing, clean and press weights. She is very particular about technique, and ensures that form is perfect. She has many ways to get you to feel and internalize kettlebell, barbell, and bodyweight movements. She is a great trainer and very methodical and focuses on form and technique a lot, and amazing at motivating you to perform the one thing that you absolutely hate. I love working with her and she is an expert at different forms of exercises, understanding your weakness/strengths and helping you to strengthen your weakness. If you want to be become strong, Yoana is your answer!
Baptiste has been training me since 2016. the results keep increasing: significant weight loss, mental and strength development, cardio is not to be outdone. I am a coach today largely thanks to him. thank you Baptiste. ???
My interest in kettlebell training started when covid19 happened. Being quarantined made me realize that i do not need a gym membership to be fit. So, tried learning on my own guided by online content floating around the net. Naturally, I became aware of Pavel Tsatsouline’s StrongFirst and the S&S protocol. I was stuck with the 24kg getup for a year with unguided training in my garage. So come 2022, I decided to look for an instructor who can help me improve my practice. I found Coach Mark using this website and he started coaching me online 1st week of January 2022. It is mid-feb2022 as of this writing, I’m pressing 28kg, snatching 24kg, my getup is at 32kg and started practicing with double 20kg kettlebells. In a span of a little over a month, I’ve definitely improved with coach Mark’s guidance!
P. S. Initially, I was quite hesitant with online coaching setup, but now I’m convinced that it can work. The result speaks for itself.
Motivation attentive coach who encourages us to surpass ourselves.
Very good coach and that’s why I’ve been taking his classes for several years!!
Many thanks
You are an attentive coach who listens to everyone’s needs. we haven’t worked much together but you are attentive, professional, caring and always smiling. you give us confidence in ourselves. you are a very good coach and I wish you the best for the future
Those who are lucky enough to have him as a coach can congratulate themselves! he demonstrates great pedagogy and knows how to pass on his passion. The promised results are there if we give him all our confidence;
His professionalism, his kindness and his availability reassure us and motivate us!
A big THANK YOU Coatch!!
A lot of professionalism, expertise and experience, listening and empathy, with a personalized program, a good dose of confidence and enthusiasm that he knows so well how to transmit to progress on a daily basis. The best sports coach I have ever met.
super sports coach, greatly helped me with my weight loss, motivated always listening and persevering in his field of activity nothing to say except congratulations to his fantastic career.
Working with Wendy and training with KBs has been a fantastic experience. I am 53 years old and have asked a lot of this mind and body. I played college football, explored the world of endurance sports and bike racing. Too much. Along with the adrenaline and endorphins, I also enjoyed a shoulder, six knee and back surgeries. Wendy is emphatic on training with proper form. She actively engages in your goals and progress. For me–Staying off the PT table and remain active in life. Enjoying the outdoor and selective adventures with family and friends. Five Stars. Hands down.
I’ve been working with Mark for the past month now. And in the short time that we’ve worked together I’ve been able to improve my TGU form, started improving my snatch endurance, and start tweaking the programs that I have been working on and in some instance pushing me to things which I would’ve naturally not done. Not only do we think alike but I have found in him a great advisor to suggest and course correct me on my strength journey. He has great knowledge, is very approachable, and always gives more than what you ask for. Highly recommend getting in touch with him if you are looking for a great coach.
I reached out to Jeff to tighten up my kettlebell swing and getup in preparation for simple and sinister. Working with Jeff was great on many levels. First I achieved my primary objective of maximizing efficiency and form. At this rate I’ll achieve the timeless simple goal 5 months from now and be stronger than I have ever been in my entire life. Second Jeff is a pleasure to work with. He is consultative, positive, and gets to work. We accomplished my goal in only 4 sessions. Lastly we did every session over zoom which worked out much better than I had expected. I highly recommend working with Jeff to accomplish your fitness objectives.
Jeff was a tremendous help as I was preparing for my SFG Level 1. I had a good bit of experience with kettlebell training prior, but I needed help dialing in my technique, programming and preparing for my cert.
Jeff helped me understand the movements on a deeper level, helped me hone in my technique and was instrumental in helping me pass my Level 1 cert. He was always readily available to bounce ideas off of, provide feedback and support.
Thanks to Jeff, my SFG Level 1 was an awesome experience and I still look to him for guidance to this day.
As a physical therapist/strength coach myself, I truly value Jeff’s approach to coaching, health and fitness. You won’t find anyone who cares about your success more.
Whether it’s completely fixing all of my knee problems, making gains I genuinely thought was impossible, or teaching me how to not fold in half at the first sign of physical conflict, he’s responsible for all of it.
I was looking for a Strongfirst instructor to perfect my use of kettlebells. As they say, I was not disappointed with the trip! How lucky to have a sports coach of this caliber close to home. Laurent is passionate. Available, attentive and caring, he also perfectly masters his area of expertise. But more importantly, in my opinion, he has the eye of real coaches and physical trainers. The one that allows him to observe you, analyze you, correct you and give you the keys to becoming a better version of yourself. I recommend Laurent’s services 100%. A safe bet!
To raise my kettlebell game, and help my journey towards SFG1, I recently attended a 201 Rite of Passage workshop led by Claire. What an excellent teacher – very richly detailed instruction with excellent 1:1 observations and corrections. With this single 4-hour workshop session, I feel all parts of the my kettlebell skillset have been set on a better path – with loads of new and refined things to practice. Highly recommended.
What made Claire a great instructor is her ability to explain complex subjects with simplicity and clarity, she is very knowledgeable and helped me to improve my technique and work around my disability. Thanks Claire
I met Todd in 2019 for an intro KB course, and two years later he helped train me for a successful SFG I certification. Every time I hit a sticking point in my training Todd knew exactly what to say to get me past it. He also looked closely at all my lifts and gave me great adjustments to make them better. He convinced me that I was ready for the SFG I, and as an older athlete I really needed his encouragement. Todd is the consummate coach! I look forward to knowing and working with him for a long time.
David is an excellent kettlebell trainer. His effort for making me fit is awesome. His knowledge about maintaining good health and sharing & communication is really helping out a lot to stay fit after having a baby. If you are looking to get fit and have fun I highly recommend David.
Trying to get back into shape after lockdown I started training with David from Ravenbell and I cannot praise and recommend him enough! I was a total novice when it came to kettlebell but he is very patient, he shows and explains everything so well making me feel at ease. After the workouts I feel I have been doing something good for myself but I am never too sore. He also comes to my place at a time that works well for me, saving me the hustle of going to the gym.
David has been training me for over a year now. I’m 43 years old and I’ve got 35 years’ martial arts experience. My goal is to preserve my muscle mass and my strength as much as possible for the next half of my life. I always wanted to learn the proper way of kettlebell training not just from Pavel Tsatsouline’s book or YouTube, so I asked David and it was the best decision in terms of training as well as health support. David has very up to date knowledge about healthy eating and healthy lifestyle. He won’t be going to feed your confidence for no reason. He believes in no short cuts, and he won’t let you get away with a halfhearted workout. David is correct, trustworthy, upright guy.
Katerina is a great coach and human. I go to her training for one year and I am extremely satisfied. She taught me to exercise with my own body and weight. I recommend it to everyone who wants to lose weight, strengthen their body and start a healthy lifestyle. Her workouts really work.
I can only recommend Kateřina. I’m very happy with the training and the results. Lessons with her are interesting, reasonably demanding and effective. 10/10
Ai means results, Ai is a trustfull professionnal.
Ive connected with Ai trough social media,
At this time I was prepin for SFB and I needed to dial in my nutrition in order to get a better body composition, I was 104kg (230lbs) at this time and roughly 17% bodyfat.
In a 5 months period ive lost 25lbs of pure fat.
My relative strength level went trough the roof. I didnt lost any absolute strength, my energy levels were skyrocket.
More important she was able to understand my motivation and my character.
She was able to build habits that Last.
Plans were send every sunday without exception. Never late.
Now im training for Sinister, she’s adapting to my goals, I sit at 97kg with more muscle mass and better cardio vascular conditionning than ever.
I worked with Ian leading up to the SFG1 in NYC in December. After an initial assessment Ian gave me invaluable feedback that truly saved me from injury due to poor technique as well as overtraining. He also helped me to adjust some of my movements that were aggravating a preexisting injury that had slowed down a lot of my progress in training. He provided me with a program that helped me to taper and dial back some of the volume in my training that I am sure helped me arrive to the certification as strong and as fit as I could have been. Ian’s knowledge of diet and recovery also helped immensely in making sure I was able to not just survive but thrive through the long SFG weekend.
Laurent, teaches us to be strong physically but also mentally. He teaches us a solid foundation on which to build our armor. And that, in complete safety by listening to our body and adapting to our capacities. Laurent, is rigorous, observant, passionate, a bit crazy… ? He gives us all the keys to evolve.
For the last word : crash the nuts ?
A bit of background :
I gota bad case of covid in March 2021. It left me completely bedridden and weak for about 5 months introducing never before experienced conditions like
1. Neuropathy
2. Avascular Necrosis
3. Tennis elbow
4. Sharp lower back pain
5. Weight Gain
Some of thes emerged from high use of steroids administered while in hospital, and some due to weight gain resulting from post covid recovery.
I had been (badly) doing Kettlebells for 4 year with no proper form – just average results.
Enter, sigining up with Coach Jasbinder Singh Gulati.
a. Within the first 4 sessions, my overall posture had started improving.
b. Withing first 6-7 sessions (one and a half month), I had lost a bunch of weight.
c. Most importantly, I’ve gotten stronger over the course of last two months. Strength – not just in swinging, squatting with Kettlebells – but in other areas of life too.
I run once every 2 days, and my overall mobility is better.
Grip strength is better.
Back pain is as good as gone.
Tennis elbow is gone.
There is a certain structure that the body starts taking after serious kettlebell use – and it looks good with clothes on.
I haven’t been seriously focussing on my diet – eating pretty much everything (I eat bread on weekends) from eggs to some sugar, to some junk food and these results are despite my diet.
I intend to clean up my act – and sign up for atleast 2 more full courses with Jazzy G.
Best money I have invested in last 3 years or so.
If you can – totally go for it.
Jazzy G’s expertise and pedagogy is amazing. You learn concepts like Tension, correct form, correct frequency, intensity and these things go a long way in displaying great results.
1/8/22, Kettlebell 101.
It can be super awkward to attend a class where you know nothing about the subject matter and fully out of shape, but Coach Mike’s Professionalism removes that feeling immediately!! Coach Mike is full on humble and a subject matter expert!! Although I have much work to do, I left class super confident, based on his knowledge, presentation and energy to help his students thrive. Looking forward to Kettlebell 201 regardless of a four hour round-trip!! Thanks Mike!!
I had the pleasure to travel from Idaho to Modesto for kettlebell 101. I started doing simple and sinister programming about 2.5 months before and knew I could tune some things up. I learned wayyyy more than I imagined. Mike was super knowledgeable, has a great gym set up and loves Slayer. Once I get the simple standard I’ll be back for the next course. Highly recommended !!
For almost 4 months now, Joan has been coaching me to prepare the SFG1 certification. I really like his coaching and values : professionalism, rigor, precision and above all benevolence without complacency. He knows how to give me the weapons to progress technically every week towards excellence at its level.
I am very proud to be his pupil and his padawane, there is still a lot of work towards certification, nothing is gained, but the trip worth it!
I had the pleasure of working with Cynthia on how to do a Turkish GetUp (TGU).
To me, this is a complicated and difficult maneuver! I have lifted weights for over 30 years, but am not very flexible and did not understand the intricacies of the TGU.
Cynthia was very patient and knew exactly what I needed to change. She not only explains why something is done, but she actually demonstrated the movement herself.
If that’s not good enough, after our appointment, she took the time to videotape and then email me the movements she had shown during our session, along with a set of mobility exercises that she knew would help my flexibility!
Melinda is plain and simple the best coach ever! I came across Pavel and RKC via “Enter the Kettlebell” about 6 or 7 years ago and started with kettlebells for the first time, but didn’t really take to it at the time. About 18 months ago I wanted to get serious and simplify my training. I went back to Pavel and found StrongFirst and “Simple and Sinister” Knowing I needed a coach to really dial in my technique, my wife introduced me to Melinda. She is very detailed and nuanced with her training. I am a pain in the ass and love to challenge her and ask questions and she always has the answers and helps educate me. She gets to know me and what makes me tick and designs our coaching sessions around my personality and goals. She challenges me and cares about my KB practice being dialed in. She is passionate about KB practice, serious, fun and funny…she’s always making me laugh even while she’s kicking my butt! She is a great KB coach. In fact she’s so good “It’s hard for her to do it wrong.” Is she reads this she knows what I’m talking about and she’s laughing right now!
I’ve learned so much from Heidi and keep learning in every session. My strength and flexibility have improved dramatically as a result of working with her over the past couple of years — I feel healthier now than I did five years ago! She creates a relaxed, supportive environment while also providing helpful attention to form so that I get the most out of each training.
Ai is incredibly knowledgeable, professional and the best motivator. She is amazing. I have some limitations in training because of an issue with my right hand and she tailors my training so that I don’t injure myself. She has the best attitude and positive energy. She has also been training my 13 year old and she loves her! I highly recommend Ai, she is not just a trainer for physical fitness, but for a healthy lifestyle.
Today I had my first training session with Ai, and I was blown away by the depth of both her expertise and ability to connect with me! I was referred to her by my sports medicine doctor to work on muscle imbalances that we’re causing reoccurring pain and injuries. After a few minutes of working with her she had determined my troubled areas and had me doing mobility drills. By the end of the workout I was doing kettlebell swings with weight that I hadn’t been able to work with in years. I’m excited to see where my training with Ai will go! I highly recommend working with her if you are serious about results.
Ai has reshaped my body to levels I thought It was no longer possible in my 50’s! She also has strengthened both of my shoulders which were very weak from a past injury. Her infectious energy and joyfulness are a pleasure to be around. She trains my husband and I together, and we just love It. It is the best investment we can do on our health!
I am a senior and always thought I was in reasonably good health until I was stricken with cancer. I started working out with Logan 2 months after finishing Chemotherapy. I was very weak and had lost all confidence in myself and in my physical abilities. I am now in the best shape of my life -not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well.
Logan is an outstanding trainer. He has a wealth of knowledge coupled with compassion, understanding and an ability to develop training programs to work around any physical restrictions.
Logan’s passion for improving the lives of his clients comes through in everything he does. His enthusiasm for positive and continuous improvement is contagious.
I love my workouts with Logan and I look forward to many years of strength , health and mobility under his training and guidance.
If you have ever doubted the value of personal training I urge you to contact Logan. He will show you what you can achieve and just how much better you can feel every day.
Milan is the best personal trainer I have ever trained with in terms of any type of weight training. He increased my body mobility and strength where I didn’t think it would be possible. Highly recommended trainer!
Kevin has helped me a lot with form on Simple and Sinister, and I am now well on the way to achieving my goals. He is very generous with his time, and does a great job of breaking down and explaining the movements. He communicates very clearly, and his instruction helped me tremendously, especially in fine tuning my swings and get ups. I highly recommend training with Kevin, especially where it involves kettlebells.
Worked with Jennifer at an SFG certification, and was very impressed with her knowledge, skills, and professionalism. Very enthusiastic and positive coaching style, and I would highly recommend training with her!
Brett is extremely knowledgable in the world of all things strength and conditioning especially with functional training. He uses a very people-first approach to motivate and help individuals reach their goals, no matter how short term or long term they may be. He is also flexible and understanding and can easily adapt workouts on the fly if needed. I have learned tremendously from him and his work.
I have been to Johns’facility 3 times now and it never fails to deliver. He is a superb coach and communicator who keeps things simple. John has created a warm and welcoming environment at Access Fitness and I think all of his hardwork with Strongfirst and delivering workshops in Ireland has made it more accessible for me personally and others in the fitness industry. I will definitely be attending another workshop and would highly recommend these workshops to Coaches and Athletes of all backgrounds. It is what it says on the tin…..be Strongfirst. Thanks again John.
I had the pleasure of attending the Kettlebell 101 workshop led by John Kenny at his gym in Raheny. John knows just how best to demonstrate and explain kettlebell skills. Furthermore, with his keen observation, he identifies technique flaws and takes the time to carefully guide participants toward better techniques. You will leave John’s workshops saying, “that guy is a great instructor and he goes above and beyond to support his participants.”
Met Daren for the first time yesterday. I’m about 3 weeks into my kettlebell experience. Daren brought me through all the basics in a lot of detail and spent a lot of time on me. Awesome guy. Learned so much from him. I’ll be back for more.
I’m 31 about to be 32 and I had been not taking good care of my body for the last 8-10 years or so. I got back in the gym and with the Kettlebell instruction as well as the dietary adjustments given to me by Melinda I have been able to do some major transformations in my life physically and mentally. She really is an all around trainer constantly making sure I stay in balance, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I’ve been around the fitness industry my whole life and she is hands down the best trainer I’ve ever worked with or been around. Her mobility flow has changed my life on just the way my body feels not to mention the pain relief in my back as well as my shoulders from football. If you want to get ripped, woke muscles you didn’t know you had, and have a kick a$$ time doing it work with Melinda…. If you can keep up.
I have an SFGI certification, and recently went to train with Sven focusing on the skills for the SFG II. He is a true student of strength, and a great coach as well. He helped me dial in my techniques quickly, and then helped me devise a training plan based around certain special needs that I have. Being part of the StrongFirst community, with all the experience and knowledge that is shared and passed on from person to person is a gift that I treasure.
Marius is the most caring human being I have worked with. He will always put you first, and will help you transform your health and wellness towards whatever your goals are. I had pain in my wrist and shoulder from sports injuries that were more than 15 years old and despite seeing a bunch of different doctors nobody has been able to help me until Marius. Whatever your goals, give him a try.
Amazing instructor, during training under Slobodan, i felt very strong, stabile and healthy. My grip and general strenght increased, and his training methods were efficient and innovative.
Unfortunately I lost opportunity to drive and visit his training center.
Best trainer I had, hope to return one day.
Amazing instructor, during training under Slobodan, i felt very strong, stabile and healthy. My grip strenght increased and his training methods were efficient and innovative.
Unfortunately I lost opportunity to drive and visit his training center.
Best trainer I had, hope to return one day.
I had a one to one with John to learn the fundamentals of the kettlebell swing. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and patient. I would definitely recommend him and look forward to attending one of his workshops in the future.
Hello ?? I am Evelyn and I live in Mexico ?? in the state of Quintana Roo, I met Pierre through social networks and I had the opportunity and luck to contact him, I see and admire his professional work, his students with a high level in performance with impeccable technique; The plan that he designed so that I could improve my technique helped me a lot, I have advanced and I am getting stronger ?? thanks Pierre, you are great !!!
Błażej is the best StrongFirst Instructor in Poland! He is a great friend and
is an excellent teacher with a lot of knowledge and experience. If you want to be strong, if you want to be healthy and fit at any age – Błażej will show you how to do it.
Best coach I’ve ever trained with! Completely invested in her students reaching beyond their goals in every way. Leads by example. Loves what she does!
I’m 54, male, and I have been working a corporate desk job for 31 years. Needless to say, years of desk work takes a toll on your body. My overall strength had declined and my lower back and knee pain was getting worse. After training with her for only 1 month, I no longer had pain and my strength was significantly better. I am now 7 months into my training and I feel great! She has been a miracle worker!
She is extremely focused on understanding my physical capabilities and has designed a total body kettlebell training program designed for my unique needs. Training with her is fun, challenging and I look forward to each session.
She is very encouraging and positive and has become a good friend. My knee pain and back pain is gone and my total body strength has greatly improved. Her training has helped me become mindful of my physical strength as well as my diet.
I’m a 58 yr old female who has been training in kettlebells for almost two years. When I first started, my squats/hinges were non-existent, I had weak wrists and ankles, and was, obviously, very out of shape. After training with Melinda, I have incredible power in my squats/hinges, and my wrists and ankles are no longer weak. The best part is that I am able to press a 12kg kettlebell, I can do loaded getups, I’ve thrown up to 400 swings in a session, and so much more! I’ve worked really hard and have had tons of fun, all while Melinda guided me on correct form, offered a large variety of training tools, and pushed me to do things I didn’t know I could do. Melinda is inspirational, extremely knowledgeable, and a great cheerleader. I sing her praises to anyone who will listen to me because she knows her stuff!
I’ve been training with Kerry for about 3 years now. In that time, she’s helped me tremendously gain strength and mobility and accomplish some incredible physical goals along the way all while feeling better than I ever have. This is because she’s not just knowledgeable about programming a workout, but she’s a student of the body and how to help it function properly and optimally. By combining her continual reassessments of my movements and any discomfort I have going on (which is lots because I beat my body up plenty over the years), she provides me with specific movement prep and corrective exercises in my programming, which set my body up for success. As a result of this, I’ve had lingering 20+ year injuries dramatically improve and I’ve had some incredible PR’s.
Additionally, Kerry was fantastic working with me throughout my pregnancy. She worked closely with me and adjusted my programming accordingly to keep me moving well and safely all the way through!
Logan is a man with a true passion for his career and the progress of his clients. Being an out of shape 33 year old beer league hockey player was not enough for me and I needed a change. After our first session I was hooked and developed a thirst for more kettlebell knowledge. We developed a game plan and put it to work. Now after only 8 months of training with Logan I’ve made some amazing progress in my strength and mobility. I am only able to see him 1-2 times a month so he makes every minute count. I have a blast every time we train and always come out with new tools and skills to develop. I’m looking forward to many more sessions to come!
I’ve been working with Marc for 2 years now, and I can’t believe how much stronger I’ve gotten. Marc helped me discover a new passion for strength training —I started with less than zero knowledge (couldn’t even do a simple squat!) and now I’m completely addicted. Marc is incredibly knowledgeable, always stays on top of his craft, and is creative enough to come up with multiple ways to tackle anything I’m struggling with. He is encouraging, supportive, and you can tell he truly cares about your progress. I recommend him wholeheartedly, you couldn’t ask for a better trainer.
I met Pavel a few years ago, and have had the oportunity to learn from him, assist him and hear him speak on multiple occasions since then ; I can assure you, he is a leader you will want to follow. His perfect technique, his tremendous knowledge about training and physical preparation, not to mention his impressive strength make him a great source of inspiration for me. His vision and approach of lifestyle is also outstanding, I would advise you to discuss it with him ; it was a game changer for me. Trully an amazing man and friend.
I have had the opportunity to learn from Fabio on several occasions : I met him during my first certification in Italy, and he has been leading me all along my progression among StrongFirst, as he was hosting and coaching all my certifications (SFG1, SFG2, SFL & SFB). He is an amazing teacher, leader, coach, athlete and human being and has not stopped inspiring me since then.
He was always there to help us develop StrongFirst in France, mentoring, advising, and even coming whenever needed. He keeps being present every time I need, helping me grow my new gym without any hesitation. A fantastic athlete, coach, mentor and friend, turned towards others and helping them any way he can.
Pierre is a great instructor with a sharp eye for detail and subtle technique points that he will explain in a simple and clear manner. His original cues will make your technique instantly better. I was lucky to have had Pierre as the leader of the group at my SFG2 certification.
Pedro is a great instructor who pays too much attention to the details and insures proper form and movement. I learned a lot from him and thanks to him I feel safer and more confident in my kettlebell training.
I met Pierre at my recent SFG 2 certification. Man, he is what I want to be when I grow up. He learned me all the SFG 2 skills, reviewd the level 1 skills, talked about lasagna (layering skills upon skills), did a zumba routine and had a mental trip to the beach with a kettlebell.
Fun aside, his cue’s are easy to understand and applicable, he definetly knows what he’s talking about, he walks the walk, talks the talk and is very humble.
Hi, i would like to recommend Ray, he’s been training my mother for over 2 years now and i can’t believe how my mom’s life has changed in a very positive way, my mom suffered low back pain which was limiting her with her daily activities, she was in home all day due to the bad pain she had. When we started with Ray we thought he was just one “specialist” more and that will not get the results we were expecting as he told us since the beginning it was going to be a journey, and to our surprise, my started feeling better within a few weeks. My mom now is able to move, walk, go out, and do her life as she wasn’t able to do the past few years. Ray is not just another trainer, he has experience doing other stuff like massages and therapies that in combination with the physical training have shown to have excellent results. I strongly recommend him.
Ian is a great trainer and though I was initially hesitant, he soon made me comfortable and feel confident about picking up 26lb kettlebells. Within the first month I felt stronger and my body felt more firm. I had lost 12lbs (exercise combined with diet) and my breathing had become better. Not only did Ian help me get fit and lose weight but I worked muscles I never knew I had! He is both flexible and has a no nonsense attitude. He is there for you as long as you are dedicated but he will never quit on you. Ian will push you farther than you think you can go, while keeping you safe from harm. Not only is he the best trainer, he also encourages, motivates and leads by example to help us (me!) achieve the best “you” you can become.
An absolute god send. Marius has transformed how I think about fitness and health. Marius has an expert level understanding of the body systems about the relationships between the parts.
I come from a military background and drank the CrossFit kool-aide pretty hard for about 10 years before the wheels started to fall off around the time I turned 30. After working with Marius, I move better and with less pain than I have since high school. And I’m just as strong, if not stronger, than when I was in the Army.
Marius excels in peeling back the onion. He identifies root causes of pain and movement dysfunction. After treating the issues and building proper movement patterns, he trains the body to work as a whole, fully connected. The results are simply amazing and I am incredibly grateful to Marius’s dedication to the profession, lifelong learning, and his willingness to share his knowledge with others.
I’ve been training with Anne for over 3 years and her coaching has made me stronger and healthier than I’ve ever been. She focuses on each individual person, even if in a class setting. And everyone at Stout inspires to push further. I’m so grateful to Anne and the Stout community!
I would like to describe Rahul as someone who is very clean with his approach. Be it coaching or nutrition he has a very profound knowledge of how things work and the way he implements it with his clients was something very great to learn from him.
I had an opportunity to work under him and i learnt as much as i can about coaching which helped me to understand the principles and set the base which i abide by till date.
If you want to be professionally guided by someone who is abundant knowledge in what he does, i would highly recommend Rahul and ‘The Formula’
If you want a good instructor to achieve your goals, it the coach you need. He will guide you to you travel of strenght with his knoledge and profetionnalism.
He prepare me to become a beast tammer, he plan my training and help me to stay focus on the road.
A very good technician who see all the think to improve your lift and share whith you his knoledge.
he will help you to be a better athlete and a better coach.
WOW! If you are lucky enough to train with Christian workouts will never be the same! His unique knowledge base will keep your workouts interesting. His commitment to your success will get the results you seek. But what is most important is his incredible spirit and genuine positive energy will keep you coming back!
Can’t wait to train here again!
I’m his instructor and he is mine… The bastard is gallant, tall,handsom ,STRONG AS HORSE ,chicks going craze about him, and his training methods are Perfect.
Always has resonable questions about technic that we are learning.
And classes with Piotrek are Great, each technique follows one another!
Piotr is extremaly patient as a coach and very warm as a person. At the same time he is most strict and heavily focused on details.
Thanks to his interest with all kinds of martial arts and fitness in general, he acquired great degree of skill and an understanding of body mechanics. Combining all the knowledge has given him enormous advantage as a kettlebell coach.
I have been training with Ella once a week for the past 6 months on a 1 to 1 basis. I am 54 yrs old and had no previous experience with weights. I kept myself fit with long walks, gardening and yoga. Repeat injuries, menopausal aching joints and a general lack of strength made me feel I needed to do strength training so I sought Ella’s help. I can honestly say that I have never felt better. Ella is an amazing teacher – very dedicated to her work, highly professional & incredibly knowledgable. She works me hard but thanks to her rigorous insistence on correct posture I have had no injuries and leave my sessions with endorphins buzzing and a smile on my face. Highly recommend.
Highly competent, very kind and professional. He trained me for years, and I see huge difference in my performance not only in self defense, but also in workouts and overall condition. The best trainer I have ever had pleasure to work with, I could recommend him to everybody 😉
Smart, Sensible, Frank are many words that could suffice Rahul. He’s been one of my best mentors till date in terms of not just my career but also my fitness and health. I’ve been working with him for my mobility and strengthening over the past few years and the ques, the tweaking he does pertaining to my ability, has always made sure that i feel into × 100 times better and stronger, pain free & more than that, confident. He’s someone who has inspired me in many facets, and if you are looking for that someone in your life, it definitely is Rahul you need to approach.
The greatest lesson Rahul taught me is that everything is in one’s own hands and you are your own biggest obstacle. We tend to blame everything and anything (eg. Work stress, no time, need a drink) which hinders our fat loss / well being program without realizing that with just minor tweaks to our mindest, we can achieve our goals.
There are many trainers and nutritionists who can guide you but Rahul has the unique way of changing your thinking which will ultimately in the long run benefit you immensely. His motto of consistency >intensity is simple but powerful and is often lost on us trying to achieve our goals overnight.
All I can say is that he is revolutionizing fitness in Chennai and he walks the talk. Kudos Rahul!
I have had the opportunity to work under Rahul for two years and it was the most educational experience of my life in terms of everything related to fitness and nutrition.
I have learnt a great deal while training with him, like the importance of form, mind muscle connection, techniques, rest & recovery.
It helped me build my overall strength and I always found his commitment to his craft so inspiring.
If you are looking to train the right way, perfectly geared work outs to your needs, accountability and support, I highly recommend Rahul.
Rahul is excellent at what he does. He is a fount of knowledge with regard to training and nutrition. I am constantly dumbfounded at how much he knows, and how well he knows his subject. I’m sure everyone that has worked with him will vouch for his attention to detail, his no-nonsense approach, and his exceptional work ethic.
Looking back on how much I’ve accomplished under Rahul’s coaching and guidance in just 3 months has given me a good idea of what I could accomplish in the coming year and years to come. He has taken all my “I can’t’s” and tossed them out the window by providing me with the knowledge and tools I needed to achieve my goals… goals that he understood better than I did myself.
I started out as someone who had never entered a gym, never lifted a dumbbell and never believed I would have the confidence to do so. But Rahul believed I was capable of a lot more. He started with simple cues and slowly over time, worked at perfecting my form and technique for maximum efficiency and minimum injury. He customised my program to fit my schedule and kept it very simple and straightforward. I’ve progressed from struggling to barely hinge or squat, to confidently loading plates on a barbell on my own and lifting heavier than I ever believed I could! The entire coaching experience has been so interesting and exciting.
Rahul, you have inspired and challenged me everyday to be better. I cannot thank you enough. My coach, my mentor, my Yoda, my friend.
Excellent coach.
Leads his students to performance thanks to his skills set, rigor, precision, ambition, and altruism.
I have been lucky enough to work with Loïs for more than 12 years. He shared with me his jiu-jitsu passion and the StrongFirst universe.
Today at 62 years old, I am Strong First Elite thanks to him. He saw my potential and made me believe in it too, despite my doubts.
I continue to work daily with Loïs to further progress in my physical and mental strength.
We look to better understand the possible causes of technical defaults in mouvements, look for and find the appropriate corrections and adapt it to each individual knowing they all have their own limitations.
And thus, become a better instructor.
Thank you my friend Loïs
When I approached Rahul to coach me, I only went with the intent to get stronger. Little did I know that there is more to the equation of living a healthy and a strong life. He corrected my ill-informed opinions that I took from the internet and setup a 4 month progression from basics that has set a solid foundation for the rest of my life. I practice whatever he has taught me even today and has helped me pack on a lot of muscle even amid covid lockdowns.
Nutrition is his forte and I am glad I got to learn from one of the best. By the end of it, you would have learned to live a flexible and social life whilst still being able to make progress in your lifts and health.
Pro tip: If you follow what he has got to say, he will go above and beyond to guide you. Been there.
When I tried to register for weight training at the Formula, I was asked to wait to speak to Rahul Gopal first before joining the gym and paying for it. I met him the next day where he explained exactly what the training session would entail, tested my flexibility and ended the meeting saying, “I can explain and show you the science, but you have to do the work. No bullshitting to me or yourself”. And he stayed true to his word. If you listen to him, you will understand exactly why you do the exercise you do, why repetition of that exercise is necessary, how not to hurt yourself while doing it, and he’ll do his own exercises right alongside you despite any injury he has, thereby motivating and inspiring you to push further and do better. I wholeheartedly recommend Rahul and ‘the formula’ for all your training needs in the present and all the fitness motivation and maintenance you require for the future
‘ I will teach you to be self sufficient’ is Rahul’s motto.
I was someone who believed that cardio and eating salads was the only way to stay for years. During lockdown in 2020 with no way to go out, something sparked in me to change this. I started training with someone who was a great help in setting me on course, but wasn’t a consistent development that one would hope for.
This is when I reached out to Rahul to help me with my training. He changed my mindset with setting the idea straight of training in a way that works for your body and not defined by generic parameters. Rahul said, ‘The goal is to be strong when you are old’ – this stuck with me.
Rahul set a program that moved from dumbbells to barbell.This program has not changed since I started training with him in May 2021, the only variable here has been progressive increase in load and calorie intake as well as regular check-ins and accountability. In my remote training journey so far, I have learnt more than just understanding nutrition, proper technique and form of training – it’s about having the right attitude towards both. This is the strongest I’ve been, and can’t wait to get stronger. I have only you to thank, Rahul. Here’s to more gains.
My goals were simple: I wanted to be able to play sports recreationally and bend down to pick up stuff without worrying about breaking something when I was 50. I was looking for a sustainable way to lose some weight, correct my overindulgent diet and attain a reasonable level of fitness. Rahul’s no-nonsense approach to nutrition and training was exactly what I needed when I signed up with The Formula to achieve these goals. No fad diets, no unproven training methods – it was all about the fundamentals.
I wasn’t looking to achieve any of my goals overnight. The simplicity of Rahul’s program gave me enough confidence that I would be able to sustain this healthier way of living long term. I found some internal drive to train regularly (mostly because I didn’t have to worry about overcomplicating something as basic as diet and exercise), while personal coaching from Rahul saw my form in training improve. He was able to identify my mechanical deficiencies, rectify problems, and recommended workouts which greatly improved my mobility. I felt the best I had in over a decade and I can’t endorse his methods enough.
Lois is an exceptional quality coach with a very precise and professional outlook who takes his work very seriously.
He accompanied me for my snatch test and for my SFL and played a most important role in my success.
It is for all these qualities that today I continue to ask him to prepare my sfg2.
Humanly and professionally Lois is a remarkable man, and I won’t change a coach for anything.
Rahul is one of the finest coaches I’ve ever met. Meticulous, detail oriented and dedicated, he continues to be an inspiration. He has a no-nonsense approach that I’ve always found rather endearing! His customized workouts helped me get over shoulder issues, knee pains and elbow tendinitis without ever having the need to visit a doctor.
While training with him for over a year, I learnt to listen to my body, lose fat, gain muscle and went on to become my fittest self at the age of 50! In time, I have understood the nuances of what comprises a healthy meal and how combining strength training with good nutrition is the best way to live healthy.
I am 70 and wanted to use kettlebells to maintain strength and mobility so I can continue to play golf, cycle and hike the rest of my life. I knew kettlebells require specific techniques so you don’t cause injuries so I looked for a certified coach. I chose Don because he lives very close to my winter home.
I encourage you to take up KB workouts and to choose Don for your KB learning. He has far more knowledge than KBs and you will learn more that you expected. A true and genuine gentleman that will make the time to know you and what you want to accomplish. I feel exceptionally lucky that I happened to choose Don and I know you will too.
Even though I’m an SFG1 you never stop learning. I attended one of Claire’s workshops and as always there was some refinement that could improve the way I swing a kettlebell, which always has a carryover to when I’m teaching. Learning to deadlift was my main focus and I’m looking forward to adding this exercise to my routine down the line. Thanks Claire
Had an opportunity to Coach with Jenny at a recent cert. She has great knowledge of kettlebells and expresses that knowledge in a calm, clear manner. Great Coach.
I took my first kettlebell class with Christian last week and I loved it. He broke down the fundamentals and prioritized learning the movements to prevent injury.
I look forward to learning more.
Every time I get to train with Christian is a true highlight of my day. He will meet you where you are, hammer the fundamentals, and help you get stronger and more flexible using the proper techniques. Not to mention a great guy to be around!
I’ve been training with Christian for some time now and he has been great. Detail oriented and super positive guy.
From the beginning he has stressed fundamentals above all else; not getting to the next step until the first move is done well enough. I appreciate the level of detail since I will need to lean on the fundamentals when going up in weight and also just happy to be training in a way where I will not be getting injured.
Would recommend him to anyone looking to get into this style training!
I started Simple & Sinister in May of 2020. It didn’t take long to realize I needed some one-on-one instruction on how to perform the exercises correctly. In June of 2020 I had a private lesson with Dr. Hartle. I learned more in that hour than I did watching endless Youtube videos and blog posts. In August of 2020 I started seeing Dr. Hartle weekly for training and instruction. In September of 2021, I certified as an SFG I Instructor thanks to Dr. Hartle’s training, programing, and instruction.
Dr. Hartle’s training style is straight, personable and to the point. His programming is designed for the individual student and their needs. He has an eye for detail, safety, and remaining injury free. Whether you are looking at taking one of his courses and training, you would be hard pressed to do better! Highly recommended!
Since a couple of years I trust Andre with my training and after an bad crash I made my rehab with him. The concept of kettlebell training as a complete body workout brings a lot of benefits in my sport track cycling because I need a lot of core strength.
Furthermore Andre has a lot of knowledge to connect different approaches to solve acute problems like knee pain or feeling stiff.
Louka is a fantastic instructor. He teaches you a lot of the little things along with the basics. And he wants to see you succeed and progress. He is very knowledgeable, he is straight forwarding with you as a student. His goal is your goal.
If you’re looking for the consummate professional, Louka lives the Strongfirst principles and inspires greatness in his students. Aside from technique, drills and skills, it is his master approach in creating passionate and proficient students for life that sets him apart. Anyone can hand you a kettlebell, not everyone can make you a better version of yourself. But Louka can. He is patient, encouragement and the ideal amount of expectation. Not only will time with him make you ridiculously strong and conditioned, but it will make you a fantastic handstyle girevik.
I had joined Louka’s gym in 2017 and unfortunately I had to leave it after 6 months due to some health issues. I can tell you that the time he put in teaching and training was amazing and I was able to make significant improvements in my health and overall development. I wish Louka best of everything in his endeavors
Louka is one of a kind, not only is he extremely knowledgeable in hard style kettlebell but he understands human physiology. I have pretty severe rheumatoid arthritis and have had several surgeries. I used to train hard when I was younger and was trying to find my way back to training, I asked Louka if he thought it would be possible for me to train st the Kettlebell club. He not only said yes but helped me all along the way. I am feeling decently strong again and hope to go back to the classes soon. I not only built some muscle but became more flexible and feel better: Thanks Louka❤️
Louka was/is one of a kind. I needed a boost to get me moving in the right direction and finding Kettlebell Club under his supervision was what the doctor ordered so to speak.
Stronger, feeling better, adjusting workouts to account for injuries so I could still get full effects of the workouts were amazing. He even sent me home after my time at the gym was up with at home workouts which benefited me greatly.
Grateful and indebted to Louka for his excellence and care for his clients!!
Oliver is an instructor with heart and knowledge. If you want to increase your performance without compromise, you should contact him. He is a top performer and also a reliable partner and a loyal companion. I trust him.
One of the most knowledgeable if not the most knowledgeable trainier I have ever met.
André looks for individual solutions for his clients.
In just 2 hours of training under his supervision I made progresses in technique, programming and even strength which I thought would take a year to get.
Of you are interested in strength training, especially in Kettlebells, check out André and let him open your eyes to a whole new world of possibilities!
Louka is not only an absolute professional in his approach as a coach but also very knowledgeable, empathetic, smart and humble. We have learned the ins and outs of the StrongFirst philosophy, as well as the most pivotal kettlebell exercises that can be learned in Hardstyle. I‘m grateful and proud to not only call Louka a great teacher but also a good friend. ?
I was fortunate enough to attend two of Loukas workshops at the kettlebell club (kettlebell 201 and 301)
Louka is an instructor full of knowledge; a master of strength, and a fantastic teacher. His lessons are clear and straightforward. If you’re looking for someone to help you with your goals, regardless of where you are at in your fitness journey, you do not have to look any further.
André is an amazing trainer. He always helped me to get in shape after injuries and afterwards I was stronger than before. I just can recommend to try a training with him and you will all know what I mean. You will stronger and happier than before!
Ian and I started on a three-month program just 7 weeks ago. Having lived a fairly active lifestyle, I can say that I haven’t ever had tangible, exciting results like these before. Ian spent time to built rapport with me and to understand what I wanted. From there, we set high but achievable goals, and started down the path.
Ian’s whole training style and philosophy is encouraging and approachable. He’s not pushy or in-your-face at all; the weekly practice routine he writes for me is precise, straightforward and fun (the “fun” part really kicked in after 2 or 3 short weeks when results started to appear). He doesn’t want to run me into the ground; he wants me to feel recharged and conditioned with my kettlebell training. “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing every day,” he says. He also says (more often), “listen to your body.”
Ian’s instruction is more than just what you’re doing with the kettlebell in hand, he stresses the importance of diet and recovery. If it wasn’t for a few simple but meaningful tips about how and what I eat and when to push myself or not, I would not be seeing any of the gains I see today. Again, just 7 weeks in.
4 weeks ago I barely got a 24kg kettlebell over my head in a strict military press. Just now, cold, I did a set of 3 reps per side. Not part of a session, literally walking through the living room and felt like doing it. The bottom line is, Ian’s whole approach is about sustainability of a healthy, strong lifestyle.
Recently I had the privilege of attending the Kettlebell 201 & Barbell 101 workshops with Claire.
It was great to get an experienced coach to have a look over all the form and correct a few issues that had crept in over they years.
Additionally Claires use of various teaching points were highly applicable to every ability level, I’ highly recommend attending the workshops/courses she hosts.
More than a coach, Thomas is a mentor and a friend to me. He passed on to me his passion for strength training and physical preparation.
He gave me the desire to develop as a coach and to orient myself towards training methods that are more respectful of the human body and its functioning.
I have the chance to continue to evolve with him at La Kave (Paris 15th) and can only recommend him to you.
Augusto was my personal trainer/coach during his time in Orlando. His scientific approach to fitness & conditioning was extremely effective. He would design trainings that fit my fighting style and body type. Under his tutoring, I saw huge improvement in overall strength, flexibility, and muscle movement. I would highly recommend him for beginning training or if you are an amateur/professional fighter.
I worked alongside Ally at a recent SFG I certification. Her positive and knowledgeable coaching helped to foster a fantastic learning environment for all in attendance! A fantastic instructor!
Back pain really gone AND getting significantly stronger. Been working on all aspects of health during those covid times. We did a guided Simple (from S&S) and it really works. 3 month program. People are noticing changes now.
Much appreciation & much respect for the help throughout.
To anyone out there with discipline and interest, do yourself a favor and give her a call.
Dr. Hartle is an excellent teacher. He was just at the SFG 1 certification in Tampa, Fl. He was leading the event and helped correct my form on several lifts. He helped with the tension techniques and told us to go for a PR. I attempted double 40kg clean and press and nailed it. I left the certification excited about the new depth of knowledge I acquired from him.
Had the opportunity to Coach with Kim at a Cert. She has strong knowledge of kettlebell movements and expresses that in a clear concise manner. Very strong instructor
Had an opportunity to Coach with Rachel at a Certification. Her kettlebell knowledge is excellent and she has a very patient coaching style. Very strong instructor
Had an opportunity to Coach with Ally at a Cert. She was very organized and expressed her kettlebell knowledge in a clear and concise manner. Very strong instructor
I’ve worked alongside Lawrence as an assistant at user courses and certifications, and he brightens whatever gym that he walks into with his pleasant demeanor and positive attitude.
All of the attendees benefitted greatly from his coaching, and he set a fine example for his fellow coaches.
I first met Dr. Hartle during my SFL certification. His blend of deep knowledge and expertise, combined with huge doses of hard work and humor, make for the perfect learning environment.
I’ve also assisted under him, and would not hesitate to do so again. Any instructor wishing to help out at a certification would do well to be a part of his team.
He has drills and solutions for any issue that you might run into as a StrongFirst student and/or instructor, be it technical, programming, etc.
Whether you’re a student or instructor, you’ll walk away from his courses with a full brain and a full heart!
I worked alongside Rachel as an assistant at a recent SFG I certification. Her knowledge and experience, combined with a bright and positive attitude, enhanced the experience of both students and teachers, and created the ideal environment for learning and improvement!
I had the pleasure of working alongside Rhuben at an SFG I certification. The example that he set for both the students and his fellow assistants is what any coach and instructor should look to model themselves after!
I was an assistant on Tim’s team at a recent SFG I certification, and his passion, attention to detail, and genuine desire to help those working under him grow as coaches was apparent from the start.
If you’re attending an SFG weekend and have him as your team leader, you’ve hit the jackpot!
If you’re an assistant selected to his team, you will walk away from the weekend a better coach and person!
Tim is an excellent and invaluable asset in my training. He has a keen eye for detail. I started training with Tim earlier this year. I asked him to help me prepare for the strongfirst instructors certification. With his help, I passed and became a certified Strongfirst Instructor!
I have known Thomas for several years and have had the opportunity to meet him and work with him in different situations and with different roles. I saw Thomas fill the role of student and teacher, and I was able to appreciate his great professional and human skills in both situations. As a student he has always been attentive, interested and diligent, always ready to support his fellow students. As a teacher he has shown his preparation and attention to detail, as well as his great passion for teaching and his interest in the needs of the students and the whole team. His humanity, friendliness, availability, his sense of humor, together with his high-level technical skills and his professionalism, make him an example to follow for all those who work in our industry. If I were in France, and I needed a gym to train and a very good instructor, I would go to Thomas without hesitation.
Valérie is an entrepreneur at heart: the passion, the dedication, and the energy she puts in everything she does is truly inspirational. Applied to Strongfirst, this gives an amazing athlete, training budy, coach and gym owner who will always motivate you to set bigger goals and achieve things you never thought were at your reach. But don’t be fooled by the discipline she puts in her training, she is also one of the most joyful person you will come across, never short of a good joke and endless laugher!
I met Coach Augusto at UFC Gym in Orlando. I am grateful to have encountered him. Augusto’s extensive knowledge in building muscle and strength has enabled me to become more shapely, stronger physically and mentally, and I have noticed that my posture has improved. Augusto uses his creativity to design kick-ass workouts that are challenging, yet fun. I would not hesitate to recommend Augusto and I’m once again grateful for all the insights gained during my time with him.
Michael has been phenomenal to train with for the past 9 months and pushes me to both do better, do more, and be stronger. His description is spot on in that he consistently helps with minor flaws in techniques and keeps workouts safe, fun, and wildly productive.
May, the force was with us.
I met Pavel Macek in Paris for the SFG1 and FlexibleSteel level 1 certifications. It was a great moment full of inspirations. I can’t wait to see him again. Maybe for the Resilient course in Paris again.
My “intro to kettlebell” session with Joan gave me a strong base to begin seriously my kettlebell journey. Joan was both pedagogic, motivating and fun, making for a good day of work and sweat!
Français:
Ma séance de découverte du travail avec kettlebell avec Joan m’a donné de bonnes bases pour commencer à m’entrainer en autonomie. Joan a été pédagogue et motivant, pour une bonne journée de travail et de sueur!
Augusto is a great coach. He is able to push you past your previous limitations without you even realizing it. He has the ability to make the easiest exercises difficult (which is a good thing), while making the most complex ones seem like the easiest things you could have done. Augusto is funny, easy to talk to and down to earth; he’s not offended easily, even when being the butt of numerous jokes.
Valérie knows how to combine high requirement with adaptation to everyone. A practice with Valérie is always the opportunity to combine relaxation and rigor. She will succeed to lead you on the path of the strenght.
I had the honor to work with Valérie on multiple occasions. A great student with picture-perfect technique, and a great coach: patient, paying attention to detail, always there for you, always smiling, always helpful. Learn from Valérie, move better, get stronger, and have fun!
Thomas is a top-level professional, coach of the Olympians: smart, strong, with a great sense of humour, overall great guy. We have taught on many certifications together, and I took a lot of notes from our talks and discussions. I can sincerely recommend his gym to anybody who wants to move better, get stronger – doesn’t matter how old you are, or how (in)experienced you are, Thomas and his crew will help you to accomplish your goals.
Tom is a great coach, always trying to lift his students up and help them achieve their goals. In addition to that he is very easy to talk to, and has a great sense of humor. I would advise anyone interested in Strongfirst to train with him !
Thomas is an exceptional coach and athlete. He has helped me gain muscle and become much stronger than I ever was, and I haven’t stopped making progress ever since I began training with him. I recommend him to anyone interested in developing strength’ skills.
Thomas has been coaching me for two years now, and he has helped me reach all my sports’ goals ever since I have met him. He is an incredible coach, able to get the best out of athletes, while making sure to prevent any injury. His approach of physical training, his pedagogy and his tremendous knowledge of Strongfirst and strength training make him the best trainer you could ever dream of.
Cristiano is undoubtedly the best trainer I have ever seen. He knows perfectly the muscles and the body movements, and how to achieve your training goals with a wide range of excersises that keep the practice fun. Also, he really cares for his trainees, guiding them through the exercises for a correct body position, avoiding any damage and prevailing the excellence in the movement execution. He will push you to increase your strength and physical abilities, but considering your individual limits and weak points, with a customised attention. In summary, he is a top notch professiona. Do not hesitate to trust him your training, you would love it.
Through just a few sessions with Aaron my confidence with the kettlebell has progressed far more than I had hoped – it’s been a really valuable experience. Aaron is an easy person to work and is clearly an expert with the kettlebell – the sessions were really good fun. He was also generous with providing feedback and advice outside the sessions which helped keep me on track with progress. Looking forward to hopefully working with him again in the future!
I didn’t hire a KB coach to motivate, inspire or break me. I hire a coach to mentor the nuances of effortless form, hand insertion, hip timing and fluidity. I was seeking a coach with a firm foundation and background in KB’s as a primary coaching philosophy (knowledge), methodology (the way) and personal practice (uses KB’s) for their own method of general physical readiness.
We agreed to a trainer/client understanding and decided to work together. We hired each other (remember it’s a partnership and each can say no at any time) after a 2 mile walk and talk. I’ve been training with SFG KB Coach Nicole for 3 months and our focus is on essential basic form building, skill technique transfer, physical movement preparedness and foundations for the next ballistic or grind exercise pattern.
I highly recommend and appreciate SFG Coach Nicole for coaching with professional passion, keen awareness of the ongoing movement and not the weight of the bell. Coach Nicole, has an eye for movement mastery and is always on the lookout for improving your KB experience.
Always looking forward to the next session and skill.
Logan is a fantastic personal trainer in Edmonton. I am 55 dealing with knee and shoulder injuries that were exacerbated with group lessons with people of different ages and capabilities. Logan is helping me immensely…slow, steady and safely!
Logan’s focus is functional movement and strength to move safely which is so important as we age. He starts with basic kettlebell technique to make sure you are doing the movements correctly to get the most of this equipment and to prevent injury. He will work with you to create programs to slowly strengthen your areas of concern and overall strength of coarse. If there’s an exercise that causes you some grief, its stopped. There are always alternatives. He has great judgement of pushing you that little extra even though you may have some reservations with that idea.
Kettlebells are obviously his specialty but he also incorporates body weight exercises, TRX, resistance toner bands, rower, barbells, dumbbells, and more.
As for Logan, his personality shines…enthusiastic, extremely personable, funny, positive, great listener. Logan LOVES his job and is determined to help you with your goals. You will not regret working with him if you get the opportunity.
It was thanks to Pedro that I discovered the world of kettlebell training, and StrongFirst itself. I began training under his guidance in around december 2020, and I could not have asked for a better instructor nor a better introduction. It goes without saying that, as with most who enter into this world, I achieved in a remarkably small time period that doesn’t even reach to a full year, far greater results than I’d had with years and years of work in other methods of training. Results in terms of strength that I never had before, of health and well-being, of aches and pains that have entirely disappeared, of a sense of true progression and advancement in a physical activity, even aesthetically.
It’s only thanks to Pedro’s skills as an instructor, however, that I’ve had this journey so far.
Pedro displays not just talent and an almost uncanny ability to innately understand the concepts and techniques of kettlebell training and StrongFirst’s style, but, more than that, a genuine enthusiasm and passion for it, as well as an eye for detail in technique and form and abundant patience when it comes to turning said knowledge into instruction. Pedro teaches in such a way that one can feel confident not just that they’re both learning properly and applying the techniques correctly, but also that they’re seamlessly carrying things over in a constant and confident progression from exercise to exercise, from the first simple hikes and two-handed swings, to the more advanced snatches and turkish get-ups.
Another important point is that our classes are done entirely remotely, as I’m a student from Brazil and Pedro is an instructor in Canada, which goes to show that the qualities I’ve outlined in this review are not in the slightest diminished by distance and remote training over a computer screen.
I certainly can’t recommend Pedro enough as an instructor.
I learned with Pedro twice as much as I would ever learn with any regular gym coach. His kettlebell training helped me not only to get the strength I need but also the confidence to challenge myself. Pedro is very passionate and resourceful about the kettlebell technics and he always applies a positive attitude when he teaches any new exercise.
Pedro is an excellent instructor. I have been training under his guidance for 3 months now, and my progress still amazes me. Pedro started focusing on my form for the first few weeks. Later we moved on to weight progression, and then it became clear why he wanted me to nail those first steps. I’m much stronger now, and noticed that even my posture has changed. Definitely recommend him as an instructor.
I had a few trainers in my life but Claire is by far the best. She’s in such good shape that just looking at her I often think “how is this even possible?”. Nevertheless sessions with her are fun, very well tailored to me and the progressions are right on the money: not too hard, not to easy. Looking back just on the last few months of training I made huge progress. For example I wasn’t able to do a single pull-up, and now I can crank out 5 super strict ones like it’s nothing. And yes, I absolutely would recommend her as a coach.
I am so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Owen numerous times over the last few years. I originally met Owen at his facility AMPFit during my first attempt at acquiring my SFG-1 certification back in 2016. I found his skill level, professionalism, and supportive nature to be of the highest caliber. Though my first attempt was unsuccessful, his coaching, support and encouragement strongly motivated me to continue the course which I can proudly say was essential toward not only achieving the SFG-1 but also my SFG-2. More recently, I received coaching from Owen while recovering from an unfortunate lower back injury. His knowledge and exceptional coaching allowed me to continue progressing toward my SFL goal by working within my means but also most importantly, by rebuilding my confidence which had suffered a significant blow. Everything about my experiences with Owen have been first-rate and if you happen to find yourself seriously contemplating coaching, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not reaching out to him.
When starting the trainings with Grzegorz you’re not getting just the trainer or coach during the classes – you’re getting someone seriously interested in your progress who is giving you feedback or analyzing your recordings in between. If you ask – you get an answer, if you do anything wrong – you get immediately warned and corrected. He is able and knowledgeable to prepare special training plans tailored to your needs and capability instead of copy-pasting plans which are supposed to fit everybody.
Summarizing: one of the best coaches regarding knowledge, approach and attitude. If you have a chance to attend the training with him – do not miss this opportunity!!!
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Rozpoczynając treningi z Grzegorzem dostajesz nie tylko trenera/coacha na zajęciach. Dostajesz kogoś poważnie zainteresowanego Twoimi postępami, który w trybie ciągłym udziela Ci informacji zwrotnej np. analizując Twoje nagrania. Jeśli zapytasz – otrzymasz odpowiedź, jeśli zrobisz coś złego – natychmiast zostaniesz ostrzeżony i poprawiony. Posiada doskonałe kompetencje by przygotować plany treningowe dostosowane do Twoich potrzeb i możliwości zamiast kopiowania i wklejania planów, które mają pasować do każdego.
Podsumowując: jeden z najlepszych trenerów pod względem wiedzy, podejścia i nastawienia. Jeśli masz okazję uczestniczyć z nim w szkoleniu – nie przegap tej okazji!!!
One off the best coach on my 30 career as a basketball player, crossfit competitor and student of kettlebell. Always have a time even on holiday inspire for trening. Last year I thought that I’m on retiring of sport but Grzegorz gave me chance to fell again sportsmainship!
A huge thank you and shout out to Betsy Middleton Collie , Rapid Results Fitness and StrongFirst, Betsy is an awesome trainer and teacher who is down to earth, and a very common sense approach… I highly recommend seeking her out if you’re interested in Fitness, Kettlebell training, mobility etc. She taught a lifetime of knowledge during our session. You will not only learn technique but also how to make your body work as a unit, stretching, etc. She has an awesome personality to go with all the knowledge as well. I will definitely be going back to her in the future
Since the beginning of the training program, André took great care and attention to details and that made a difference. In the evaluations, he carried out a long interview and tested my flexibility and neuromotor capacity, which made me very confident to move forward. Tests and training feedback guided readjustments on more than one occasion and the program was quite challenging, but within my possibilities. I was self-taught before seeking advice and I have technical flaws and subtle quirks, and others not so subtle, in some movements. He has always paid close attention to these points, and even from a distance I received important instructions on how to correct them. As a result I really noticed changes in the way I perform the movements and in my work capacity. Kettlebell training has been instrumental in managing stress during these pandemic days; it’s something we can do in restricted spaces, very time-efficient.
My children who are 10 and 12 participate in Homeschool P.E. at Baltimore Kettlebell Club. They love the program and are so pumped and excited about what they have done during class. Each week they rave about something new on our drive home. My 12 specifically has gained so much. Having never been super into physical activity, they now have so much confidence and connection to their body and what it is capable of. Being physical in class has also helped them to learn more about the mind body connection and how moving their body makes the feel happier and more energized. I’m so happy we found Dan and BKC. Excited to continue watching my children grow there.
Reached out to Mathy to learn exercises mentioned in S&S such as Swings, TGU and Goblet squats. He was able teach them in just 4 sessions and helped me start with my S&S journey.
He has an excellent way of teaching these skills safely.
I highly recommend him to anyone wanting to learn the skills required to be strong.
I had done kettlebell training on my own but was worried about getting injured if I pushed myself. Grahame helped me fine tune my technique and showed me movements to take my training to the next level. It was 1000% worth the investment
As an SFG Master Trainer it is unnecessary to stress further that Shaun is a very considerable expert in his field. Opportunities to work with such a man come once in a lifetime for most of us and must be taken. Furthermore, Shaun will do much more than just give you the kind of strength training programme suitable for ‘someone like you’, the kind of generic stuff that abounds on the internet. Shaun will give you advice, training and programmes that are devised specifically for you as an individual, first taking the time to meticulously assess and correct your personal performance, understand your need, and give you the confidence and encouragement to pursue your goals in a realistic yet progressive fashion. He is thoughtful, authoritative, thorough, patient, engaging and humourous. What are you waiting for? Carpe diem.
As you know, I have been struggling with my back and as a result have avoided any exercise that could aggravate my discomfort…
This have all changed following the session with Shaun….
The very detailed demonstration of how to do the “dead Lifts” properly , has completely changed my outlook on this and I no longer have this fear of hurting my back.
Thank you for the privilege to attend the training session with Shaun on Saturday.
I found the training extremely educational as it was presented step by step and not rushed at all.
The explanations Shaun gave with regard to the engaging of certain muscles and how it supports each other, were very interesting and made a lot of sense.
I found his explanations very clear and easy to follow. Shaun is extremely knowledgeable and he made it easy to try new exercises. I would attend a session like this again. It broadens my knowledge base and boosts my confidence. Deadlifts and floor push-presses are now part of my routine!
I would definitely recommend Shaun’s workshop to anyone. The knowledge Shaun shares comes from lots of experience. Shaun will take care to guide you through the right way and the wrong way with safety in mind. His passion is teaching us and giving each one in the workshop the tools and knowledge to live a healthy and stronger life with mobility. Shaun makes sure that each person in the workshop gets attention and is not far to assist with advice or to tell you stop and try again. I will certainly join Shaun’s workshops again. I really enjoyed the workshop, thanks Shaun
As a marathoner and triathlete I always disliked strength training until I started working with Maggie. Now it is by far one of my favorite things. She is such a great teacher and I never feel nervous about getting hurt in her class. She will always correct poor form. She meets each class member where they are at on their fitness journey so you always feel like you are getting a personal training session with an experienced trainer.
I also love how strong I feel after her classes. I would recommend working with Maggie to anyone.
Heidi is an excellent kettlebell instructor. I had never lifted a bell before training with her, and she taught me the ropes safely, patiently, and with much encouragement. While focused on kettlebells, her classes also move at a relaxing pace, incorporating both yoga, stretching, and foam rolling. She is deeply attentive during classes, offering explanations and adjustments for all the moves. She’s the best! I would recommend her to anyone.
Steve has drastically changed my training. Before meeting him, I had a back and shoulder injury that discouraged me from lifting heavier bells out of fear of reinjury. He has this unique way of instilling confidence while teaching fundamentals. Within the first few weeks, my technique improved, and I began using appropriately sized bells. My “heavy” bells became light, and he has shown me how to harness my strength to take on heavier weights and more advanced movements.
I have always seen his name in the forum and knew he was well-respected in this community. When I realized that he was 15 minutes from me, I was beyond excited to train with him. Steve is kind, patient, and intelligent. He can tease out the small details that cause me discomfort or instability, and he effectively communicates how I could make them better. Every time I train with him, I am fascinated with the wealth of knowledge he has acquired and how effective he is at teaching those concepts. It is a privilege to know him, and I am honored to have him as a teacher. I highly recommend him to anyone from beginner status to those that look to fine-tune their technique.
I have loved working out in Maggie’s class. She definitely knows how to put together a workout and make you feel like it’s worth your time to go. Maggie knows her stuff and creates a good balance of fun but focused workout class.
In A Song of Ice and Fire there’s a saying: the more effortless the magic seems, the more powerful the wizard is perceived. I remember this saying a lot when I reflect on my training with Julio. The key words are “seems” and “perceived” of course, but the achievements made during our time together are indistinguishable from magic to the untrained (pun very much intended!) eye.
You sense Julio weaving its spells in the extreme care he takes to explain a movement (online no less!), in the full prioritization of good posture and injury free training, in the laser focus correction and attention to detail.
There’s also always a map, a clear goal, and the steps to get there. Sometimes you understand some needed detours are being made. Sometimes you can only see the pieces of the puzzle with a delightful look back, akin to looking at the awe inspiring view after climbing a mountain.
Kettlebells portability and ease of use seemed to be the better response during the current pandemic. Training with Julio I’m 100% sure that I’ll keep using them after this dreadful time has passed. Sometimes silver linings are made of magic gold.
I contacted Claire because I wanted to learn hard-style kettlebells … properly. I had dabbled in kettlebells on and off for several years so thought I knew how to swing a bell. I had watched all the YouTube and Instagram videos out there but honestly, NOTHING compares to the accountability and watchful eye of someone else looking out for you.
Claire took my basic form and technique and with a very experienced eye and an endless toolbox of techniques has tweaked and continues to tweak to make me better. Online or in person she has a knack for getting the best out of me.
It’s been was one of the best decisions I made during the pandemic. Thank you Claire.
Carlos was the one who taught me the Hardstyle Kettlebell and his teaching, patience and passion with which he teaches was so good that I ended up in love with the method and today I am also a certified instructor. Charly is still my instructor and every day I learn more, now not only for my training, but also to be a better instructor.
Grace is amazing! I’ve always been afraid of weights for fear of injury and she is helping me understand technique while still giving me a good workout. Since working with her I’ve been able to go to the gym and feel confident! Which is huge for me! I am so excited about what I’m learning and excited to get strong! Im prepping for 3 week thru hike and wanting overall strength and Grace is absolutely helping me get there!
I love working out with Heidi!! I never lifted a kettle bell before I met her. She trained me on how to safely use them. I see how much stronger I have become under her instruction. Osteoporosis runs in my family. I know lifting weights is key to maintaining bone health. I feel empowered.
Heidi will believe in you more than you believe in yourself. She is encouraging, kind, and instructive. Don’t hesitate to ask for her help.
I have been training with Heidi at the YMCA and via Zoom for about three years. Her joy for teaching, as well as learning, combined with her ease and humility, make training really fun. Heidi has a knack for understanding and explaining the nuances of technical lifts, which keeps her students safe. She is very patient and encouraging. I also really appreciate her care to separate strength and well-being from outdated notions about what a healthy body “should” look like. All that said, what I appreciate most about Heidi, is her holistic approach to strength training. Meaning, she understands that the whole of our lives affects how we train and what we are capable of from day to day. Heidi really cares about keeping students safe and supporting them as they pursue their personal strength journey.
I am so thankful for Heidi’s encouragement and support during my journey through strength and conditioning. Heidi is an excellent motivator and skillfull when it comes to form and function. She is always looking for creative ways to build her training program and is very focused on the safety of each individual. I look forward to my practice with Heidi and appreciate her coaching. She is top notch!!!!
I have been training with Daniel for almost 1 year and I can honestly say that his style and knowledge of strength training is superb and has helped me both physically and psychologically to a level I never could have expected.
Not only this but Daniel, as a person, is motivational and extremely affable which has enabled me to feel comfortable to talk to him easily about my personal goals for the training and also concerns over certain exercises. Our sessions have become so much more and I cant thank him enough.
Over the course of my training I have quadrupled my press weight, I am able to perform Turkish Get-Ups with a relatively heavy weight, I feel stronger, I feel healthier, I have lost weight, my body shape has changed, I have less daily aches and pains and overall I feel great.
I appreciate everything he does for me and the training partnership that this has become.
I attended the Foundations Workshop. As as a beginner who discovered SF during the pandemic, it was great to have expert instruction and feedback. I left with drills and techniques to incorporate into my training to keep me safe and strong!
When I started with Heidi Jones as my First Strong trainer, five months ago, I had very little mobility, flexibility or strength as a result of a terrible accident years ago. I was never able to re-attain consistent movement until I began with Heidi. She embraced my many challenges; she concentrated on my body by concentrating on safe technique, my limitations and the persistence of doable additions to our bi-weekly progress on getting me moving and adding strength.
Heidi has led me to move in a manner that I didn’t think I would ever be able to move again. I had resided to the pain, the extra weight that I have carried and my unsteady gate, as my post-accident fate. However, after the strength training work, I was able to get off the floor without assist for the first time in 6 years! The gate to my walking completely changed as First Strong techniques and curriculum led me to take a leg with significant neuropathy, that I felt like I was dragging along to one that I can now use to lead me going up steps and balance my movement all day long.
My body has changed completely. First Strong, Heidi Jones, and the confidence I’ve been led to have with my body, as a direct result of a collaborative efforts has been significant and impactful.
Like most distance runners, I have had my share of injuries. I have gone to the “best”chiros, massage therapists, ART and strength and mobility experts. None of them fixed my recurring hip issues that were misdiagnosed as piriformis syndrome.
Jose showed me quickly that I had a hip impaction problem due to QL muscle tightness, weak glutes and poor hip and thoracic mobility.
In a few months of FMS remedial exercises and kettle bells, my hip pain is gone.
Jose teaches his clients to fix themselves by
addressing strength and mobility deficiencies with focused daily exercises. No more symptom treating and passive treatments. No magic, just consistent hard work!
Jose, a few words to say thank you. Indeed thank you for helping me with eliminating the continuous and debilitating back pain, hip and knee issues. I never thought I could stand straight again. In the last 7 months, your guidance has made a huge difference in my gaining mobility, strength and confidence. Your training, a very gradual and scientific set of exercises have been beneficial. I feel 10 years younger and am proud to stand tall to my 6’2” at 63 years old. Thanks for your amazing guidance! Avalon’s Rehab to Performance
I love working with Heidi. She’s concerned about safety first and is very attentive to form. She does a great job of explaining routines and is very encouraging. I highly recommend her!
Jose, a few words to say thank you. Indeed thank you for helping me with eliminating the continuous and debilitating back pain, hip and knee issues. I never thought I could stand straight again. In the last 7 months, your guidance has made a huge difference in my gaining mobility, strength and confidence. Your training, a very gradual and scientific set of exercises have been beneficial. I feel 10 years younger and am proud to stand tall to my 6’2” at 63 years old. Thanks for your amazing guidance!
A year ago, I came in to Jose with an injured back and knee and mobility problems. Today I feel 10 years younger and stronger than ever. Last week I played basketball for the first time in 2 years, I was surprised how dominant I was and my endurance was through the roof. The experience inspired me to become a strong first instructor. A goal I am currently working on with Jose. If you trust the process and do the work, magical things will happen
I have been a student of Colin’s since 2017 and have trained with him in person, with one to one online training and group zoom classes. The depth of knowledge that he is willing to share is only matched by the enthusiasm that he brings to his teaching. I had previously played with kettlebells and mobility work but thanks to Colin’s coaching and guidance I am now a very confident kettlebell user and I have pushed strength boundaries I would not have been able to do by myself. The training environment and atmosphere is the best I’ve been involved in. No matter your goal, Colin will help you achieve it and more.
I have only been training under Louka’s guidance for a month, but it has been an invaluable experience. Going from “self taught” kettlebelling to online coaching with Louka allowed me to get clear constructive feedback on my form, breathing and purpose for each practice session. His coaching has allowed me to see huge jumps in strength in such a limited amount of time. Highly recommended.
I started training under Claire’s guidance for the SFB after sustaining a few niggling injuries that ‘professional therapists’ of different kinds were unable to help. Claire’s eye for detail, patience, knowledge and ability to think outside of the box have clearly been helping me to better my training in all areas. I have no qualms in highly recommending Claire to anyone who values their strength or fitness.
I have been training with Claire for over 2 months now and in that time she has vastly improved my technique and therefore reduced my injury rate and I am in less pain as a result.
She is very knowledgeable and passionate about what she teaches and would recommend her strongly to all levels of ability.
Thank you Claire I will keep practicing!
I started training with Daniel 2 years ago, and since then I have improved my strength massively. I have completed many challenges set by my coach Daniel, such as 10,000 swings in 30 days, 30 minutes quick and the dead, press 20kg and swing 32kg.
He also prepared me for the fitness assessment to get into the Fire Service and I am now a FireFighter for the past 6 months.
None of this would be possible without the knowledge and help from Daniel, even when it gets hard! 🙂
Really helped me improve my form and gain strength, the efficiency in having a tailored workout program for your needs is astounding! And Daniel is to be thanked for all of that work!
Really helped me improve my form and gain strength, the efficiency in having a tailored workout program for your needs is astounding! And Daniel is to be thanked for all of that work!
I reached out to Colin when I was looking for virtual support with my Kettlebell training. Colin welcomed me in immediately and I have since had some personal instruction and advice from Colin, which has improved my form and swings and attended the Zoom group class which is friendly, good fun and pushes you as far as you want, which has helped me with technique and weight increase. I would totally recommend Colin’s coaching for both starting with Kettlebells and getting the basic’s right, through to an advanced programme coach, he has something for everyone!
Since I ve started to work with Daniel my style of workout changed significantly
I don’t feel any soreness after sessions and my strength is improving continuously .
He is one asset you’ll not want to miss if you’re aiming in changing your fitness level.
Gladly recommend you’re looking for a good workout from entry level to professionals.
Tim is a tremendous coach, his thorough and enthusiastic approach provides an ideal workout environment.
I personally have learnt so much from Tim about kettlebells, get ups and resistance training as he shares his personal journeys and knowledge.
Highly recommend!
5 stars!
My wife and I have been practicing with kettlebells on our own for six months when we realized it was time to call in a PT to give us advice on our form and future progression. Migiwa sensei’s instruction was clear and carefully calibrated to our personal needs, helping us to clean up our technique and take our training to the next level. We will continue to rely on her in future training sessions, and I recommend her without hesitation.
I am 57 years old and have dabbled in many different forms of exersice for many years. Since the start of COVID I decided to focus on stregthening my core. I thought I already had a strong core however Jose exposed what was probably life long weekness. After working with Jose for the last number of months he was able to teach me to slow down and teach me the value of time under tension and posture. I wish I had got this message when I was younger. I am having more fun now and look forward to each practise session. Thanks Jose
Brett was able to help me with a training goal that was two years in the making. I had been struggling with the 44KG kettlebell for a long while, despite strength gains in other lifts and with slightly lower weights. Brett was able to quickly and efficiently evaluate my ability, modify my approach, and had me easily pressing in 44KG in only five weeks time. For any students of strength who are looking to get over your current plateau, and highly recommend reaching out to Brett to help you reach your strength potential.
Do not go to Seattle without stopping by at FuelHouse. It is the second home that you did not know you had. Molly is love, strength, courage, and light and she shares that with everyone who goes through the FuelHouse doors. Thanks for fueling my fire.
I started working with Julio in early 2018. I’ve always been that kind of person who hated physics education classes at scholl and seen myself as very littled skilled for anything related with sport. Well, that as changed completely, to say the least. Julio evaluated my physical condition at the time, and started the practice with simple and structured exercices, perfectly addapted to what I could manage and to my objectives (keeping a healthier lifestyle and preventing arritmias due to workoload stress). Kettelbell made part of it and even the most complicated and technical movements were simplified and divided into parts, so that I could accomplished. Julio always explained the benefits from a movement/ muscles work perspective so that I could understand exactly the reasons for performing that exercise and work to improve.
After 3 years and a half I can say that I cannot live without training. I’ve been a mother in the meantime, and the pregnancy was super healthier contrarly to my first one (8 years ago). I could exercise with ketelbell up to 34 weeks of pregnancy, I had a very healthy deliver and I recover my weight in less than 3 months (started working out less than 2 month after birth), with no back pain at all. Today, I can say that I feel healthier and and stronger than before training with Julio. I recommend training with Julio to everyone that wishes to have a healthier lifestyle and to invest in themselves.
Thank you coach Yoana and your amazing Strongfirst coaching team. My son and I really enjoyed the training. One of the best seminars I’ve attended. All the instructors were engaging, knowledgeable, passionate and truly motivating.
Fabio is the most incredible Master Certified Instructor for me.
Not only he knows the talk, he walks the walk of strength everyday! He leads with example and always in the Best attitude for helping people and make the World a stronger place.
My Master and Friend, 10 of 10 Stars!
Warren is a great teacher!
He’s very knowledgeable and there’s a lot of variety to his classes. He also manages to strike a good balance of keeping things challenging but fun.
I did 10 classes with him over zoom to improve my kettlebell form. I had a minor injury from running but Warren was very mindful of this. He did a general health screening and would always check in about my injury but would also know when to push me which I really appreciated.
Each class we would work on technique for the first part and then do a workout applying the exercises I had learned. We covered Kettlebell Swings, Cleans, Presses, Turkish Getups, Rows and Snatches as well as some body weight exercises.
He also helped me create a clear goal for myself in training, which was to work on my deep squat and improve strength. My squat is a lot deeper now and I went from using a 16kg to 20kg.
I was having issues with double and single arm swings, TGU, and clean & presses and with my lower back problem I needed coaching to ensure I was completing them with proper technique to prevent any further injuries. Tim was able to give me really specific expert advice with my form to ensure I could complete these movements properly. Tim has been a great instructor and his encouraging and approachable coaching has been a pleasure to work with. Will definitely be working with him further in the future to continue to perfect form on these movements and eventually tackle the snatch.
Sam is an amazing teacher he is knowledgable and fun to work with. He got me addicted to the kettlebell and taught me some life changing lessons about strength.
Pawel is an extraordinary trainer and great human being. He is deeply involved in student’s growth and focused on reaching goals. Pawel has been giving support and valuable advice.
Working with Pawel has been a pleasure and it has helped me to achieve great results.
I have never had a better instructor with so much passion and encouragement all with teaching the best techniques and the results stand for themselves.
I began working with Wendy at age 63. I was always athletic but I’m now in the best shape of my life. Now in my 5th year of private and group classes, my strength and stamina has exploded. I’ve lost inches and gained muscle, all part of Wendy’s programming personalized for me. Do the work, you’ll see the results.
Jean-François was my assistant during my SFG1 certification. He’s a very serious, conscientious and attentive instructor who masters the standards of the big six skills. As regards his human qualities, he’s very benevolent, patient and enthusiast. I sincerely recommend him.
I have been training with Jazz for more than a year now. In the beginning I was a little unsure of how it would work out – in terms of doing sessions online (over video) as in person training was not possible due to Covid. However, Jazz carefully broke down each exercise into individual movements, starting right from the basics so that I could learn proper form. We started with lighter kettlebells and have since graduated to heavier ones. I find him to be very patient and diligent in his approach. It has helped me learn proper form for a number of key exercises including swings, Turkish get-up, squats and press. He is also able to translate exercises into real world situations which is often very helpful. If you’re starting up on Strongfirst and need an online or in-person coach, I would highly recommend him.
I got in touch with Claire a few months back during lockdown. Ive always liked Kettlebells but realised I didn’t really know what I was doing. I believe she has transformed the way I move and think about strength! Im 39 & never felt more “all over strong”. The fine details definitely matter. Thanks Claire
I met Sven for a one-to-one training session in Stuttgart.
He had a detailed look on my kettlebell technique and gave easy to understand feedback from different perspectives on how i can improve .
Sven is a great teacher with strong motivation – I will meet him again!
Hugo is an exceptional coach and lovely person. His knowledge of and dedication to kettlebell and strength training are exceptional. He helped coach me to my SFG2 as an assistant on the certification weekend. I would highly recommend him to anyone, from beginner to advanced, who wants to swing bells like a badass!
Geoff takes a no-nonsense pragmatic approach to training and is clearly passionate about training with kettlebells. His friendly approach and ego-free training environment make starting training fun and easy, his broad knowledge of training and physiotherapy are a massive asset for anyone who wants to get strong fit and stay injury free.
Having been working consistent with Geoff for over 6 months, there is no doubt he has helped me recover from injury, improve all round sport and leisure performance.
Malou is one of the most dedicated trainers I have ever met. Her focus and passion on the kettlebell technique and her patience is endless when passing her knowledge and teaching her skills! Thank you for all your time you spent with me!
Raoul give me the opportunity to prepare my SFG instructor Lvl1. I come from France and I prepared it since 6 months. At the last month, he brought me new tips to prepare my breath and focused on my technics.
Thanks for all your dedication about your students. Take care bro.
I’ve been working with Niek for a couple of months and I really appreciate the flexibility of the schedule and training. There is no cookie-cutter training plans, you get a personalised program tailored to your personal goals, availability and free time. I am always able to change things up if life happens and still be able to have some physical training done. Oh and you only need minimal equipment that you already have or nothing at all if you don’t want to commit to a home gym yet.
I first picked up the kettlebell at the beginning of this year as I didn’t want to rush back into the gym with the current climate. At first, I didn’t believe I needed coaching as I’ve had few years of training with free weights so I felt confident that I could teach myself watching videos online. Although progress came fast early on, my progress soon became stagnant and I felt my movements were inconsistent and inefficient. In wanting to make further progress, I decided to train under Ericka and it was one of the best decisions and investments I’ve made in my life.
Ericka is very knowledgeable and passionate in what she does, and fully dedicated to helping her students reach their potential and meet their individual goals. She does an excellent job at breaking down each movement in detail and explaining them in ways that are easy to understand. She carefully plans and designs her classes with a purpose, from the beginning to the end and from session to session. She puts heavy emphasis on building a solid foundation and teaching proper technique to help students become stronger and avoid any potential injuries. Getting a great workout is a byproduct of these sessions focused on skills training.
In few short months, I’ve seen great improvements in my technique, strength and mobility and I’m excited to see what’s more to come!
I’ve been training with Kenny since 2018. I used to be a professional athlete in triathlon. Kenny has really helped me to improve my core strength in a sustainable fashion. Love the training as it’s super versatile and I’ve built an unmatched high degree of trust in his methods – which is sometimes even more important, especially if you’re a professional athlete. So without a doubt, whether you just want to get off your couch or to the next Olympic Games, Kenny is the right coach for you!
I wasn’t convinced of the value I could get from on-line zoom sessions, but Louka transformed my swing. Great coach, explains things very simply. I am getting so much more out of my workouts now. 5 stars.
I have been training with Aaron since January 2021, initially via Zoom and more recently face to face. But Aaron supported my efforts in a variaty of other ways: sending detailed explanotory videos, designing custom workout programmes for training goals, reviewing videos I sent to him for posture. My confidence and performance with kettlebells has improved dramatically and I already feel positive repercussions in other sports and activities like running and dinghy sailing. Highly recommended.
I started to work with Kenneth in December 2020. I contacted him because of I wanted to learn the correct double kettlebell jerk technique.
After our first online coaching session he showed me that we have to work on my basics first. We started with swings and TGUs, dialed in the cleans and presses and are now approaching the snatches. I am so happy with my progress and I realized I never really mastered my basics. After working on my swings form I can generate much more power and feel very confident doing them.
It‘s now 5 months since we started to work together. We did several online sessions and I can send him videos if I need a form check. He also programed my training program during this time.
My results are amazing: My form on my swings, get ups and cleans improved. I can feel how much more power I can generate. I am stronger and I can say that my endurance improved as well (I lost about 3 pounds of fat during this time). Working as a Police officer (mainly patrols and anti drug missions) I need to be in a good shape, I sometimes need to be fast but I also have to be strong and endure. Kenneth helped me to improve on all those qualities and I look forward for further improvement. When I finally have an acceptable snatch form, we can advance to the single and double kettlebell jerks. I learned from Kenneth that I have to enjoy the process and that all the goals will be reached automatically without forcing or stressing too much. So I am not in a hurry anymore.
I can recommend Kenneth for beginners and for advanced trainees. Get your forms checked and enjoy the process!
Kenneth has been my training coach for almost three years. Under his supervision, I have been able to increase my performance enormously. Strength, endurance and general fitness have all increased in the same way! And even my mobility has improved in the whole training program. And best of all, all of this without causing overuse or injury. This is achieved because Kenneth always emphasizes correct technique, coaching me and explaining why it’s important!
A properly reasoned, professional, varied training program!
Especially now in the current Corona pandemic, all this comes in beneficial to me. Because the training continues online. That’s great!
I thank Kenneth for the extraordinary commitment and say: Please keep it up!
I’m a 69+ senior who has experienced multiple falls and injuries. With the recommendation of my son I looked into StrongFirst certified instructors and was drawn to Dan Cenidoza’s program as he has deep experience working with seniors. I’ve had 2 personal training sessions with Dan and am impressed with his interest in my goals – resilience and stamina – and careful technique. And as a retired nurse, I’m always interested in the ‘why’ of doing something. Dan’s explanations are clear. Focusing on the whole body and how the body functions in daily life is so different from focus on body parts or muscle groups. Already I feel a difference. I’ve found my trainer!
Had the pleasure of working with Sven and had him look over my technique.
Improved a lot with just the smallest details.
He has a very deep knowledge of the Kettlebell and knows exactly what to look for.
He’s also very kind and has a great sense of humor which made the whole experience awesome.
It was the first time, but certainly not the last time working with him.
It was an honor to meet you, sir!
He is one of the best online coach. His programs are well-structured and he is very informative.
I highly recommend coach Pierre for every level students, who is interested in learning hard-style kettlebell practicing or advance level athletes, who seeks for a competent coach for strength and mobility training. Or anyone who has a specific goals like Beast Tamer/ Iron Maiden challenge, SFG1/2, SFGB, and SFL prep course.
Pierre will help you to reach your goals, whatever from where you start. He’s passionate about coaching and easy going. Every details compt and he knows it. Don’t look further.
I engaged Dan as a personal trainer a few months into the pandemic with the goal of staying in shape and getting stronger because I was unable to do BJJ due to the pandemic. Dan was extremely accommodating and attentive to my goals.
We did our first sessions virtually, which worked very well. Dan was extremely effective communicating technique virtually. He effectively fixed my swing through the virtual session, which allowed me to avoid an almost inevitable back injury.
As the sessions progressed, we began working in person. Dan’s gym is a great environment and the in person sessions were great.
I recently was able to return to BJJ and I felt far stronger on the mat than when I left.
If you need a trainer to help you get stronger and teach you the proper way to lift, I cannot imagine a better person than Dan.
Jaime Rae is the best trainer I’ve ever worked with. After a long history of injuries, Jaime has really helped me reprogram my kettlebell training by focusing on form and efficiency throughout my workouts. I’m now able to work with proper form and get greater results!
I made two great decisions in 2021.
1. Investing in a set of kettlebells
2. Signing up with Jasbinder (a.k.a. Strength Coach Jazz)
Although I had weight-trained in the past(primarily barbell training), I had tried never kettlebells before.
Having read up on the StrongFirst system and Pavel’s books, I knew this was something I wanted to explore with a certified instructor. But I was a bit apprehensive about being coached online. I spoke with a couple of instructors and felt an immediate sense of comfort with Jazz. But before I started my first session the first thing I needed was a set of bells. Even before I had committed to taking any classes, Jazz went out of his way to make sure I had a variety of options for sourcing my bells even though we lived in very different parts of the country and this was something he didn’t need to do. I initially thought I might sign up for a few classes and then if things worked out, I might extend it to a month at the most. After 4 continuous months with Jazz, I’m sharing my experiences.
PROS
• During the initial weeks, he provided care and attention to technique helping me understand how the moves worked in great detail. He would get me to send him practice videos on some days so he could address any weak points that cropped up when I was not being actively coached.
• Each session was scheduled for 60 minutes each. But he ALWAYS took extra time usually 20-30 minutes to make sure that I was getting the fundamentals right.
• He’s a terrific motivator. I’ve lost count of the number of times I thought I was toast during a session. But he would figure out a way to motivate me and by the end of each class I came away with a sense of accomplishment. As someone who manages teams remotely, I know how challenging this can be.
• He was extremely accommodating with changes in my schedule. I had started a new job was adjusting to a new team and working hours. Some days I wasn’t able to complete an assigned practice. Other days I skipped sessions altogether. Not once did he make me feel guilty, instead he would find new ways to energize and invigorate me.
• He taught me the value of being present and focused during each session.
• He is easy to talk to and get along with.
• When he felt I had reached a certain level of proficiency and was good enough to practice on my own – he suggested I do just that. Even though it would mean that I wouldn’t be paying him for future sessions. He even offered to continue to share tips and advice although I was no longer a paying client.
• I am just getting started on my kettlebell journey and I know I will come back to Jazz in a few months when I’m ready to get to hit that next level of proficiency.
CONS
• Jazz and I were based in different parts of the country, more than 1800 kilometers apart. If he’s so good on Zoom, I can only imagine how great a coach he’d be in person.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re doing kettlebell training for the first time, you seriously need to consider a Strong First certified trainer. I’m sure there are a bunch of good trainers out there, but I would strongly vouch for Jazz and I intend to go back to him in the future.
Bells Tip: Folks in India finding good quality bells in the correct weight is not easy. There are a bunch of option out there of varying prices, sizes and quality. If you’re struggling to find quality bells in the right weight and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg shipping them from abroad, then best place to get them is https://www.sanguinesports.com/. I spent days researching and speaking with different manufacturers and was not at all happy with the options on offer. When I finally stumbled upon Sanguine them (thanks to Jazz’s help) I initially balked at the pricing. They were expensive, the second most expensive Indian option (after the USI competition bells). I bit the bullet, and frankly I’m glad I did. They’re excellent quality, had the best customer service and shipped with zero hassle. This is not mean to be a promotion on Sanguine. You can get your bells from anywhere. But I had a tough time sourcing the 24KG and 32KG options specifically and they were the only manufacturer (besides USI competition bells) that even offered these.
I’ve worked with Marc for some time. He’s committed to his craft, driven, funny, and structured. I know others who have worked with him an all agree he’s the best in the business and he’s a wonderful human being.
Peter is a wealth of knowledge, the kettlebell journey is an exciting, stimulating one that, as far as I can tell, will never really end!
Peter makes fundamentals easy to understand, and each goal or standard I reach just makes me look further for the next one. Onward!
I’ve been a client of Marc’s for 7 months or so. I contacted him in order to prepare for SFGI. From the beginning, Marc has been an excellent coach. His knowledge of the training process and skill with kettlebells are readily apparent. He provides instruction and feedback to the learner in a very accessible way, offering the right cues to foster the right changes. Additionally, he makes himself available to the client via multiple media, whether in person, virtual or text message. He demonstrates an obvious concern for the client’s success and this is a major reason for my confidence as a SFGI candidate. I highly recommend Marc.
If you are looking for a gym that feels like a family this is the one. Dan and his wife Jess really care about their clients.
Jess finds time in her busy day (five kids, which she homeschools). To do a FB live workout 3x/ a week. Her form is perfect. I have learned a lot by watching her example. It’s doable for anyone, at any level, as you can adjust it to your level based on your kettlebell weight and amount of reps. She challenges you to do your best.
It’s not only a great workout but highly entertaining as she may run off screen any momement when a bug intervenes, a child may skate by or show you slime, there’s a rooster, wind chimes…
Having completed the StrongFirst Bodyweight Certification with Karen last November, I wanted to set my eyes on SFL next as well as the daunting Beast Tamer/Iron Maiden challenge but felt I could use a coach on this. Having completed it herself, she already inspired confidence in her abilities as a result of how friendly and down to earth she was while cultivating a fun learning environment and minimizing the stress over the Pass/Fail nature of the certification.
Several weeks into her program, I’ve seen exponential increases in my Strength I am very happy with! A few weeks out from SFL, I have not only achieved the level of strength I’ll be testing out for, but surpassed it on all lifts. The Beast Tamer, which as of January seemed miles away, now seems just a few yards further until the finish line!
She has my utmost confidence as a fellow coach/teacher and whether you’re taking a cert with her or considering individual training to meet a specific goal, you’ll be in very knowledgeable and capable hands!
Sidenote – I wish in hindsight I had taken SFB before SFGII, could have saved myself from some of the headache of the 1/2 Bodyweight Military Press with the pushing principles taught at SFB
I worked with Devin remotely during the pandemic to polish my kettlebell swings and turkish getups for the Simple/Sinister Program. She was really helpful seeing my weaknesses even through zoom! She even gave me homework (didnt see that coming but wow it was helpful). I didnt want to go higher than the 35 pound bell I had, but she gave me the confidence in our few months together to order a 24kg and I feel solid with it for swings and turkish getups. I highly suggest learning kettlebell skills from Devin if you want to stay safe, have fun, and get stronger!
I have the pleasure to work with Loïs on both sides of the sports-spectrum : As a high level athlete as well as a fellow strength and conditioning coach.
As a martial artist, for the last 13 years Loïs has been my strength and conditioning coach.
His technical eye to detail, and incredible overall knowledge have led me to win multiple national championships.
Loïs has a great and almost immediate understanding of your body’s capacities at any given time, and which road to take to get you to a superior level.
With a “less is more” approach, he has made me grow stronger, faster, and leaner in a very short time.
He is a tough but true-to-his-word coach. He won’t cuddle you into lifting your barbell or swing your kettlebell but he will teach you how to do it as perfect as possible, individualising your needs.
Loïs will get you to attain your goals, and go beyond.
As a strength and conditioning coach myself, I’m lucky to work with Loïs training Nice’s professional volleyball team.
Very experienced in the field of both sports and sport-science, his enormous generosity and enthusiasm in sharing his findings and ideas means that in whatever way you may work with this guy, it will make you a better student/coach/athlete/person.
I am so thankful to Dan and the other instructors at Baltimore Kettlebell Club for training me. Their guidance, knowledge, patience, and encouragement during individual training and small group sessions has pushed me to surpass my goals. If you desire to condition your physique and strive to work up a good sweat, BKC offers the perfect comfortable and motivating environment to workout!
Working with Jim was an outstanding experience. He is a dedicated professional with deep knowledge of fitness and strength training. Even more impressive is Jim’s ability as an instructor – he has the rare ability to breakdown and clearly explain the technique behind different movements. I had essentially no understanding of how to properly work with kettlebells prior to training with Jim. Now I am very comfortable with them – I have no fear of injury and my strength has significantly increased. I can not speak highly enough of Jim’s training.
As a Jiu-Jitsu competitor I need to do strength and conditionning training. Matthieu introduced me to Kettlebell training, taught me the basics perfecly. He created great programmes for me and helped me along the way since day 1. He is always listening to what i need and showing me new super interesting stuff. Honestly he is one of the best coaches I ever had in my life!
Yann is an outstanding human beiing as well as a great coach. He is a quiet professional who share StrongFirst methodology and exercises with kindness and precision.
Dan is a kind and knowledgable coach. He makes sure I am moving safely and offers assistance when needed. He is a wealth of knowledge and answers any questions I have. I truly enjoy a small group setting and look forward to coming to class.
I recently had the good fortune to have two sessions with John . I was interested in correct barbell lifting techniques as well as fine tuning my kettlebell lifts. John’s expertise was just what I was searching for and needed. As an older lifter (72), there are perhaps some precautions that may not be necessary for a younger person, but John very quickly assessed my current status and we worked together from that point. I came away with a treasure trove of good information, technique and tips than have greatly improved not only my skillset, but also my safety. John’s rates were very reasonable and my ROI on these sessions was superb! I highly recommend John if you are looking for Strong First approved instruction!
I started working remotely with Aaron at the beginning of 2021 (during lockdown) to sort out my kettlebell swings. I got that, and so much more! Aaron has a fantastic way of focusing on the most important / impactful things first and was brilliant at encouraging me and pointing out where I was making progress. As we were working remotely he encouraged me to take lots of videos and would make videos of what to work on in response, so I could see everything in action. This proved to be a very effective way of coaching and I came to really enjoy the near daily feedback, plus I now have a substantial archive to refer back to at any point. Not only did Aaron get my swings and get-ups to a very high standard, he took care of all of the programming and left me with a programme for the following several weeks after the coaching finished. In addition to the daily feedback we had a weekly coaching call on zoom. I agonised about whether or not to spend the money on coaching (not having loads to spare with 2 kids and a mortgage) but I can honestly say it was amongst the best money I have ever spent. I really can’t speak highly enough of Aaron as a coach and if you are reading this in order to help make your mind up, I would encourage you to reach out to him to talk things through, he is very approachable. I could not be happier with the progress I have made with Aaron’s coaching and I am sure you will feel the same if you give him a go.
I met Coach Mark when he approached me while I was training for a spartan event year 2019, and we don’t know each other at the time. He caught me trying to bring up a 28kg kettlebell from the ground using a squat position to train myself in carrying an atlas ball. God knows I am struggling SOOO HARD thought it was the death of me!!
He started to teach me techniques on how to bring it up without straining my back, but of course, you don’t get lucky the first time. He then instructed me to carry a lighter bell at 22kg and gave me routines to strengthen my body to prepare for the 50kg atlas ball. Six weeks later, I was able to carry the atlas ball. Yayyy!
For Mark, being a coach doesn’t mean you have to be on personal training with him or be in his class. He will share his knowledge, skills and strategies without hesitation. His greatest strength is his passion to empower people not just physically but mentally and emotionally.
Louka is an expert in the field of strength and mobility. Working with him online is clear and constructive. He assessed my form in the ketelbell main moves and gave me the ques to improve and fix my errors in my technique. Highly recommend
I have had the pleasure of interviewing Hector in person a couple of times. I have also had a brief “instruction”/ explanation of how to do the DSW for my podcast, which is based on getting out of your comfort zone. Hector was extremely illustrative and informative, in how to approach, set-up, and perform the exercise to benefit my safety, fitness, and strength. Hector also has a number of impact videos designed to help individuals find, strength through not only exercise, but mental, financial, and spiritual strength. It is a pleasure to know, and learn from Hector.
I’ve been attending Aaron’s classes for a few years now and have recently started PT sessions to build my Kettlebell skills and strength. Aaron is an excellent trainer who clearly knows his stuff and is great to work with. He takes the time to explain how to get the posture and movement exactly right and pitches sessions at just the right level. I’ve been particularly impressed by how he goes the extra mile. During lockdown Aaron made sure our Kettlebell classes continued by sending videos so we could train at home and after my PT sessions, he follows up with videos and tips. I can’t recommend highly enough.
Is it too much to say Sheila has changed my life? I was referred to her through my chiropractor as I suffered recurrent back injuries due to a weak core. I was feeling like an old lady and I was only 50! Through Sheila’s patient and safe approach, I have gained strength and muscle mass and haven’t suffered a back injury for the past six years. I’m strong, healthy, and confident in my movement patterns now and I plan on remaining that way. I do kettlebell workouts with Sheila three days a week and her enthusiasm for teaching and learning is still 100%. Thank you Sheila!
I have been training with Sheila for a number of years. She is a very special trainer who is very intuitive and caring. She truly takes into account my needs and has carefully brought me back from an injury that took me out of the kettlebell game for a while to a point where I can do all of the lifts again safely and properly. There have also been a couple times I have turned up to (Zoom) training with a sore neck and back and she has modified the session completely on the fly to accommodate which has saved me some Chiropractor visits and taught me how to treat myself when these pains come up.
My weekly sessions with Sheila are a highlight of my week, full of lifting and laughing so I cannot recommend her enough!
Sheila Hamilton is awesome — an extremely knowlegeable trainer for strength and for all-round fitness. She’s very personable and client-oriented, and has a loyal following. For me, her expertise has been a life-saver. After several serious and painful disc-related incidents, I heard about her ‘backstrong’ classes, and started working with her (online, during COVID). Sheila completely understood my physical limitations and potentials, and has nurtured my fitness safely, so that after a few months I’m much stronger and less vulnerable to back problems. Based on a StrongFirst model, she has put me on a long-term course of strength and fitness, and I recommend her highly.
Initially, we connected through a broken ankle injury that
I had but via your recovery process I learned more than I expected.
You always bring an abundance of energy and genuine excitement to every session – wait…to every movement (Lock It OUT).
Your knowledge of the human body movement, physical (and mental) rehabilitation, strength program planning for all ages and abilities, and willingness to always explore new ideas make work outs so enjoyable.
I want to put in your programs because you put the effort for my overall health.
Arianna is a force of Nature, able to withstand all the adversities that life has put in front of her.
She herself is the best example she can give as a teacher.
With his rude candor, he is able to lead you through the Force to your limits … and beyond.
I started training with Cody as a way to stay active during quarantine, one of his unique talents is his ability to convey targeted instructions, with the kettlebell swing being simple yet precise, this is an important skill for a trainer to have and with mastering the swing. After a few weeks of Cody’s instruction I gained strength and precision while learning new skills. Honest, encouraging and knowledgeable and a master of his art! Without a doubt highly recommended!!!
Louka and his Kettlebell Club team have been instrumental in helping me recover from a bad case of peroneal tendinitis.
Part of my prescribed rehabilitation was to rebuild the strength in my leg.
Fortunately for me, I found Louka and his team. Over the past year, I have not only rebuilt the strength in my leg. I have improved my overall strength in ways I never thought possible. I am a particularly enjoying the simple low rep plans that Louka provides. With a very small selection of KB, I have been able to keep progressing working out at home.
I have known Arianna Zaccagnini for 4 years and she led me to achieve the sfg1 certification with passion and professionalism. She has a unique charisma and her extensive training makes her a perfect guide in the world of Kettlebell and Body weight. Equipped with a unique strength, her skills are truly impressive … in short, the perfect strength instructor !!!
Lois is a man who bears his strength the way he displays his knowledge, with humbleness.
Though he is as precise as it gets regarding the StrongFirst curriculum, his cross-disciplinary approach and wealth of experience allows him to find creative and deviously effective solutions.
As a coach his method is principle based and tailored to suit his vision that numbers and technical aspects are the means and not the end. Which is the betterment of his students, as athletes and humans.
Beeing coached by him made me a better athlete as well as a better coach.
A not always so quiet professionnal,
A true renaissance man and coach extraordinaire,
A friend.
I am a massage therapist that works on elite level athletes. I understand the importance of strength, form and technique for athletes. I’m a competitive swimmer in United States Masters Swimming (USMS). Because of gum and pool closures due to the pandemic I last motivation for some lofty goals in the record books. I bought some kettle bells at John’s recommendation and went to his facility for some tips on proper form since I’d never used kettlebells before! I’ve worked with Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists in the past and John’s instruction was fantastic! He guided me into proper form and because of his passion for helping people get stronger the right way, my motivation to break some records (at age 52) returned in full force!
I have been training kettlebells with Nandor for five months, and have appreciated his highly dedicated, tailored, and professional approach to teaching.
What originally attracted me to Nandor’s profile was his broad experience in martial arts as well as strength and fitness. This has proved itself in the richness of knowledge he brings to what he teaches. It isn’t ‘just’ fitness: he will show you how to use what you learn in order to achieve your goals, but also to draw on your own experience and learning style so as to learn better and progress more quickly.
Nandor is generous with his knowledge. He doesn’t hold back – he gives you everything you need to know to accelerate your own learning and sill development. At the same time, he is always keen to learn and grow. In my own experience, this makes for a great coach.
I highly recommend Nandor to anyone who wishes to learn kettlebells and develop their strength and fitness – whatever level they may be at currently, and whatever their goals.
I started kettlebells with zero knowledge. From my own experience of many years in traditional martial arts, I appreciated the importance of a good teacher and coach – something you can never get from videos. I’m glad I invested in learning from Nandor – it’s made the learning process safer and more effective (instead of getting injuries and picking up bad habits that are hard to fix). Five months on, I’m still learning, but feel I have made incredible progress. I had never done weigh training before, and I now feel significantly stronger – more than I have ever before.
I will add that Nandor can also effectively teach via online classes, so you can learn from any location. I recommended him to a friend of mine based in Asia, who found the experience perfect, and I understand that Nandor is very used to the online medium of teaching.
I’ve been training with John for two months, and he’s already reshaped the way I think about fitness and strength. He’s taken the time to really understand where I’m at and to address the things that make me unique to create a custom program. We’re laying the foundation for strength, and I’m already seeing the results in how I feel and carry myself throughout the day. Thanks John!
I met Mark near the first of December, 2020. I first started working with kettlebells in the first quarter of 2020, and began the Simple and Sinister program around August or September. I think it was October when I started phasing in one or two sets with the 32k one-handed swing that problems arose. It started with some mild tightness in my lower right back. At first it was minor. Then it developed into soreness that wouldn’t go away. I started to worry about damage, so I stopped, while doing as much self analysis and research as I could. I received a lot of tips on the StrongFirst forum, and watched as many coaching videos as I could find. Several times I thought I had found the problem, but nothing I did differently would help. The moment I started swinging again, the soreness would return.
I’ve never had any professional coaching in my life. But I figured if I wanted to continue using kettlebells, I might as well take the plunge. I knew I wanted a coach with plenty of experience, and preferably who had attained StrongFirst Elite. Mark had offered some useful comments on my requests for help in the StrongFirst forums, so I messaged him and we set up a four-week plan.
I noticed a major difference in my back within the first two sessions. Mark helped me stop the major technique problems in my swing, and then helped me start building better movement patterns. I felt like I had got my money’s worth in the first week. From my previous years of training, I was fairly strong in some areas, but had some significant gaps. Mark quickly identified my specific strengths and weaknesses, and wrote me programs that filled the gaps effectively. By the end of that four-week period, I was doing 100 one-handed swings with a 36k (and feeling solid while doing it), and get-ups with a 32k.
Even without my lower back issues, there’s no way I would have progressed that quickly on my own. A major reason for my improvement was fixing my technique, but I suspect it was Mark’s customized programing that was the major engine of my progression.
Although my back issues were pretty much fixed within the four weeks, I didn’t want to stall my progress. So, Mark and I worked out a 12-week plan. That’s where I’m at now. Currently, my goal is to achieve StrongFirst’s Simple standard. I’ve completed the Get-up standard (10 32k getups in 10 minutes) multiple times, and am almost ready on the swing standard (100 32k one-handed swings in 5 minutes). I’m hoping to achieve Simple in the next few weeks.
My experience with Mark has been stellar. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t wear his knowledge on his sleeve. Nothing flashy, no big stories or attempts to impress. Just solid, personable coaching, insightful corrections, astute answers to my many questions, and programming that delivers—the kind of coaching skill that manifests in real results. Based on my experience so far, I would highly recommend Mark to anyone.
John Odden has helped me achieve big dreams I never would have imagined possible had we not met. In addition to this, the fitness and lifestyle goals I was able to accomplish under his guidance simply happened as a natural course his coaching (think obtaining optimal weight loss as an ancillary consequence rather than the goal itself).
One of the other great blessings of working with John is seeing the beneficial spillover of the physical training into other aspects of life.
I met Colin back in 2016 at my first StrongFirst certification (SFGI), he was an assistant there. I must say he is an excellent coach and very nice person. I love his sense of humor. In 2017 I asked him for help with my preparation for SFB. He led me through the training and kept my nerves in line when testing so I successfully passed my SFB. I dont know how he does it but he knows what to say or what to do when somebody get stuck. I can highly recommend him to everyone. And although I have not seen him for long time now I know he is there because he is not only my brother in strength he is my good friend and I respect him as a coach and of course as a great person too.
By the way he was born in very good year. Only good people were born in that year. :-):-)
I’ve been knowing her for 4 years, before my SFG 1 Certification. We had some lessons together and I could appreciate her addiction to quality and strenght. She is very skilled and effective in her job, also nice and awesome to train with her. She is also an excellent trainer and leader. Good Luck Arianna
I was lucky enough to have had Arianna as a teacher, she prepared me for SFG2 SFL. Great professionalism and great preparation both as a teacher and as a trainer ….. I’m glad I had it with COACH ….
I started performing the lifts outlined in Pavel Tsatsouline’s books and knew I couldn’t digest all the intricacies on my own. Tim Shuman has a keen eye for detail and guided me through the lifts. I was exited to work on my bent press with him and get the insight I needed to perform the lifts safely. If I am back in Florida, I would definitely seek Mr. Shuman out again because he is an excellent coach.
Dario is a true student of strength. he is a trained instructor, always looking for the knowledge of the correct movement. Dario is strong … he has a big heart, always ready to help you and guide you … if you need an excellent instructor to guide you and prepare you best, Dario Corteselli is the person you are looking for!
Matt is a great coach and teacher! I came to him as a beginner with a very unfocused approach to strength training. After only a few sessions he refined my technique and instilled a goal oriented mindset that allowed me to progress much further than I could on my own.
John is very knowledgeable, organized and accessible. He is extremely athlete-focused and tailors exercises and programs to me specifically. We are all at different places and John meets us at our level. It’s not one size fits all on line programming- my program is for my specific needs and goals: great coaching.
Arianna is a tornado, both for her involving behaviour and for her deep knowledge.
Besides she represents a humble and helpful team leader.
She is always showing the best technique in any skill due to her athletic background.
No doubt, Arianna is an added value in our italian team.
Matt is an amazing trainer, he takes time to carefully coordinate exercise programs that are tailored to my fitness level and goals. He spends time with me observing my form and giving me corrections as needed to ensure my safety while training. I am getting stronger and feeling more confident during my workout sessions as well in my everyday life. I highly recommend Matt as a personal trainer as he is positive, upbeat and truly cares about his clients and it really shows.
I have been training under John for many years now. His knowledge and technical know-how WILL help you reach your goals. It will also keep you from burning out or injuring yourself. As a coach myself, I know the importance of having a coach to help you stay focused and plan your work accordingly.
Kristina is the best instructor ever, who doesn’t waste time and energy for looking excuse. I love her hard trainings. Big thanks to her big support, because she is doing for us her best.
I have been training online with John for a little over a year now and I can’t sing his praises enough. My big issues were my knees. I didn’t think I’d ever get them functional without pain again and John showed me some simple movements that basically built me back up from the ground up and now I am functioning like a Real Athlete again! I always look forward to his programming and he really is the best Coach I’ve ever had.
I had a very good experience in learning the Kettlebell basics from Strength Coach Jazz. His stress on correct technique and clear instructions were very helpful to my progress.
I’ve been training with John since July 2020 and have already noticed a big difference in my ability to move through life stronger and with less pain. Having been an athlete most of my life, my strength and fitness (even while having scoliosis) typically allowed me to do all of the things I love. I never experienced weakness or pain with things like mountain biking, yard work, moving furniture, etc. but as I approached my mid-40’s these things started getting harder. This really motivated me to rebuild my foundation and core using strength training. John has knowledge beyond what I expected and the StrongFirst philosophy plus John’s focus on movement patterns and how it affects your body as a whole really resonates with me. I’m much stronger and my back feels better today than it did just 7 months ago. Thank you John!
Amazing leadership skills and knowledge, great team atmosphere for group workout and one on one. I tired the fighters kettlebell workout program and it is amazing, it has improve my strength and speed for my fights and sparing. I strongly recommend them.
Stefano is a great and extremely professional trainer! He always knows how to motivate me even when the will to train is lacking completely. He has helped me a lot in my fitness journey, achieving my goals, especially when it comes to strength training.
Andrea has been an integral mentor throughout my “upbringing” as a StrongFirst instructor. She has consistently challenged me to be better as a student, business owner, and instructor. Andrea generously invited me to shadow at her facility while I was just getting on my feet as a full time fitness studio owner and has continued to reach out and offer advice and ideas to help me grow in all areas. Whether its a quick phone call, text or offer to meet in person, she is always willing to help as long as you step up and give her your absolute best. The phrase “anything worth doing, is worth doing well” is a fitting mantra for her. I have also had the opportunity to assist at workshops/certifications on several occasions and I have seen her tirelessly go for days straight without losing a beat to offer the best possible learning experience for her students. She has gone above and beyond countless times for me and other instructors while continuing to grow and learn as a perpetual student herself. Thank you Andrea!
I had Kettlebell training with Aaron before Xmas 2020. I was a few months into simple and sinister and needed someone to look at and improve my technique. Aaron was brilliant at dissecting where I was at and correcting my form. In 2 sessions 2.5hrs he thought me the Swing 2h and 1h, the clean and the getup including extensive notes. I kept seeing on the strongfirst forum to invest in a certified trainer and i completely agree as i think i would have walked away from the kettlebell without proper instruction. I would highly recommend using Aaron either in person our online via Zoom or Skype, etc.
I have known Kristýna for more than 20 years. I have been training at Rodeosport since the beginning and foundation of the sports centre. I already experienced with her several waves of popular training and especially “I really hate the classic lifting of dumbbells”. But I like Kettlebell since the beginning of my practice. Thank you, Kristina, that you found it for Rodeosport. Exercising with Kettlebells helps me forget about daily problems and I really trying every exercise to squeeze the best out of me. After each exercise, I sometimes have more energy than before, but the next day it’s worse :-(. Sometimes we wonder how such a pretty girl can lift such a weight ;-). That’s probably why guys don’t want to compete with her too often :-). She could a little bit improve her music playlist during lessons, but we can excuse this to her. She’s a great trainer with lots of ideas and energy.
Good job Kristyna and thank you, all the best.
I am a naturally thin 60+woman. Thin does not necessarily mean strong! Brett is helping me become a much stronger me. He knows just when to push me to the next level. I always look forward to my weekly session. Brett is AWESOME !!!
I found Ivan’s details through this StrongFirst forum, having enjoyed many of Pavel’s books and YouTube clips, but wary of messing something up or overdoing things after over 20 years of back problems.
It hasn’t been an easy year to get together with him, with gyms periodically closed in HK due to Covid restrictions since I first contacted him in April 2020, but I have learned a lot in the sessions we’ve had, and he has been a real help in getting me started.
He introduced me to things I’ve found very helpful, like using light clubs to loosen up in a warmup (which in turn led me to explore heavier clubs), as well as taking me through many of the essential movements (like the goblet squat). He has also pushed me and given me the confidence to do swings with heavier kettlebells than I was thinking of given my caution over previous back issues, and the whole experience has been very positive.
I’m now exercising at home much more than before and, while I’m still early in this process, feel stronger than in years. This is what people can expect from kettlebells and heavy clubs, but Ivan has been an important part of getting me started.
I would be happy to recommend Ivan and will be keen to do more with him once gyms reopen.
I took the Strongfirst kettlebell 8 hour course with Kevin a few months back. Very professional in his approach and attention to detail, while being personable and creating a comfortable environment. Can’t wait for when the time comes for me to sign up for the body weight course.
I have been working with Ian Hülke for about 3 months, and my life has gained a focus, momentum and clarity that I had always been seeking. Being a novice in my physical training, I had some hesitations about working in this manner. Once I met Ian, I was sold. Ian took the time to get to know me, and created a tailor-made program that is perfectly fit for my body. He provides video demonstrations of each exercise, along with thorough weekly consultations to ensure my comfort and success. I have become stronger than I’ve ever been with him as my guide to health and wellness. He is indeed an expert, with remarkable competency and vast knowledge. Most importantly, Ian has shown me the true joy that comes from the process. He has supported and encouraged every milestone I’ve reached, and has given me the tools to be mindful and present throughout my journey. I recommend him without reservation.
One of the most distinguishing features of Augusto as a Coach is his holistic approach and genuine interest. I train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai here and there and have had quite a few coaches. It’s striking how different the experience is. Augusto not only formally evaluates readiness and mobility, but also goal sets and adjusts as needed based on performance, injury, etc. He also considers health, nutrition, and even mental health. And he’s particularly brilliant and talented- and the king of memes too! It has been truly impactful experience for me and I’d recommend him to anyone.
Brett is professional, knowledgeable, and a great fitness coach. He has coached me in programs and private training and always helps me achieve my goals. If you are looking to get in shape or train for a specific goal, Brett can help you.
Claire has been an outstanding coach for me since starting to work with her around 6 months ago. Having experienced lots of PT’s in lots of sports and having completed a PT qualification myself I am often blown away by Claire’s level of understanding and teaching. She is the first person that has taught me what a hinge, squat and great movement should look like! After years of poor movement habits and a lack of understanding lead me to injuries, I am grateful I found Claire when I did and I am looking forward to continuing to learn from her in the years to come.
I am a 70 year old physician. I have been training with Brett for almost 5 years now. He introduced me to the KB. I am the strongest I have ever been. I am slowly work towards a 2X body weight deadlift and putting a 24 kg bell over head, among other goals. Brett is a very knowledgeable strength professional. He is an integral part of my ‘anti-aging’ program. I highly recommend him and the gym.
I just started with Brett a few months ago. I had just gotten done with some severe health issues. I needed to get my strength back and to become even stronger. He is working on that with me and I know eventually I will get there with Brett’s help. His positive attitude is what you want along with a trainer who has an extensive knowledge to help you achieve your goal.
After struggling with the Soju & Tuba press program I reached out to the StrongFirst community. Joey reached out to me in person, and since he’s the one behind the program I figured I schedule a class with him. The sheer amount of technique, details, and drills shared with me in a 45 minute call is priceless, and I already pressed a lot better at the end of the call than I ever have. He was very professional, yet did not shy away from throwing in a little humor here and there. Really enjoyed this class, and will return to Joey in the future, that I’m sure of.
I have been working out with Tom since summer of 2020 and truly feel like he has built me up to where I need to be. He does an outstanding job of making sure that the workout is within your means and pays close attention to the form to prevent bad habits or injuries. All these years, I felt like I haven’t had a trainer that has given this much attention to my workouts, which is important in properly reaching your goals. You can tell that kettlebell workouts are a true passion of his and very knowledgeable on the various workouts and fitness in general. I have never felt as strong and fit as I do now and will only continue to progress.
I can’t thank Claire enough for all her guidance and help .
After going to the doctors and being told I will need a knee surgery ,planta fascia in both feet ,flat foot ,and arthritis all in one day and sent home with lots of pills and lots of doctors appointments at the age 48 and a coach myself I was not going to give up as I can’t walk more than 10 min and found Claire as ive also been very interested in the StrongFirst courses.
I thought this was my last attempt before the doctors wheeled me away ?
Claire is super professional and with a wealth of knowledge .I just wanted to get strong and maybe a bit of mobility on the way to help me ,However Claire no1 is that your healthy first ,being a coach and a lover of most sports Kitesufer ,freediver, cycling ,boxer and a ex Crossfit coach and competitor Claire pointed out I maybe over training and have excess inflammation ? i was ready to try anything .
With claires detailed programming and super coaching eye and nutrition advice within 2 weeks I found my self walking with no pain ? within 2 months my arch in my foot has come back I feel like I have new feet ,no inflammation in my joints, im stronger ,my swings and knowledge of moving correctly is coming along ?ooh and ive dropped 3 kilos ,,no tablets no doctors needed ,⭐️ and booking sSFG1 this year …Thankyou for my feet ⭐️?
I went into the new year feeling awesome and getting better everyday .
This is all done via zoom meetings
im now walking 8k a day ?
When I stared going to Functional Body I did not know anything about working out or even where to start. Coach Kerry took the time to not only teach me proper technique but also how to make subtle lifestyles changes for long term growth. Coach is firm but fair. She will hold you accountable for your success but yet you will not feel judged, makes you feel very comfortable. I have more energy and have noticed body changes. In just a couple weeks you will see/feel your confidence increase. If you are ready to make a real change and investment in your personal and mental health I highly recommend Functional Body. I promise you.. you will not regret it!!!
Anyone like me who has had the pleasure and the good fortune to meet Stefano Massa along their path knows that, in addition to being a person available and always at the service of others, he is a great athlete and professional. He is able to convey his passion with extreme ease, making anyone who wants to approach the world of fitness fall in love.
Absolutely prepared in the field of strength and training in all its forms.
A guide for all lovers of psychophysical well-being.
Stefano Massa is the most authentic expression of strength and who better than him could be the Strongfirst team leader. He is a very good person, he listens a lot (qualities that few have), he gets involved and is always ready to learn and teach you something even if you don’t want to. He is a person who gives you a lot on a professional level, but above all from a human point of view. A great Coach, a great professional.
I’m lucky to have been able to train with the professional Stefano Massa for a year, and thanks to him I was able to learn the Strongfirst training principles in a simple way and I have increased my strength significantly and in a safe way.
I will never stop thanking him. Stefano, as well as teaching me the true meaning of the word strength, gave it to me. He stands out for his methodology, and his attention to detail has fueled my passion for training with the ketlebell … now I can’t do without him! a wonderful person with a huge heart.
I am a Children’s Yoga Instructor and personally have implemented Jose’s stretching, posture, and exercises to improve my overall training, awareness of movements and functional mobility which has sprinkled over into how I teach my classes. Most importantly, he helped our son (who was at the time playing competitive soccer) physically and emotionally train which sparked an interest, dedication and overall commitment to strength training that motivates and inspires others. His athletic ability and performance was not only improved upon but enhanced. As a family, we all learned and received from Jose what we consider to be a lifelong gift of health, wellness and performance. Jose will expect nothing less than your best from you and in the end, you will be forever grateful.
A great Trainer!! He knows how to transmit passion and knowledge in a unique way! He gives you always the right enthusiasm to do this job! Sìmply the best!!
Stefano is one of the most talented, intuitive, and masterful instructors in the entire Strong First organization. It is a pleasure and an honor to study with him. Thank you so much Stefano!
Dario is a kind and skillful instructor. I am so grateful for the contribution he has made to my life and to my fitness. Thank you Dario, I really appreciate your work!
My husband and I started going to Kerry just before Covid hit. We both had back surgery (several years apart from each other) and had a lot of correcting to do. Kerry not only took the time to figure out what we needed specifically but helped us help each other in the process. She takes the time and works with you until you (and her)feel 100% confident that your doing each move correctly. Kerry is without a doubt a great motivator, challenger, spirit lifter, teacher and trainer but must of all a wonderful person and friend. We are truly blessed to have found such an amazing coach!❤
Stefano is a passionate professional.
He is the man who has spread the Strongfirst principles through the whole Southern Italy since 2010.
All of us owe him much as a Team Leader.
Coach Will is superior if every way! In the 2 1/2 years I have been a student of his, I am stronger, more agile, and more confident. I am a 79 y.o. retired physician, life long fitness devotee, and runner, and have worked with many coaches over the years-Will is definitely the best!!. He emphasizes movement, strength, nutrition and so much more–especially safety. His classes are fun yet seriously focuses on the workout at hand. If you want to get stronger, Will will get you there!!
Grace first gave me some feedback on the Strongforst Facebook page. We then did several private lessons via zoom and her attention to detail and positive encouragement helped me make fast improvements with my swing! Her knowledge of kettlebell training is excellent and her ability to relay information so you understand it even remotely make it simple to learn from her. Thank you Grace!
Ben is amazing at staying in tune with where your mind and body on a day to day while working towards an ultimate goal. For me, it was the TSC. Ben adjusted on the fly to our Covid imposed 14 day quarantine and a tweaked back a couple weeks after that. The end result was that, at the age of 40, I broke PRs.
Jessica’s facebook workouts have made it easy for me to workout at least 3 times per week. There are times I just can’t make the afternoon kettle bell classes at the gym or on zoom. So, I just watch one of Jessica’s recorded facebook workouts and do it when it’s convenient for me! Her workouts are always challenging and varied. She kicks butt! Thank you Jessica!
Jessica is an amazing trainer! She worked with me and my wife who was 6 months pregnant at the time. She taught my wife so many movements that were safe to do during her pregnancy as well as things to focus on post-delivery. We learned so much from working with her and since then my wife and I have more than doubled the weight of our kettlebells. I highly recommend Jessica for people of all ages. 5 stars!
Jessica’s live workouts are great! The pace is easy to keep up with. Her instruction before each set is on point and knowledgeable. There’s always one or two special guest appearances that make her workouts extremely entertaining.
Liz has been instrumental in my training over the past couple years. We’ve been able to work through several different injuries/limitations while still seeing progress. Her knowledge, adaptability, enthusiasm, and support have been paramount to my success and she always meets you where you’re at while encouraging hard work and improvement. I’ve also broken several PRs working with her 🙂 12/10 would recommend!
I have been working with Christian as my coach and trainer for more than a year now. He has done exactly what I needed a coach to do… understand my strengths and weaknesses and push me beyond them. He has an excellent understanding of technique and purpose and knows how to break down a complex sequence into basic functional parts, and provide a comprehensive workout. The method in his process is obvious – he’s building routines and sequences that take me up a level, then up another level. Christian is great in that he always gives me the option of going harder and pushing further – but also gives me the confidence to do so.
He’s always supportive, respectful and encouraging, making me want to reach the goals he’s set for me. It’s a true partnership. And he’s flexible in how we schedule our time. I’m happy that I’ve got the work flexibility to train with him 3 times a week, and we always figure it out! Even if I am traveling for work.
He’s an awesome guide on my fitness journey!! One of the best trainers I’ve ever worked with!
Years Ago, Mark Started me out with my journey in the field of fitness, He was the one that introduced me to much vaunted kettlebell. Through the years I have entered multiple fitness and martial arts competitions and mark was one of the coaches that helped me achieve the levels of fitness to be able to do the things that I want and love. From the gym to the wilderness of the mountain trails of the Philippines the carryover of the kettlebell has helped me alot. As a person he is very PROFESSIONAL coach always looking forward and breaking down the science of things. Highly recommended to help increase strength, work capacity and endurance. So if you are looking for a good professional coach to help your fitness journey, beginner or advance just give him a message.
I am the type who likes sports and activities that is physically draining and damaging but his teachings was able to make me somewhat bulletproof and here I am still alive and kickin doing the crazy stuff I have always loved to do
I read Simple and Sinister around about the start of the year and began training with the programme mentioned in the book but quickly began to realise that my form and technique could really do with some attention by someone who knows what they’re doing. I came across Claire on Instagram and signed up for a few of her zoom workshops on swings and the get up during the first lockdown and have been regularly working with her ever since through zoom training sessions.
She is an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced coach and teacher with the ability to diagnose and correct technique issues extremely effectively as well as being great to get on with and has quite literally changed my whole approach to training and nutrition. Before training with Claire I used to be going around in circles, constantly disappointed by my progress and never seemingly getting anywhere with building my strength and body composition. That’s changed dramatically this year. I’m far stronger with more muscle and better cardiovascular fitness as well as keeping lean. I couldn’t be more grateful for her expertise, guidance and no nonsense coaching that I am constantly learning from and I could not recommended her highly enough!
After many years of not exercising and getting numerous injuries from my aging body I decided it was time to get proactive. I started training with Liz this spring via FaceTime and used the very basics of what I owned in my home including one kettle bell and a few light weights plus some resistant bands. Liz worked very slowly and carefully to get my tired old body back to the strength I once had without causing any injuries. She is very knowledgeable on form, specific exercises for your needs, how to push but not kill you, how to have fun and also give you much encouragement. She keeps telling me I’m stronger than I realize and she’s right. I feel better now than I have in years. I highly recommend Liz to help you with your training needs.
Aaron is a fantastic trainer – both in a class situation and on a one-to-one. He puts a lot of thought into every session and takes real care in knowing his client. I told him three very specific issues I had and he went to great lengths to make sure each were specifically addressed in our sessions whilst also giving me an excellent all around workout. He really wants his clients to leave knowing more than when they arrived and being able to progress on their own time as well as in the sessions. Despite his vast wealth of knowledge, particularly when it comes to kettlebells, he is always expanding his own knowledge and is constantly pushing himself and his clients to learn and improve. He breaks every move down into easily understandable bite size chunks and explains why they work. Whether a new-comer or a seasoned gym-goer, you really could not ask for a better trainer. I cannot recommend highly enough.
Love Aaron’s classes and training method. Aaron clearly explains the movements and correct technique which helps you get the best from your workout and development. Each class Aaron plans is with passion and to a very high standard, always giving alternatives. Personally after each of Aaron’s classes I always feel like I have challenged my body to the max and worked every muscle! I highly recommend Aaron as a trainer. Keep up the great work Aaron ??
Raúl has designed my program focusing on scaffolding strength of my core muscles, movements and precision so that i can work with confidence and away from any injuries. I arrived to his studio with a weakened back due to a lumbar hernia, constant back and leg pain, and after a few sessions i could already feel the difference. Raul is empathetic, kind and firm. Best coach i’ve worked with.
My name is Edgardo. I reside in Mexico City. Training with Raul has been incredible. His workout are both fun and effective. I have learnt with him that is not about how much weight you can lift or how many reps you do but rather concentrating on the technique and the movement. I have better myself in my mobility and resistance under his coaching. I strongly recommend Raul for anybody who wants to improve physical condition or take it to the limit.
Raúl Baca has worked with me for over 1 year now, and I couldn’t recommend a better trainer in Mexico City. He is encouraging, patient and above all knowledgeable and safe. He’s top notch, and I’d highly recommend his expertise. Without his help, I don’t think I would have developed any desire to exercise, much less sustained it.
Raúl is a very consistent, dedicated coach, he has tailored my training according to my flexibility and strength, increasing the efforts and training intensity according to my advance, when the Covid contingency started Raúl focused my training to loose weight, I have almost lost 20 kg, around 40 pounds in the last 6 months, with a great, funny and challenging training that doesn’t drain my energy to keep up to the demands of my day to day job, without pain, and excellent motivation coming from Raúl.
I have trained with Aaron for 2 years, primarily for strength and circuit training at a leading gym in London. My fitness background is in endurance sports and having previously competed at a world championship level, have worked with some great coaches and have high expectations. In short, I rate Aaron as the best general fitness and technical strength coach I have trained with.
You can feel very confident that Aaron will plan your sessions in great detail to ensure you get the full benefit from your time and he is continually seeking new knowledge. As a trainer, he is very supportive and motivating while remaining relaxed and personable. He is very generous in making time available for post session technique work or to provide general advice. His technical knowledge is nothing short of impressive.
Aaron is a great instructor. I’ve really enjoyed his kettle bell classes over the last 18 months and have made great progress.
He is a great communicator and breaks down the moves into simple steps – and he even appreciates that his left side might be different to that of the audience. Amazing!
The kettlebell program that Aaron developed for lockdown perfectly sums up his training style and professional skills. The 4 weeks of videos are well-planned, clearly described, and challenging. Aaron focuses on form and always indicates that programs can be modified to suit individual ability.
Louka was an assistant instructor at a recent SFG cert I attended, but would have been well qualified to teach the whole course himself. He is direct and detailed in describing technique, without over-cueing., and he is surgical in his corrections. It was a pleasure and an honour to have him there for the weekend.
I rang RealFit just over a month ago looking for someone to show me how to throw some kettlebells around. The training, guidance and support Fred has introduced to me is far more then I could have expected. Fred’s level of knowledge and experience of the human body and how it suppose to move is something I have not been exposed to before and my mind body and spirit are grateful for the service RealFit and Fred provide. The fitness industry are lacking gyms like RealFit and professionals like Fred. If you have a body and want to get the best out of it I highly recommend Fred and the team at RealFit.
Aaron is by far the best instructor I have ever met and I feel very lucky to be training with him. I had a surgery and several other injuries and he always knew which alternatives to suggest to make me stronger in a short time. He is not just very knowledgeable and technical but also makes training plans which are never repetitive or boring. I would strongly recommend training with him and learning the art of kettlebells from him.
Aaron is hands-down one of the best instructors/trainers I’ve ever come across in my 10+ years training. He’s one of the few instructors who manages to get the most out of both people who are new to ‘fitness’ and experienced athletes. Aaron is clearly very experienced, knowledgeable and talented (his form is GOALS), but he’s also exceptionally skilled at instructing clients, either in a group setting or 1:1. I’ve watched him with his PT clients and you’d struggle to find anyone that focused on their client in a 1:1 session. He’s passionate, driven, and demonstrates that he’s continuously educating himself in the field. Such a top guy, and a huge asset to Third Space (and wherever life takes him!) – could not possibly recommend him more!
Aaron really knows his stuff, always comes up with a variety of challenging classes at the gym and is always tries to help with technique.
Over lockdown 2, he devised a 16 full body workouts with only 1 kettlebell needed, with videos and instructional commentary ??
Aaron is the most patient and proficient trainer I’ve met. I wasn’t very confident or knew much about exercise or weight training, but Aaron takes the time to explain and model concepts and the foundations with passion and clarity. He has improved my confidence in training, especially with kettlebells, and I love working out now – as he has taught me the cues and movements to thrive. I wish all trainers were as clear and diligent as Aaron, who is always ready to support people to be their best selves, no matter their starting point. Thank you Aaron, you’re one in a million!
I have trained with several instructors in the past and I have never enjoyed strength training as much as I did with Aaron. Not only is he deeply passionate and experienced with kettlebell workout, he has extensive knowledge in other forms of training. Thanks to Aaron’s pointers, I managed to break my personal best record in running. Unlike a usual trainer, Aaron is more like a friend, that is excellent at coaching. He pays attention to details, and would proactively correct my form and provide alternatives when I had injuries. I do not think 5 stars rating justifies Aaron’s level of expertise, I would rate him above that if I could!
Aaron is an excellent trainer, really passionate about his craft, and makes the effort to create a friendly training environment for students. Since starting kettlebell training with him 2 months ago, I’ve seen significant progress in my strength, endurance, and technique. I couldn’t recommend him enough.
Fantastic instructor. Aaron put a huge amount of effort in to a tailored workout plan during the November lockdown. His instructions were always clear and thoroughly explained and he put a lot of thought in to making the workouts varied, fun and tough! Aaron was also readily available to answer any questions and did some extra videos to explain different techniques. Made a huge difference for me during the lockdown.
I’ve trained with Aaron at third space and more recently followed his kettlebell programme during lockdown and I’ve really enjoyed it. Very thorough instructions and programming, sending extra video explainers when necessary for the more complex moves. Highly recommend!
Aaron is annoyingly good at what he does. He’ll devise you a workout that leaves you nowhere to hide – but explains it simply and clearly. This means you can get your head round the moves, but not hurt yourself trying to look like the pro he is. My clothes still just about fit during lockdown, due to his kettlebell witchcraft.
Aaron is the absolute best in the business for strength training and improving fitness and endurance. Even in group classes, his instruction is bespoke for each individual and has a firm focus on ensuring technique and skills are correct, for safety and maximum benefit, as well as encouraging you to your full potential. Most of all, you will see results with Aaron, due to his deep knowledge of this field and how to combine exercises appropriately to help you reach your goals. Moreover, he is incredibly friendly, has utmost integrity and seems to make punishing workouts fun and fulfilling. There’s a reason his classes are always have a long waiting list and he’s your first, second and third top choice if you want to get to your goals, safely and as fast as possible. Couldn’t recommend highly enough
Julien is a great instructor! He was really helpful in addressing my technique, he’s really easy to learn from and has a great understanding of the Kettlebell.
I’ve known Al for over a year and half now since I first met him at a Strongfirst one day skills course. I’ve dabbled with kettlebells for over 10 years but my progress since the course has been amazing. Al has been a huge part of that. I contacted him after I decided to pursue my SFG1 qualification. He’s a humble and easy going trainer who’s tips and cues I’ve taken on board and then practiced on my own at home. The result has been passing all my skills on the last SFG1 certification and just missing out on the snatch test. I am confident of passing the test before the video deadline. I’m proud to recommend Al as my kettlebell mentor and I’m looking forward to my next session with him.
Reached out Aaron to prepare for my (eventual) SFG certification. We managed to cover a range of skills (Deadlift, Cleans, Presses). He explained them all very clearly. His cues were on point, to correct and improve any faults I was making. He’s a very good instructor and would reach out to him again in the future.
The knowledge and support I have received from Thiemo has been exceptional. Through Thiemo I have become extremely strong over time in terms of barbell, kettlebell and bodyweight training. His own experience, his expertise in programming and coaching all enabled me to perform at the highest possible level in competitions. Thiemo has also made it possible for me to successfully complete the Iron Maiden challenge and be the first StrongFirst Iron Maiden in Germany. Thank YOU for always coaching me to reach my goals!
I sought out Dan earlier this summer in the midst of COVID and smoke in the Santa Cruz area which made it difficult to ride with road cycling friends. I had heard from an avid biker that kettlebells could provide needed conditioning. I had some skepticism that quad and core strength could be increasing by throwing a little heavy ball around, but Dan has helped me become a believer. I am frankly amazed how good I feel after a kettlebell workout. The cardio was a bonus,,I’m a tough 64 year old woman and those things really get my heart pumping! Dan is thorough, tough when needed, precise, kind and encouraging. A real pro. Important to note, I consider his studio and practice COVID safe, and during our individual sessions we have no problems wearing masks and using sanitizer! If you have any inkling about trying out Kettleballs, give Dan a ring.
Diane is incredible! She has been my trainer for over a year and introduced me to kettlebells (love at first site). I am a busy mom with a demanding career and Diane has provided me with short but effective workouts that I can do at home with a handful of kettlebells and a mat. Diane is a compassionate badass. She understands that I am spread thin and works with what I have. At 44 I am stronger than I’ve ever been and Diane’s support has been the key. I am so grateful to have her in my life and only wish I had met her sooner.
I was a bit skeptical with my decision to take virtual kettlebell lessons, but given the current environment (COVID-19), decided to give them a try. It was clear after the first lesson that my concerns were unwarranted. Nagi proved to be an excellent teacher with a keen eye, who could spot errors in my swing over our Zoom sessions. I originally had planned for the single lesson, but after a number of lessons, we are still at it.
I was looking through this website for a coach near me and was lucky enough to find Megan. Have had 2 sessions of 1-2-1 training and both were brilliant. Covered plenty on the basics, she gave me loads of excellent coaching and tips and help sorting out my own programming. And both sessions were really enjoyable. She’s a brilliant coach and a lovely person, highly recommended.
Malou’s attention to detail, posture and passion for KB makes her an excellent trainer. Malou made me a training plan that I still use, and continue to see results with. She’s patient, knowledgeable, i just wish i had more time to train by her side. I could not recommend her more. You will not be disappointed.
Passion, benevolence, pedagogy are 3 words that perfectly characterize Nic.
I had the chance to participate in 2 sessions in small groups with him and the progression was immediate thanks to his advice and his expert eye: in just a few months I went from a 12 kilos to the simple objective, I am delighted and I continue on the path of strength!
Malou and I met during our time working together as scuba instructors. During our free time, Malou started teaching me some workouts with kettlebells. Having never used them before I was thoroughly impressed with her teaching methods. She is very patient, methodical and can help adjust the workout for someone with past injuries that restrict some movements. Would highly recommend her!
Santo has great skills, he pays attention to details and he is also a very good Coach.
Thanks to him, I discover StrongFirst.
I learn a lot with him and I look forward practicing again with Santo because we are Students of Strength !!
Guillaume is a Personal Trainer that is humble, perfectionist and caring with his students.
He pays attention with details and he is always available for his students.
He is a quiet professional.
Guillaume est un Coach humble, bienveillant et perfectionniste.
Il est attentif aux détails et toujours disponible pour aider ses élèves.
Pour faire simple, c’est un professionnel discret.
I highly recommend working Tateki to an athlete of any level.
I’m AMAZED at how well Tateki could coach over Zoom, I hope to work with him in person one day. He is clearly a world-class athlete who loves everything about the human body and its potential for performance: his enthusiasm is motivating and his knowledge is inspiring. He is energetic yet calm, knowledgable but humble, a professional fighter with a gentle touch.
I thought I was getting quite strong with kettlebells and was on track to reach the Simple Standard in a month or two. Given my athletic history I was getting a bit cocky. When I showed him my swing and getup, he immediately found issues that would have likely lead to injuries: I still am stunned he could see small details over zoom. He has given me homework and pages of notes I wrote down after our first session.
Lastly, Tateki has also clearly invested in his space and equipment to be maximally effective over zoom. His eye to detail extends beyond the kettlebells, and I definitely appreciated that.
Tateki is a great instructor who can convey the principles very well through explanations, demos and feedback. He also ties the KB work into martial arts, other exercises and core biomechanic principles in a way that makes everything make so much more sense. It’s highly helpful and also very enjoyable to work with Tataki.
I met Malou as a coach through the CF and then she transmitted me her passion for KB.
She is really rigourous about technic of training and full of communicatif energy and motivation ! Always having News challenge for her students ( and for her :))!
Malou has an incredible passion and attention to detail for the technical aspects of kettlebell training. Perhaps more important is her inner resolve. I’ve never met somebody so determined and mentally strong. Her incredible recovery after breaking every bone in her body is a testament to that strength. Malou isn’t strong. She’s stronger.
Malou was the most patient instructor i have ever had!
Doing it correctly and safely was always the no1 priority.
I felt such an achievement when i learnt new skills with her because i really knew i was doing it properly.
I feel so grateful so have had the opportunity to not only learn from Malou but now be able to call her my friend.
My name is Svetlana.
I am working in Jordan at a diving center. That’s where I met Malou. I was lucky to work with Malou, in addition to diving, she had the opportunity to introduce me to other sports as kettlebel. She picked a special program for me to train , so I’m was absolutely new to this sport. I have to say that this kind of sport is unique for me which needs lots of approach, patience, strengths and time. But this is fun and I really had amazing experience. In one word for me she is a professional in her field. I’m glad I had that opportunity.
I hope to see you soon and continue our training.
Malou is a highly professional and knowledgeable trainer. She really takes the time to explain the rationale behind the KB movements and makes training a really enjoyable process.
I have learned a lot from training with her.
Malou is an excellent instructor. She is patient and knowledgeable. I have met many various instructors from other sports who teach the TGU, and you think you’re learning it correctly from them. Well when Malou taught me, I realised all these people had taught me was bad technique. Thanks to Malou I’ve learnt to keep my shoulder engaged and can now perform a TGU that is nearly half as good as hers!
Working with Amanda has been a game changer. I’m just a regular middle-aged woman who has always worked out. This year I decided to get serious about a life long goal- to do 2 pull ups unassisted. Amanda has provided me with a structured plan that includes strength, mobility, neurology, breath work and rest. I’m still on my journey but I’ve PR’d my press and snatch, cleaned up my form, and have dropped my comfortable running pace by about 1 min per mile. Amanda is energetic, organized, knowledgeable, and fun. She’s found a way to do all of this during a pandemic! I also find her incredibly believable that with the right technique and training, my goal is possible. Teaching me how to activate my lats, finding creative ways to practice a pull up when I don’t have much equipment, time, or space. She challenges me and celebrates each victory along the way. I’d recommend her to anyone who is looking to work smarter, not harder, on reaching their fitness and strength goals.
1) Extremely knowledgeable and highly motivated in terms of keeping up to date with the most effective training methods;
2) Great teacher- really good at explaining technique so that students can build strong foundations and develop safely;
3) Very supportive – takes time in between sessions to provide feedback on form and provide advice which means his students are learning outside of scheduled training sessions too.
I had the good fortune to spend 3 days with Jessica when she earned her SFG1 Certification. Aside from her high level of competency with a kettlebell, I found her to be a kind, caring, thoughtful and humble person who sincerely enjoys helping others find their way to new levels of skill and/or health, and who, as a busy mom, can easily relate to folks struggling to squeeze in training time.
I could not recommend Colin enough, the remote training during lockdown was worth every penny. I’ve found his advice an invaluable investment, which even after we have finished our training is still paying off.
Before I found Colin I had been struggling with a strength programme, not sure of where I was going wrong. I have limited time for training and want to spend it as effectively as possible. When I asked Colin for help he quickly identified the areas I needed to address, probing into several areas of my mobility (lack there of) and technique, providing me with specific drills to correct both of these. This allowed me to continue with the programme I’d set out on better able to complete the movements, with far greater skill and confidence. He’s got a clear and easy to understand way of explaining things, as well as a huge repertoire of visual demonstrations. He would frequently check up on my progress and I was surprised by how thorough the whole package was. Although our training is finished for now, I’ll definitely go back to him for help with projects in the future.
Aaron trained me recently and it was a pleasure working with him. He was very patient and understanding, and answered any concerns and questions I had- he is a very good communicator. Additionally, he provided tips and support afterwards via email and asked me to send him videos of my training so that he could monitor me until the next session. Aaron is a great trainer!
Amanda is amazing!! I cannot say enough good about her. She is constantly positive and encouraging while being realistic about goals and never feels just like she’s just blowing smoke. I don’t know how she does it. I’ve been training with her for less than a year and added 8 kg to my press, 8 kg to my snatch and 6 to my Turkish get up. And I started working with her to get stronger at running! I look forward to my training sessions all week because I know I’m going to have fun, I’m going to learn something and I’m going to sweat. Seriously, Amanda is the best!!!!
Kateřina is a great trainer with human approach suitable for every kind of people who want to improve skills in fighting, be stronger or just feeling healthier. I started training with Kateřina as a total beginner couple years ago with Krav maga but her complex knowledge of body strength showed me other ways such as Kettlebell training especially. She also helped me with food diet and now improving my kickboxing techniques.
I will be celebrating 2 years in December with Jake as a trainer! He is awesome! Very knowledgeable, encouraging and patient. He pushes me to do my best know matter the mood I’m in.
I attended the StrongFirst Foundations workshop on the 6th of September at Source Gym in Omagh. The course was excellent. We covered breathing techniques, Planks, Deadlifts, Kettlebell Swings and Press Ups. The foundations of the techniques for each exercise / movement were covered in really good detail. I found it helpful that John broke each technique into stages and then built each stage into the full movement for the exercise he was teaching. This enabled me to learn each stage and follow it properly.
The whole course was fun, engaging and very informative. I had a fantastic day learning and getting involved on the course. I really enjoyed myself.
I have been working out with Ian as my personal trainer for over a year now. He has been consistently positive and professional, making me feel very comfortable working with him. The experience has allowed me to see how quickly I can make progress. With him, I have learned about my limits as well as when I can push myself. Ian has been very good about adjusting workouts to meet my needs, including when I need to slow down. His online workouts very conveniently fit it in with everything else I have going on. He has been flexible and accommodating, which I desperately need when it comes to exercise.
When I decided to take my Kettlebell training seriously, one person came to mind. I’ve been a silent follower of Ian for years so I decided to reach out. He’s proven to be a beneficial asset to my training and motivation. He provides structure and knowledge in a way that is easy to understand. His experience in Kettlebells speaks for itself. After just a few months of training I’m seeing real strength gains as well as weight loss. Ian’s workout plans provide a mix of challenge and engagement that creates a sense of accomplishment after each workout session. I look forward to continuing this journey with Ian at Physical Culture.
Michal has very good teaching skills and also he is a nice person. His classes are interesting to attend and he always gives some good advice. He is a great instructor and I highly recommend him.
Pavol is great instructor and nice person. I have learned a lot about strength from Pavol and I always enjoy attending his classes. He is always calm and never hesitates to help. I highly recommend him as an instructor.
Christian has always been patient and encouraging working with me, helping me to push myself beyond what I thought would be possible. Since starting working with him, I have improved my strength and endurance significantly. Throughout multiple rough spots in my life, he has helped me stay focused and on track with my health and fitness. I can now confidently say I am in the best shape I have been in my life and look forward to continuing that trend in the future with Christian’s help.
Nagi has helped my technique so much! She was incredibly accommodating during a time where it is difficult to get into a gym, and set up a video session that I was able to do from my home. She took the time to patiently help me with my technique and I’m still feeling the benefits of it. Sign up for her online sessions and you won’t be disappointed!!
I can only say that my one-on-one KB training session with Owen was absolutely awesome!
The instruction that I received was clear, easy to understand and apply, great cues on how to get a feel for what he was asking me to do differently. I feel that I am now equipped with an abundance of input to make my training at home so much more successful and useful – not only when it comes to gaining more strength, but also for my health. To me, this consultation with Owen was more valuable than what I could have gotten from a visit with a health professional – his knowledge about strength, correct movement patterns and how to apply those in real-life-situations is already helping me to reduce the wear and tear on my body while doing physical labor jobs.
So, I cannot recommend Owen enough and the moment I can make it happen, I will be back for more!
Thiemo is by far one of the best trainer and with a huge amount of knowledge. He helped me a lot on my way to different huge personal goals and certifications.
Whenever there was a problem at my side, he knew how to fix it. You receive a very direct but so usefull feedback of him, it´s pure gold to have him as a trainer for several years and I´m looking forward to more years.
Over the past 6 years of training I have worked with Mike on several different occasions and I am currently working with him again. Mike has a technical knowledge and manner in which he can relay often complex movements in way which make sense and inform me of how to execute these movements in a safe way. He has always tempered his approach to my training to reflect my stage of proficiency or any limitations I have had with regards to strength or mobility. If you are thinking about a strength training leader , I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mike as a equally great trainer at Hardstyle Method.
When I met Tim 18 months ago I had no knowledge or experience with kettlebells and strength training. I was impressed at the extent of his knowledge, but most importantly his ability to break complex concepts down simply in order to make them accessible and easy to understand.
Choosing to begin training with Tim has been one of the best decisions of my life. He has an outstanding ability to tailor each session to get the most out of you, allowing you to lean just over your edge and achieve more than you believed you were capable of. Furthermore, his holistic approach to wellness encompasses more than just strength training. With his guidance I have made significant improvements on both my physical health and mental wellbeing. His ability to lead a brotherhood of like-minded individuals towards a collective sense of purpose is world class.
I could not recommend training with Tim more highly.
Mike Humphreys is not only and amazing trainer but an amazing person also. Mike has been assisting me in my solo training sessions in the gym helping me prepare for SFG1 in November. His ability to analyse, breakdown and fine tune my movements have been the key to my progression the last 2 months. His wealth of knowledge of all facets of strength training and strongfirst are at the highest level. His jovial attitude make it a joy to be in his presence and around the gym aspiring to get better..
Thankyou for all your help Mike.
Jozef is the great coach and teacher to start your strengths journey with, to reach the goals you would never dream off before, even to overcome bad days and lazy days. Jozef has a strong analytical mind and can explain very well. He is patient yet he knows how to motivate you. He is detail oriented with great technique but the most of it, he is a friend always ready to help you. And that makes him a person you want to meet on your way to your better and stronger self.
Mike is an amazing instructor with incredible attention to detail, Mike has a very good ability to relay complex movements and exercise concepts in a easily digestible format for people at all skill levels.
Mike takes a lot of pride in his work and always brings the best out in people whilst in the gym, I would highly recommend Mike as a great choice for a personal trainer!
Michael’s knowledge of strength nutrition and mobility is of the highest level. He has the ability of knowing how to get the most out of you In any session.
Michael’s qualifications speak volumes about the level of understanding he has when it come to teaching students the correct way to train.
I would highly recommend anyone looking for a personal trainer to get in contact. You will not regret it.
I have only been in Tim’s gym for 18 months. What I have been able achieve in this short period time is a testament to the culture he has built in his gym.
Tim’s attention to detail brings on quick learning with a great safety and cultural aspect.
If you want to learn the movements safely and are willing to put in. Tim’s gym is the place to be and you can’t go wrong with Tim as your instructor.
Mike is an outstanding instructor with a high level of knowledge in all aspects of training.
His explanation of complex movements makes learning easy. I have also found Mike to have a keen eye in keeping movements functionally strong and safe.
I should know, I came to him in pretty poor condition with a baggage list of spinal issues that I wouldn’t put my worst enemy through. It’s now been 18 months and I just completed my first snatch test.
I would not hesitate in recommending Mike as an Instructor.
I have been training under Tim Almond for 4+ years, my first interview consisted of Tim seeking understanding of my level of fitness, what my goals in strength were and Tim then took the time to explain he would provide me with the tools to walk into any conventional gym and be confident exercising safely with correct technique. Years later, I am still training with Tim and would not even think of entering a conventional gym.
Tim leads from the front and demonstrates what hard work and dedication to the craft will achieve.
You do not get a chance to give up on yourself, Tim provides a community for likeminded people to have fun whilst pushing yourself to achieve your personal goals.
My goal is 24kg military press and world record kettle bell swings. For me to achieve these goals, Tim has provided tailored programs and checks in on my progress and provides assistant work to help me achieve these goals.
I have attended many courses and certifications which Tim has facilitated; breathing workshops, introduction to Kettlebells, deadlift courses, mobility courses, SFG1, SFG2 and many more. I learnt a lot about myself, how my body moves and Tim’s knowledge and passion is what makes these courses powerful.
I have recently asked Tim to train my daughter who just turned 9, within 8 weeks she can perform a TGU, 2H Swing, KB Deadlift. In her words “favourite day is Thursday, definitely come here, Tim explains and shows me how to do the movement and I have fun!”
I was searching for a different approach to fitness and training which included variety, strength progression and accountability. Tim’s introduction to StrongFirst based training ticked all those boxes and allowed me to cater my fitness journey to my specific goals whilst developing the many nuances to the core movements of kettlebell training. This was 6 years ago and I have as much passion for my training as the years have progressed. The Hardstyle gym is state of the art and with best equipment to deliver on Tim’s commitment to strength training. Just as important to me as the training is the great community of guys that train at Hardstyle which make it a highlight of my week.
I’ve suffered from health issues for over ten years. After overcoming my illness I turned to Tim to help me get physically functional again. Currently I’m in the best physical shape I’ve ever been in.
Tim is able to deconstruct, explain and demonstrate movements in a simple and straight forward manner which has allowed me to rapidly improve in my technique and strength.
His training methods are innovative and holistic, pursuing not only strength and technical excellence but also mobility, recovery and the creation of the right mental scaffolding needed to reach the highest levels of your training journey.
Highly recommended, one of the best trainers in Australia
I have recently been training with Brenda but have attended many of her spin classes in the past and already knew what a great coach she was. I am 63 and I had a hip replacement last year and am currently waiting on the other hip being done, (postponed due to covid). Having been reasonably fit before, I really needed to build up my confidence and work on making my hips as strong as they can be to aid recovery from surgery and eventually regain some of my fitness. When Brenda recommended kettlebells I wasn’t sure how I would manage but with her consistent attention to safety and precise technique I have been “unlearning ” bad habits and gaining new skills. The result has been that I feel better mentally and physically. Brenda has helped me learn more about the body than I thought there was to know and she know s so much! We have fun and videoing my attempts to carry out exercises has helped me when she’s not there. I know that when I finally have my hip op I’ll be going in better prepared and have a quicker recovery thanks to Brenda. I know ,too, that Brenda will help when I’m ready to return to kettlebells.
This man literally changed my life for better. He helped me to build strength foundation and showed how to train in sustainable manner. Great coach and friend.
Michal has exceptional coaching skills, he od very clear, supportive and motivational. He always looks for new ways how to help his students and always puts his own ego aside.
I’ve been training with Tim for a number of years and find him to be extremely knowledgeable and you can always trust him to notice any flaws in your form and correct them. Tim’s always enthusiastic and his programming (and knowledge) is world class. Tim knows how to motivate and get the best out of everyone.
I wouldn’t train anywhere else.
I first met Tim over two years ago and it was him that started me off on my experience of Kettlebells and learning about strength- and what an experience it has been so far.
One memory that stands out for me is from the SFG 1 certification weekend when Tim lead the final group workout- his ability to instruct, encourage and inspire has stuck in my mind- That was a big moment for me as it helped me realise my limits were not in fact my limits and I still had more to give; I was able, after two years of training do it without flaring up old injuries. I am now a proud to call myself a Certified SFG Level 1 Instructor.
On a different note, as a physio and someone who has dedicated himself to ongoing learning and mastery of human movement and using it to help others with their injuries and movement efficiency, I know I am in the best place in Perth to continue my education of Kettlebell training and strength principles which I can apply to myself and my work.
Tim’s knowledge and attention to detail is second to none and it is a real privilege to continue to learn from him and the other experienced instructors and members of the Hardstyle Method gym.
I’ve been training with Tim for some months – when Tim initially asked me what my goals were, I answered with a “..taking my training to the next level”… oh boy! I had no idea what the next level would start to become.. In these short months I have gone from knowing nothing about kettlebells to becoming addicted to the theory, practice, results and everything else that goes with the Strongfirst way. Tim has shown me time and time again just how deep his knowledge goes (world class and I suspect we haven’t even scratched the surface!) and how that knowledge can lay foundations to achieving my very specific goals.
I am looking forward to what strength milestones I can achieve in the future under Tims coaching.
Oh and that lingering back stiffness that was persistent throughout the last five years. It’s gone.
I have been training under Tim for over 2 years now. The experience and ability to explain information at all ability levels is impressive. He know how to push everyone at the gym to get the most out of themselves. Over the 2 years he has changed the way I look at what strength is and what training is about. I would training with Tim for anyone of at any level of their fitness journey.
I have been following/training with Tim for 3 years now and have completed my SFG I and attempted SFG II.
His attention to detail, knowledge and coaching ability is second to none and keep me coming back to the gym. As someone who has previously trained and played in an elite Athlete setting I can confirm that the level of training and coaching quality pales in comparison to what you get when you train with Tim.
I can not recommend him enough and would encourage anyone interested in becoming better to train with him.
When you first meet Tim you very quickly understand this guy knows his stuff and has a very strong passion for StrongFirst and kettle bell training. The knowledge he passes onto his student is priceless. If you have ever wanted to learn StrongFirst I recommend making an appointment with Tim. The community that Has been created at hardstyle is fantastic. Do your self a favour and book a consult with Tim.
I started strength training with Beth February 2020. In fact she trains both my mom and I. She has this ability to create an enjoyable, informative space while providing customized coaching to each of us. I’ve learned so much about my body’s abilities and have redefined what healthy means to me all because of Beth! Kettle bells has also been a fun journey, it provides a great opportunity to really develop strength, focus and skill and not get bored!
I’ve been training with Tim for 2 years and in that time he has changed my understanding of strength and movement, Tim leads by example and always strives for perfection. I would recommend training with Tim for anyone at any level, his knowledge and grasp of the strong first system and exercise systems in general is second to none.
Best personal trainer!! Always in a good mood, sympathetic and motivating.
Through Thiemo Nass, the sport became a pure passion.
Thank you so much for the valuable and instructive training sessions.
I attended the Strong First Foundation Workshop in SourceGym in Omagh.
We covered breathing techniques, Deadlifts, Kettlebells, Mobility, Push Ups and even talked a little about TSC.
John’s teaching was fantastic, he really broke everything down into simple to follow steps, which will really help improve my workouts. The whole day flew by, with plenty of craic to go with it.
I really can’t recommend John’s workshops enough, they will help you further understand how muscle groups work and even help you understand how tiny movements can give you that extra push in your workout.
I look forward to more workshops of John’s and hopefully be able to expand my knowledge once again.
I attended a Strong First Foundation Workshop on 6th September in@SourceGym Omagh.
It covered mobility, breathing techniques, Kettlebell movements, Deadlifts, Plank and Push ups(with a little segue into pull ups).
John is an excellent coach, who is dedicated to the Strong First code. We were taught to a very high standard, with clear instructions, in a friendly relaxed manner.
The whole day was informative and also full of craic.
I highly recommend John and will definitely be attending more workshops given by him.
I have over 15 years training history and was in predicament at the start of lockdown with no access to a gym and 2 Kettlebells I managed to purchase before the stores closed. Colin designed a series of programs with the scarce equipment I had, that are fun, varied, progressive and have yielded significant conditioning and strength gains, improved my mobility, all whilst losing fat and building muscle. I had never worked with Kettlebells before or a trainer remotely, I am now a convert to both and evangelise Kettlebells to friends and colleagues. Colin’s program design and his setup for delivering training remotely is very well organised and professional. Colin is very knowledgeable in all areas, from nutrition to building strength, he’s the best trainer I have worked with and wouldn’t hesitate recommending him.
Kevin taught me all I know about kettlebells and really drilled into me what true strength training looked like. He pushed me everyday to lift stronger while also ensuring I had proper technique and form. After joining Kevin’s swim squad I saw so much improvement and prepared me to continue my athletic career in college.
Andrea is detail oriented and she always looks for perfection in technique. She is patient and always willing to help. She is a great instructor and I highly recommend her.
Andrea is passionate teacher gifted with watchful eye for technical details. Want to move better, get into shape and improve your health? Then get trained by this great coach 🙂
Jozef is very knowledgeable and great instructor. He is very patient and he is willing to help anytime. If you want to learn a lot about strength and technique and to get stronger in a safe way I highly recommend Jozef as an instructor.
Betsy is an experienced, patient, confident, competent and thorough instructor.
She prepared me for both my Level 1 and 2 kettlebell certifications and is constantly available with firm and compassionate coaching.
Her experience is obvious as she coaches – she has a keen eye and so many helpful drills in her toolbelt.
She is relentless in the pursuit of your success. She is not phased by a students’ struggles and she makes learning technique fun.
Whether you’re preparing for your Level 2 kettlebell certification, deciding to use kettlebells for fat loss, or recovering from surgery, you can trust Betsy Collie to take care of your health and your goals.
I cannot thank her enough for how she has trained me.
I’d reached a rut in my training when I contacted Claire. I run a Martial Arts school, and until recently I competed at National and World level. After following a couple of different kettlebell ‘plans’ during the initial phase of lock down, I realised I needed a coach.
My zoom sessions with Claire were friendly and no nonsense. She was able to connect my experience in my Martial Arts training and instructing, with Strong First Kettlebell training, and give me the tools to build from there.
Over the course of 6 weeks Claire built knowledge and technique in my training, with a simple and effective plan that I continue to progress with, several weeks later.
In addition to the training, Claire gave simple to follow Nutritional advice. My shape has improved, as has my strength and mobility.
I have recently become involved with Tim Almond over the last two months after having moved home and now being fortunate enough to now living 5 minutes away from the Hardstyle Method. What can I say, this man needs no introduction, he is a true master of his craft and his knowledge and wisdom of all things kettlebell and strength is second to none. His detailed analysis and breakdowns of various techniques such as the swing and snatch have helped me immensely on my strength journey and his focus on the technical aspects of the kettlebell I benefit from greatly after every session. Tim has instilled the confidence in myself to attempt my SFG1 certification in a few months and for that I am great ful and never thought possible before I started training with him. Not only do I consider this man my mentor but due to his care factor and care of his students now consider him like a brother. Thanks Tim
Tim’s attention to detail and knowledge are some of the best in the world. His ability to teach and explain to all levels makes him a great teacher.
He understands movement and the human body. Allowing him to help you move better and with more purpose.
I have done multiple StrongFirst workshops and certifications. Tim’s ability to always be sharpening his teaching skills and develop better ways to bring across what he knows is amazing.
Strenuous physical activity all but ceased for me 18 months ago, at the age of 33, with the diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis; an arthritis type auto-immune disease typified by inflammation of the lower back, pelvis and hips. My days would begin awakening in agony and having to roll from bed onto the floor, up into a crawl, then eventually onto my feet as I managed to get some movement into my joints. I’d proceed to grit my teeth and fight through my shift at work with the assistance of NSAIDS and painkillers.
Fortunately, I was eventually diagnosed and put on monthly injections of a modern biologic which reigned in the worst of the inflammation and associated pain (these injections are the difference between me walking or needing a wheelchair in my 50’s). What the medicines, physiotherapy, podiatry, acupuncture etc couldn’t help me with was the remnant chronic fatigue, insomnia and constant limp from crippling plantar fasciitis. I was told further improvements would only come via rest and cortisone injections.
I was aware of StrongFirst as someone who’d read ETK and swung the odd bell before my body twisted up on me. I found Tim had a gym not far from where I live via the website and contacted him to see if he had any ideas that could help get me moving again and hopefully back to work.
I write this after 6 weeks of twice weekly sessions with Tim and the crew at Hardstyle Method. My limp is all but gone, the custom orthopaedic insoles I was told I’d need for the rest of my life are in the bin along with the referral for cortisone injections. I sleep like the dead and have getups for breakfast. This morning at home I military pressed a 24kg kettlebell 50 times with each hand.
I have Tim to thank for the new lease on life that I now have. His knowledge and enthusiasm for strength and health have pushed me towards my own strength and health. I might even avoid that desk job after all.
Nagi is an excellent instructor. My wife and I both recently started exercising with kettlebells and wanted to be sure our form was correct. COVID and convenience had us looking for local instructors willing to hold online sessions, which led us to Nagi.
Nagi is incredibly flexible and extremely motivating to learn from. Her explanations and demonstrations of the movements are very clear and easy to understand, despite the limitation of online video (and in both English and Japanese!). After just our first 1 hour session, swings feel so much better! Looking forward to continuing our training!
Have completed 6 sessions with Coach Mathy. I found him on this site and reached out to him directly. My objective has been to get my form right with specifically the KB swings and TGU’s. With recurring issues with my back I wanted to make sure I have the right person to guide me through this process. Not only has he helped me strengthen my back but has guided me to meet my objectives. He’s a great guy and I highly recommend him.
How do you sum up 8 years of a relationship in a few paragraphs? I will attempt it here:
I first met Coach Mark back in 2012 through a common friend. At that time I had already tried a few different trainers / different gyms. I also have been educating myself on strength training / muscle growth principles. I reached an epiphany when my (trainer then) insisted on having me go through sets and sets of bicep curls and leg curls, but couldn’t teach me how to deadlift. We tried, but the whole arrangement felt awkward. The trainer looked great physically but I could see has was not confident. And so another search began…
I went to this very rock-and-roll powerlifting gym where Coach Mark was stationed and finally met him. The first test I think was if I could do a strict bar pull-up. And at that point I could not do a single pull-up! Lol. Under Coach’s tough love no BS training (which has been mentioned here in the testimonials). What follows would be a string of first milestones (my first pull-up, pull-ups, deadlift, barbell squat, truck tire flips, etc). And eventually I would be introduced to the kettlebells and the movements which would be the main tool I would be training in for the next years. The weights of the bells would increase and I would move on from the beginner bells to certification category bells.
The confidence I gained from training would also carry over to other aspects. Milestones in work like promotions, certifications, client commendations would just appear. And overall I gained a brighter and sunnier outlook in life 🙂 If I was a musician this is akin to winning Grammy awards left and right.
Aside from purely strength training, Coach Mark would always make it a point that I understood the principles themselves and how these are interconnected. Just like life there would be setbacks and there have been many instances where I am not in a right mental space. And then training would adjust, and it would help me navigate these as well.
There is a sweet spot between envelope pushing and care/wellness, and he has placed himself there in the goldilocks spot there adjusting as necessary in the center. In summary of all those years, Coach Mark is the closest to a martial arts mentor/sensei I have ever met. I am glad to have met and continue training with him. And I highly recommend him to both beginners and advanced / athletes as I’m sure you will learn and also enjoy training with him 🙂
I’m from the US but moved to the Philippines for school and work in 2016. Coach Mark helped me find quality kettlebells to buy in Metro Manila (20kg, 16kg, and 8kg). We started training in-person in 2017. He’s very good at articulating proper technique. In 2020, I moved back to the US. I’m so grateful that Coach Mark offers online coaching/ programming. We have a 12 hour time difference but he’s very accommodating and flexible. We train on kbs, barbell, and bodyweight. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgable in all three (plus more) I would highly recommend training with Coach Mark!
In early 2016, I was getting bored to tears of exercise machines and looking for something different. At my age (mid 60’s back then) I did not want to get into something that might get me hurt. Although tempted by CrossFit, it seemed too competitive, which inevitably leads to injury. I read about Peter and kettle bell workouts in Healthy Living, and have never looked back. As mentioned in earlier reviews, his knowledge of exercise, nutrition, and the human body is unsurpassed. He addresses all aspects of athleticism, and creates workouts designed to increase strength, endurance, mobility and flexibility, but also adds fun and unusual regimens to keep it fresh and interesting (e.g. Indian clubs, Kali sticks, mace, drag rope.) I was diagnosed in April of last year with Parkinson’s Disease and found that Peter’s varied workouts address all of the movement difficulties associated with the disease.
I hope to be working out with Peter and his steady group of students for many years to come.
My friend and I didn’t really have a plan anymore with our training, we were working out regularly, but it was like empty training. So in January we talked about hiring an online trainer. We both followed Ericka and a few other bell boss women on Instagram, but Ericka stood out with us. She was the same age, she worked hard and we loved her style. Ericka was the best decision we could have made for ourselves. We have been training with her now for 8 months, and it’s been awesome. We put in the work and we see the results, she gets us.
Had a very useful session with Aaron. We managed to cover a range of skills, from basic to complex, and Aaron explained them all very well. He’s a very good instructor and very keen on ensuring sessions are tailored to what you need.
Coach Mark is a unique trainer with unique sessions ,
Pushing each other , every session is surprisingly different ; No session is similar to the previous one …
So keeps you eager to know how its going to be different ,
Always using scientific concepts & protocols during trainings ,
Focusing on details for proper forms ,
Trying his best to avoid injuries since it delays progress ,
its my pleasure to train with Mark as a coach & as a friend .
We met Peter seven years ago when I was told by my son’s physical therapist that the best thing we could do was to find a good personal trainer. My son had special needs following two brain surgeries and now has ataxia. It was important to find a trainer that would be able to deal with Brian’s balance issues but still give him the core and cross body mixed exercises that he would need.
We were absolutely delighted with Peter’s ability to not only quickly come up with creative ways to help Brian improve but his compassion and caring as well. Peter never puts a person in hurtful situations. He is extremely knowledgeable in the human body. He can find those minute muscles that were holding up any progress that you had before because they weren’t getting worked.
I have worked with a fair amount of trainers over the years and now physical therapists too. What makes Peter different than all of them is that he not only can think outside the box to get results. When he tells you how to do something, he not only tells you how to do it correctly (and guides you through it), but tells you what and how you should be feeling doing so, so that you know fully that you are on the right path. He is patiently with you every step of the way.
Brian loves martial arts as well and Peter has found inventive ways to get the most out of Brian’s performance issues while keeping Brian very happy doing so, incorporating martial arts (and the meanings of the movements) into Brian’s workouts.
Peter has taken Brian from using a walker to being independent without one. Within one year, Peter gave Brian the ability to walk without a walker at his high school graduation. That was six years ago. Now Brian is an extremely strong individual who always looks forward to working with Peter.
Thank you Peter for all of your help, kindness, caring and dedication! We are very grateful to have you in our lives.
I was able to do an online lesson which was very helpful during the coronavirus pandemic. During the lesson I received lots of valuable feedback that helped me greatly improve my form and skill with the kettlebell. When I have some time I will be requesting more lessons.
In the beginning of 2018 I contacted Alan to take me through every thing I needed to know to pass level 1 SFG. Al, as we know him, is committed and passionate about Strongfirst and kettlebells. He has been a tremendous teacher and support, he is extremely thorough and has a great eye for detail.
I couldn’t recommend Al enough. Thank you Al.
Pavol is the definition of quiet professional.
Want to get stronger, healthier, better conditioned ? Pavol got your back.
Also Pavol is one of the few people who can teach you the proper Bent Press technique.
I have been attending Kettlebell classes with James for the last two years and has now become one of my staple workouts. He is technically brilliant, explains the moves exceptionally well and continues to remind everyone of the correct techniques which is crucial when lifting or swinging a heavy Kettlebell. Classes are challenging, but James keeps them varied and has shown how amazingly versatile a Kettlebell can be, so much so that I now own two myself.
James is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about what he does which rubs-off to everyone he trains, I myself have become fitter, stronger and healthier and look forward to many more years of Kettlebell classes with James.
I first started training with Peter for my up and coming wedding, I had no real future plans to continue. I quickly learned Peters coaching style was so diverse and different then anything I had tried before! I was hooked right away! And so began my journey to a healthier me! Peter help me through both of my pregnancies all the way up to my delivery, and right after I was surprisingly able to get back to workouts within a week. I couldn’t believe how strong I was and how good I felt right after giving birth!
I highly recommend Peter! He is a well rounded coach, with something to offer everyone. It’s been 9 years of training with Peter, and I am so grateful for the gift he has helped me gain! I am a stronger, healthier version of me because of him! thank you Peter!!
With a focus on technique delivered through clear and concise instructions, James kettlebell classes are hugely enjoyable whilst being invigorating and challenging at the same time. His classes, which cover the core KB disciplines, are varied, interesting and he gives time to each individual as required to ensure each movement is carried out correctly and safely.
I have learnt so much from James in a relatively short period of time, his passion, patience, support and motivation is second to none. I am now doing things with a KB I would never have dreamt was possible and that is all down to James and his excellent coaching skills. I would have no hesitation in recommending James to anyone that is thinking of taking up KB’s to improve their core strength and mobility.
I had the pleasure of participating in a Strongfirst workshop with John Kenny on the 8th August 2020. It was a 1-day work shop that went over the basic kettlebell movements Deadlift, Swing, body weight plank, push-ups and breathing techniques, which are extremely important to develop stability.
I highly recommend taking one of these workshops with John if you have any interest in kettlebells at all, not only will you get taught to an extremely high standard by a very knowledgeable coach but you will also get great banter and an amazing lunch which John provided.
I did StrongFirst Foundations Workshop with John. This was really good introduction to StrongFirst philosophy, John is a great teacher. Looking forward for next events.
I have been training with Kat for many years and strongly recommend her as a trainer. She is very careful with form and I have had very few injuries over the years. Those I did have (all through my own fault), Kat has worked carefully with me to not aggravate and recover from quickly. She also keeps things interesting and varied. Definitely a keeper for the long term, cannot recommend highly enough!
I have worked with Peter for almost nine years. He has helped me gain strength, flexibility, mobility, balance and confidence. The quarantine disrupted our fitness schedule, but Peter stayed in touch and found a way to teach via Zoom using his knowledge as a master instructor and his understanding of the individuals in our class. It was a lifeline in so many ways. Reach out to Peter. He will know what to do help you reach your goals.
When I turned 60 I set a goal to find an exercise I liked (had never exercised a day in my life). I bounced around for a year, trying different trainers & classes five days/week. Luckily I heard about Peter & have been training with him for nine years, 3-4 days/week. I love that every workout is different, so definitely keeps my interest. Peter is incredibly kind, patient and encouraging. Without a doubt, he is the most knowledgeable in southern Oregon about the body & movement. He constantly corrects & stresses the importance of form and technique. As a 70 year old grandmother, I am stronger than I have ever been in my life! Peter has definitely improved my quality of life. Added bonus is I am amazed how often I get complimented on my muscular arms.
Before I started training with Kat I asked people who I knew had trained with her, about their experience. Every single one said Kat is awesome. My experience? Awesome ? as well.
I am a personal trainer and Pilates teacher well versed in strength and movement, but I’ve never felt better or been stronger after working with Annie. The kettlebell skills I’ve learned as her student have helped me personally and with my own clients. I would recommend her to any one who has wanted to try kettlebell training but heard they ‘aren’t safe’ because she does such a great job coaching form, movement and confidence in utilizing the weight. 12/10 – BOOK WITH ANNIE!
I first came to Peter wanting to get into better shape for backpacking and my upcoming wedding. He was very thorough and patient, taking time to explain each movement as well as how it would increase my stability and strength.
Our sessions together were efficient and filled with variety. I left each time feeling confident to do the routines on my own for the remainder of the week. He was great at checking in on my progress and updating my routine as needed, all while keeping my personal goals in mind.
I continued working with Peter through my two subsequent pregnancies and was in the best shape of my life at 8 months pregnant! We focused on stability and core strength to prevent injury and aid in labor. Feeling strong and stable while pregnant was amazing.
I highly recommend Peter Wolf. Whatever your goals, he will help you reach them. Thank you Peter!!
I came to Colin to do a FMS before I started to train properly with kettlebells. He’s great fun and goes above and beyond to answer any questions. Would highly recommend him to anyone looking for help with physical training (and wanting to have a laugh at the same time).
I am a member of the RCMP and more specifically I work as part of the Emergency Response Team here in Ottawa. I’ve worked with Jose now for approximately 4 or 5 months. Recently I was part of a prolonged call which had us in the bush tracking and searching for a fugitive over 5 days. The bush was predominantly uphill and often was dense and thick brush. My entire 10 years with ERT and I’ve never felt so good in the bush. Usually my hip flexors were fatigued within 500meters. Stepping over logs and scrambling was literally a recipe for fatigue and soreness. Usually I’d end up exhausted and mentally spent.
I have to say the work he had me doing paid off in spades. I felt so good powering up through the terrain. Not to say it wasn’t hard but the difference my glutes and hams provided was incredible. I’d like to see the entire team working with him. Great work Jose!
Top StrongFirst Instructor in Poland! Her knowledge is huge and she knows how to coach a student to achieve his/her goals. She is strong and kind. Great example of StrongFirst values. If you have opportunity to work with her you should definitely do it!
When I first started working with kettlebells on my own I quickly realized I’d need help in tuning my form, and integrating a program with my long distance running, from someone that knows how to do such things. Alison has helped with all that, and more. She has a keen eye for isolating movement problems, providing the right corrective exercises, and comes up with very effective cues to trigger the right movement in the moment. She helped me with a program that fits with my existing running goals, and maintaining an overall balance in training and life. Most importantly I’ve gotten stronger and fitter with her instruction while remaining injury free. I look forward to every session with Alison, and highly recommend her coaching.
Andrea is passionate instructor with great attention to detail. Students love her and it is always pleasure to work alongside her. If you want to be really taught in skills of strength and movement then she is the right person to go to.
Shortly after becoming SFG I certified in 2015 I read an article on the SF blog Tim wrote on taming the Beast. I was no where near taming the Beast the the program made sense logically and I’m a learn by doing kinda guy so I hopped on it. While I didn’t tame the Beast (yet) the program DID take me to a DBL 44k Front Squat, DBL 36k Military Press (for 2 at 160 lbs.) and a 36k pull-up.
I continued to follow Tim on instagram and couldn’t help but be impressed. In 2019 I started tracking my tonnage from a few posts I’d seem him post on instagram. His instagram posts alone helped me vastly improve my snatch strength and conditioning.
Present day (July 2020) I’ve found an even greater passion for the strength, power, endurance, and efficiency snatching gives me. Naturally when you find someone who can do a 40k snatch test in under 4 minutes it grabs your attention. While I haven’t personally worked with Tim (little tough from NY to Australia), his instagram posts and willingness to openly share his knowledge has been and incredible resource.
If you want to not only get stronger, but pursue MASTERY of a skill (specifically the snatch in my case), I couldn’t think of a better guy to learn from.
I had a private kettlebell session with Nic – focused, good instructor and a very nice guy. I learned more about kettlebell technique in 2 hours than in 5 years of CrossFit. Will definitely come back!
Aaron is an excellent instructor who cares personally about success of his students. Tailoring every session to your abilities he breaks complex movements down into smaller drills that are just right for you. He is also very approachable and always happy to help. Will definitely continue working with him!
I found John to be an brilliant instructor. He gave very clear and easy to understand instructions with good reasoning. I found the workshop to be very relaxed and extremely informative. I would highly recommend John as a trainer.
Good foundations support growth.
John clearly commits to his students and shares his knowledge and skill in a safe and strategic manner.
Well worth attending and I look for to more of John’s workshops.
Had a great session with Aaron. Nice guy, professional and a master at his craft. He’s a great teacher and can help you quickly overcome any issue you may have. Cannot recommend him highly enough.
John is very knowledgeable in his field. Easily communicates the fundamentals and drills during the course. Very relaxed and comfortable environment , which made the course very enjoyable
I train with Mark and I appreciate his deep knowledge and sincere integrity.
He has ability to meet you and communicate effectively and productively. Training with him is challenging.
Mark has knowledge and experience and a passion for Kettlbell and specially the heavy kettlebell .
His understanding in general has helped to propel him into being a credible force and expert in the world of kelttlebell.
We are lucky to have mark in our region.
Good Day, my name is Oscar Madrid, I from Orizaba Veracruz Mexico and I so interested on kb courses, if you could share me some contact please in order to talk about certification and more .
I attended an online kettlebell swing workshop run by Claire.
I really enjoyed the workshop. Claire was able, even after watching just a few swings, to give each of us precise feedback to immediately improve with, which made a remote workshop feel very hands-on and personal.
She had a trove of evocative and entertaining cues and explanations, so there was a fun vibe even while we were working hard. I look forward to the next one!
I took part in Claire’s online kettlebell swing workshop and thought it was great, I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot in the session and Claire gave great advice about correcting my swing technique and also how to breathe correctly when swinging a kettlebell. Thank you Claire and I look forward to attending your sessions in the future.
I first met Tim in November 2019 during my SFG1 in Perth.
Professionally I’ve work in Musculoskeletal rehab, manual therapy(Myotherapist) and as a strength coach currently based at Absolute MMA Melbourne. I have been lucky to work with Olympic and world champions from track sprinting, powerlifting & Brazilian JiuJitsu and their coaches. Tim is among the best, he is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable coaches I have worked with.
Since the SFG he has offered guidance and programming advice in my training, but also in aiding in programming advice for Running kettlebell classes within the MMA gym that I run. Thank you for being a great leader Tim, looking forward to attending your courses in future.
Grace is an amazing instructor who helped me be in the place I am today, starting off I had no gym experience but Grace stepped up and showed me the way. I am now an EMT/ Firefighter who thoroughly enjoys working out especially with a kettlebell! Grace is an amazing coach in multiple ways but what really stuck out to me was her ability to constantly motivate or connect with anyone she was caching during a class!
Grace is awesome! I have been fortunate to have her as a coach for the past few years and have learned so much. Grace encouraged me to train for the TSC last year, probably something I wouldn’t have volunteered to do on my own, and I am so glad I did! She was with me every step of the way- training with me, encouraging me, and making sure my form and technique were spot on. Grace has the ability to bring out the best in her students, no matter what level they are and I consider myself lucky to have her as my coach.
I have had Grace for an instructor for over a year. When I started I had no experience with kettlebell and very little weight lifting training. Grace was very helpful when I was a new student and was willing to give extra help as I was learning proper technique. As I’ve continued with training Grace has helped me improve and meet my goals. Grace is a wonderful instructor and makes me look forward to working out every week!
I’ve worked with Claire over the last three years, our first formal meeting was the SFG 1, Oct 2016, where she led my team as the senior instructor, subsequently at the SFL one day course summer 2017 and certification in Nov 2017 and most recently SFG1 recertification Oct 2018.
I have worked informally and one to one throughout this period and have Claire as my current and future goal development coach
From the very first coaching session to date, Claire has an uncanny ability to spot the the leakage points in any of the technical movements championed by the Strongfirst standards.
Not only does she identify these points she systematically identifies a route to maximum effective improvement and strength gain, whilst remaining technically solid.
Most recently we have worked online with great effect in a style that suits my learning where we review my progress online one to one, set goals and a timeline, I feedback every practise session and Claire points to areas of focus and improvement .
I have plenty mileage on the clock with several significant injuries and heavy wear and tear, through two decades of military, personal and instructor training . Claire has navigated successfully all of this with true understanding and professionalism, and has my complete trust .
Claire is my coach and go to when things are not working and as an ongoing set of eyes that I can be confident in, to give honest and candid feedback to maximum impact and effect.
If you are serious about developing your technical strength and conditioning with longevity, you’ve found the answer.
Tom is incredibly methodical and organized in how he introduces kettlebell novices to the equipment. He empowers through clear communication, explaining how to modify exercises both for those just learning and concentrating on form/ safety and those who need a challenge for strength building within the reality of fewer options of equipment and space. He makes his classes high yield, yet always approachable. Tom shows through example that strength is a practice and there is always room to improve and grow.
Tim is very passionate about his Bells and it shows through his eagerness to share his vast and entertaining knowledge.
I went into this course with a sound understanding of Kettlebell’s and was pleasantly surprised to find that I’d only scratched the surface.
Tim has excited a sense to go explore further what I’d previously thought of Kettlebells, Health & Fitness.
Megan – “the glorious” – is talented, wise (beyond her years), funny and beautiful, both in physique and presence. She has re-ignited my wish to become fitter and I always feel improved in body and mind after a session with her. She rightly deserves her new title – “the glorious.” In great admiration and gratitude.
I highly recommend the Kettlebell workshop with Tim. He is very easy to listen to and demonstrates each move as he explains it. The workshop is very hands on and engaging for everyone. Tim is professional and encouraging to all students who attend.
An extremely knowledgeable man. If I kept doing it alone and didn’t come to see Tim and learn how to do kettlebell moves with proper technique I don’t think I would have ever progressed. I feel confident I can bigger, stronger and happier without injuring myself! Plus he’s a great bloke! Thanks heaps Tim.
Tim provided a truly sophisticated and focused overview of the basic kettlebell movements. I have covered off a number of weaknesses and gained a great deal of confidence in just one day. I can’t wait to apply this in the weeks to come.
Tim’s course far exceeded expectations. His insights into health & fitness were motivational and informative, and his kettlebell knowledge was impressive. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and I couldn’t recommend his course enough.
Tim Almond is able to articulate his knowledge in a comprehensive and intuitive way that accelerated our learning on the kettlebell workshop at The Mill. We left knowing a lot more and able to practice with confidence what we had learnt.
Thanks Tim for you professionalism and commitment to our health and well being.
I started working with SIlvia in August of last year. I had this faded idea of myself as an ex athlete who at 47 years old had somehow become an immobile balloon at 125.7 kg could barely do two proper pushups. My girlfriend was sick of it, and worried about my health. See had seen me dealing with lyme, and was worried about my obesity and general health, so she bought me an initial couple sessions as a gift.
During these 10 months SIlvia curated my exercise routine, putting technical strength training and mobility at the core of training. To say that this style of training and Silvia’s guidance through it was revelatory is a bit of an understatement. Gone were the traditional options of training from my youth that demanded soreness and meatheaded approach to fitness.
Silvia’s feedback was highly technical, based on developing skill. It is highly personal based on her recognizing how and when to push, recover, flow, and her careful attention to my physical and motivational state. It is both rigorous and generous. It extended to nutrition, sleep and the development of habits that changed my behavior toward my own physicality. It has been a transformative experience. I am fitter and healthier now that I have been in a decade, more mobile, have lost 30 kg, put on muscle and gained flexibility. You can see it in my face: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mjJvdV77urYXhE1B8 vs https://photos.app.goo.gl/hiHxB5XG5gCkrg228
I am working with Kevin to learn basic kettlebell movements and highly recommend him as a personal trainer. He is very fun to work with, passionate about what he does, knowledgeable, and meticulous with his training. I left my session confident I could perform the exercises well and he gave me a routine to follow. I plan to use Kevin for all my kettlebell training and recommend him for others people interested in physical fitness.
In a few short weeks, Debbie has improved my life dramatically. I have small children and want to be able to play with them, but a few weeks ago I couldn’t even lie flat on my back in the floor and lay my head down flat! I thought my neck was messed up permanently from my desk job. However, in just two weeks I can lay my head down flat with no problems! That’s just one example of the benefit I’ve seen so far. My kids certainly approve!
She also corrected several issues with my swing and getup form that made an immediate difference in my ability to perform the exercises more efficiently and powerfully (and safely).
If you’re going to work with kettlebells, you really should see an SFG. And if you are in her area, I highly recommend Debbie! Super friendly, flexible, and knowledgeable. Trust me, it’s worth it.
I have watched Kevin put together fitness regimens for my spouse, who developed an avid interest in through hiking, but lacked the knowledge he needed to train. He is thoughtful and has a personal approach to fit his clients’ needs. Would highly recommend anyone interested in moving forward in overall well-being to reach out to Kevin.
I was looking for something minimalistic (gear-wise), something that would improve my mobility and strength but also challenge me from a technique point of view (was a bit bored with just shifting weights). I discovered kettlebells and Kat. I was a little dubious about online sessions so tried a couple of local PTs first but was underwhelmed so started with Kat via Skype.
So glad I did – Kat is a great trainer, has a deep understanding of kettlebells and is very positive and encouraging. I really like the tailored programs and progressions and the emphasis on technique and form (she has a great eye for what is not optimal). Four months in and I have done the Simple & Sinister benchmark and now working on the Snatch Test (my favourite though is still TGU).
I am loving kettlebell training – both doing it and how energised I feel afterwards – and would highly recommend Kat as a trainer if you want to discover for yourself how amazing kettlebells are.
I chose to train with Kat for the following reasons: 1) I liked that kettlebell training can be done anywhere and all you need are kettlebells. 2) Kettlebell training is about gaining strength and mastering skills before moving onto the next level. 3) Kat gives us the reasons why for example tightening abs and butt when standing protects your back. 4) you learn to do cool things like TGU.
The results I’ve achieved are: 1) I’ve competed in a kettlebell Sports comp doing long cycle 2) I’ve completed bench marks 3) I have gained strength, gained flexibility 4) are more toned.
I like training with Kat because 1) Kat is knowledgeable, teachers correct technique. 2) Kat is funny, personable and relates well to all types of people. 3) I love having the sessions available online, it makes exercising so much easier.
If you are dedicated and put the time in you will see results.
StrongFirst Elite : Finally what you see/read is what you get!
I have first met Claire on a full day KB course in London. Claire delved into such granular details of what normally is considered basic Kb moves, that from day one separated her from the rest instructors out there.
Why I train with Claire?
– If you want to become the best version of yourself, you need to learn from the best. Especially if that best is part of a network of the best.
– If you want to build a house that withstands adversity, you need to get the foundation right. Claire corrects and modifies my movements, giving me endless instructions on how to better myself in all aspects of the discipline. +Always surprising me how this can be efficiently achieved in ONLINE mode, supporting injury free training
– If you want to win, you need to plan for the win. Claire delivers a protocol to follow. It is challenging, it is fun and it makes me better every week. So I follow again, trusting 100% and sparing myself “what shall i do today/next week?” dilemma.
=> i get the “WHAT”, the “HOW” and its “CUSTOM made” for my goals
Last December, I met Pavel in the StrongFirst SFB user course in Taiwan. He is an excellent lecturer and has shared many useful information, tips and techniques with us. He always encourages us during practice and the test. Thanks for all his advice, knowledge and guidance.
I’ve been training at Avalon Performance Therapy for over a year and specifically with Jose for the last 3 months, and I have noticed a significant improvement in my running (an unintended consequence of kettlebell training). I enjoy running up hills now, as my glutes seem to power me up with ease. In addition to this, and most notably, I have a butt for the first time in my life!
As an active person who is also a recovered conditioning workout addict who was experiencing injury after injury, I can honestly say that since I have been working with Jose, I have experienced no pain (or injury) as a result of my training and that has also translated into the other active areas of my life. Given this, I have complete confidence when he pushes me a little harder.
I’ve been training with Claire via remote coaching since the new year, and have seen an incredible improvement. Over the last few years i’ve felt like i’ve been spinning my wheels with my training, with the deadlift in particular a source of frustration and ongoing niggles. Claire took me back to basics to work on my movement patterns and i now feel stronger, more flexible and more mobile than i have in a long time. It’s amazing how much she can diagnose through a video call, and the cues she gives me to focus on in between sessions really help. The workouts are also changed frequently enough so i’m never bored. I couldn’t recommend Claire highly enough.
John is an amazing instructor with one focused objective, help you improve. He focuses on proper form and technique and creates workouts according to your skill level and ability.
I have seen much growth under his instruction. Having an instructor like John show you how to properly perform exercises then watch and correct your form has been invaluable and has saved me from a lot of injury.
Claire is an amazing coach , everytime I spend time with her I am in awe of her knowledge and appreciative of her support. We are currently working on online sessions due to lockdown , and even after the first session Claire gave me some advice which instantly resolved a long term back issue. Due to her ongoing advice, my mobility and endurance for MMA/ Ju Jitsu has increased greatly, to the point where my training partners are constantly asking me what strength/conditioning program I’m following. I can’t recommend Claire enough , and always look forward to the next opportunity to train with her.
I have been training with Henri for about 2 years. Besides that Henri is a very open and likeable guy, he knows what he is talking about when it comes to kettlebell training. He is tirelessly pointing out the (sometimes) smallest adjustments you could make, so the exercise is more effective. And he has a nice way of motivating you. On top of this, his gym is conveniently small, so there is no distraction from getting fitter and stronger. I highly recommend Henri.
Coach Martin helped me in a lot during this lockdown period. His kettlebell program made me stronger in just a span of 4 weeks. I notice that my physical strength and endurance improves in every session we have. What I like most about Coach Martin is that he makes the program fun which gives me an overall positive feeling. He is very generous and will share every technique to help you become a stronger version of yourself. Highly recommended! Do not hesitate to contact him.
I have had the privilege of training with Claire recently and it is something I hope to continue to do! The level of detail she delivers, coupled with her clear explanations and great personality make her a joy to have as a coach. There is no nonsense with her (as you would expect from a StrongFirst coach). She has absolutely improved my technique and started me off on a great path for my strength training!
I approached coach Martin with the goal of losing weight and after 4 weeks of working with him I did not only lose weight, I also feel better everyday and move better now as compared to before I started. He really not only focuses on your goals but also keeps in mind the other factors relating to movement, this really helped me in my fitness journey because all of my training is being customised to my body and my needs in order for me to reach the next level. Overall im very satisfied to have him as my coach and my friend, I feel very well taken care off and my goals are being achieved.
Martin helped me get through my quarantine. He was very professional and gave well thought of programs, they were challenging and were tailor fit to my fitness level. I am more eager now to continue the next phase of the program as I have seen the results first hand. Definitely will recommend him!
Good instructor, professional and fun. Lessons are detailed to help guide anyone to achieve their physical fitness goals. Its good to know there are now 2 Professional SFG certified instructors in the Philippines capable of delivering the professionalism that the group is known for.
Recommended for beginners, intermediate and advance lessons.
Claire has been my coach since we first met at my very first SFG1 in 2014 and is my go to for honing my skills to maintain standards. Her knowledge is incredible and she has a great way of adapting how she’s expresses something to ensure you understand what is being asked of you and why. She is not only teaching you to move better but she’s also ensuring you understand the reasoning behind it, so every session you learn more about your own body and movement. I became a better coach by being coached by Claire.
I recommend Claire to everyone, experienced or beginner, you will learn an awful lot from this lady.
I have been training with Ben for over 5 years now and cannot recommend him highly enough!
I have found he has a genuine interest in improving all aspects of his trainee’s strength, well being, and health.
A keen, knowledgeable, focused, and attentive Coach, who strives to learn more and hone his craft, so he can improve the lives of others, all done with a smile and a fantastically dry wit.
Reneta has been fantastic giving me instruction on the Simple and Sinister program. Her ability to spot and correct errors has really helped me to understand and develop the skills needed to progress through the techniques. Always cheerful, and superb at demonstrating proper form. Highly recommended.
I’ve been training with Ben for almost 18 months now and I can honestly say that he is the best Coach I’ve ever worked with. His approach is structured, clear and always with safety and challenge at the forefront of his mind.
I have always lifted weights throughout my life but often without a comprehensive plan. As a result, I’ve plateau’d and found little enjoyment in it. Ben has completely revolutionised this by introducing me to new and exciting workouts that test me on a regular basis. His focus on the technique of the movement means that you make rapid development and he constantly reassesses and looks for improvement.
I would recommend Ben as a coach for whatever your goals are. He is genuinely a hugely motivational and inspirational guy with a tonne of knowledge that he is always keen to share.
Claire’s depth of knowledge and skilful ability to help me to improve my technique and efficiency is outstanding. I have been attending her workshops and love her friendly and accessible style. I appreciate how precisely she models and teaches moving our bodies in the most effective way to maximise strength and power. So much learning! I am feeling a massive improvement already thanks to her guidance and feedback. Thank you Claire!
I am one of Guys friends that was recommended to Ben last September.
Previously I have concentrated on Running as my only fitness outlet ( having never considered weights or a PT )
My main motivation was to review , supplement and explore .
The whole experience has been a revelation .
Ben is supremely knowledgeable, supportive and enthusiastic about ‘ your journey ‘ .
Sessions are always challenging, informative and Fun . But perhaps Bens overarching Teaching style is the stand out for me .I guess you would find many of the other qualities in a professional Instructor that I have mentioned . However,
Bens observation , review and discussion and ability to explain physicality and movement/ skills is really fantastic. for me this has made all the difference .
I recommend Ben to anyone wanting to explore physical fitness, learn new skills and be challenged.
Mark B
I had never lifted weights before I met Ben. He is such a positive instructor and training with him not only increased my strength and fitness but improved my mood and self esteem.
I trusted Ben to keep me safe from injury and to push me when he knew I could do more.
I started training with Ben when I was 54 years old and would urge other people not to feel afraid to try weight training. Ben will work with you , your confidence will grow and you will be so pleased with your achievements.
I am so proud that I can now lift and swing kettlebells and have even managed to do a pull up, something I have always wanted to achieve.
Ben has been coaching me for a number of years now and I can honestly say his coaching has had a huge impact on my every day experiences and approach to life in general.
The techniques I have learnt from Ben are ingrained in me and are now a natural force of habit such as;
I breath better, I lift better, I move better, my confidence has improved with both my training and in how I feel.
I highly recommend Ben for any type of training as his diligent approach has rehabilitated me from having a severe bad back condition to where I am now!
Thanks to Ben I’m now back to loving life completing numerous personal challanges as well as obstacle runs, hiking with my partner and dogs, climbing, scuba diving and trying to get the most out of life.
Thanks Ben !!!
I have worked with Ben for over four years and have found his approach perfect for me. The right balance between mobility and strength and strong focus on good form.
I have been training with Ben since 2017. He is a diligent, considerate and articulate coach. Knows exactly when to encourage, when to keep quiet and when to switch things up. He helped me achieve Simple. He has adapted well to the changes in training that 2020 presents and whilst nothing 100% replaces in person training, he offers the same approach online. I have introduced him to two of my friends and almost a year later they are still working with him. Highly recommended for everything StrongFirst and beyond.
Ben has been my personal trainer for over 2 years and I can highly recommend him. His approach is very motivating and it has been so encouraging to see my strength increase over that time.
Claire is an excellent coach and I would highly recommend her. I have been working with her for 3 months now and I’ve found my strength, technique and mobility has improved immensely. She is brilliant at identifying areas for improvement and providing a holistic approach.
Mike has an incredible ability to diagnose and dial in form. Several times, I’ve been at Charleston Kettlebell Club and something in my swing or lift isn’t quite right. I wasn’t necessarily going to hurt myself, but I was doing something to make things unnecessarily harder or limit my performance. Mike could quickly pinpoint my issue and instantly improve my lift. He does this with quick wit and a casual personality that is just fun. Mike has built a great environment at Charleston Kettlebell Club.
Brett is a strength coach, but his approach is people first. He takes time to understand what motivates his client and develops programs that help them reach their goals, improve their strengths and mobility, and address areas that “are not yet as strong”. He challenges you, but will not break you.
My husband and I have been working with Brett for several years as personal training clients. We are not “gym regulars”, as we have equipment at home, so we’re certainly not his primary clientele. That said, we have never felt less-than when working with Brett. He is incredibly responsive, has a steel trap memory, and genuinely cares that we are strong and healthy. His enthusiasm and confidence in us makes us want to put in the work, even when we aren’t with him. On top of all of that, he’s fun – we’ve never had a session with Brett where we didn’t leave having laughed and enjoyed ourselves.
Brett is an incredible strength coach. He is able to get right to the root of someones movement issue and build from the ground up. The depth and breadth of his knowledge is super impressive and I always come away with something new I’ve learned, or something new I can dial in. He is adaptable and creative in his movement, strength, and motivational solutions.
I could not recommend him more.
As someone who is new to Kettlebells I was hesitant to give it a go since I have lower back issues. Brett has been a brilliant instructor who really understands form more than most. Because of his gentle nature (trainers that shout are exhausting!) and incredible knowledge, I am looking and feeling better than ever.
I had never tried Kettlebells before and Mike was a warm and welcoming trainer from day one. He is an amazing instructor and knows the body better than most people I know. As someone with lower back issues, I was hesitant to try Kettlebells but with his guidance and focus on form, I am in better shape than ever and zero back pain!
Over the last 20 + years, I’ve self taught myself bodybuilding, powerlifting, Olympic lifts, and some Kettlebells. I believed I knew plenty, and my answer to gains was more weight, more volume. I started breaking down with chronic pain in the left side of my neck, shoulder, and mid back. My right knee hurt, and the acute pain in my right hip made it painful to tie my shoes, and was causing me to limp. My wife, daughter, and many colleagues recommended Jose.
I started working with Jose weekly in January, 2020. It has been humbling, but incredible. I started with learning proper breathing, movement patterns, and how to properly engage the right muscles. I have progressed to double kettlebell training in 5 months, PAIN FREE!
Beyond how I feel physically, I’ve never been more motivated to train. Instead of dreading the crushing workout that’s going to immobilize me for 2-3 days, I’m excited to train and see what’s next.
Jose is worth his weight in gold. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to be a better version of themselves. He’s an absolute professional and teaches how to optimize every movement and every single repetition.
Mike will make you feel right at home in the gym for a fun kettlebell workout mixed in with body weights or barbell. I’ve never seen a guy make pull-ups look easier. Not just a great coach but a great guy. He’ll help you realize your fitness goals.
Strength Nation Miami is an exceptional training facility with an expert staff to match. Not only is the staff affable and highly professional, but they are experienced in a multitude of training methods. My trainer Julio, helped me over 30 days to hit my goal of losing 10lbs and correct a lot of my movements through functional and plyometric training methods. I would absolutely recommend Strength Nation Miami.
Justyna is an excellent Strong First instructor and a great person. She’s been an inspiration to me and many of her other students and she is one of the reasons why we get up and get going. Her energy, enthusiasm, and loveliness has created a gym that is safe, encouraging, and supportive. Her knowledge and experiences have made her a great coach that guides us to bring the best out of ourselves. When I was going through challenging times, training with Justyna has always remained one positive and sane thing in my life.
Funkční Trénink is Justyna’s baby – the gym reflects an atmosphere of friendship and support. Justyna has created a community of women from all walks of life that are here for each other. She’s done an amazing job at enabling many of us to transform our lives in more ways than is obvious 🙂
Brett Bracken helped me get to Spartan! #Aroo!! I have now completed 7 races, I have placed in the top three of my age group 4 out of 7 times. I have the strength, fortitude and ability largely because of my training with Brett -he taught me grip strength, form and core skills that have helped me excel in the Spartan challenges. I cannot say enough positive things about Brett and his abilities as a trainer and strength coach.
I found Charlston kettlebell club by accident shortly after moving to the Charleston area. I wasn’t able to attend classes regularly so I signed up for once a week on Saturdays. when you take a class with Mike, you get a history, an anatomical reason and a functional application for the movements.
Coming from the world of bodyweight, barbells and dumbbells… Kettlebells was foreign to me but I always wanted to learn. Brett has been a part of my growth in the kettlebell. And now it is becoming my major form of exercise other than bodyweight.
I found Charlston kettlebell club by accident shortly after moving to the Charleston area. I wasn’t able to attend classes regularly so I signed up for once a week on Saturdays. I really enjoy the workouts I get with Brett. Especially on the cues he gives me regularly.
Coming from the world of bodyweight, barbells and dumbbells… Kettlebells was foreign to me but I always wanted to learn. Brett has been a part of my growth in the kettlebell. And now it is becoming my major form of exercise other than bodyweight.
Blake clearly has plenty of knowledge and experience but what really sets him apart for me is that he’s a great teacher. Training with him feels like getting a two for one deal. Not only do you get a great workout, but you get information about why he’s having you do those specific things and how they relate to your personal goals. He’s super easy to work with, and he knows when and how to push you to help you succeed. I can’t recommend him enough!
I took part in Claires online swing and get-up workshop and found it very useful and gained ALOT from
The experience. Overall really good and will be looking to do more in the future.
I have attended two of Claire’s online kettlebell workshops and learned a lot about technique and strength. Claire is a great teacher and I will be attending more in the future. Thank you Claire.
I started working (all remotely since day 1) with Claire in Feb 2020. We work by way of regular video call teaching sessions with me working through her programming in between (akin to school lessons and homework). Up until this I was trying different methods mostly weights and HIIT training 3-4 times per week (including some PT).It was the usual cycle of working long hours at a desk, juggling two kids under 3 with my wife and then trying to beast myself like I was 20 again in the weight room, ending up frustrated each time I tweaked something or realised I couldn’t move the way I used to as I have some injury mileage on the clock.
Working (all remotely) with Claire has been revolutionary as we work around my family and work with our online sessions. My only reservation at the start was that my “homework” sessions during the week weren’t making me shattered and that maybe I was not working “hard” enough. However, given Claire’s experience and quals I decided to trust the process and coaching. From Claire I have learnt that chastising myself with HIIT / Metcons into a sweaty mess each session is not a prerequisite for significant results and I now find myself much stronger, lighter by 5.5kg (a by-product but not a focus), much more skilled with a KB, generally less tired with more energy and enjoying training, but most importantly to me I am starting to move properly again without pain (long injury history) after years of trying and ultimately going in circles. I highly recommend getting some coaching from Claire if you can as her teaching is game changing for sustainable progress.
Having taken my first class with Ericka just yesterday, I woke up this morning feeling like $1,000,000! Ericka had the right combination of instruction and engagement to challenge and sweat! If you have kettlebells at home and are looking to dust them off, I highly recommend taking 45 min out of your day to work with Ericka. She will correct your form, work your muscles and you both will smile in a pool of sweat when its all over!
I was coached by Clare for a number of years before I moved away from the area and have always considered her coaching to be excellent. While I have maintained a reasonable level of fitness and lifting strength since then, I felt I needed to revisit the basics to check technique etc, particularly during this lockdown time of making the best of our ‘home’ gyms, and booked on to an online zoom coaching session specifically on the Turkish Get Up. There were 6 of us in the session – Clare introduced us all at the beginning and we all explained our personal reasons for attending. The class was really well structured- the movement was broken down into each element- demonstrated by Clare and followed up by us practising and Clare watching us individually on the screen and giving us advice/feedback on body position etc and checking our confidence before moving on to the next part. I came away from the session with a renewed confidence on the Turkish Get Up to be able to continue training at home. I would thoroughly recommend booking on to an online session such as this. Even when lockdown is over, and we all go back to training in gyms etc, there is much to be said for online technology and the place it can/will hold in achieving our fitness goals and I look forward to pursuing this option in the future. Thank you Clare
I have had the pleasure of working with Ellie for over 2 years now. When I started with Ellie I was total beginner after not training for 25 year, now I have the confidence to train in a group class and on my own. Ellie has taught me how to lift weights and get stronger in all the lifts . Ellie has not only trained me how to use kettlebells but she also inspired me to go further and last year I qualified as a SFG1 StrongFirst instructor. Even now Ellie is still my personal trainer I love working with her she keeps me on track and motivated and she just has so much energy you can’t help but want to train,I still have so much to learn from Ellie and look forward to all our training session.
I’ve recently completed some online coaching with Claire and can highly recommend. Up until this point I had been self taught and felt that I was at a reasonable standard, however, Claire was able to provide several significant corrections that have really sharpened my skillls. I already feel that I am able to perform much closer to SF standards and I would have not been able to achieve this alone without this coaching despite hours of reading and watching videos. I will continue to practice and no doubt sign up for more coaching sessions in the future. Thanks Claire
Blake is a great teacher! I think regardless of prior experience, heavy weights can be intimidating, Blake focuses on making sure you unlearn any prior poor technique and relearn the fundamentals so that you dont get ahead of yourself and end up injuring something for no reason. I definitely noticed a significant strength increase with his routine! His classes always have a great energy and are motivating!
Moving with the times, I took part in a Kettlebell Workshop with Claire via ZOOM! The class was adapted brilliantly. I could clearly see Claire and her demonstrations and she was able to tutor everyone well. It was great to go through technique and build up to deadstop swings and full swings. The workshop was limited to 6 people allowing Claire to give each person the attention they needed. By the end I felt that I had learnt a great deal, The workshop was a great balance between learning/correcting technique and getting hands on with the kettlebell. An ideal class for beginners and those wanting to brush up on technique in order to progress.
Alan has taught me For about 7 years. He is very experienced and knowledgeable. He keeps his lesson effective, engaging and fun. I able to stay focus in classes. I can’t thank him enough for all the help that he give me, in taking my training to the next level. I will definitely recommend him as a coach/trainer to any body !
I had a great coaching session with Nic. He was able to match the level of his teaching to my level of understanding. He is full of passion for training with kettlebells and other methods. We had fun, I learned a lot and I improved my heaviest TGU from 24kg to 32kg thanks to his encouragement and technique cues!
Blake is a great trainer. He worked with me to develop a program I could do with equipment I have at home (not much) and was geared toward my goals of getting stronger and staying in shape. Over the course of the first month, my max reps of pushups and pullups both increased by more than 50 percent! Blake also coached me on ways to improve my technical proficiency in my movements and worked with my feedback to adjust the program. Thanks so much, Blake!
I was looking to pick up kick-boxing/Muay Thai, and engaged Nandor based on the profile posted in the gym. It was a great learning experience as Nandor adapted what he taught each lesson to my abilities; I felt that my movements were becoming more natural with each lesson, and there was always something new to learn. Nandor’s familiarity with multiple forms of martial arts also makes for interesting discussions on martial arts concepts in general.
Later, I asked Nandor to train me to build strength using kettlebells. He taught me how to train safely with kettlebells, and how to maximise my strength effectively. In a relatively short time, I was pressing heavier kettlebells and doing more repetitions, probably due to better technique.
I would definitely have continued training with Nandor if I didn’t have to move out of London.
Barna is a wonderful coach. He treats his clients as individuals, and trains them accordingly. He skilfully creates solutions specific to their circumstances, rather than try a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
The guidance and advice that Barna has given me has always been insightful and high quality.
Jamie is an incredibly knowledgeable strength coach who puts his clients and the community of the gym at the forefront of his work. Joining his gym and training with Jamie has changed the way I view movement and has given me more confidence in my own capabilities. When I moved out of town, he was still committed to my success as an athlete and continued to write my programs. After one year of training (and 18 months after hip surgery), I’m stronger than ever and only a few months away from being an Iron Maiden!
I’ve always enjoyed working out in a fun group setting and I found this with Jamie and What is a Movement. There are some knowledgeable trainers out there however they’re not good teachers. This is one great characteristic that Jamie has. He’s articulate, patient, and makes his classes fun. The gym has clients of all ages and skill level and flexible class times. Highly recommend this gym.
I have had the pleasure of training with Jamie for the last year and I would have never felt comfortable picking up heavy bells or moving up in weight without his consistent training, encouragement, and insights. He instills passion, confidence, and motivation through his teaching that enables you to feel strong no matter what level you’re at. He has created a community of warriors that truly want to see one another succeed their personal goals. I am grateful to have found Jamie as a coach and the What is Movement community.
Jamie is, by far, the best coach that I’ve ever worked with. He has everything you’d want in a coach: 1) an amazing understanding of strength training, 2) excellent technique, 3) patience and clarity to guide you to mastery, and 4) an innate talent to motivate people which, in many ways, is his most valuable gift of all. Jamie, thank you for what you do.
My wife and I have been with Coach Jamie for Five years and i’m 62 years old and if not for Jamie getting me more mobile and in better shape with less pain it has been great.Can not say enough about his dedication to all his clients no matter what ability level anyone is at to start.Everyone starts from day one and just a little bit better everyday one class at a time.Thanks Coach Jamie Enriquez
I sought out Coach Mark back in 2016. I found him through here, the strongfirst website. I was unconditioned and atrophied, recovering from a fully torn ACL
that I didn’t get surgery for. I wanted to learn swings and TGUs. Reading the 4-hour body (ferriss), I was convinced that TGUs could aid in correcting my left-right asymmetries, and that swings are very potent in building “perfect posteriors”. “Simple and sinister” married the two movements into a program, which further increased my desire to learn both.
I wanted to learn from someone who was 1. ) Good at these movements, and 2.) have also successfully led others to learn these. A quick glance at his blog and Instagram page shows that he was equally proficient in performing, and instructing these movements.
The only problem was, to reach him, I’d need to make a 3-4 hour pilgrimage to his gym (eclipse at the time), which I eventually did, twice a week. The rest is history.
Since then, we have done much more than swings and get-ups, including:
– How to feel good, and engage my vestibular system (Original Strength)
– Advanced single and double kettlebell techniques (e.g. double snatch)
– Advanced kettlebell complexes
– The three Powerlifts (Squat, Bench, and Deadlift)
– Worked up to a 44kg TGU (from 8kg initially)
– Worked up to a double 36kg kettlebell press (starting from 16kg)
With his guidance I am now able to deadlift 500lbs, squat 400+ lbs, and bench almost 300lbs. All of which I started from zero.
But I think the most important thing was that he showed me what a good and effective physical practice looks like. Consistency over intensity. Prioritizing safety, and technique integrity over everything else.
Coach Mark has soul in the game, and I could not have picked a better coach to start with.
P.S. he’s also very knowledgeable with sneakers, and Dragonball (among other things) which makes him extra fun to talk with
If I had to define Raúl Baca in three words, it would be patience, empathy and professionalism, the qualities required to perform as an excellent coach.
Edgar is one of the best fitness coaches I’ve ever met. He’s got everything you are looking for; patience, technique and perseverance. When you are done and you feel like you can’t possibly keep going he motivates you to just do it and you’re done. I met Edgar over a year ago at EN.NAT and he’s been a key player in my development into kettlebells and understanding technique and methods of practice to get to a stronger level. Edgar was there pushing me on to military press the 24 kg kettlebell and rooted me on to achieve this personal goal; it was simply the best. My ultimate goal is to train for the Iron Maiden and Edgar will be surely be a pilar to my future success in StrongFirst. I would highly recommend Edgar to anyone in the Mexico City area that is looking to challenge themselves via kettlebells!
Jose is a very proficient technical coach. He’s also highly organized and attentive.
I hired Jose to prepare me for the SFG 1 snatch test which I had previously tried and failed to prepare for on my own. I am a coach myself and thought that with my experience and expertise I could program and prep for the test without asking for help. This was a rookie mistake and something I would have never advised anyone else to do. I was confident that I could this without help and boy was I wrong. I wasn’t fully prepared for the SFG 1 Certification weekend and it showed. I failed the final snatch test and vowed to go back and do it again, but this time more intelligently.
I started training with Jose and last Friday I passed the snatch test.
Jose simplified the things that I was making complicated for myself. Training was hard but always doable and he got me to where I wanted to be. He took a lot of the stress off of me so that I could just focus on training and recovery. I completely trusted his skill and knowledge as a coach and he never let me down.
Cris is a really good trainer. He keeps preparing and updating his high skills and capacities, because his most important features as human being are modesty and confidence. He made us learn many techniques and important tips related to the influence and intervention of mind in our training and physical state.
We highly recommended Cris, his expertise make us strong.
With Benoit I have been learning many things in my sporting journey, including how to train with kettlebells, and in particular swings, Turkish get up, and clean and press.
The attention to details is top notch and this allowed me to get my technique right, while never ever getting injured.
What I like the most about his training is:
– how he always fine tunes his teaching and the sets to be fully aligned with your objectives, your main sport, your recovery level, your body type and your overall level of fitness among other things.
– how efficient the training is: you do get stronger.
In other words, with Benoit you have access to the type of fitness training that is usually only for the pros and the happy few. Highly recommended!
I decided to join Benoit for a coaching online.
At that moment I had big difficulties to improve my level in tennis.
I had a pretty good endurance but my speed, strength
and explosiveness was too low.
It’s going to be nearly one month that we started a training plan.
He showed me different methods :
-on breathing to ameliorate recovery on short efforts
– kettlebell strongfirst to increase explosivity and strength
He was always present when I had questions and could adapt the training depending on my evolution.
I was happily surprise to see improvements in short times,
I had tried before others methods but not that much effective and it was costing a lot of time also.
Instead, Benoit’s proposal was effective with less time to spend in the week.
I highly recommend you to take at least a meeting and even try few weeks.
You will feel better, stronger and able to keep your principal activity too in your lifetime.
I’ve been attending James’ kettlebell classes for the past 6 months and always look forward to them. As well as being a great workout, James always focuses on the technical side of things. Everything is explained and broken down making each exercise safe and strong.
A highly recommended trainer!
With Benoit I have been learning many things in my sporting journey, including how to train with kettlebells, and in particular swings, Turkish get up, and clean and press.
The attention to details is top notch and this allowed me to get my technique right, while never ever getting injured.
What I like the most about his training is:
– how he always fine tunes his teaching and the sets to be fully aligned with your objectives, your main sport, your recovery level, your body type and your overall level of fitness among other things.
– how efficient the training is: you do get stronger.
In other words, with Benoit you have access to the type of fitness training that is usually only for the pros and the happy few. Highly recommended!
I have been training with Al for the last few years and is an awesome teacher. He’s always enthusiastic, even when we’re training at 6am in a freezing gym! His knowledge and training is second to none. With Al’s constant focus on form and technique, I have seen steady gains and progress from when I started and I cannot believe how much he has helped me to refine and rebuild my swing technique.
He always finds ways to keep our training sessions fresh and interesting, while still hitting the staple basics.
I would recommend Al wholeheartedly – just make sure that I can still book him for a session!
I have started Kettlebell less than a year ago and Al is an exceptional trainer ever since. There are visible improvements just after a couple of sessions, both in strength, endurance and posture. He knows well about postures, exercises, how to do and teach them right, nevertheless he is extremely patient. He is always in a good spirit and focus on the class. I can’t recommend him enough.
I wouldn’t train Kettlebells with anyone else other than Pavel himself. Al is a superb instructor. Whether you’re looking for kettles to compliment another sport or want to get into functional strength, Alan is your man. He’s passionate about training and has a way of teaching you the technical aspects behind why you do what you do, and physical techniques, that really stick. Can’t recommend you training with Alan enough. The only downside is that you’ll be kicking yourself for not starting sooner.
Alan is one of the most professional and knowledgable teachers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Alan not only improved my physical health but my mental health as well. He has a wide of knowledge, not only has he helped me in my kettlebell and lifting goals he’s supported my partner in their boxing journey by improving their strength.
I suffer from anxiety and PTSD and I am not great in a lot of situations, but with Alan being so professional and approachable I’ve always felt at ease, safe and motivated during our sessions.
Thank you very much Alan!
I have trained with Al for a few years now. His passion and knowledge is exceptional, and this shows when he’s teaching. Safety is always paramount. Killer sessions always guaranteed but so is the smile on your face when you leave Al’s classes. He’s taught me so much and I look forward to learning more. Thanks Big Al!
I’ve been training with Al for a few years now, and he’s very consistently a great coach who will go above and beyond to ensure that all of his students are doing well.
I have been training with Alan for the past 7 years. My training generally varies but I have consistently kept Alan’s kettlebell tuition as part of my core routine as I have found it has given me the best returns in both strength and endurance. Alan’s knowledge and passion for his discipline is as comprehensive as it is inspiring. Whatever level you are at with your training, Alan will help you progress to the next level – guaranteed.
Alan is the best kettlebell teacher I’ve ever met. He makes sure every move you do with the bells is the correct technique as it’s so important your moving correctly and safe. He pushes you to do your best at all times. Really recommend train with al, you will deffo see results in strength and fitness!!!
Blake Nelson is the real deal. He’s dedicated, knowledgeable, and easy going.
Blake takes his work seriously. He’s developed a sophisticated system of assessments and programs that allow him to cater to a trainee of any level, as well as allowing them to see their progress in concrete terms.
I’d recommend Blake to anyone looking to improve their strength and conditioning. His approach really lets you know what’s working and what’s not. Since that will be different for everyone, that’s a valuable thing.
I started training with Jim when I moved back home to Rhode Island from Dallas. I have always led an active lifestyle with other weightlifting and fitness programs. However—thanks to Jim’s deep commitment to both the art and science of coaching, I am stronger, fitter, less injury-prone than ever before. I am also way more consistent! Jim will customize a program based on your personal fitness goals and offer adjustments and feedback along the way. He has led me through an intermediate kettlebells workshop, an “on ramp” program, and a “reload” barbell program. Prior to working with Jim I had several ankle limitations that prevented me from reaching my full potential with back squats. After using the foot and ankle mobility drills and barbell program that Jim crafted for me, my form has drastically improved. I highly recommend working with Jim because of his precise coaching techniques, wide-ranging knowledge of fitness programming, and genuine commitment to helping his clients lead a vital and healthy lifestyle.
I have known Raúl since 5 years ago, even before StrongFirst was “a thing” in the fitness circles. Since then, he stroke me as a very energetic, focused, knowledgeable and trustworthy coach. I have had the chance to see him grow professionally, and achieving significant milestones such as:
– Being the first SFB certified instructor in México
– Being the first SFG II certified instructor in LATAM
– Being the first SF Elite certified instructor in LATAM
Previous points are evidence of his dedication and knowledge.
Also, he has being totally instrumental and critical in the growth of the StrongFirst brand in LATAM. He tirelessly works in helping StrongFirst grow, by organizing all the logistics of a number of user courses, certifications, seminars, all for free.
Raúl represents without a doubt all the principles of StrongFirst, and I cannot recommend him enough, both professionally and as a remarkable human being.
Being training one-on-one with him I can certify that there is no better coach than him in LATAM.
Benoit is teaching me the Kettlebell swing along with other exercices for specific tennis training . He is very available and sensible on what and how you do it . You can send him videos of your training or ask any questions he will reply soon with much attention . As a very alert and watchful listener, he can personalize your training and schedule for your own gears and needs , adapts and updates the exercices for better and most of results . I m very happy to have him as a coatch and feel this is going to be a big step in my progression. Thanks Benoit ‘
I’ve been Raul’s alumni for just a year, but in this time he changed mi life.
I came at 57 years old, in bad shape and very low energy, he evaluated me and kindly but firmly has taken me from there to recover health and strength in months.
I noticed he has a extraordinary empathy to each student/individual that makes him a remarkable coach mentally as well as physically.
I’ve got nothing but amazing things to say about Coach Raul Baca. Honestly I’ve never ever considered myself a “strong” person and I’ve always seen people training with weights and admired the strength they had. Once I got to Raul’s gym EN.NAT in the first lesson with Raul he told me I had natural strength in my arms and it was hard for me to believe at first but in less than 6 months I went from training with a 10 kg kettle bell to a 20 kg one! I can military press 24 kgs with the time and dedication that Raul has given me and believed in me. The amount of technique that Raul shows you makes you able to train from home over time and not hurt yourself. I would highly recommend Raul to anyone in the Mexico City area that is looking to get stronger via kettle bells.
Raúl is a professional and dedicated coach, that planned your routine according to your capabilities, actual mobility, strenght and even your personality. He’s a very open minded and creative person and uses all his skills and knowledge to help his students to reach their goals. He’s always studying and preparing himself to give his best for their students. I highly recommend him as a personal coach.
I have wanted to learn kettlebell for years and i just did not want to learn from anybody but from someone who could really coach me, correct me constantly just to be sure i am doing any mistakes.
I was lucky to be able to fit in Benoit schedules as he’s training high level professionals and i was more lucky to find someone down to earth and not into the superficial aspect of strength. Over the years I have crossed path with other instructors and some are just about performance and ego. Benoit is not like that, he just want you to go beyond what you can do, but at your own pace. He cares about your safety before your progression which is an extremly important point.
I took several lessons with him before the quarantine forced me to stop and i’ve enjoyed any of them. He even led me one of his kettlebel so i din’t have to buy that small weight one. During our lessons he was always looking at a way to correct my mistakes, looking for specific exercices to unlock my shoulders and my body.
If you’re interrested in really developping your body and your potential, train with him. He knowns his stuff and he listen to you and what you care and that’s something !
Andżelika is synonymous of passion and knowledge about strength training and coaching. It doesn’t matter if you want to improve your strength, flexibility learn martial arts or just be fit! Andżelika will help you 😉
Training with Raúl and his team has been a inspiring experience because I could change and make stronger my body, my mind and my soul.
The obsession of a good technique, the constant search of more effective routines, and also the community that I get when training, makes discipline and constancy the way to take my body to new goals and live my life in wellness.
I only have gratefulness to Raul for create a space for renovation, because it doesn’t matter where you start or how many times you start, the important thing is where you want to go or what else you can do for your body and health, Raul is the perfect coach to discover it.
Raul is simply the best fitness coach I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He has a complete understanding of physiognomy and technique plus a great understanding of the process that every person has to go so the training never gets overwhelming or simple. Raul is as great human being as he is a trainer.
Cristiano has really interesting training routines, both challenging and creative. He has a way of motivating you and is careful with his students, giving personal feedback on how to improve or how not to push the limits too much. He explains really well even the technicalities of the muscles, a thing that I didn’t meet a lot with other trainers, so I totally trust him and his professionalism, he is definitely an expert and I would recommend him to all my friends that want to get serious with their body training and become stronger & healthier.
I have been training with Cristiano for the last three years and the evidence of his skills, which also span different disciplines, are my results. I have been training for many years and I have had great coaches on my way but Cristiano represents the excellence above all in consideration of the results obtained which have never focused on one single aspect but which have always taken into account the right balance between all the most important elements from pure strength to mobility passing through endurance and cardio. Thanks to his obsessive explanations of every single movement, which are always followed by a practical demonstration that allows you to view and memorize the diverse movements, I have acquired the technique of a series of movements privileging the quality of the execution. His capacity to understand your weak point and work on it in a customized training schedule is second to none. In few words, he is the best coach ever!
Some personal trainers give you drills while some count your reps. Aaron, on the other hand, will work to understand you; your body; health; needs and ability, to then teach you how your body works; how to improve and what you need to get to the next level, ingraining the tools that would lead to permanent habits and build the foundations for a healthier, fitter life.
I have worked with a number of sport coaches and fitness trainers for a number of years and Aaron is without of question one of the best trainer/coaches I have worked with
I have been training with Cristiano about a year now and he is the best! In his training he considers all of your abilities as well as limitations to improve your skills! He makes sure you’re training the right way and always keeps it interesting with different workouts.
I was fortunate enough to have Billy as my trainer for 2 years. He helped me “return to sport” from not one, not two, but three labral repairs. He knew my goals and helped me get stronger, physically and mentally. I appreciate his knowledge, attention to detail, ability to cue in understandable terms, and ability to connect with others. He’s the real deal!
Billy is an excellent trainer and a very professional and personal person. His zest for learning never ends. He takes it personal to make sure that you can succeed and reach your goals. He also helped me through my injury with modifications from the scheduled workouts. I highly recommend Billy as a trainer!
I have worked with Brett on and off for the last 15-18 years. Brett is amazing. his knowledge is phenomenal. he is great to work with. he knows his stuff. whether you’ve been exercising for weeks or years, he can analyze your form and help improve your training. he is my go-to guy when it comes to physical training. he will not disappoint. Brett trained me to work with kettlebells without hurting myself. he worked with my father and my father’s professional boxers, helping the pro boxers achieve peak form. if you’ve reached a plateau in your training, or want to learn how to train without hurting yourself, Brett is the man.
I train with Katerina for 5 years now. We started in Arena with Krav Maga and over the time transitioned into strength exercising (weightlifting) to a Gym.
She works excellently with people, and her knowledge of physiology and fitness is all but unmatched.
Katerina can cover wide range of demands. Simply working for gains or fitness but also help certain injury rehabilitations, developed fitness plans, and designed individual workout regimens and advice on diet plans.
Katerina’s interpersonal skills, her fitness knowledge and abilities, and her diligent work ethic are making her great trainer. She truly cares about her clients, and she has the skills to develop plans that will truly help. I highly recommend her.
Billy is an absolute beast! I can’t say enough about this guy, not only will he help you reach your max potential, he will make sure you are safe and healthy once you get there. 5 stars is not enough, so I might write another 3 reviews!
I had the pleasure of working out with Billy in Iowa through pregnancy. He truly meets you where you are at and wants to see you reach your full potential. Highly recommend.
Billy is an excellent trainer! He has a kind, gentle way. He is extremely focused on ensuring all moves are done with proper form, to help his clients avoid injury. He also is great at suggesting modifications for injuries & differing skill levels. I would recommend Billy as a trainer any time, anywhere!! Also a wonderful person!!
Jason was my PT for the best part of 12 months at a gym. In this time I found Jason to be very knowledgeable in training, recovery and injury management.
Jason was always very polite, welcoming and motivational.
He pushed me to reach my goals and then to reset and go for the next set of goals.
I would highly recommend Jason to anyone looking to set and achieve any fitness related goals
Attended the Strongfirst Foundations Course with John last month and found the course content very practical and comorehensive. Credit to John for this as his delivery of the material was very relaxed and engaging. Highly recommend training with John.
I’ve been training with Aaron for some time now and find him to be one of the best trainers around, I’m from a sports medical background for work and rate very highly Aaron’s ability to both engage, encourage and train people in a way that is effective and safe.
He has always gone over and above when working with any recovery from injury as well as how he generally trains people.
He is professional and obviously loves what he does and that makes a great combination for an excellent trainer.
As a former D1 athlete, it was hard for me to find movement that allowed me to still feel like an athlete, but also avoid the injuries I did like in my playing days.
What I love about Jeff is that in working with him, he’s helped me still feel like an athlete, and realize I don’t have to beat my body to the ground in order to be “good” or “enough”.
I love working with him, and how he’s helped me not only look and move the way I want to, but create a relationship with movement for this new chapter of my life that still keeps me feeling strong, and proud.
Having spent years in the fitness industry punishing my body through movement, Jeff is the first person who’s helped me not only establish an empowered, and healthy relationship with movement—but one I find fun.
Jeff makes movement powerful, efficient and enjoyable for MY life and my body.
He doesn’t try and fit his way into my life, he meets me where I’m at, every time.
Granville was one of the assistant coaches at my level 1 SFG. We seemed to hit it off at the team dinner, stayed in touch, and I ended up hiring him to do coach me for the SFL the following year. I smashed all of the standards, and pulled my first 500lb deadlift which was just shy of triple bodyweight. Not only is Granville freakishly strong, he is a great human being. He loves to smile, and you can really tell how much joy coaching brings him. I highly recommend him!
As a fellow SFG in Western Canada, I’ve known Owen for a few years now and I look up to him very much. He is the epitome of a quiet professional. He is incredibly humble, despite being freakishly strong. I hired him for online coaching last year and had a great experience, he was tremendously through, communicated well, and I got great results. I particularly enjoy assisting alongside him, as a coach I learn a lot from his calm, minimalist, and effective cueing. I plan on hiring him again, and can’t recommend him enough.
I was lucky enough to be one of Lane’s guinea pigs when he started training for his SFG1. He was always an advocate for proper technique and by following his lead, I became comfortable with kettlebells and lifting heavy. More than that though, I became much stronger much quicker than I was anticipating and was actually having fun doing my workouts. Lane uses cues I understand and is the first person I recommend when a friend tells me they want to get strong and feel better.
I never workout for past 38 years. I hate workout and any body movement. I started training with hyunjin Choi and now i am totally different person. I like my body and this is my best self. In my belief Hyunjin is the best instructor in Korea! I really really thank her for teaching me. She is the best!!! Come to powerzone HJ!
I first met Jase at the strong first course in November 2019 he came up to me and introduced himself and had a chat I was so nervous but I felt better after a chat I thought to myself what a nice guy I didn’t pass all my technique it was the TGU that I needed to pass that’s when I started working with Jase. I found Jase to be a very passionate trainer and determined to get me the pass that I had worked so hard. so a Big Thank you to you Jase for your help and patients so much appreciated
Deb Tink
In my opinion Flavio is an excellent professional, a very serious and authoritative person but at the same time very helpfull, openminded and intuitive.
He has a very strong passion in the world of strenght and,even if he hates being considered a motivator, he transfered his passion to me….not only passion but also brought out my determinaton and tenacity.
Known four years ago in a gym as many as a room assistant, I then attended his courses and he began, under his supervision, to approach the use of the barbell and the practice of the Kettlebell, up to today as a remote trainer. to my SFG1 certificate.
I am satisfied with the results that I am achieving thanks to him
More than happy to have chosen it as personal
Peter has proved to be the most knowledgeable and effective trainer for maintaining mind-body wellness of any instructor with whom I have had the great fortune to practice.
I have been working with Katerina for a long time prior to the “korona crisis” and she has improved my fighting technique and my body strength! She has always been there when I need to acquire a skill for movie or when I needed to get in shape! In nutshell she is enthusiastic, energetic, talented and has a lot of knowledge as far as martial arts, strength training and diet goes! I have nothing but great things to say about her and her approach to training!
Eric is the man. He’s definitely helped me explore different variations to help my snatches look effortless. His attention to detail is on point and the information he provides is very digestible to attain. I’m a trainer myself, so having him train me was game changer.
Most trainers talk a good game but have a one-size-fits all approach. Coach Eric is the opposite. He understands and knows how to work around injury, and he seriously helped me build my skills.
Christian has been paramount in getting me into fitness and changing my lifestyle. I was intimidated to start a fitness program and Christian welcomed me with understanding, care, and professionalism. He takes the time to listen to your goals and creates challenging yet fun workouts to get you where you want to go. I’m so thankful for all of Christian’s time over the past year and the patience he’s shown while working with me. I wouldn’t be where I am (35+ lbs down!) without him. This man deserves a medal or three!
Helped me increase my hollow hang from 12 seconds to 20 seconds without even meeting in person. Also answers any other of my fitness related questions. Overall super genuine and friendly. Would definitely book some personal training sessions if I lived closer.
I have benefitted greatly from Os. He has a deep understanding of multiple training modalities (kettlebell, bodyweight, barbell,etc) and his application of various drills from the world of Z Health are always on point. Along with improving my skills and my understanding of those skills, he is a pleasure to train with. I can not recommend Os enough.
As a chiropractor, I thought I knew enough about Kettle bell training and bio mechanics to be effectively training without risk of injury. Jim was able to break down my form and made me aware of several problems I had in my mechanics which I was totally unaware of. Breaking old habits and incorporating new movement patterns was challenging, but by the end of this course I could feel better ease of the movement with less aberrant strain in certain area. This overall reduced my potential risk of injury and improved functional performance. I would highly recommend Jim Sullivan’s class even if you think you have your Kettle bell routines down.
Ive trained with Aaron for a number of years now before he became strong first certified, this has just added a new dimension to his knowledge as an instructor.
He is patient and always judges peoples abilities well and pushes where possible.
I enjoy training with him as i know he will challenge me and his advice and coaching on Kettlebell training has been a step up from anyone else I’ve seen. I would recommend Aaron as an instructor to anyone of any level!
After playing a bit with kettlebells in the gym and ruining my back, Nandor kindly approached me and corrected my form. His kindness, professionalism, and hard-work ethics are what draw me to work with him full-time.
After two months I lost 7 kg while getting stronger and stronger. Some of the results I gained in two moths:
– Get-ups: started – 14 kg get-ups shaking, now:24 stable and with great form.
– Press: have bad shoulders so was really anxious about it. started – 12 kg with shoulder pain, now: 24 with good form and the pains are gone!!!
He is the right instructor for you if you are looking for hard work, good form and longevity. No bullshit approach, no fancy stuff, mobility and strength are some of his expertise. I highly recommend him and wish I met him before!
Having experienced an injury and illness that kept me away from the gym for a couple of years, I lost a lot of strength and I was feeling disillusioned. In just a few months working with Blake I went from discouragement to enthusiasm about my strength gains. Blake is always able to adjust to my energy levels and quirks from my injury so I never feel it’s too much or too little, and comes up with creative solutions for different issues that come up. I walk out of every session feeling better and stronger than when I arrived.
I have been training with Aaron for at least three years and I can confidently say each of the sessions are hugely rewarding. Aeron is immensely knowledgeable on training techniques, push and motivates me throughout the sessions so that I can make the most out of it. His instructions are clear and precise which is crucial in strengthening exercises and avoiding injuries. With Aaron, you will see results. Highly recommended!
Equipped with specialist knowledge of kettlebell training, Aaron has extensive experience in fitness field. I have been training with Aaron for over three years and have always trusted his guidance as a trainer. My biggest fear is getting injuries from working out. Aaron consistently ensures that I have the correct posture while working at my limits. As an individual, Aaron is very professional and encouraging. He can make a challenging workout really fun. I enjoy training with him. Highly highly recommend Aaron!
I have had a number of trainers and Aaron is up there with the best. He has a knack for explaining and demonstrating exercises in a way that just makes things very clear. He pays attention to you and is honest with his feedback, complimenting when warranted and providing constructive feedback when needed. He also reflects on the session, sending helpful videos and ideas. His own form is something we can all aspire to – he makes everything look effortless. A worthwhile investment for sure!
Manh is an incredible coach. As a movement pro myself I choose to train with him. His light hearted but really challenging style is perfect for helping me reach my goals. He scales everything for every body in his classes. To me, this is the mark of a seasoned strength coach.
I have worked with Manh for 10 yrs. He is precise and enthusiastic. I have never been injured during his lessons and he prepares me for safe movements in the real world.
Jim was able to really break apart the movements and find the smallest thing to adjust to get you into your best form. I highly recommend taking his Kettlebell training if you are serious about Kettlebells. I felt with the smallest adjustment, I have made the biggest improvements thanks to that training!
Manh is knowledgable, kind, fun and hardworking. Never the same workout twice and tailors the workout to your bodies quirks and needs. Softly challenging you to do more than you thought possible.
I have been an athlete and a self taught student of fitness and biomechanics for 40 yrs. I decided to practice kettlebells with the instruction of Manh one Saturday morning. I learned more from him in one hour than I had in in the past decade.
Manh is an amazing trainer and I always enjoy going to his classes. Manh has made me feel much stronger and he is very good at personalizing training for each individual. Manh is also very easy to talk to and is always in a good mood. I would definitely recommend him for everyone!
Mahn has a wealth of knowledge of functional fitness that he shares at each workout. He has helped me to improve my strength and flexibility and does so in way that is completely enjoyable! His personal instruction is whole body transforming, continually changing and challenging which keeps me motivated and looking forward to working out with him.
Manh changed my life! I have never felt better or stronger. I have been with Manh now consistently for 2 1/2 years and will continue until I can’t move! He is the best!!!
I have worked with Manh for the last two years. I have greatly benefitted from his organized and focused workouts, and always feel great when the class is over. Manh focuses on the needs of each class member, and is able to adjust the program for any particular issue a client is managing. Manh has a great personality, and always has new topics to discuss during the class. I highly recommend Kettle Bell, and encourage you to visit Manh.
I have been working with Manh since 2014 and he is the best functional movement specialist around. He is a wealth of knowledge and information and an all around amazing guy as well!
I give Pavel Macek 6 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
He is by far one of the finest instructors I have met. Not only is he an expert on what he teaches, but he is also a fine gentleman, friend and colleague. Take a course with him, follow his work, listen to his videos. You will get educated and inspired!
Hi Jose,
Just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all the exercises that you’ve given me to do. I have continued with these on and off. It’s interesting to see all the guest speakers at the Running Room talking a bit about everything you’ve told me. You have the big picture. I’ve always known you were amazing but I just wanted to share that I recognize what a great athletic therapist and osteopath you are. Thanks for everything. ?
Jim is a true professional! He will help you to perfect your form and learn how to get stronger in healthy, smart, efficient way. Thank you for your insight and sharing your knowledge… I’m feeling race ready!
Blake coached me for my 1st TSC and did a hell of a job. Completely surpassed my expectations of how I would perform. Then afterwards I came to him with some fitness goals and he guided me to being able to push all my strength numbers up. I appreciate his transparent approach on how to train, his thoughtful explanations of movements, and the mindset he puts you in every workout.
I’ve been a Tactical officer for over 12 years and have accumulated many injuries over time that slowly started to affect my quality of life and my work (lower back pain, hips and knee pain / surgery). Since I’ve started working with Jose 7 month ago, my lower back, hips and knee pain have completely disappear. I have achieved personal best in many area and I’m stronger than I ever been before. I would highly recommend Jose to anyone who is serious about becoming a better, healthier and stronger version of themselves. He is an awesome coach, a great mentor and a phenomenal knowledgeable teacher.
Paul really got me back in shape again after a few years of little or no training. He is a great coach that is fun to work with. He has a great way of teaching the various kettlebell techniques and gets how to explain (and keep explaining) the moves so they become intuitive and natural.
Highly recommend working with Paul
I did a set of group personal training sessions with Blake and despite the fact that my fitness level was very different from the rest of the group, he did a great job of keeping me engaged and adjusting the program to match everyone’s needs at the same time. He also pushed me when I needed it but recognized when to hold me back. As a result I achieved a new deadlift PR in an astonishingly short time. Really a great instructor. He knows his stuff and can work in a wide variety of modalities and methods.
If you take your training seriously, want results that have been out of reach and want to stay bullet-proof, I highly recommend that you train and learn with Jim Sullivan. At 59 I am stronger, leaner and have better endurance than ever and I am injury free!
Not enough nice things to say about Steven Melton! He has helped me, through his class as well as monitoring my food intake through MFP, lose over 20 pounds in 4 months! Through clean eating and kettlebells 2 days (minimum) weekly, I have reached my goal weight! Steven is very thorough in his classes, meeting each person where they are but encouraging them to challenge themselves each session- the classes are 30 min, and I leave class feeling like I have exhausted all muscle groups! I tried exercise and ‘dieting’ on my own for 2.5 years before working with Steven with no results- I could never repay him for the patience he has shown me- and the knowledge he has shared with me. He has made eating right second nature, and has made working out something I look forward to! He is truly helping people every single class he instructs with his good energy, motivation and focus on each person in his class.
Went to learn the proper form for the kettlebell swing, thinking it might help with lower back pain (which I’ve had for 15+ years)
Rachel suggested exercises for the swing and to target back pain directly. It was helpful to such an extent I don’t want to set an unfair expectation for others. I would have been happy to get half of the pain relief in twice as long. Still working on the swing.
Takes her work seriously & knows her stuff. Risk & rewards overwhelmingly favor giving it a try.
Though I have been strength training consistently for years, I only discovered Celeste and Aspire a few months ago when I was searching to expand my training with kettlebells. Celeste and her classes are FANTASTIC! Aspire is a hidden gem in the mass of gyms, fitness centers, Crossfit boxes and specialized studios that is now Boulder. Celeste’s programming is both systematic and varied so it all stays effective AND fun and interesting. Celeste herself a beast in nymph’s clothing–both aspirational and super encouraging and supportive. Her instruction is excellent and she has a gift for meeting each of us “where we are at” without making anyone feel out of place or left behind. She makes the StrongFirst principles and philosophy accessible to all. I feel blessed to have found this place.
Though I have been strength training consistently for years, Blake is the first coach I with whom I have worked consistently face-to-face, and my first exposure to StrongFirst-style training. I found Blake because I was looking to develop my strength and skills with kettlebells; I am extremely satisfied with our work together. Blake is super knowledgeable without being overbearing or overwhelming with all that he knows. If I need or want help with something, he always offers something useful. Yet he also leaves enough space for people to figure things out in their own ways. He has had excellent suggestions and modifications to accommodate an injury from which I have been healing ever since I started with him. His programming is systematic, sensible, thoughtful and effective. I look forward to all the workouts and am always excited about what’s next. I especially appreciate the simplicity of his programming and the laser focus on fundamental patterns of movement and movement under load–so many opportunities to hone in on the infinitely-perfectible details.
It’s important to have a good trainer to learn proper technique and keep motivated, especially if you’re learning for the first time. Do it right the first time, don’t build bad habits. I started training with Jun 3 years ago, since then I managed to maintain my exercise habits. I have seen rapid improvement in strength and overall health. He really enjoys what he does, is easy going, accommodating, and cares about clients. I highly recommend.
I was a complete novice when it came to weightlifting last year (2019). Blake has been a great instructor for me. He is very friendly and encouraging. His guidance has helped me progress in both my strength and my technique. I highly recommend him as an instructor!
Extremely professional, supportive and passionate about what he does. His knowledge and natural enthusiasm helped me to push myself to work harder, to improve and build confidence as well as muscle.
I am really impressed with his expertise and his careful guidance.
I could not recommend Aaron enough .
Having trained as a CHEK lifestyle and Exercise coach, I am very particular about who I work with. After spending about 5 minutes with Jose, I knew he was who I was looking for. In only 6 months of work I am almost entirely pain free. My badly torn right shoulder feels strong and stable and my hips are finally moving the way they are meant too. Jose is a gifted coach and an incredible person. I would recommend Jose to anybody who wants to reach their potential and take ownership of their health.
We began working with Blake on the recommendation of a physical therapist, who said that my twelve year old son, who broke his wrist last fall (and had PT to regain strength in it), would benefit from core strength training. Blake has been great so far. He has an excellent manner with children and seems very knowledgable, not just about physiology, but about the the body and brain connection.
I’ve done the TSC twice with Blake. When I was gasping for air after barely missing completing the snatch test, I watched him crush it! He’s the guy who taught me how to do the bent press and someone I still talk shop with. He’s a great trainer who really knows his stuff. Anyone who wants to get into working with kettlebells or just get strong should definitely seek out Blake’s guidance.
Blake is a highly professional, experienced, and skilled fitness trainer.
He’s also very personable and easy to work with.
I recommend him to anyone looking to improve their health and fitness.
My partner and I shared a pt with Stephen on swing and get up technique. Stephen’s communication before the pt was very clear and prompt and he was punctual . He delivered his instructions clearly and sought to find numerous ways to explain what he wanted us to do . He spent a lot of time ensuring our technique met his expectations and we felt confident with his instructions. We both learned a considerable amount from the pt which has been a huge benefit to our training. We found Stephen to be professional, personable, respectful and knowledgeable and also generous with his time . We would have no hesitation recommending him to anyone looking to improve their kettlebell training.
I recently started attending Stevens kettlebells class and absolutely love it! He has made me feel very welcome in the class . He also spent a lot of time teaching me correct technique. He is a great instructor and a great person. I love how he truly cares for each member of class . He definitely motivates me to want to push myself. I can’t say enough good things about this kind man.
Steven is a top notch instructor and mentor. I have numerous medical issues and he has patiently got me stronger and physically looking better. I can say that after working with him for about six months I can now wear high heels again-which I haven’t don’t for over 3 years due to my weak leg muscles. Steven has changed my outlook on life!
Extremely knowledgable, confidence inspiring as a coach and made a big effort to give pointers before the session and provide comprehensive follow-up, I can’t recommend training with Aaron enough. A hugely positive experience.
I took SFG level 1 with Jose in November 2019 and it was a great pleasure to work with him. He gave insightful cues and helped me to really understand complex movements in order to improve my own learning and coaching technique. He is also someone I frequently go to with questions. I consider him a mentor. I recommend him highly.
I found Brett’s gym when searching for a kettlebell gym online. From day 1 he listened and understood exactly what I was looking to do and tailored each workout to my specific needs. I also have a minor hip injury(my fault) and 2 doctors could not really figure it out, but Brett studied my movements and figured out at least how to work the area. He sent me home with his own stretch band and special movements that help relieve the pain. You can tell he cares and that makes all the difference. I highly recommend Brett Bracken!!
I have suffered from back injuries for the last 8 years. When I showed up in Jose’s office 6 months ago I was in acute distress and could barely walk due to my back being in spasm. Through his rehabilitative work that led up to my strength conditioning I have never felt better. I have recently achieved a personal best on my dead lift! Jose’s blended approach has been instrumental in my success. I recommend him to anyone who wants to live a healthier and stronger life.
Paweł is a trainer who will supervise
muscle tightening and also jokes during training. But seriously, he is a professional, a man with great substantive knowledge about strength training, body movement and breathing. He is able to motivate, control during exercises, correct errors and shows on his own example how it all works. When you need it, he is severe, but at the same time so nice that every training is a pleasure. Thanks to kettlebell training with Paweł I got rid of back pain almost completely (and I have serious problems with my spine, vertebral displacement
and sciatica), I strengthened my core muscles, I also feel better, more efficient, mobile and stronger every day and I lost weight. I recommend Trainer Paweł with all strength!
In a span of 11 months I had a hip replacement and quadruple bypass surgery which left my muscles weak and lacking flexibility. Kerry and I had known each other for several years prior and once I had fully recovered sought her help in regaining what I had lost. Her positivity is infectious and even though I was a naysayer at first after going through the evaluation. After performing the correctives she recommended I became positive when I saw improvements through strength training that she specifically orchestrated for me.
With her guidance and expertise I now dead lift kettle bells and am the most physically fit that I have been since high school.
Lisa is a wealth of knowledge and an inspiration. She is obsessed with form and has a way of coaching to a variety of abilities. I grow and learn with each class I take with Lisa. Highly recommend growing your practice with Lisa as your instructor!
I have taken Lisa’s kettlebell classes for almost 3 years now -I keep coming back because I love her personality, her teaching style, her workouts and her supplemental explanations of movement of our bodies. She individualizes when need be and always adds excitement and encouragement to the workouts. Im equally impressed that she comes prepared and emails us with prep or follow up support. I can tell the difference in my overall physique and I never don’t want to go to class. She’s great!
Lisa is an outstanding instructor. Lisa always emphasizes safety and correct posture. Her enthusiasm for the sport
is contagious and she keeps the classes upbeat and fun.
Due the heavy physical burden of my job as a tactical officer, I have had constant back and hip pain for the last 7 years. I have now been working with Jose for the last 4 months and have never felt stronger and more functional. My hip and back pain have diasappeared and I am now functionally stronger. I feel transformed and can’t thank Jose enough. Anyone serious about becoming a better/stronger human needs to see Jose. Great coach and better person.
I met Pavel at the first resilient formation, in Paris.
He is a great and enthusiast coach who will share all his knowledge with you.
He is a man of learning, so I have no doubt that next time I will follow a formation with him (and I will, fore sure), again I will learn a lot of useful things for my training and for my physical health.
Alexey is a mine of knowledge and a great coach. Patient, attentive to details, and perfectionist, he will do everything in his power to allow you to make progress and to make you stronger… and he will make you better and stronger !
Lisa is a great instructor and I’d strongly recommend her to anyone. She clearly knows a lot about strength training and is willing to answer any questions. Lisa encourages students to push their limits, but always safely and using the proper techniques. She also has a ready sense of humor and makes class fun!
Been with Pavel twice: StronFirst Bodyweight Certification and StrongFirst Resilient.
An inspirational coach and with a good sense of humor.
Hope to see you soon!
I’ve been training with him for a few months. His way of teaching and taking you to achieve your goals is second to none. I am very grateful that in a few months I completely changed my perspective towards exercise, of leading a healthy life and of including training in my daily routine. His patience and dedication to us, his students, is admirable. Güendulain lives and transmits his philosophy in everything he does.
I really enjoy taking Lisa’s class. She is quite knowledgeable, and is careful to make sure her students use correct form in order to avoid injuries. She is also very nice! She makes everyone feel welcome, and offers lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement. I feel fortunate to have her as my instructor.
Lisa is an outstanding kettlebells instructor! Her teaching style is inclusive and supportive to the individual. I have gained so much strength AND knowledge about kettlebells in the six months I have been training with her. I will continue to take her classes!
Lisa is an amazing instructor! Always watching that you are using the correct form so you won’t injure yourself. She single handily made me love strength training with kettle bells! She is so positive and inspiring! You get a tremendous workout in her class but have a fun time achieving it! I have lost over 20 pounds but more importantly have strength in my daily life. She has shown me how important strength is to your everyday life! She is the best!
Lisa is an excellent kettlebell instructor. Besides focusing on proper form, she is a great encourager. Her class if fun but you get a great workout in a short amount of time. She’s an inspirational teacher.
Carlos is an excellent coach, he manages his sessions very well, checks that people are doing the practice with good form and uses all the tools learned from the strongfirst methodology to obtain the best results.
I love how Lisa’s classes are both fun and a great workout! She has helped me gain strength to improve my running. I always look forward to my Wednesday, lunch-break kettle bells class 🙂
Lisa is a fantastic instructor. She designs amazing workouts and does a great job supporting her students. Always focused on great form, she has helped me improve my kettlebell practice immensely.
What can I say about Charlie!!!! I’m soooo thankful with him. I’ve been working out for half a year, and I’ve seen the changes. I’m more fit, stronger, achieving every goal I’d set from the begging and beyond, and getting into others that I didn’t imagine I could even think about them. Incredible the way he encourage you to keep on going, further and also teaching the discipline that you have to get in order to get the results you want, with that gentle and human touch.
Never the less that he is a remarkable human being with that special touch he has and patience to explain the do’s and the doesn’t, with a perfect technique; I can get to improve with every single day of trainning.
In my personal experience, I can’t go regularly to the same gym, ‘cuz of my work (lifestyle), so he had to prepare and teach me the correct way to performed the exercises, and practice everyday, I can tell you that even people at my work and the gyms I visit all over the country they’ve seen my remarkable change.
So I just want to say Thank you for your effort, patience and the professionalism you project in every single session you give.
Lisa has been amazing to work with. I just got the OK from PT to start working out and Lisa has been extremely accommodating while pushing me in a very positive and safe manner. I haven’t worked out in 20 years and love going to her classes. Thank you Lisa!
Lisa is an absolute kettlebell guru. Her classes have helped me get so much healthier- mentally and physically. Not only have I lost 30 lbs and gained lean muscle and strength since starting her class, my confidence in myself has increased both with bells and with life situations. I am now pursuing a personal training and nutrition certification myself. As I have told Lisa, I want to be like her when I “grow up” (I’m 31!). Her classes are safe, challenging, fun and she keeps the atmosphere so friendly and accepting. She doesn’t just teach the “how” but the “why” behind every move and technique. She represents Strong First with such brilliance every time she engages with her various fitness circles – she is a huge asset to the team and brand! I am so blessed to have such an amazing trainer and person in my life!
Lisa is one of the best exercise instructors I have ever had. She is positive, motivating, focused on the individual, but also able to lead a large class extremely well. Her instruction keeps me coming back to her classes again and again. Very knowledgeable.
I would simply like to write that I am truly pleased to have been able to meet a man like Pavel MACEK who in addition to being an exceptional coach in the development of strength, he is also a man of extreme kindness always ready to share his knowledge and to advance his neighbor, so I would end by saying thank you for welcoming me so kindly during our certification in PRAGUE. Your brother of the strength
Bati
I am currently in the midst of prepping for my SFG I certification and wanted to have an expert review my technique to make sure I was up to standards as well as to help prepare me for the snatch test. I will start by saying wow, I wish I would have reached out to Tim several months earlier, that would have saved me many unnecessary aches/pains/torn calluses and self-programming errors. He provided me with several cues that really did give me that much sought after “ah ha!” moment. Because of my time working with Tim I am going into my SFG I weekend much more confident.
Alexey became naturally the coach, I would say even more my Mentor who guides me through his various teachings on the road to strength. If you want to progress in this field and discover all the different facets related to the force it is essential to go through its teaching. real discreet professional there is no less one of the biggest if it is not the biggest. To finish I would say thank you Alexey for everything
Power to you
After listening to an interview with Pavel Tsatsouline I visited the StrongFirst website and searched for a nearby certified instructor. I contacted SFG II Instructor Steven Lewter and scheduled a series of training sessions at his StrongFirst accredited gym Chattahoochee Strength & Fitness. I found Steven to be an extremely knowledgeable and patient teacher. Beginning with the basic moves he emphasized correct form that builds strength while minimizing the chance of injury. I’m glad I invested the time and effort to learn kettlebell fundamentals from a StrongFirst Certified Instructor and I recommend that anyone in the Atlanta area interested in kettlebells contact Steven and get started.
Prior to working with Ross, I was afraid to load my spine due to a previous back injury that inhibited me from playing collegiate basketball. My physician told me at 18 years old that loading my spine would compromise it, so I stopped deadlifting and squatting due to fear of re-injury. Ross told me he could help me when I was in Idaho for the summer, and although I was nervous, he gave me the confidence to try.
Working with Ross was so empowering because he showed me how to get stronger without compromising my spine or increasing my fear of these movements. What makes him different from other coaches is his extensive background across multiple domains, all aiming to improve performance. His knowledge allows him to fix faulty movement patterns and build from the foundation prior to loading. He knows how to personalize training plans and give the perfect cue that allowed me to really feel the proper movement pattern. He is a FANTASTIC coach, and I wish I could train with him more regularly. I truly trust his expertise and enjoy his sense of humor! I would highly recommended training with Ross, especially if you have any injury concerns because he will put you at ease. No matter what your age or skill level is, Ross will get you where you want to be!
Carlos is both an exceptional coach and a human being, working with him has been one of the greatest experiences of my sporting life. Coming from a career in long distance training, Charlie helped me reshape my entire body composition into a lean, mean strength machine. I hope to keep working with him for the time to come as I’m sure he is one of the greatest coaches of the kettlebell sport.
Ross has been my strength coach and athletic trainer for the past three years. I credit him for teaching proper technique and prescribing appropriate training to prevent injury. I partnered with Ross in the Fall of 2018 and Spring of 2019 as I coached high school cross country and track and field teams. Ross served as our AT and S&C coach. He deserves much credit for our girls’ runner-up finish at the XC State meet and for the multiple individual successes experienced throughout the Track and Field season. Ross is a great teacher who can wisely draw from his abundance of knowledge and experience. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with an outstanding and effective professional who is an expert in his field.
I started training with Kerry a few months ago after having hip surgery. She was very thorough in her evaluation of my strengths and current weaknesses. She formulated a regimen of workouts to target the areas that needed improvement. She asked what my goals were and set up a plan targeted to reach them. I am continuing to work with her to obtain these goals. I’m away for the winter but still connecting with Kerry via email as she continues to map out a plan with workouts for me to obtain to my goal.
Ross is an incredible teacher and a true guru when it comes to lifting technique and injury prevention! Before working with him, I had multiple strength deficiencies and nagging injuries that kept me from running consistently. After following his plan and learning proper technique, I was able to build strength and become a more efficient runner. These two areas helped me to train with little interruption—definitely instrumental in helping me to achieve several personal bests on the track.
I started training one-on-one with Ross in the fall of 2017 and then
moved away. However, I haven’t stopped doing Kettlebells since! He introduced me to Kettlebells and I’ve been obsessed ever since. Amazing form and technique coach. He is also very knowledgeable when it comes to injuries and any sorts of aches and pains you might have. Plus he can “fix” them! Such a skilled person to have in your life.
I started training with Ross two years ago when I began running post-collegiately. In college, I struggled with many back issues which had caused decreased mobility throughout my body. Now, two years later with Ross’ assistance, I have increased my overall mobility which has helped me become a better and healthier athlete. Ross has worked with a variety of populations and his knowledge extends past just strength training, as he has coached and worked as an athletic trainer at all levels. Ross is the best!
I have known Pavel for a long time. He is a great teacher, always ready to help and give the right advice.
Pavel helped me a lot with my Snatch test, especially when I was stuck in the process and had a hard time to move forward. I am very grateful for all his knowledge, advice and support. I can frankly say that I would have never passed my SFG 1 without his support.
Michal is not only a professional trainer who can clearly explain the proper technique, but is also a very nice guy, who can direct you properly to push your limits and keep you motivated all the time. He can properly set the right program, watch constantly progress and under his supervision the exercise is challenging and fun all the time.
I tried many forms of exercises in the past. From classic gym, training at home with body weight, to cardio. But after approximately 1 year of training with kettle-bells with clear and simple concept, I can say this was finally the right choice.
My colleague and friend Michal is very good instructor and a role model for others he teach. Overall great coaching skills and his nice personality makes him the right person for the job if you seek to move better, become stronger and healthier.
Kettlebell training was a new endeavor for me. Not only does Kerry take the time to show you what to do she is exceptionally knowledgeable about the why behind it and how each strength technique builds upon another. She is concise in her demonstration and is able to explain complex methods in easy to follow terms. I now have a strong foundation to build upon because of the techniques she has taught and reinforced with me. I am no longer intimidated to lift heavy or light as I have found enjoyment, results and fun from kettlebell training thanks to Kerry.
She has a positive motivating approach with a desire to help you reach your goals. I feel I take away something new from each training session and consistently improve upon my own skills due to her insights, approach and tools she has given me. Training with her has improved my overall health. The combination of her skills, personality and passion for her work are just a few of the reason I would recommend Kerry.
Eric was a great trainer. I only stopped using him when he moved to Los Angeles. He was attentive to what I wanted from my training and helped me get stronger.
John Odden and I have been colleagues for some years now collaborating as teachers and instructors both at his fantastic gym Empowered Strength and from afar working together on articles, programming, and training. John is an outstanding technical and strength coach and personal trainer, a superb colleague and collaborator, and a class act.
Wow, Tim is professional and insightful. If you ever end up in central Florida you need to spend an hour with Tim working on your kettlebell technique. Whether you’re learning a new move or perfecting your swing he can improve your skills. He is legit. You will learn several important things and have fun doing it.
Pavel has been a major part in changing my workouts, diets and lifestyle. I am firmly on track to meeting my goals. He has a wealth of knowlage and is happy to share it!
Thanks again.
Attention to detail and with the heart in the right place. Coach Martin will definitely not take shortcuts in teaching skills and techniques. His fiery passion for the craft also makes him a terrific motivator aside from already being an astute educator. Highly recommended!
Ross has essentially been my strength coach for 4+ years. The amount of knowledge and expertise he has is impressive. He is a very effective teacher. His wide range of experience in other avenues of sport and performance makes him one of the better physio professionals in the world. I highly recommend Ross if you have the opportunity to work with him.
Effective, professional and reliable Strong First kettlebell instructor.
Rudolph Carvalho helped me (total newbie re kettlebell training) achieve my aim to learn the basic kettlebell exercises according to the Strong First methodology.
Ended up extending my stay in Saligao/Arpora – North Goa in order to continue refining techniques with him.
Rudolph is a true professional: 100% committed to the cause, efficient, reliable and honest.
Now have the comprehensive skills, knowledge and confidence to both effectively and safely build strength and fitness using kettlebells.
I highly recommend anyone serious about training with kettlebells (and other types of training) to get in touch with Rudolph Carvalho who is based in North Goa (near Arpora, Saligao and Calangute).
Kerry is a trainer who shares her strength with you. She heard my story of how I injured my back and walked through general physical therapy, chiropractic care and hours upon hours of yoga to try and get strong again. Then she did what everything else failed to do and taught me how to help myself heal. She has given me the tools to better understand my body and answer those signals. Kerry strives for strength in body and mind.
I remeber thinking personal training was just going to be like everything else I had tried, or like a generic gym membership where I would get a little coaching and never make any real progress. Without Kerry, it might have been that for me. Now, I am able to move around pain free. Now, I understand my body more and I’m better equipped with knowledge on how to respond.
Kerry has helped me to see how I can motivate myself and get strong. The program she uses allows me to progress continually and achieve a tremendous amount satisfaction and strength.
I’m grateful that I have Kerry as my personal trainer to guide me through better movement in my daily life, reducing pains from head to toes and helping me realize how, I too, can achieve muscle strength I didn’t even realize I could!
She taught me how to exercise joyfully and safely and kept me going. It’s been three years since l met her. During that time she developed every day and it inspired me. She is both a teacher and a role model.
Let me tell you, If you exercise with her, that’s great luck.?
I’ve known Mira for several years. The past two years I had the privilege of working with as my KB coach. I learned so much from her. Her attention to detail and coaching, tough, yet caring, improved my skills and pushed me further than I thought I would go. As a physical therapist, I’ve also had the pleasure of working collegially to help shared clients return to their activities and training safely. I trust her with any of my patients and have recommended many to her and her gym.
HJ Choi taught me the joy of being strong both physically and mentally.
I was the kind of person who could rarely keep doing the same physical activities for more than a year. It was hard for me to overcome the hurdles from the ‘very real’ beginner to the next level.
She understands exactly the difficulties facing beginners like myself and teaches us systemically and efficiently to sustain a continuous workout without giving up(Yes! It’s been more than 2years since I have been working out at Powerzone HJ S&C!)
I love this place and the strong people I work out with. As I get stronger, I feel much happier and freer!
It has been three years since I worked out with Hyunjin. I was a person who had never touched a barbell(like a normal Korean woman), but now I can lift more than twice my weight. Those who learn from her, not just me, are exceeding their limits day by day.
Hyunjin shows me the goals that are within my reach, and leads to huge changes. I do not need to overwork myself and exercise hard to achieve my goal. All I do is come to the gym and trust her. Also, it all comes in a warm and amicable atmosphere.
If you want to be strong, especially if you are a woman, I strongly recommend her and this gym. You will see a lot of strong women and women who want to be strong, and exercising with them will completely change your life.
I’ve been training with her since 2018. I had severe wrist problems before I started exercise. But with her program my wrists got better and better.
I could remember I hardly did getup with 8kg at first. Her program is designed sophisticately and changed every week. All I can do is just follow her program regularly ( If I wanted do any hopeless challenges she wouln’t let me do it at all.) If you do, your strengths improve much better.
Recently I found myself could do getup with 24kg both side and one arm swing with 32kg both side. I’m shocked.
“I really could do this? REALLY?”
As well as that I could hope much higher aims. Before, I wanted to be alive(still I want) But now, I want to learn about exercise more and start to study for better performance.
I highly recommand her if you want to live better life. She probably willing to give it to you.
Hyunjin is a great athlete as well as instructor.
She leads and cares her students both physically and mentally.
She is constantly trying to build up her knowledge of training and develop teaching ability even though she is already an excellent teacher.
She has positive effects on the surroundings with her warm heart.
I admire her as my teacher and role model of training.
This IronMaiden changed my life. I’m 40 years old now, but stronger than ever. She teaches me not only how to be strong but also the spirit of Strongfirst. Her attitude, inspiration and sense of humour brought a whole new perspective to me and i feel that i’m developing in the right direction. Thanks her for this beautiful journey.
She is the greatest teacher I’ve ever met, and willing to help any student with warm heart, to share her experience and the wonderful journey to the strength with anyone by any chance.
I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher Hyunjin for living well.
Hyunjin has excellent teaching abilities. She has always been driven to develop her skills as a teacher.
Hyunjin has a wonderful rapport with students, especially beginner. Her ability to connect with her students and her talent at teaching simple movements, as well as more advanced skills, are both truly superior.
Hyunjin is the best teacher I’ve ever had. She is my hero.
Michael is such an amazing coach who teaches you not only to be strong, but to be confident and happy in your strength. When I came to Michael initially, I had little experience with Kettlebells, but knew that I wanted to go on to learn so much more. Michael taught me each movement in and out, allowing me to achieve much more than I ever thought with Kettlebells. My mental and physical health improved massively and it’s all thanks to Michael, a hugely experienced coach and great friend. He made me so much more confident in my training which allowed me to come into the gym and train on my own, a huge goal of mine. I can not recommend him enough. If you want to become stronger and “good at life” Michael is who you need!
Zack has been my strength coach for just over a year. Being a strength coach myself, I know the value of a great coach and I couldn’t be happier to have Zack as my coach. Over the past year, he has proven himself to be attentive, knowledgable and highly competent. With Zack’s help, I earned my SFB, earned Elite status, set state powerlifting records in my age/weight class in USAPL and earned a spot on the podium at USAPL Raw Nationals. What a year!! Thanks, Zack!!
Kirk is a fantastic trainer! He really takes the time to make sure you’re doing moves correctly to avoid injury and maximize each move. His workouts are fun, tough, and dynamic.
Dan is an exceptional trainer and I am so thankful I found him. As he writes in his bio, he specializes in hardstyle kettlebell training and his level of expertise is remarkable. He’s able to safely breakdown movements, ensuring the best form, and avoiding unnecessary injuries. Dan’s expertise goes beyond kettlebells and it’s amazing to learn the correct form for back-squatting and more. In short, training with Dan will take you to another level, whether you are a beginner or an advanced student. Last, but not least – Dan has a great sense of humor, so the sessions are go by fast and before you know it – you are swinging kettlebells hardstyle:)
Listened to Pavel Tsatsouline on Joe Rogan at Christmas and thought wow he’s knowledgeable and I should start kettlebells to supplement my jiujitsu training. Searched for a Strengthfirst coach near me and found Megan. Had a two hour session with her and have left thinking wow she’s knowledgeable and I now understand enough to train swings and Turkish get ups safely and effectively. Great day, great coach and will be back.
Michael is such an enthusiastic coach, always motivated and passionate about helping people achieve their potential. He has always listened to my goals & concerns and has done his best to keep me going at times when I couldn’t make it into the gym. He is so individual – no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ approach. So approachable, knowledgeable and friendly. Very lucky to have found him as a coach. Would highly recommend!
Joe has been a skilled guide to helping me navigate the daunting task of finding an exercise routine that is anything but routine. His workouts keep things fresh so that your body is consistently challenged. But he also does a great job of working with you to incorporate exercises and stretches that help you reach your fitness goals.
I had problems with stiffness and pain in my joints, mostly in my shoulders. This struggle with pains and aches hindered my ability to do body weight exercises such as push ups and planks. Joe developed a personalized workout for me and his patience and attention to detail were invaluable. His instruction videos effectively demonstrated dynamic stretches and body weight exercises that helped my mobility and flexibility for my entire body: not just my shoulders. The results have been wonderful and thanks to Joe, I am able to do body weight workouts that I hadn’t been able to do in years.
Michael is an amazing coach. I find myself looking forward to the next training session, also his programs are amazing I never find myself bored I also find them enjoyable and excited to do the next day. I’ve been training with Michael for the past year and within that year I have achieved strength goals I would never have thought possible, lifting weights I never thought I would ever get at. Michael has a great understanding and knowledge on nutrition, listening to what you what to achieve and giving great advice on it! He is also so motivating even when your having an off day!
Michael is an amazing coach. He really cares about his clients being great at life not only physically but mentally too. I never knew how strong I was till Michael pushed beyond my comfort zone and the little voice in my head that tells me I cant do it. Michael’s positivity and motivation helps you to push past what you think are your limits and makes you super proud of yourself. I always leave the gym feeling strong and happy. The support he gives inside and outside the gym is amazing . He really is an incredible human being.
Louka is professional, thorough, humble and personable. Louka does an outstanding job of assessing where his clients are in their development, guiding them towards accomplishing their goals (and deciding what those goals should be), supporting them through the journey, and always with great communication skills. He is equally adept at teaching one-on-one as he is delivering group lessons. It is a always a pleasure to work with Louka
He teach me the first course of flexible steel and made me curious about kettlebell. He was very though full for everyone during that class.
Maybe one day i will try Strong first formation too
Michael is an amazing coach and a great friend. Over the past 3 years he has helped me so much in improving my physical strength and mobility. He is always really positive and encouraging when he is training with you. Each client’s health fitness and wellbeing is so important to him. I think that is really important when working with different people. I have improved so much in my bench press and kettlebell press with Michael’s support. I could not have achieved this without him. I really enjoy training with Michael because he always wants people to be the best they can be. “Making people strong and good at life.” That’s what he’s all about! Every training session he challenges you to be better and stronger than last time. I have improved and learned so much through working with Michael. I would recommend him highly to anyone looking to improve their health and fitness.
Michael duncan is an excellent coach because he becomes your friend and with that he builds so much trust with you and you build even more with him thanks to the people he coaches becsuse everyone is so nice and welcoming. When michael says ‘sir you can do this!’ You feel like you can do even more than that and i know this personally as ive trained with him for a year and hes given me the confidence to go to the gym and train rather than not and for that i ghank him and know hes an amazing coach and a great friend.
Makes you good a life!
I’ve been training with Michael for a couple of years now and we regularly assess my training programme, setting goals/targets to work towards. Michael provides continuous feedback and encouragement to push me out of my comfort zone while keeping sessions informative and challenging with a lot of laughter thrown in. I’m stronger now than I’ve ever been – both physically and mentally – and enjoying every minute of it!
My teacher, colleague, and great friend. Smart, hard working and enthusiastic gentleman who walks the talk. I can’t recommend his classes and courses enough!
With just a few lessons with Louka I was able to learn the principles of Strong First and apply them to my training. Being new to training when I first met him I was able to safely learn the kettlebell swing, the Turkish get-up and various bodyweight exercises. Although I can not attend his classes regularly I see him for private sessions to polish my technique and for program design. Louka is a great teacher.
I learned with Louka twice, including a one day course of the hardstyle kettlebell. Louka is very passionate and enthusiastic about what he is doing, his knowledge is impressive, and he knows how to apply positive impact on his students in a very effective way. His dedication and proficiency are always there for you.
Michael has been coaching my 16 year old son for over 1 year…..he has a great passion for people and self-improvement at beginner level through to advanced…he has great knowledge, skill and patience. Most importantly he is a great fella and role model…would highly recommend him as a coach for all ages…..genders…..abilities!!!!
This guy is the REAL DEAL.
Professional, reliable, knowledgeable and FUN.The skills he possesses are like GOLD to what I’ve been trying to achieve. I recommend Louka, He really knows his stuff!
I worked with Louka online. He has an amazing eye for where movement can be improved, and gave me some great strategies to improve my technique and focus my strength. I didn’t know what to expect working through video only, but Loukas skill, patience and kindness far exceeded my expectations. Louka is truly skilled.
Michael is an excellent coach and, more importantly, a really good person. Even though he tries to hide it on occasions, he cares deeply about the health, fitness and wellbeing of each of his clients and tailors the programme to individual needs and aspirations. His attention to detail is incredible. I have lost count of the number of times that we have spent tweaking my bench press and deadlift!! The progress that I have made over the last 18 months has surpassed my expectations – and we are still moving forward. All of that can be attributed to Michael. I would recommend him to anyone of any age and gender who is looking for self improvement.
Michael is really nice and has helped be get back walking after a spinal surgery that didn’t go to plan. I spent 4 months on a spinal injury unit. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today both physically and mentally if it wasn’t for Michael. He always keeps tags on me with both my exercises and my diet.
Michael is a great coach, with an abundance of knowledge and enthusiasm for all things strength related. He has helped me improve my snatching technique, deadlift form and general approach to fitness. I would definitely recommend Michael to anyone wanting a first class Strongfirst coach.
I’ve been training with Coach Mark Limbaga for a few months now. And he has been instrumental through my fitness journey. He breaks down the lessons in a way where beginners in the strength program like me can easily digest. Giving out tips to improve technique, and always on the look out for little details in order to help out his students.
I always look forward for the next lesson that he teaches.
Michael is an amazing coach.
He always motivated me and believes in me.
But the best thing about Michael is his ability to make you laugh and enjoy lifting very heavy weights!
He never gives up on me, even when I’m not in the gym! That goes to show that he consistently keeps on track of his clients in a very positive way.
It’s a pleasure to train with Michael. I feel very grateful that I have him on my side?
Jimmy is a truly gifted healer. He somehow knows exactly what to do to get your muscles and body back to their proper state and function. My two sons and I have all had to see him for serious muscular pain which he was able to cure in just one appointment. We are clients for life and are so thankful that we have had the opportunity to see him. Thank you Jimmy!
Luca is one of those guys who better represents our School.
He is a kind, quiet, attentive and polite professional.
The way he carries his strenght matters!
Hope to work with you as soon.
Thiemo is the type of coach, that brings the best out of you. He walks the walk and knows a lot about his profession because he experienced all by himself!
A kind person, a great teacher and an athlete with YEARS of experience in the iron game! When Thiemo talks you better listen.
Sven is just great. Been working with him alongside during some Workshops and Certifications and it´s been an honor. He is smart, helpful and a kind person.
He knows exactly what to look for, to make you better and he always does it with a smile on his face!
Coach, thank you for the teaching and guidance. Thanks to you I learned or improved techniques I struggled with for ages. Kettlebell is an excellent tool for both trainers and trainees. I also respected your kindness as well as your good manners.
Colin is one of the best coaches I’ve had in just about any area of my life. In our form session he managed to really lay down the foundation for a solid TGU and even correct my swing. His approach is extremely practical and focused – just like a kettlebell workout! The time I spent with him immensely improved my form and really has given me the solid knowledge I needed to move forward confidently in my practice. Can’t recommend him enough.
In October of this year I attended the SFL level 1, when we got there I was selected to be part of johns team, have not met him (or anyone) before he put us all straight at ease and was a brilliant teacher. He also shared a very heart warming and personal story which took real guts and showed a very honest vulnerability most are scared to show, he will always have my respect for that.
On the snatch test I only managed 81 reps meaning I had a lot of work to do in the next 90 days. John was in contact regularly to check in on my training and give me advice via programming. After 84 days I retook my test and comfortably hit the 100. This I am absolutely sure was only possible through johns support. I can not recommend him enough as a coach and team leader.
I have been training with John Odden for 2.5 years now. I can honestly say that I have never been stronger than I am today. I have been an athlete all my life; but this is the first time I have received such a high-level of coaching. His knowledge and experience is such that I was inspired to join the StrongFirst community as an instructor, this past year in 2019. Training with John has helped me to be strong and pain-free, and to be able to live and play as I enter my late 40s! It has truly been a life-changing experience!
Jason was my Team Leader during a recent SFG I certification weekend. Almost immediately after meeting him, it became clear that Jason was a wealth of knowledge, and genuinely wanted to see every student on his team succeed. With the help of his fantastic assistants, Jason provided a positive environment which allowed us to learn while having fun and getting the most out of the experience. I have no doubt that Jason is your guy if you want to make progress in your fitness endeavors.
I came to Kevin while preparing for the SFG I certification in October 2019. He quickly proved to be a dedicated and knowledgable coach who genuinely cared about helping me succeed. He was always available for advice on my training, and had me well prepared for the tough SFG weekend. When I struggled with the snatch test, he put a plan together which ultimately helped me pass and gain my certification. If I had it to do over again, the only thing I would change is seeking Kevin out earlier.
Most talented coach I’ve trained with. Not only is he technically proficient, he is also a real strength geek, who can articulate the principles of StrongFirst eloquently.
I also like the fact that Mark is patient, but that he does not coddle. His feedback is direct, no BS.
Frankly, the fitness space in the Philippines is full of hucksters and trainers who prefer quick bucks over helping people. But thank god there are people like Mark who know their shit.
StrongFirst, please consider Mark Limbaga for a leadership position!
I had the privilege of meeting Piers at an SFB event last year. He is a professional, friendly instructor. When he speaks it comes with real authority and I really enjoyed getting to know him and glean his training wisdom over the 2 day event. If you are anywhere near his facilities; do yourself a favor and go see him. Thanks for all you do Piers, it was a real pleasure getting to know you!
Kirk’s workouts are full of variety and challenges. He uses a lot of creativity in his classes, which make them different, and fun. You sometimes forget how hard you’re working! He is very thorough in explaining the proper form and techniques while always being supportive and encouraging. All the best qualities of a great trainer!
I took the StrongFirst Kettlebell Course led by Kevin and can firmly say that after almost 7 years in the fitness industry, this was the most amazing course I have taken. The technicality of KB’s can feel overwhelming but Kevin broke it down so well and made sure we all really got it. You feel supported from Kevin from the first moment you walk in the room and I am planning to take his class in Philly sometime soon!
Kevin lead a Kettle workshop that I was privileged to attend in the Chester County, PA area. He is one of the most knowledgeable and creditable trainers I have yet to learn from. He guided my colleagues and I through a training that was incredibly educational and exciting. If you are looking to grow in the fitness industry and or gain more knowledge on incorporating kettlebells into your training and or coaching, Kevin Dea is the guy!
I had the pleasure of attending a kettlebell workshop run by Kevin. He is a remarkable instructor! He is super personable and has great energy which helped make for a conducive learning environment for myself and my fellow coaching team. During our workshop Kevin was able to teach a variety of new movements and techniques in a relatively brief period of time, all while ensuring total comprehension and allowing open dialogue for questions and answers. I highly recommend Kevin as a Strong First instructor!
Had several sessions with Coach Martin already. He brings both the superb technical know how and focused personal approach one would expect from some of the best out there and more.
If I can only say one great thing about Coach Martin (though there are many), it is that, I feel safe exploring my limits when training with him because I am confident with his knowledge and his genuine concern for his students that I know I am in good hands.
Martin is a hands on, knowledgeable and friendly coach. He always affirms his clients and makes sure they feel their best. Most importantly, he is very passionate about what he does. He genuinely loves learning about his craft and sharing what he knows to others.
Coach Martin is passionate about his craft, very professional, approachable, and very willing to teach his students with regards to the technicalities of kettlebell training while pushing them not only to be stronger, but be better versions of themselves and have better outlook on their fitness journeys. Also, his own fitness story is a testament of how inspiring and motivating he is as a trainer.
Peter is hands down one of the best Coaches I’ve ever come across . In my opinion he’s one of the best Coaches I’ve come across .. He has a very high standard and that standard was past down to me through 2 years of training, and if it wasn’t for Peter and his coaching skills, expertise I wouldn’t have past my SFG 1..
Just like many others the passion for strength, knowledge and the pursuit in furthering is own skill as much as he pushes and encourages you to do your best .. and to never just settle ..
I don’t just see him as coach and mentor and a amazing bloke ..
If your in the area , give him a call .. you won’t be disappointed..
Thank you for your support over the last couple of years … lol ???
No more shinnie lights
Mark Limbaga, is an amazing inspirational coach, his knowledge and passion for his craft is next to none .. pound for pound he’s one of the strongest blokes I’ve seen . He’s pursuit in knowledge and strength and his equal passion to teach other’s is mind blowing .. He’s one of the most humble passionate coaches I’ve come across in the StrongFirst community.. He’s very genuine and happy to share his knowledge…
If you ever get a chance he’s definitely a coach to give a call ..
Pavel has been a long time teacher and mentor to me online.
I finally got to learn from him hands-in at the Taipei SFB in December 2019. To be given the privilege to assist him was an even bigger treat as I got to sharpen my bodyweight skills.
If you have the chance to learn from him in any form, grab the opportunity
Baptiste is an attentive instructor, who motivates you to go towards excellence. He infused me with the taste of effort and the surpassing of oneself. Thanks a lot.
I got to know Jean-François following open day 2019. Jean-François is a very passionate person about the strongfirst idea and he communicates his passion and all his knowledge. I was coached by him during the initiation day and I was delighted. Good luck for the future
A great coach, with whom the evolution is constant, he is also attentive to his students and very fastidious about the safety of movements. It gives me a taste for sport
Wonderful class, great teaching by George!
The methodology of the movements was excellent .
I recommend George to anyone that wants to know solid kettlebell technique.
George is a master at his craft . If you want to learn about kettlebells, he’s the guy to look for! Always passionate and willing to help you improve your technique and become better!
Kirk’s workouts are well-balanced; equal parts strength, agility, teamwork and fun! He’ll push you to challenge yourself, and you’ll gain strength and confidence while learning good form. Kirk is an excellent coach!
I recently attended the SFG where John was my team leader for the course. Throughout the course he was able to give me lots of useful tips to help me improve my technique.
I didn’t pass my snatch test on the day so needed to submit a video after, I was a little disappointed at the time but John help me see this as a opportunity to practise my snatch technique and get better.
While preparing I was struggling a bit while trying to work around an injury, John took the time to offer support recommend a couple programs which ultimately helped me pass my snatch test.
John is a great coach who clearly wants to help everyone succeed in their goals.
Oh this guy! He’s one of a kind. He has helped me get strong, believe in myself, keep me safe and has never doubted that I could do anything I’ve tried. His attention to the details helps lift your game to the next level. If you want someone on your side to help you reach your fitness goals, he’s your guy.
I have worked out beside Kirk and with him as my trainer over the last 5 years. He has always been supportive of me and fellow gym members. He encourages me to keep pushing myself while also being aware of keeping movements safe. Kirk always has concern for providing fun, rewarding and efficient workouts. He provides a safe space to do the work that I am able to do that day.
Brent Morehouse has made my life better! I feel great, and I’m stronger than ever.
When I first started training with him five years ago, I had severe low back pain caused by rowing on a crew team.
I love to participate in sports, but I was worried I might end up one of those people who has a bad back and can’t move without pain, let alone participate in sports.
After carefully evaluating how I was moving. Brent helped me get rid of the pain with an individualized plan of corrective excercises and strength training. Since then my back pain has not returned, and I’ve competed in two new sports!
Steven’s kettlebell class has made huge
impact on my life. I have never been one to commit to any sort of fitness class and now I look forward to each class. I can feel the effects it has on my body each time I go and I am much more motivated to live a healthy lifestyle. I was concerned about my back before attending because I’ve had some trouble with it, but he teaches you how to safely handle each workout. I have not had any trouble from my back since I started. He leads an excellent class!
I don’t get to attend Stevens class as often as I would like due to conflicting work/class schedules but when I do, it’s a great workout! He is very motivational and always pushes you to do your best. Constructive criticism is crucial to avoid injury and Steven does just that! Thankful for his knowledge of kettlebells and willingness to teach others. Definitely one of a kind!
Even though I am just getting started with kettle bell I want to say that Steve is a great instructor! He is very patient & has great tips to achieve your goal. I look forward to every class I attend. If you want to get a good workout & have fun while doing it, Steve is your guy!
Brent is an awesome coach and teacher. He clearly knows a lot about his field and it is very evident in his instruction. When I first started training with him, I had back pain that had plagued me for years. After working with him, I’ve become much stronger and nearly pain-free. He’s been extremely helpful to me and I’m thankful to have worked with him.
I first saw Brent when I attended one of his group classes and he noticed that I was in pain and my body was twisted with one hip higher… He tailored my training plan to correct my instabilities. I have been with him for almost 5 years now and I am more balanced and flexible with much more endurance and strength and injury free! My running performance and overall athleticism has improved tremendously. I’m not sure that I would even have been able to still be running if not for Brent’s expertise.
Luca is amazing when it comes to coaching people. Never met a coach with more detailed knowledge of strength and physical health in general. Training with him made me feel much more stable and helped me get rid of my sporadic back pain when deadlifting.
Probably one of the best coaches in Germany when it comes to kettlebell and strength training. No matter what goal you have, he always has the right progression to get you to that new Personal Best. Helped me a lot overcoming my plateau in the bench press and worked wonders on my shoulder stability
Being regularly physically active, I was looking for a change to my routine and at 54 having never lifted a kettlebell in my life I thought I would give it a go. I couldn’t have done it correctly and safely without Brenda’s expertise. She has coached me for over a month, sharing her vast fitness knowledge, fine tuning my technique, growing my confidence and making training with kettlebells fun. She is patient, knowledgeable and a fabulous coach. I have looked forward to my kettlebells session with her each week where she continually challenges me. She is a fantastic coach and I would highly recommend her to anyone keen to pick up kettlebells for the first time or someone who is experienced but wants to push their training. I feel much more confident and stronger now thanks to Brenda.
Anna has been remotely coaching me on Simple and Sinister and SFG I protocols. She is knowledgeable, responds quickly to correspondence, and evaluates my form on uploaded videos. I highly recommend her and will continue to use her services.
I took my SFG1 recertification course in Prague with Pavel beggining of December 2019.
It was my first time meeting him in person and I learned a lot more thabks to him. He’s an outstanding instructor. The most important lesson I’ve learned around him is how beneficial it can be not to pass the test. At the first attempt at least. Because thanks to his coaching, support and advices, one can pass on the second attempt in a much safer and better way.
Thank you Pavel, it was an honor to practice with you.
In my quest to take control of my health, I had an opportunity to work with Brad. As a long time sufferer of back pain, I asked him to help me create a fitness plan that would strengthen my core and support my back. I needed something I could do without hurting myself and didn’t know where to begin. Brad taught me how to use Kettlebells to meet my goals. He brought me from the very basics to a successful workout. I learned a quality workout can be structured to fit my specific goals and lifestyle. Brad’s knowledge and experience are incredible.
I thought I was doing the movements correctly in my basement after a year of simple and sinister. After experiencing some low back pain I decided it might be good to dial things in with an experienced eye. Knowing Matt previously when I was in military, I knew he was my guy. From day one I’ve been amazed at how much I don’t know and how better I feel; it’s awesome really! I’ve always been intrigued with the Strongfirst protocols and methodologies, but sometimes it’s overwhelming. Matt not only shows me simple correctives, but also helps me understand exactly why I’m doing certain drills while broadening my own knowledge. I’ve been training with Matt for on and off a year and I’m very happy with my ‘gains’. He’s the first person I recommend to anyone wanting to get after it and train Hardstyle. Just the other day I was breathing though a straw in between sets and getting wrecked! The swings became my rest! If you’re looking for someone who is very knowledgeable, experienced and always professional, Matt is your guy! Thanks Matt! See you next week!
I began working with Thavy six months ago. I had shoulder surgery a year ago and was hesitant to lift anything over five pounds. Thavy worked with me to improve my technique and form, always making sure I was doing movements safely and correctly. Today I can easily lift a 53 pound kettle bell! My shoulder and overall strength has greatly improved. Thavy truly cares about her students. She thoughtfully provides feedback, checks on me to ensure I’m ok after workouts and provides educational information, whether it be articles or training videos. I know I will continue to get stronger with Thavy as my coach.
I had the privilege of training under Coach Rhodes for my StrongFirst kettlebell instructor cert. His skills and teaching ability are first rate, and his humor and all-around good nature made him a joy to train with.
I have been Justýna’s student for three years and I’m quite certain that without her pushing me with her infectious enthusiasm, I would never accomplish the results I’m getting. She is full of ideas on technique improvement, overcoming roadblocks and finding new motivation. And she creates a great atmosphere at her gym, so you really feel like going even if you’re not at your best. Just seeing how incredibly strong she is makes you want to work that much harder.
I began working with Thavy about a year ago when I first attended her Functional Strength Class. I had a background in weightlifting and CrossFit, so I had some prior knowledge of how to move a kettle bell. From day one, Thavy worked with me to improve my technique and form, taking into account the parts of my body that were functionally limited from overuse and prior injury. Her extensive knowledge of exercise physiology combined with her experience and training in kettle bell and strength movements helped me to learn new skills as well as greatly improve the form and function of previously learned skills. Additionally, she truly cares about her students and their individual needs from day one. She provides educational articles and video training outside of class, as well as opportunities to gather socially as a community. Her heart for people and their personal fitness goals is expressed in all she does. Anyone who trains under her will come away with better form, technique, and strength.
I have really enjoyed working with Brad. He was easy to get a hold of to schedule a time to train, had good coaching to learn the fundamental movements of the lifts, and later gave good details and insights for fine tuning.
I started training with Logan to gain strength and learn kettlebells with proper form to avoid injury. I feel I am accomplishing that and so much more. Logan is such a down to earth and genuine trainer who makes you feel comfortable no matter your fitness level. He has taken me through the exercises step by step, ensuring proper form all the way and I now feel confident doing each one with no fear of injury. His passion and knowledge are immense, and he is always encouraging and pushing for the best out of you. His focus is always on your total health, never just on a single aspect like weight, which is so refreshing and appreciated. I have had trainers before but none of them compare to Logan. He is absolutely outstanding and I recommend him with absolutely no hesitation!
About five years ago I started to visit Justyna’s gym Functional training and I can honestly say that it was one of the best things that could have happened to me. Justyna is a great teacher who allways pays attention to the precise technique of performed exercises. She has been able to motivate me for great performances and was a fantastic support at several TSCs (Tacticall Strength Challenge), both as a coach and a friend. Justyna and her Functional training have undoubtedly changed my life – in terms of training and a lifestyle in general. Justyna is not only a great coach, but a person who has created a community of great people and friends. And I’m truly glad to be a part of it.
Jamie and his coaching enabled me to rediscover the athlete I thought was gone after being injured. His style of training restored my confidence in what my body was capable of achieving. Jamie leads by example. The safe, welcoming community that flourishes at What is Movement is due in no small part to the tone he and his clientele set
I have been training with Jamie for over a year. I have never been so committed to a training program and I attribute this commitment to Jamie. I am moved by his passion, knowledge, compassion, patience, insight, and humble confidence. I have learned so much about my body and how to use it in a safe and powerful way. Jamie continues to inspire me to learn and try things that I never thought possible.
I have been going to the gym for a long time…and had been just going through the motions….this was until I met Jamie….a knowledgeable dedicated instructor who gets 100% of my efforts every day….that’s because that’s what he gives me every day …all out effort ….the best trainer I have had the honor of knowing ….here’s to you Jamie!
Tim really is a go to trainer and kettlebell instructor for anyone in Western Sydney. Not only is he an expert in the field, but he lives what he teaches and is a real life example to any person looking to transform their life style or improve their athletic performance. Safe and knowledgeable instruction with relatable life lessons, he will teach you a lot.
Amy is amazing! She was one of the coaches at my Level 1 and I loved her approach right away. Now that I moved closer I always look forward to doing sessions with her. You can see how much she loves what she is doing! She takes what she is teaching and practising seriously, but she is very approachable at the same time, which makes working with her so enjoyable. She taught me a lot and is one of the reasons I fell in love with kettle bells. 🙂
You can see from Eileen’s many certifications and achievements that she knows her stuff. On top of that, she’s a great coach who’s very encouraging. I took a kettlebell basics class with Eileen and learned so much. If you get the opportunity to train with Eileen, please do so.
Betsy was not only an amazing team leader during my SFG 1 certification, she continued her coaching from a distance to help me achieve my certification! She provided cuing and drills that I was immediately able to incorporate into my training in order to improve my skills. Her programming is motivating, diverse, challenging, and fun! I look forward to each workout! I have not only seen significant improvements in my strength and skill development after just the first 4 week program but my running times have also significantly improved! Despite being across the country with 3 hours time difference, Betsy has been available to answer any questions I have had and to review technique via video. I highly recommend Betsy for kettlebell coaching and programming!
I have had the pleasure of training with Brett for almost four years now. Under his tutelage, I have become stronger and more mobile than ever before. Brett is the most professional, knowledgeable, and passionate trainer I know.
The StrongFirst method has also taught me invaluable lessons about tenacity, grit, and perseverance. These traits are valuable both inside and outside the gym. For example, earlier this year I decided to run for Charleston City Council. These types of races are won and lost on hard work and hustle. My goal was to knock on 500 doors before Election Day. We finished the campaign in excess of 3,000. There where many days when I would have rather done a million different things, but I pushed through and kept my eye on the prize. That hard work payed off, and I won my race against the incumbent in a landslide!
I cannot speak highly enough about Brett, Mike, and everyone else at Charleston Kettlebell Club. Highly recommended!
I’ve met Claire at the SFL in Paris. I already followed on social media, at this point my diet was not on point and my training suffered for a lack of energy, body composition was ok but I felt something was missing. I asked her to help me to correct my nutrional intakes. 7 weeks later I ‘ve losted 2.5kg and the 2xBW SFL Deadlift strength was flying, no strength lost, no cravings. I do recomand Claire as a professional nutritional advice for any people who wants to get in shape, lose fat and kill theirperformance at the gym.
The kettlebell training is fantastic, with vast knowledge and attention to detail Vicki has help me go from strength to strength, I would highly recommend.
Thanks to Baptiste, I discovered a new version of myself. With simplicity and efficiency, he was able to guide me to the path of strength. He’s more than a coach, he’s a real mentor for me
Nandor is the instructor you want if your goal is to improve tactics and body strength without fancy stuff. Truly hard work and focusses on sustainable techniques to create long term results. He has a calm and professional attitude and personalises every training to your needs.
One of the “OGs” of the fitness profession, Lance has seen the trends come and go, and which principles stand the test of time. I would consider him the Qui-Gon Jinn of fitness.
Before I even met Sara I realized that she was one of the people giving me feedback on my form check videos when I was first training to be an SFG. We have since been on several certifications, and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen her without a smile on her face. Super humble and a delight to be around, if you want to strength train but are quite apprehensive, she would be to go-to coach.
I met Andrea at Kettlebility when they hosted the SFB. I was initially quite intimidated, having heard of her before, and indeed along with her immense knowledge and keen eye for movement, she enforced the highest of standards. I did eventually find out later that that she is very approachable, and quite fun to be around. I look forward to my next visit to Seattle.
Anne is, by far, one of the best strength and fitness coaches in Utah. Not only is she exceptionally knowledgeable of proper technique and methodology, she is a master of movement instruction. Anne is able to take complex exercises and break them down in terms understandable to anyone under her direction. She genuinely cares about her clients and their progress, as well as going the extra step to get to know them on a personal level. Anne’s classes are informative, effective, and unexpectedly fun. As someone who has trained under a host of coaches at various gyms throughout the state, I would highly recommend Anne Casstevens to anyone looking to get stronger, fitter, and smarter about their training.
Five years already with Functional training in Justyna´s gym… My first regular exercise and also fun with great ladies there including pushing personal limits much further. Go on!
Kettlebell course 2-11-19 Freo
The course was a game changer and Tim is an inspiring individual .
I’ll be sure to recommend Tim to my friends in the martial art industry ,
and I’d look forward to working with him in the future .
Sami Powers is a Kettlebell’er of technique and STRENGTH! She challenges you to think of the “why” of each movement and perfect its technique. Her classes are HARD but with that challenge comes so many gains!
As an outdoor professional I rely on my body to stay healthy and strong. Anne is my MVP. Her skills and experience help me thrive during 180+ days of skiing every year. I couldn’t keep up that pace without her.
I might be biased as Ben is my husband but Coach Ben is a favorite at our gym The Fitness Branch. His form is perfection and his classes and training are full of energy. If you’re looking to learn technique, Ben is your answer! If you’re looking to get stronger, Ben is your answer!
Without question, Ken Stewart is the very best trainer and nutrition specialist in the DMV area!!
You want results?! Go to him. It’s that simple.
Stop making excuses and start making changes in your health.
I have been going to FitStrong for about a year and a half, and I absolutely LOVE exercising now. I can not thank Jamie enough for the tireless effort he puts into every session. Before I started to go to FitStrong, I had no confidence, very little strength, and I couldn’t even run for two minutes without being exhausted. Now I am able to move without hurting myself, and I can lift things much heavier than I could have dreamed about. Jamie’s program is not only beneficial to your physical health, but he has also managed to help with my mental health as well. I actually get excited to workout, instead of thinking of it as a chore. No two sessions are the same, and he keeps it fun and challenging. Thank you Jamie!
I’ve been going to Jamie as a client for about 5 years now, and he has provided training to help improve my stamina, strength, endurance, and eating habits.
He keeps his programs interesting and fun, not keeping to the same plan every month.
Jamie will not push you beyond your abilities, only encourage you to try harder if you feel comfortable doing so, because of this, I have not had any exercise related injuries since training at FitStrong.
I never stick to a sport for more than few weeks in past, so when I visited Justyna’s gym I thought it will be eventually the same- that my enthusiasm will fade away. I coudn’t be more wrong! Justyna is strong woman who knows how to teach and motivate her students. She pays the same attention to everyone- no matter how advanced the students are. I feel very safe pushing my limits under her guidance and I improve my skills every single training. Training in Justyna’s gym makes better not only my body, but definetely my life in general.
Jordan is an excellent trainer and coach, who cares about his students and takes pride in what he does. I have been in the Mobility and Functional training classes and learned so much about my physical abilities. He challenged me to look at working out from a different perspective to the point that I am applying what I am learning in outer aspects of my life.
I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Ron several times and recommend him very highly. Whether you’re new to exercise or have a high-mileage body, Ron will help you become stronger and better able to deal with whatever challenges life may bring you. He walks the walk, he talks the talk, he’s the real deal.
The most important point of this review is that Jordan is the best trainer ever! I am not comfortable in the gym at all and can’t go on my own….his classes in particular were what kept me on track. I love that he never denied that I felt out of my element there but continued to work with me as if I belonged. He is very focused. He always challenged me and pushed me a little bit further each time (without being a jerk about it if you know what I mean). He helped me to identify my goals and I didn’t even realize that I had any. This made it easier to understand my fitness journey. He is always happy to share his vast amount of knowledge and help each person to apply it to their own specific situation. This review doesn’t do justice to him…. I really can’t recommend him enough!
I contacted John to get more training and information on certification. He was very helpful and a great instructor. I learned a lot in the session. Happy to recommend and will go back for follow up.
Jordan has helped me with proper form and I have gained strength, mobility and a better understanding of functional movement which is important to me being in my sixties. He has so much knowledge, he wants people to succeed and he is passionate about what he does.If you have a weak side ,injury or are looking to get into better shape or feel better about yourself he will help to get you where you want to be.
Took some individual classes due to a lack of mobility. After going through these classes and continuing with what I learned, what an improvement. My everyday activities have improved as well as my mobility. He is knowledgeable and explains the how and why of every excercise. Well worth the time.
Thank you Jeremy for the help with my recert at StrongFirst Resilient! I truly appreciate your cues, drills and attention to detail! I’ll keep working at that bent press! Didnt know you were a SJSU guy, wish we had more time to talk. Thank you so much!
Felicia has been my trainer for over 2 years. Her beautiful attitude and passion is contagious. I simply love the way she designs my training programs. My strength, mobility, and flexibility have increased immensely. I went from doing a Turkish get-up with a Converse Tennis shoe to doing them with a 36kg(79lb) kettlebell. She designed a program to help me accomplish my goal of a 1 Arm 1 Leg push up. I have more strength, mobility, and flexibility at 49 than I had in my 20’s. At the end of the day if results matter to you Felicia is the trainer for you
Thavy is a great instructor. She explains the moves and gives feedback honestly. If there is any limitation in the movement, she gave corrective exercises. This has really helped me to understand the move and fix any problems. I have gained confidence in strength training all thanks to her. I look forward to improving myself and attend more of her classes to get more strong.
First day today with Joey going over technique for kettlebell swings was spot on. The way he transitioned it into sumo deadlifts literally changed my outlook at what I could accomplish in that realm. I had hit a plateau and wasn’t really open to being coached again. I’m so glad I went with him and that hour and twenty minutes really broke me; my ego that is and I’m thankful for it. He knows what he’s talking about and he knows how to teach it.
A man who practices what he preaches, it was under his guidance and coaching I was able to press the 48 kg bell and become a beast tamer. Definitely recommend him for anyone looking to get stronger and healthier.
George Paradissis loves his job and he excels at it. He delivers what he promises as he dedicates time and effort to each and every trainee.
Having George Paradissis as an instructor is an whole experience. Results speak for themselves. Thank you very much George for passing on the love for kettlebells and fitness.
Tim was my Team Leader for the SFG1 course and I consider myself incredibly fortunate for that to have been the case. I came into the SFG with having ten years of kettlebell training and coaching experience. While I knew I could always get better with my technique, the amount it improved under his guidance was more than I could have expected. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable but he’s equally as generous with his wisdom. Awesome coach and awesome person, seek him out whether you reside in Australia or for distance coaching, you’ll be glad you did.
One of the best instructors i’ve ever met in my hole career as an athlete and a coach.You can learn a lot just droping by his place called StrengthLab in Athens!!
I met George Paradissis as instructor to a certification kettlebell Workshop in Athens . He changed my hole theory about ketlebells and he saw me how to get stronger using in the right way his amazing ketlebells world!!! I was very lucky to meet and learn from him! Thank you!!!!
I attended a kettlebell seminar on snatches and the bent press with Pavel as the instructor.
It was a great experience, i learned a lot (including the kettlebell armbar which immediately fixed a painful shoulder issue I had for weeks before) and would 100% recommend the seminar.
Pavel presents great content in an entertaining way and you feel that it’s very important to him that you get something out of the event.
Kevin ran Kettlebell and Bodyweight courses I recently attended and did a fantastic job. As a result of his level of knowledge, experience, teaching ability, and positive attitude I learned more than I ever expected in 2 days. He is simply one of the best instructors I have ever worked with. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for fitness instruction!
I attended a StrongFirst 1 day Kettlebell course in New York of which Matt was one of the instructors. His teaching style, experience, and depth of knowledge helped make the course one of the best fitness courses I’ve attended. As a long-time fitness coach myself I can really appreciate when someone has the ability to demonstrate and communicate complex topics in an easy to understand and effective manner. Matt is simply an outstanding instructor.
Luca was my coach at the SFGI in Vicenza. he was a very quiet instructor who knew exactly what and how to do it and translated the whole thing in Italian, English or German if need be. I can only say thank you!
Did the class 28/9/2019 at the Crossfit Alice Springs. Did not know what to expect before going in. Tim discussed the science and prove the science through demonstration and unique teachings. Highly recommend to people who loves the ins and outs of the basic fundamentals of fitness.
I have had the priviledge and benefit of working with Mira for over 6 years. During that time, I have known her as a mentor, coach, and fellow kettlebell workout collegue. She is an excellent kettlebell instuctor that is technical in her approach, fun, patient, and helps her clients become more proficient in their kettlebell skills. As a senior athlete (68 years old) and a Physical Therapist, I appreciate Mira’s attention to detail in keeping me safe while getting me stronger. I have zero hesitation in recommending Mira to anyone (regardless of age) seeking increased fitness and strength and wanting to enjoy that journey.
I first came to know who Steven was by watching his transformation on Facebook. His story is very inspiring! When Fitlife opened in January 2018 I joined. I had the opportunity to meet he and his wife Robin in Dawne Taylor’s kettlebell class. I told him he was my hero!! He soon began subbing some for Dawne. He always has a great workout planned. He knows how to get it done in 45 minutes!! He is always conscious of everyone’s skill level and ability. He makes sure form and technique are correct. He is great at pushing without force making his class enjoyable!! I am so glad God put he and Dawne in my path!!
RSAS
Extremely good day workshop. A lot has been learned and Pavel has very well explained why we do this in thies way. that often goes by the wayside. I am certainly not the last time with him.
I have only been attending classes for a month but thoroughly enjoy his class. He is very observant of everyone in the class to make sure they do every exercise correctly. He is a great motivator to keep going even when you think you can’t.
I’m so excited to be a part of Steven Melton’s KettleBell class. Prior to starting his class, I felt burned out on exercise. For the first time in several years, I’m excited to exercise! I had avoided group exercise because I felt that I couldn’t keep up with the class. Steven’s class has proven me wrong. I CAN do this! I’m motivated, and I look forward to going. I hate when I have to miss a class! I have had an increase in my energy levels and feel more rested at night. After a month of class, i feel healthier. I’m looking forward to seeing long term results!
Jennifer lead at my Level II certification and presented the information in such a way that was easy to remember and concise. I highly recommend her as an instructor!
Felecia is simply a pleasure to be around. I’ve been training kettlebells with her for the last 18 months or so. Her dedication to her craft as an instructor is surpassed only by her dedication to her students. She is patient but persistent in helping me reach my personal goals.
I’ve trained mostly BJJ and boxing in the past, but Felecia has helped me improve my strength, stamina, and mobility by narrowing and focusing me on the movements that produce the most gain.
I have and will continue to recommend her, and the approach she takes, to all my friends who will listen.
I started training with Thavy two years ago. I knew nothing about kettlebells back then and, thanks to Thavy, I can now workout confidently with them on my own. Thavy really knows her stuff and I love that I learn something new every time I train with her. Her workouts are fun and effective. I’ve seen significant postitive changes in my body and avoided injury. She emphasizes safety and proper technique and has an amazing talent for seeing what needs to be corrected. I am grateful that I get to train with Thavy — her combination of enthusiasum, caring and expertise is a gift!
I prepared for my SFG 1 and took some private video lessons by Pavel, and also did my SFG 1 video recertification with him. Pavel is an absolutely passionate and knowledgeable Instructor. It seems like he is an encyclopaedia of teaching methods from a lot of other instructors. This plus his own knowledge combined makes him the perfect instructor to get help and advice from. Thanks Pavel
I have been training with Dario for six years and his presence in my life is really essential for my psycho-physical condition, because a good trainer is not just one who makes you build your muscles but one like Dario who makes you trust yourself because he is next to you and he never give up!
He managed to move a ten-year immobility to my ankles battered by soccer. Our sessions are always adapted to the situation, fun and never boring.
Technically competent and empathetic from a human point of view. He is a serious professional, reliable, prepared, polite and willing to identify the best training for the goals set.
Power, endurance, power-endurance, coordination, mobility, stability: all concepts before,to me, almost unknown that are now part of my daily bread
A man a guarantee!
Thank you Dario
Claire is an amazing instructor who has helped me over the years to pass my SFG1, SFG2 and SFL certifications. After completing and passing the certs, she has (and still does) put a lot of time in to working with me even further to improve the lifts I find more difficult to help me continue to get better. This includes her inviting me over to her gym for practise sessions, going through (mobility) drills and accessory lifts, plus watching videos I send and giving me first class tips on how to make each lift more solid. This has meant that not only have I become much stronger, I am also better able to teach my own students because of the knowledge Claire has passed on. If you’re training for any of your StrongFirst certifications, or if you’re purely wanting to get stronger/healthier/better at lifting, I highly recommend that you see Claire for some sessions.
Dario is a qualified and certified professional.
In an environment where it is easy to find those who improvise, he has the ability to stand out from the crowd and be appreciated for his ability to mix theory and practice
Dario manages to be friendly and make you feel at ease despite his professionalism, He is always available for advice and comfort during the training course.
Despite my inconstancy he is able to find the new stimulus that makes me get up and he supports me to continue to do my best. Ultimately a smart person
I have been kettlebell training with Betsy for 8 years. I had never lifted weights, but was trying to stave off osteoporosis and heard that weight bearing exercise was helpful. Kettlebell training with Betsy has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself! The training has made me so much stronger and has helped prevent injury in my other form of exercise – running. Having a strong core has enabled me to run injury free for years. I’m in the best shape of my life in my 50s and I owe a lot of that to Betsy. She focuses on making sure your form is correct so that you can get the most out of KB training and remain injury free. Her enthusiasm for kettlebell training is evident. She has a passion for what she does and wants her clients to understand the rationale behind her training. I was very apprehensive about starting a weight training program in my 40s, but Betsy made me feel that I could do it. She also helped me understand the positive impact the KB training would have on other areas of my life. I am so glad I took the chance on KB training and I would highly recommend Betsy as a knowledgeable, passionate, and encouraging instructor.
I met Yoana a few years ago in Mexico City and my life changed for ever. She is the kind of coach you always dream about, the one that inspires you and the one that helps you, full of knowledge and incredible humanity. I Will always be gratefull for everytime we have shared knowledge.
I went to John for help on my kettle bell form. In particular the swing and the TGU. After one session my form and technique has improved massively. I feel like I’m getting much more progress with the swing, and I’ve increased the weight of my TGU. The level of knowledge and instruction he has is unbelievable and I couldn’t recommend him enough
I was introduced to kettlebell training through Pavel’s work in 2009. Since then I’ve consistently trained with several instructors and run many professionally written programs.
I’ve been training with Felicia for over two years and she’s honestly the best strength coach I’ve ever had. Her knowledge of the fundamental principles of strength development is exceptional as is her expertise with both bodyweight and kettlebell training.
If you’re a novice to strength training then Felicia can quickly teach you how to do it very safely and effectively. And if you’ve got years of training experience, you’ll receive expertly crafted refinements to your technique and challenging strength programs to guide you to your next goal quickly and effectively.
The level of thoughtful motivation that he projects is unique for each member. My wife and I joined as a team to help motivate each other, but Bruce always has a way to keep us going when we run out of steam. We are always pushed to the limit like we have never felt before at other facilities. His “small gym” approach really makes sense now that I understand you don’t need 50000 sqft to make a great workout. Thanks Bruce!
Felicia is my trainer for kettlebell for last 2 years. Her enthusiasm, professionalism , dedication, attitude are outstanding. I am personally not exactly the gym person and I never thought I will be doing some exercises with weight involved, but Felicia made me to love our classes. I see so much progress and I always wait for a next class , and Felicia is the big part of this. She is a great instructor, even in the group setting she is always paying attention on everyone, she plans the exercises personalized for everyone. Her amazing smile makes the class shine. She loves what she does and she teaches you with love and with passion.
Felicia is an excellent instructor! She will teach you how to use a kettlebell safely and before you know it, your strength will start to increase! She changes the workouts up so that you never get bored. I highly recommend her for personal training sessions. She’s even trained my middle-school aged daughter!
Tom is stellar at communicating proper form. He is professional and makes fitness fun. I would recommend Tom to anyone looking to grow and challenge themselves. Tom will show you how it’s done.
She was able to pass on to me, with her professionalism, her passion for kettlebells and for this I will be grateful to her forever. thank you Natascia
Steven motivated me into what is now becoming a way of life. He not only started me out at a pace that was achievable in Kettlebell class but he also has been there to answer any questions I have along the way. Knowing Steven and watching him make his transformation over the past several years is motivation in itself. His classes are fun and challenging, making them something I look forward to each week. He’s professional with each person that steps foot in the class and always provides people with the knowledge and workouts to help them be successful.
I have been attending Steven’s classes for the last few weeks. Not only did he make me feel welcome from the moment I walked in the door, he took the time to talk me through and show me the proper form to do a modified version of the swings, as I was the only new student that day. He is so encouraging throughout the class, and has perfected being able to gently correct us when our form is lacking. Li am so thankful for Steven and his desire to share his knowledge with us.
Luca is not only an amazing instructor, but a wonderful person and someone I blindly trust.
I consider myself very fortunate to have him as a companion on my “StrongFirst Journey” and saw him grow and become an amazing individual.
Not only does he know his craft, he genuinely cares about the people he teaches guides on their journey to getting stronger, healthier and a better life in general.
I have been coached by as well as worked with Yoana. She was my team leader at my Kettlebell certification in 2010 where i learned the base of my kettlebell technique and went on to coach myself. She is aggressive and strict on teaching form which is what is needed to strength train correctly.
I have also attended 2 courses she ran, both were organized and i learned a lot.
She also helped me out a TON in preparing for the strong first body weight certification. I passed the strength test confidently and i couldn’t have done it without her guidance.
I worked with Jade this past spring/summer in preparation for my SFG L1, she did an incredible job of working with me to help fine-tune my techniques on the 6 tested movements as well as the biomechanical breathing. Jade is an excellent trainer and teacher, I came away knowing precicely what I needed to work on for the certification and walked into the weekend well prepared and ready to tackle whatever came my way.
I learned a tremendous amount from Jade, had fun working with her and am very thankful for her time, knowledge and patience as she helped me achieve my goal of SFG L1.
In my life path I have always trained, sport is my passion .. In recent years for various personal reasons I have set everything aside losing stimuli, control and management of my body and my will towards something essential for me .. So I decided to go back to the gym before I lost all the sacrifices made over the years, and from there began a NEW PATH for me when I met Dario Corteselli, beyond the great instructor he is really a nice person, besides teaching the training methodology that suits you , has a strong mental motivation, with his great technique and professionalism he has been able to get back into line stronger than before and with many new features that motivated me psychologically and physically. Today thanks to him I have the awareness that we have no limits except in our head and with a great coach like him you can get where you want! Thank you coach and friend
Isabelle has been a tremendous help in getting me started on my journey in kettlebell training. I was looking for someone to help me prepare for the Strong First level 1 KB certification.
What changes have you seen? I had mobility issues with my ankles, knees, and hips. Isabelle put me through a series of exercises that improved my range of motion and pain free movement. My biggest improvement was in my ability and confidence to perform kettlebell exercises.
What advice would you give to people just starting out? I would highly recommend working with her for kettlebell training and improving the you move.
I can’t say enough amazing things about Isabelle. She is knowledgeable, caring, fun, and provides coaching in digestible bits. She is dedicated to your success and safety, and programs specifically to your needs and goals. And did I mention that she is knowledgeable? I trust her with my body, and that is meaningful because I intend to continue to age gracefully, strongly, and with the most and best active mobility I can master. She’s also not your traditional trainer, she’s dedicated to continued learning and is informed of cutting edge science on the brain and it’s connection to performance. Sensible, strong, movement coaching. That’s what you’ll get with Isabelle. And she’ll also make you fall in love with kettlebells! (If you aren’t already).
Prentiss is an outstanding coach and educator. He helped me prepare for my SFG1 and SFG2 in a safe, thoughtful, patient, and thorough manner. His knowledge and experience run deep and he has been a fantastic leader and resource for me as I progress through my coaching career.
Yoana Teran is an absolutely incredible teacher of physical culture. There are a select few who have the gift of being able to teach with such precise competence, ease, & grace that they make other instructors look clumsy. Yoana is one of these special few. I’ve known Yoana for 9 years & she is an absolute master of her craft. She is a tiny powerhouse that is always full of energy. Always positive & encouraging. I’ve been involved with Fitness for 35 years & I have never met a better instructor or trainer than Yoana. If I could give her more than a 5 star rating, I would without hesitation.
I go to funfit on a Wednesday morning and occasionally kettlebells on the night . Peter’s classes are great fun , everyone is really friendly . Anybody can go , he helps you if you aren’t doing the exercise Wright you can go at your own pace . The classes help with my training for rugby to get me fitter and stronger ??♀️
Yoana Teran is the coach I have learned the most, in every way. His method of teaching is unique and very effective. The main tips I use with my students have been learned from Yoana. She is kind, charismatic, demanding, admirable ??
I recommend it 100%
Thanks for so much Yoana Teran
It is a pleasure to have met Yoana. She is an excellent instructor, has a lot of knowledge and her way of motivation is beyond words. I can go on and on about how great she is on what she does but I should say to see it for yourself. Highly recommend to sign up for any if he courses with her and you won’t regret it !
Anne is the all-around best gym coach I’ve ever had. She’s motivating (but not annoyingly in your face), super smart (all about that torso power), and creative in her workouts (keeps it fresh!). As a physical therapist, I send her patients that are graduating from PT because I know they are in knowledgeable hands with Anne and she will help them achieve all their fitness dreams. Just like she is helping me with mine!
I first met Yoana at a kettlebell certification, she stood out because she was snatching a 24kg kettlebell and she had her baby strapped to her!! I have seen her at other kettlebell certs as well and always learn a lot from her presentations, so many helpful, crucial details. When I started teaching Mace workshops I immediately had her as a guest. She and I even did a spot on Spanish language television together! She is a supreme leader and teacher, a real star in our world!
I have taken many classes from Yoana over the years. She is extremely knowledgeable, an excellent teacher, and super fun! Yoana knows how to push you to an appropriate level of challenge and attend to the finest details of proper form, ensuring optimal learning while maintaining physical safety. She is the quintessential trainer of trainers. Five stars for sure!
There are not enough words to express the impact Thavvy as my PT has for me.
To her I am not just a job – as she goes way above and beyond. Additionally, she pays attention to where the pain is and ensures that the threshold is not exceeded. Thanks for everything Thavvy.
I had the pleasure of attending Yoana’s Strongfirst 8 hr Kettlebell course August 2019. She tirelessly shared her enery, patience and wisdom. Her expertise and willingness to teach for other’s benefit and improvement is evident in her attitude and expression.
I also recommend Yoana’s classes offered at True Motion Human Performance in San Diego/North Park.
Thank you Yoana!
I’ve been praticing pro Track&Field for ten years.
Today I am a Master 100 and 200
meters’ runner. For the whole year 2019 I have worked with Dario Corteselli to improve my athletic condition.
Our sessions have been particularly focused on improving muscles and joints’ mobility. A must for speed and power athletes like me.
Furthermore , we have worked a lot with kettlebells, in my opinion Dario is specialized in that kind of functional training.
I have quickly benefitted from it and got positive results in the track.
I truly believe that reliability, professionalism and experience make him a top Coach.
After a long spell away from barbell & kettlebell work I wanted a personal trainer who specialised in these areas, could go back to basics of technique and would spot any bad habits I had picked up. I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer. Ellie’s great fun to train with and her knowledge is awesome, from warm up techniques to ergonomics and different lifting methods. My confidence in all the big lifts has returned and I’ve vastly improved on my kettlebell movements. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ellie’s excellent coaching to anyone.
Yoana was my Team Leader in Brazil and I have a chance to be your assistant on a Kettlebell certification in Mexico. In both situations was amazing been with her.
Yoana have an extreme knowledge and a great way to teach. Very attentive, she is always keeping an eye on the details. Can be a leg position or a right way to hold the handle. She’s a very strong woman in all meanings.
I recommend Yoana a thousand times!!!
As someone with a career background that involved a lot of intense physical activity, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals who were very serious about training and possessed a high level of physical ability. After leaving said career, I found myself training alone and unmotivated. Eventually, my own physical aptitude decreased greatly. After scoping out several gyms I found Tony and Industrial Strength. That was 2 years ago. I am now delighted to report my strength, endurance (both physically and mentally) and motor function have shot back up to a peak I didn’t think I’d ever see again. Tony is an exceptional Coach. He works incredibly hard on programming and has remarkable attention to detail. There have been training sessions when I have hit “the wall.” But Tony has the ability to push you through–safely–and help avoid training plateaus . Additionally, the camaraderie in the gym is second to none–something I greatly missed and am happy to have back. If you honestly want to get stronger, I recommend you go see this man.
I have taken two courses with Yoana as the lead instructor. I took the body weight course in Oakland and the kettlebell course in San Diego.
Yoana is the consummate professional. She arrives at the course completely prepared. Her high level of physical fitness and strength is apparent and is what you would expect from a Strong First senior instructor.
Yoana is extremely knowledgeable and capable to perform all the movements she is teaching. She is very personable and relates well to all the students regardless of their skill level or motivation for taking the course. She is very positive and encouraging throughout the course. She motivates the students to perform their best and develops their interest in the training and Strong First.
She is an excellent example of what a trainer should be. Her fun personality and her ability to bring out the best in people are some of her excellent skills. Her ability to complete every skill makes the students confident in her to properly train them.
I would seek out courses Yoana teaches so that I know I am getting the highest level of instruction.
Yoana it’s a terrific coach! She has a great way to deliver their theaching and always has a drill who helps a better understanding and a better performance. I take kettlebell, barbell and bodyweight courses with her, and the SFG I certification course, I learned a lot. I love her attitude!
Tony Gracia really impressed me with his professionalism, patience and friendliness.
Lots of eye-opening advice and “AHA!” moments. For example, “telescoping” my elbow throughout the Get-up to maintain the lockout made a remarkable difference!
I will definitely be revisiting him in the near future.
Professional and knowledgeable Instructor.
He takes care of his students at 360° and he is able to bring out attitudes they didn’t even know they could perform
For me, my experience with him has really been lifechancing .
I have hit overwhelming targets in my sport: I won the Italian Championship in Spartan Race.
Thank you Dario
Dario is a strong motivator and a perfect trainer. He always strives for the best for those that he coaches.
His advices are always competent and scrupolous.
I’ve had the pleasure to workout with coach Dario Corteselli. He helped me a lot during my workouts and he made me understand how individual and group workouts are important. He’s really prepared. Thank you Dario.
I contacted Analisa a few months ago in order to get help to prepare for SFG1. What makes her unique is her attention to detail, professionalism, enthusiasm, humility, ability to use time efficiently and design efficient programs. Within minutes of my first training session, she was able to spot my leaks and gave me some homework to help plug those leaks. I have made more progress in terms of both strength and conditioning in the last 3 months following her programs compared to the previous year. My lower back is also much looser than before, so I feel better performing my daily tasks.
I was fortunate enough to be assigned Pavel for my SFG level 2 video re-certification. He was friendly and relaxed, which settled me before performing my level 2 skills. He gave me some excellent tips on how to improve each of my skills and offered some excellent advice on programming, all of which made complete sense to me.
I had been lucky enough to meet Pavel on previous occasions, and the video session reinforced what I already knew. He is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, with a huge desire to pass his knowledge on to others. He is a credit to Strong First.
Dario is more than a simple personal trainer, he has great passion, great experience, great communication skills and he knows how to make every training session a real moment for personal growth.
I’ve not been knowning Dario Corteselli for a long time, but in a few months I’ve understood he is a trainer who loves what he does, and for this reason he is able to teach and transmit his love and passion for this sport to other people to the fullest.
Dario is above all a great motivator, a professionist in continuous growth, a growth that is immediately available to those who want to take advantage of his abilities.
I’ve been training with Dario for over two years now and I would never go back to work-out alone. Thanks to him my body shape has improved and my whole lifestyle has changed. His approach to the lesson is always calm and his way of explaining the exercise is clear. Thanks to him I’ve learned and started to appreciate the fundamentals of strong first. The love for his profession makes him stay updated with the kettle bells training and it’s shown every day when he teaches us the movements. His dedication and commitment to his work are commendable, along with his patience which help us clients to always feel at ease.
Thanks to Dario Corteselli I trust myself more. He’s a great coach and a really special guy. Hard work is not so hard with him because he pushes you to be the best version of you.
Thanks to Dario Corteselli I trust myself more. He’s a great coach and a really special guy. Hard work is not so hard with him because he pushes you to be the best version of you.
Achieving balance between mind, movements and breathing isn’t an easy task and getting along with this offers you the possibility of understand physical activity as a great tool to bring well-being to your life not only aesthetic. It was my experience with kettlebells assisted by Dario Corteselli; Understanding Fitness as an opportunity for personal growth.
Thanks Dario
I entrusted myself to Dario after shoulder surgery. I needed excercises and physical training for motory rehabilitation . Dario was very good with assessing and assegning a program that was rigorous but appropriate for the level needed to move on the healing path.
Dario cares tremendously about everyone he works with and he knows how to help eachone reach his potential.
His training but more importantly his approach builds confidence in his athlets to believe in their ability to reach new heights.
Thank you Dario!
Getting to know Dario and StrongFirst was the best way to understand what your body is able to do when you believe in yourself and when you have someone who is able to make your goals come true.
Thanks Dario
Start from the head because the will moves the world and a good coach stars from there.
When I met Dario, I immediately noticed a different approach in his training programs.
You can choose if you want to “rely “or you can choose to learn because you choose to do it to obtain great results!
my personal experience in knowing this new discipline, with Dario cortrselli was truly a very experienced coch and who knows how to transmit this discipline with passion and dedication, I have done different sports in my life, but no one has ever bewitched me to point of wanting to participate in a certification, such as the
sfg1, and thanks to Dario, I thank you for all this!
I had reached a complicated period in my life. I felt lost, I could no longer control my body. I had to prepare myself psychologically and physically for the challenges life would give me in the months following my mental breakdown. So I met Dario: first and foremost an exquisite, polite, correct person. Then he became a brother to me. Not only he did make me grow physically, he gave me the strength to get up again. The strength to understand that nobody can hinder or put limits, not even ourselves. Thank you.
I am so happy that I was able to attend the 10 week Kettlebell Workshop of Luca. I learned so much!
Luca is a very symathic person and very kind. Also, he really takes care that everyone in the group understands what she of he has to do and he corrects imediately persons in a very positive and appreciative way.
I highly recommend this workshop and generally Luca as an instructor.
Thank you so much, Luca!
I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Mira for 5 years. As a sports physical therapist it is important that I trust my patients and my own training to highly trained professionals. Mira has a unique ability to “meet the person where they are at” in regards to their physical abilities, no matter what level, and get them to their goals. I without a doubt trust her with my programming and the programming of my patients.
Incredibly resourceful and a stickler for safety, coach Mark’s passion for the improvement of himself and of others is very much contagious. He’s always hungry to learn more but never greedy to share the knowledge, which makes him a coach that you can easily trust indeed.
When I failed my SFG level 2 Re-certification, I was disappointed, but I knew some bad habits had crept in and I was anxious about passing. Claire was very reassuring and we arranged some video sessions soon after. Thanks to Claire, I was soon back on track. She very quickly helped me with my technique and gave me simple, yet effective mobility drills for homework. Very soon my mobility began to improve and my technique sharpened up. I am pleased to say I have now passed my recertification and I’m very grateful to Claire, who was encouraging, knowledgeable and showed a great attention to detail.
Joey is a terrific strength coach as well as an awesome guy to know and work with. He and I worked together while I was stationed in the Republic of Korea. He taught me basically everything I know about kettlebell training, and he provided some excellent coaching on core lifts and power lifts…especially the deadlift! Joey has deep knowledge of body mechanics and training techniques. I really look forward to working with him again!
Claire recently helped me improve my kettlebell technique using video calls. I was training for the SFG1 kettlebell instructor certification but was mainly self taught and had plenty of bad habits in to iron out. Claire is very easy to talk to but she has extremely high standards and she definitely leads by example. She can spot problems with technique at a glance and always has effective tips and advice to bring about rapid improvements step by step.
If you’re looking for a coach, you can’t do better than Claire and I recommend contacting her whether you are close enough to train with her in person or not.
I have been working out in some form for most of my adult life. I have tried a multitude of fitness and weight training programs over the past 25 years. I have worked with several personal trainers. Since it’s my personality to ultimately train too hard I usually end up injured in some way. That is until I met Chelsie. There are two things that set Chelsie apart from all other trainers that I’ve worked with. One is that she has this way of getting you to work hard but never so hard that you end up injured. She seems to have this innate intuition about what your limits are. She pushes you without pushing you over the edge. The second is that she also combines yoga into her training to help prevent injury (and she has some really amazing “healing hands” if you do tweak something). I love working with Chelsie because she’s always so proud of me – which makes me proud of me and makes me want to work harder. I don’t think that I even need to mention how uber qualified and knowledgeable she is because you can see that just by looking at the awesome shape she’s in. If you want to work with someone who inspires you, pushes you and respects and honors your limits all at the same time then you should give Chelsie a call. You’ll be happy that you did.
Gary and Reneta Music are fantastic instructors! Not only is kettlebell an excellent workout, they make the class so enjoyable that you truly look forward to their sessions. They are the consummate of professionalism and an excellent example of what you would expect from StrongFirst instructors.
Todd is another level of intelligence and athleticism. I learned so much from his SF Kettlebell workshop, and continue to refer to him for information and advice for myself and my clients ! If you have the chance, take the hands-on opportunity to learn from him.
On my first day of training with Mira, she surprised me with how much homework she had done for my specific case. I’m a former D-1 Rower, and had been spoiled by the high caliber coaching and facilities that come with that. I’ve also struggled with the lingering wear and tear from competitive rowing, and struggled with the perpetually high expectations I have for myself. I am willing to push my body to the very edge, but without the right guidance, I’ve been chronically injured as an adult. Mira related to my struggle, and provided a steadying hand to say “You can reach your goals, and we can get you there.”
In the last eight months of working out with her, she has delivered on her promise and then some. My body has changed from chronically injured to feeling strong, limber, and resilient. I’ve adopted her philosophies of quality over quantity and truly believe that her level of instruction is responsible for my improved health and durability.
What’s even more impressive about Mira is that she was able to coach my wife at the same time. She’s built a supportive community where both my wife and I feel welcome, encouraged, and challenged. We are very different types of athletes and NOW WE CAN WORK OUT TOGETHER! And we love it! It’s clear that Mira has a special talent as a coach and that she cares deeply about each of her athletes. I’m thankful to call her a coach, mentor, and friend.
Mira is an amazing coach! She is adamant about proper form to prevent injuries and to get the most out of each exercise and movement. Mira’s classes are always challenging and fun!
I’ve trained with Jen a few times and plan to do so again in the future. She’s a fantastic trainer with a gift for finding weaknesses and strengthening them.
Todd is an outstanding strength coach. Very skilled at teaching and demonstrating KB movements. Equally talented in all areas of strength and conditioning
Piotr is very precise and helpful coach. Thanks to the trainings I believed in my abilities and trusted my body. Thank you Piotr for believing in myself!
Coach Carl Bonofiglio is committed to helping his students not just attain success, but also providing positive motivation to stay the course. Plus, training with him offers a double benefit: he generously shares his extensive knowledge of StrongFirst® body movement dynamics, and he is walking treasure trove of endless knowledge about body mechanics, which is carried over from his seasoned practice as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Because of this, I can highly recommend him as a personal trainer and coach to anyone who has the desire to become strong and fit.
Logan has changed my life for the positive. With his passion ensuring proper movement/mobility of the body all while doing it the safest manner to help my day to day life.
My goals where to become stronger and healthier all the while not putting myself at risk of injury. Before starting to work with Logan I had never worked out let alone heard of a kettlebell. I am going on 3 years as him being my trainer and my friend. I am stronger then I have ever been and my conditioning allows me to keep up with my 2 young boys.
If you are in Edmonton and area I would highly recommend Logan as a trainer.
Alex has been coaching me for 4 years now. I’m lucky to have this kind gentleman helping me with my strength, conditioning, and mobility.
With over 10 years of experience Alex still continues to seek out knowledge and share it passionately with his clients such as myself.
Thank you Alex for everything, I look forward to continue to work together!! This man is your guy!
I’ve been working with Alexei for over 4 years now and look forward to many more years of it. Alexei has helped me continue to grapple with people that are literally trying to dismantle my body.
Every grappler needs a mechanic and a S & C coach and Alexei is goes above and beyond when it comes to that. He’s made great programs for me that have gotten me to the competitive levels I dreamed of.
Thank you for keeping me strong, fast, and mobile.
James is an excellent instructor, coach and personal trainer. I always come away from my sessions with enhanced technical ability, and with pointers I apply to my practice with noticeable impact.
He’s able to assess, and to ascertain where my abilities can take me, as well as what I need to help me achieve my goals.
None of my self-learning and self-practice can provide the insights that an experienced and knowledgeable trainer like James gives through one to one feedback, corrections, and prompting to achieve more.
I recommend a visit to see him.
I have been training in person with Arryn as well as online with him and Holly for almost 2 months, preparing for my SFG I. In that time, I’ve already made great strength gains and improvements in my technique and conditioning. Arryn is an amazing teacher and coach. He has such a special way of breaking things down and is always very encouraging. I’m loving the programming as well…I never feel bored and I feel like I’m working on all the things that I need help with. Arryn is great about explaining why we are doing particular exercises, and it seems there is a good reason for each one. I already feel much more prepared for my cert weekend than I did two months ago!
I’ve been working with Arryn in a few different programs for the last 4 years and he really is a great coach. His instruction allows me to quickly grasp new concepts and learn advanced movements, because he breaks it down in way that is easy to understand and retain. He has a great feel for what I’m comfortable with and doesn’t have an issue pushing me if I’m holding myself back. I never would have thought online coaching could have been as effective as it has been since we started the newest program.
Holly and Arryn helped my friend pass her SFG I certification, and she recommended them to me. Unlike her, I don’t live anywhere near them, so you can see how I was skeptical of doing it completely through distance coaching when I first started. But I have been continuing to gain strength and solidify my training technique, the SFG I cert is definitely within reach for me. Arryn is smart and patient, and teaches that building strength requires patience.
Ray is very professional and also a good friend, always taking care of every trainning detail.
I am triathlete and he did some research to offer the best training plan for me, after few classes I felt stronger and faster.
I have just recently entered my late 30s and a few years removed from my wife giving birth to our first child. Before this life changing event, I would have considered myself in decent to good shape – I went to the gym about 3 days a week and experienced little to no restrictions in my day to day movements or random muscle/joint aches.
After 4 years of relative neglect, basic day to day movement has become more difficult and random muscle aches have become much more prevalent. Because of this I have made the conscious effort over the last year to try and kick start my workout regimen by working with a personal trainer. This path led me down the usual suspects of course – turning to the more mainstream gyms and unfortunately I could not find any that seemed willing to work with me on the goals that I wanted to achieve. to increase strength, flexibility and mobility – instead the first question was universally “How much weight would you like to lose?”
If you live in the Edmonton area and are also feeling tired of the “same ol” workout routine and want to achieve meaningful results like increased mobility, flexibility, strength and decreased pain, you would be hard pressed to find a better person to provide that path than Logan.
I have worked with numerous personal trainers in my life and I have never worked with a more genuine, passionate and engaging person. He immediately made me feel comfortable with my fitness level and excited about the almost immediate gains I was making as we worked through the few sessions we had and I now look forward to practicing these new movements daily as the ongoing challenge to mastering them is an incredibly fun and challenging experience.
Anyone who is looking to increase strength, mobility, flexibility, overall fitness level or even to add some new movements to their grind would greatly benefit from working with Logan. I cannot say enough good things.
Brendan is the best personal trainer I have ever come across.
He is a happy chap, a caring friend and a knowledgeable person.
I recommend him to all people who want a responsible kind teacher
Year &half that I have been training with Mr Nandor and I am so pleased and extremely happy with my body !!! He is such a respectful and honest person. I totally appreciate his efforts to keep me going on with my program . Always motivating and supporting me . Thank you so much.
I have been training with Thavy for nearly 3 years. One year ago, my training had to take a back seat when I had a major neurosurgery. After physical therapy, Thavy was my safe place to return to fitness! She is skilled at teaching different fitness levels at the same time; she helps me know when to push and when to hold back. She helps me understand how my muscles work together, so suddenly exercises that were difficult or would hurt my back, I can perform safely. Overall, my muscles are stronger, my neck, shoulders and back hurt less, and my functional movement foundation gives me the skills to enjoy other activities (rock climbing, tag with my kids, etc.) .
Peter might be the oldest instructor with Strong First but he’s the best! He makes fitness fun at our weekly Fundamental Fitness Session and welcomes all ages and abilities.
I have attended Peters outdoor fitness sessions (bootcamp) now for over 4 years. Every session is set up to cater for all levels of ability (I’m age 66) and changed each week to prevent repetition and keep it interesting along with Peter’s sense of humour and enthusiasm. Peter’s knowledge on most fitness/health related topics seems almost endless and I value his advice.
Mark is the ultimate coach’s coach! He successfully distance coached me during my training to attain my SFL certification and, thanks to his amazing expertise in programming, I passed! Even though we live on opposite ends of the country Mark knew precisely when to ease me back and when to push me forward during my training, simply through watching the videos I sent of my training sessions and candid discussions of each session. He is a seasoned and very wise strength coach which is very evident in his excellent programming skills and eye for detail in human mechanics.
I highly recommend Mark as a coach to help anyone attain their StrongFirst skills and /or certifications. Simply the best!!
Absolutely top notch instructor. Derek is not just extremely knowledgeable across the spectrum of StrongFirst training modalities, he is also very personable and more than willing to share his knowledge and experience. I just completed the All Terrain Conditioning course and Derek was fantastic, one of the best instructors I have ever worked with.
I’ve been training with Thavy for about a year now. Before I started with her, I did not have any experience/knowledge in strength training, only from watching DVDs at home. Thavy is very patient and extremely knowledgeable, she explains techniques to me in words that I would actually understand. I used to get sciatic pain on my lower right back/hip area & after just a couple of months of training with Thavy, I no longer have issues. I cannot recommend Thavy enough, she is one of the best out there!
After over one year of physical therapy to recover from a sports injury and a car accident, I was referred to physical strengthening class, which is where I met Thavy. At the beginning I was a bit worried about worsening my condition and whether or not I could keep up with other class members that had been there longer. It was a very pleasant surprise to see a wide variety of students ranging from teenagers to seniors, all working at different paces and to see how Thavy accommodates the exercises to meet everyone’s needs, while keeping them challenged and motivated.
In the few months I have been in the class I have noticed a lot of improvement in my day to day activities and my energy levels. I have regained strength and confidence on my sports, and to this date I have not aggravated any of my prior injuries.
I believe Thavy’s kettle bells class is a great resource for anyone recovering from injuries and definitely a great work out. Her attention to details and ensuring that everyone is making progress while maintaining a safe environment is key. She also keeps everyone informed via emails on any new developments in the functional strength space via emails, videos, and articles.
Thavy’s classes are impressive in several ways. First, they are very organized. She designs them so that 12 class members accomplish a lot in an hour. Second, she is careful. She stresses correct movement. She demonstrates correct lifting, posture, and movement, and then watches each class member working through a routine. She gives helpful guidance to ensure that each person adopts the correct posture and avoids stances that would cause injury.
In June this year I had my annual physical. My physician told me that my ratio of muscle to body fat had improved since I had last been seen in the prior year. That is, I have more muscle. I believe that Thavy’s class is the reason for that improvement. Additionally, her focus on good posture and careful lifting has helped my mood and posture. I sit for long periods of time typing at my computer. Because of her classes, I sit with an upright spine, and I know how to breathe correctly. I also am able to carry my 22-pound dog up and down several flights of stairs, something I had difficulty doing prior to her class.
Thavy is an excellent exercise instructor because she is knowledgeable, conscientious, and caring. I look forward to working with her in class.
Tim Almond is an exceptional trainer!
You cannot go wrong in seeking out Tim as a trainer, coach and mentor.
Tim has developed a remarkable depth of expertise and mastery of Physical Culture, coupled with an uncanny ability to transmit his teachings to you.
Possessing rare insight, with an exceptionally broad depth of knowledge and understanding, Tim’s ability to guide your journey of personal growth and development is truely awe inspiring!
Prior to training with Thavy, I had no experience with kettle bells or functional movements in general. She has been an invaluable instructor and has helped me achieve goals I didn’t even consider as a possibility. She devised strategies to stabilize and strengthen joint issues that I had and motivated me to keep going. Speaking as someone who was underweight beforehand, training with Thavy has put me at a healthy weight. If anyone wants to get started and is worried that they might not be ready, Thavy is the right trainer for you.
I have worked with Tavy Mills for a long time, and it has given my lifelong skills so even if I don’t go to the gym I can still work out correctly and safely at home. Her training has corrected my hyper mobility and made it manageable. Working with Tavy has given me the confidence I need to continue to reach for my goals. I no longer experience back pain thanks to Tavy. She is very skilled in all methods of learning, and can find a way that works for anyone. Not only is she very good at describing and demonstrating a new exercise she also takes the time to explain why each movement is important. She has a very strong work ethic and is extremely reliable. I would recommend her to anyone include my friends and family members.
I first found out about Hector through the StrongFirst website forum. I quickly found out why he is such a big deal. Hector is all about quality content. He has one of most thorough and quality filled blogs and YouTube pages that I have come across. I have used a couple of his programs and have found them to be very beneficial and well thought out. I have a lot of training experience and can tell that Hector is very analytical by how he writes his programs. His Kettlebell Workout Snacks ebook is pure gold with plans from beginner to advanced. Hector is quick to respond to emails and is very focused on his primary goals of helping people, especially men, in exceeding in every aspect of their lives.
Being healthy, having enough energy to get through the day, and losing weight has always been a concern of mine especially after having knee surgery. I knew I needed to do something but what?
I recall reading an article about kettlebells. The author mentioned how it can help with overall strength, flexibility, balance, your core, and burning fat. These benefits were exactly what I wanted. That is when I actively began looking for a trainer whose primary focus was kettlebells.
I met Jason Giles and prior to our first training session we discussed my goals and any medical concerns. I explained how I had knee surgery because I tore my meniscus and rebuilding the strength and flexibility is slow going. I informed him that I am tired most of the time and that is not acceptable because I have two young boys that depend on me. I also said to Jason I would love to lose weight.
I began training with Coach Jason once a week privately 8 months ago. It was difficult at first but with the determination to change my health I continued. Jason is and has been very supportive of my goals and I trust his training programs. He is a trainer who believes that training/exercising with quality and integrity is more important than quantity. It is this approach to exercising that has helped me achieved another goal of mine and that was participating in my very first StrongFirst Tactical Strength Challenge back in May. I never thought I would be able to do it if it wasn’t for Coach Jason’s guidance, training, and his belief in me.
This past week I was surprised that I was able to perform a double kettlebell front squat. I have not been able to squat since my knee surgery, and that was 8 years ago, so that was an awesome achievement for me. One that I never thought would be possible again.
Taking that first step in making a kettlebell change towards a healthier lifestyle was one of the best things I have done. My family has noticed that I lost weight, am healthier, stronger, and definitely less tired. I am living proof to my husband and two beautiful sons that it is never too late to exercise and make a positive lifestyle change.
Coach Jason has changed my life for the healthier and I can honestly say I am lucky to be training with him. His passion, dedication and knowledge makes it all worthwhile. I now have new goals for myself and I cannot wait to get started.
Steven is one of the most intelligent and patient trainers I have ever met. After suffering a significant L5/S1 injury, Steven patiently worked around the mental and physical blocks and helped me conquer the very lift that injured me. I own my own Rehab Pilates studio and I can gladly say I am 100% pain free and stronger than ever. I am building not just strength but STABILITY….a brick by brick foundation that produces true strength and control in full range of motion. His multiple disciplines weave together to produce movement that HEALS and BUILDS. He is literally one of the best in the business. HIGHLY recommend. I will be driving over 45minutes to see him soon!
I had a great and valuable fitness experience with Raj sir, when he was trainer in Saket Sports complex , He is honest and excellent knowledge of his work, I have a lot of respect to him and it will remain forever…I want to see him at great height of his profession…all the best … love you sir
Steven is a consummate professional. He is incredibly knowledgeable about almost every modality from Olympic weightlifting to kettlebells to nutrition to cross fit. He understands the value of these different modalities and helps you to reach your goals. He also knows how to hold you accountable in a low key way that doesn’t feel pushy. I am a certified kettlebell trainer, but I don’t have near the knowledge that Steven has about so many different modalities. As such, I asked Steven to teach my son to feel comfortable in a gym and to teach him to be capable with a few simple routines so that he can train himself when he goes off to college. My son walked away with an understanding that you don’t have to kill yourself to get a good workout. You can actually build strength and endurance with a few basic moves. And, when he goes off to college, he will be able to go into his gym and know how to deadlift and squat without hurting himself. I highly recommend Steven for his professionalism and his approach.
I have been training with Nandor for a couple of years now and it was one of the best decisions I have ever taken! I’m passionate about fitness but have been doing the classic workout routine of training 1 muscle part per day until Nandor introduced me to Kettlebells! My strength increased like never before along with my knowledge about fitness. Nandor has also trained me in Thai boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and I can pretty much train with people that have a decent level in Martial arts! Thank you Nandor!
During my service with the ROK Army, I was lucky enough to work in the same duty station as Joey Yang. With Joey’s instruction, my technique on the big 3 barbell movements was improved and I was also taught the kettlebell swing and get-ups. He’s always happy to lend a helping hand. The cues/instruction he uses are easy to understand, but never dumbed down. It was a blast training with him!
Nandor is an extremely knowledgable and professional instructor. Best PT I’ve had. He fine tunes and gives regular feedback when it’s needed, extending and supporting where necessary. His technical knowledge is outstanding!
Not to sound too dramatic but training with Stephen has literally changed my life. Previously I hated exercise with a passion where as now I can’t wait to get to the gym to lift or swing something heavy! I am stronger and fitter than I ever thought I could possibly be and there is (secretly) something very satisfying about being able to lift heavier than some of the men in the gym – lol. Stephen works me incredibly hard in our sessions but I am constantly getting the results so I completely trust in him and in the process. Stephen is constantly studying and learning new things so the training never gets boring as there is always something new to learn or try.
I would and do recommend Stephen to anyone.
Reneta and her husband Gary are outstanding instructors and very friendly. I am self taught with Pavel’s old books and CD’s. They identified and fixed several things I have been doing wrong in the get up, swing and deadlift. All in 1 hour. I feel I received more than my money’s worth.
Stevens style is warm and personable. He challenges you to achieve your fitness goals with a balanced approach both pushing you to succeed, yet patient with the process.
I’ve just recently joined Kettlebell class several weeks ago. I LOVE Steven’s class the best! He is very motivating and encouraging. I really enjoy how he mixes up the workout routines. He makes it fun! I can tell he loves what he does for sure!
Once you’ve seen Tim go about his business at Box 33, you can’t help not want to be part of the community.
I was drawn to StrongFirst after taking other kettlebell instructor courses that were absolutely shocking – certifying trainers that were clearly not technically proficient enough to coach the movements.
Which is why I take any opportunity to learn from Tim – his commitment and discipline towards his training and teaching are second to none, glad to have an instructor of that caliber on Western Australia to learn from.
Mira is an excellent coach. As a former educator (both academic and fitness) and an avid fitness class enthusiast with a dance background, I have much exposure to various teaching and learning styles across several disciplines. For me, Mira provides a beautiful combination of instruction, support, and motivation. My training sessions with Mira are safe, fun, and yield noticeable results.
I came to Mira with a simple goal of wanting to get stronger, but not change much in size. I also had joint pain and mobility issues to consider. Lastly, while I already knew how to do the basic kettlebell exercises, I suspected I was missing some of the nuances because I kept having pain; I was right! Mira has taught me how to do things correctly for my specific body challenges. Progress-wise, she has tailored an ever-evolving program for me that has resulted in marked strength gains and desirable physique changes without any undesirable consequences–and I only train with her once a week. Best of all, my joints no longer hurt.
Now, I am much more confident with kettlebell technique and able to do things that were scary to me six months ago (e.g. bottoms-up Turkish get-ups). I attribute the results to Mira’s keen observation and assessment skills coupled with effective communication about what I need to do (and sometimes not do) to succeed. I look forward to seeing what I’ll be able to do after another six months!
A straightforward instructor, I liked how he would correct my form everytime I did training with him. Hes a pretty cool and funny guy, made sessions more interesting. He’s very knowledgeable in barbells and kettlebells. I was able to break my own personal record because of his mentorship. Definitely would want to train with him again.
Right now I never met Hector in person. But it feels like he is closer to me than any personal trainer before. His programs and courses are some of the best you can get. His explanations are second to none and of great knowledge and detail. Pure gold! Also he is a very nice guy who is always willing to help with a problem and answers his mails very quickly. I´m jealous of the people who can work with him directly.
Thavy is extremely knowledgeable and encouraging, and very easy to work with. I was brand new to kettlebells when I first worked with Thavy, and she helped me learn the techniques to get me comfortable with them almost immediately. She works with all levels and will help you reach your personal goals. I highly recommend Thavy!
Thavy is awesome! She is knowledgeable, encouraging, and great at teaching kettlebell movements in a way that’s easy to understand. Thavy’s passion and excitement for kettlebell workouts is contagious – through a series of private lessons she helped me get back into working out with kettlebells and learn new skills. I would highly(!) recommend her as an instructor to anyone – from beginners to more advanced students.
Joey, provides an amazing service to the United States and ROK Soldiers that train in military gyms in South Korea. These Soldiers often receive little to no instruction or coaching and are ill equipped to fully utilize the equipment they have at their disposal. Joey is one of the few people who has devoted his free time towards ensuring that the Soldiers can reach their full potential and get the most out of the equipment. He is extremely proficient in both deadlifting stances, sumo and conventional. Excellent with Kettle bell presses and developing squat and benchpress training techniques that truly benefit his clients. I highly recommend taking advantage of his knowledge and experience.
Since training with Stephen my whole attitude to fitness has changed, previously I just wanted to be skinny now I want to be strong!!! Stephen has pushed me to levels I never thought I could achieve and he have given me a total love for kettlebells. He is constantly developing his own skills and as a result his technical knowledge is amazing so when he pushes you to next level you know you can trust he knows that you are capable. Always great fun to be around although he doesn’t let you away with anything!!
I was introduced to Coach Hector’s approach to Kettlebells via his Kettlebell Workout Snacks ebook. Steady work at his Atos 1.0 for 4 months really helped me a lot in building a strength foundation for bjj, together with SFG Gab Rosales’ guidance. Was glad to have been part of his Ronin Phase 1. His approach to strength is straightforward and he provides immediate feedback and suggestions. Grateful to him for all he has helped me with especially with strength for bjj.
Stephen is constantly learning and pushing himself making him a coach you can trust. He knows what he’s talking about and there’s no bulls**t!
Whether you’re new to fitness or you’re looking for a new challenge check Stephen out (@Adapt_strength) and before long you’ll be stronger, fitter and more confident than you thought possible. And you’ll have a bit of craic along the way!
Stephen won’t tell you what you want to hear, he tells you what you need to hear. He knows his stuff and he will take you further than you think you can go.
Anne takes training to a whole new level. She’s passionate about what she does and it shows. Her programming is thoughtful, intentional and most of all – effective. She listens to and takes the time to get to know everyone she coaches allowing her to customize her programming to the individuals ability level.
Anne stays up to date on all things StrongFirst, she attends, assists at and teaches lots of workshops, certs, courses and hosts events like the TSC.
To top it all off, Anne’s just delightful to be around. She’s totally down to earth. She’s authentic, passionate, hilarious and kind. She’s as real as they come!
I contacted Tim when preparing for my first StrongFirst certification and I am so glad that I did! Tim is extremely knowledgeable and has been a fantastic mentor on my StrongFirst journey. He also has a holistic approach which resonates with me because sometimes I need to be forced to consider that factors outside of my physical training might be affecting my progress. Tim does this with graciousness and a thoughtful approach. When I suffer a lapse in self confidence or my progress stalls, Tim knows how to coach me through it so that I can keep on improving. I was using kettlebells before I started working with Tim but my technique and performance has improved immensely under Tim’s guidance. I would not be the athlete or the coach that I am today without the mentorship I have received from Tim. I look forward to continuing to work with Tim and am ever grateful to be a part of the StrongFirst Australia community.
I have to admit I was very nervous to begin training with Mira! She is such an accomplished and knowledgeable athlete and I felt that as a trainer myself I should have had more ability or knowledge in the modality of the kettlebell. However, I did not, and I hired Mira to develop a training plan and to help me prepare for the strong first level 1 certification. Mira is an extremely intuitive coach and she sensed my nervousness from the start. She was relaxed when I needed someone to be relaxed, and firm and challenged me when I needed that. In our first session she gave me great coaching tips that helped in each skill I was working on for the cert, but most importantly she reminded me to be confident. I appreciate that she set some guidelines and initial goals for how we would go about preparing for the certification as these goals set the stage for me to truly learn instead of get caught up in the “passing of the snatch test.” I trained with Mira in person once or twice per month leading up to the Strong First Level 1 and she provided me with monthly programs (week by week) to progressively increase my strength and prepare for the certification. She was attentive to my questions, watched and gave feedback to my videos, and was always patient with my sometimes dramatic tendencies. I am thrilled that the training I did with Mira resulted in passing the Level 1 StrongFirst certification on my first try. I think I even had a minute remaining on the snatch test! I followed her training program exactly and it paid off! Most of all throughout the journey she reminded me to remain calm and to be confident in my abilities. While I trained for a kettlebell cert, I learned lessons from Mira that will last a lifetime! Thanks Mira!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Hector. His commitment to his students is incredible, and his knowledge is unparalleled. I feel very fortunate that I met Hector, and I hope that others will have the same opportunity.
I worked with Hector during a stressful time for me (I was between jobs and just moved into a new home) and a difficult time for him (getting ready for a liver donation surgery; he offered a huge chunk of his liver for a family member, how brave is that?), and he managed this situation with power, skill, grace and courage.
He is truely one of the best ( of coaches, men, husbands, fathers) out there, and his coaching & communication skills are second to none. Thanks to him, I actually started talking a BJJ class, too. Here I am after a while, having laid the foundation with Hector, almost 40 pounds lighter and much, much stronger and able to behave like a man.
COACH OF COACHES / Mother of Dragons: Ericka Darst
Are you a strength coach? Do you want to learn how to use kettlebells optimally without getting hurt or your clients hurt? Go to the Coach of Coaches.
Coach Erika Darst is the Mother of Dragons in the Twin Cities. She has trained some of the best kettlebell instructors in town. Why is she different? The Devil is in the Details.
I have been teaching kettlebells as an RKC for three years, I have been using weights for 30 years. I needed to get re-certified every few years, so my time was up and chose to go the Strong First route. I knew it would be super challenging to pass. I met with Coach Ericka and I had SO much to learn still.
All of my lifts have gone up. I trained with her and I was so prepared for my Strong First certification in Chicago. I have trained with other trainers for certs, and not gotten half of what Erika has taught me.
The SFG cert weekend was outstanding, I passed all of my tests despite the high failure rate for this certification (30 percent failure rate). Every time I drive to her studio I think about how lucky I am that I met her at another certification three years ago where I FAILED several of my tests in front of her. NOT THIS TIME. I passed them all thanks to Coach Ericka Darst! Thank you for making me a better kettlebell instructor, for the fitness and techniques to pass Strong First SFG. You are GOLD!
As a proud foundation member of Tim’s Box 33, I’d still be there if we hadn’t retired 300 kms away! Tim has an exceptional knowledge of exercise physiology, coupled with an inimitable ability to communicate. You’ll discover that your limits are much higher than you thought. Tim makes it fun, you will get stronger, move better, maybe lose some weight and you’ll want to keep coming back for more.
Stephen is a great Coach. He takes no prisoners and pushes you further than you think you can go. His ‘nobody cares, work
Harder’ approach is inspiring!
I met Jason at my first Tactical Strength Challenge in fall 2018. I wanted to improve for the next one and knew I needed a coach. After talking with him about strength and movement. I hired him as my coach for this one. One of my main goals was to hit 500lb in the deadlift. My previous best was 415lb. As time went on he laid a plan for me. At first I thought the plan was a lot. I expressed my concerns about it and he listened to what i had to say and made some modification. To me this is a sign of a good coach. When we got together he observed my form and told me where I could improve. I took his advice and also did the plan. on May 4th 2019 I was able to lift 500lb with no belt. I was very happy and proud of this. I would recommend Jason to anyone looking to get stronger and participate in the Tactical Strength Challenge.
Mira’s outstanding coaching helped redefine strength on my own terms.
Since starting at Industrial Strength in 2017, Mira has exhibited her dedication to safely improving my weightlifting technique. This dedication started during our onboarding movement screening and continues to be demonstrated whenever I’m working with her. She knows the ebb and flow that a lower back injury can bring, and respects days that I need to rest (or take time away from the gym for my mental health). Similarly, she sets attainable goals and intuits when to push me in the same direction.
Strength has many forms and Mira has taught me how it shows up in my life. At the end of the day, she understands that I’m human, that my life does not revolve around the gym, and that my goals are greater than setting a new personal record. Strength involves knowing when to respect your body and the messages it communicates.
My name is Tony TC Coleman and I am a professional Drummer who was with BB KING for 30 years and I have been to 98 countries playing my Drums. Until I met Sunny no one has been able to inspire and motivate me to stay healthy and exercise. She has gotten me focused and aware of everything I eat and drink to stay on course. Not only is she an amazing Baddass of a trainer but she is also what I would call one of my family and a great friend. . She is a great motivator and a great observer of what will be the best way for me to reach my goal. Thanks so much Sunny because of you I’m living a much healthier life. Ain’t gonna be no turning back from the things you have taught me.
Mira is truly a fantastic coach! She is knowledgeable, attentive, and detail-oriented in her craft of coaching clients; she exudes professionalism, positivity, and focus that inspires both confidence and a desire to meet her with the same energy. I’ve had various trainers over the last 15 years, but Mira elevates the role to coach and mentor. I feel so lucky to be able to train under her watchful eye and according to her personalized programming. She trains her students with long-term success in mind, so they can reach goals with safety and health, and prevent injury.
Mira consistently checks-in and tailors the movements and program to her student. She analyzes my movements diligently and shows up with new tweaks to substantially improve my techniques. She can do this because she is highly skilled at articulating and explaining what she notices, why it’s important, and how to optimize it. If it’s not an easy fix, she invents creative adjustments to try or cues to use until my form is corrected. I’ve learned SO much since I started working with Mira and hope to continue training with her for a long time to come!
Ultimately, Mira has introduced me to the proper techniques of olympic weightlifting and as a female myself I’ve particularly LOVED training under such a strong, competent, and knowledgeable female coach and accomplished weightlifter. She is a wonderful role model who practices everything she teaches. She truly motivates me, and if I could I would train with Mira every day!
When I started training with Hector, I never swung a kettlebell and became aware of my physical weakness immediately. Hector has always taken the time to demonstrate strength in his training with explanations of how to do it the right way and why.
Don’t underestimate the knowledge and dedication to a lifestyle of strong body and mind Hector demonstrates! He has always taken his time to asses your progress, get to know you and make himself available to answer all your questions while offering personal encouragement.
I’m stronger today then I’ve ever been in my life!
I’ve never looked forward to working out as much as I do now.
Thanks Hector!
I have been a Box33 member for almost 6 years now and have been fortunate enough to have had Tim Almond as a Personal Trainer and also attended a few StrongFirst certifications and workshops run by Tim. His attention to detail and his knowledge and passion leaves no stone unturned and this has allowed me/my body to perform at my own PB. I just love getting more out of life because of this. Very highly recommended.
Tim is an extremely knowledgeable coach and is able to convey complex ideas in a simple, practical manner with a logical progression.
Tim has a holistic approach to coaching and is able to accommodate those who are in pain with little or no training experience and those with a long training history.
Tim is hands down one of the best kettlebell instructors in the country and I would highly recommend him for any training endeavour.
Tim introduced me to kettlebells and the change it has made for me both physically and mentally has been massive.
Coming from a background as an elite athlete I was pretty certain about my fitness and strength being elite but quickly found out in reality I was a novice.
I have learnt and continue to learn so much from training with Tim.
I would recommend Tim to anyone who wants to advance and better themselves.
I’ve been training with Nandor for a few months now and having plateaued for ages before (probably years) I’ve started to make some real improvements. All the kettlebell work has helped me get significantly stronger already and it’s paying off in gaining muscular weight too. Nandor has a great approach, pushing me the right amount so I can make consistent progress.
Mira’s training has been the key to recovering my strength and confidence. I was daunted by the challenge to come back after a series of injuries and surgeries. Mira’s knowledge of form and technique and her masterful approach to teaching puts me at ease. I can set aside anxiety and focus on bringing my full effort to our sessions. Mira is able to observe exactly what adjustments I need to make, and to communicate and demonstrate just how to make those changes. She also knows the right moments to challenge and push clients to grow and meet their potential. Every day we work together Mira brings a warmth, humor, and optimism to our sessions. I can’t imagine a stronger or better trainer and instructor.
Physical fitness has been a constant for the majority of my life. Once I discovered Strong First I knew I had to seek out a knowledgeable instructor, I found that in Jason. After our initial training session and the Functional Movement Screening I came to the realization that I had some deficiencies. Jason’s feedback and teaching methodology helped instill strong habits as he assists me preparing to pass SFG I. He has the ability to break down each movement into simple steps that allow you to see what you are doing wrong and how to correct them. His knowledge and expertise on strength and movement have resonated with me and I look forward to continue working with him.
Coach Hec aka StrongAsHec, the moniker itself tells whatever you need to know to get you interested or consider him as your trainer whether online or your personally visit him which is one of my bucket list. Honestly, I didn’t start my basics with him, it was with Coach Louka to be specific, what he did to me as a student and now as an SFG Official Instructor is the simplicity of the knowledge about the concept of StrongFirst, specifically on your own you’ll figure out what you need to do in order for you to discover the proper way and the beautiful “gift” a kettlebell can give to a person. There’s so much to say how great of a coach he is, just study and understand and you’ll see what I mean. I’m a Filipino from a third world country, being a witness of his magnificent contributions some people in our country try to abuse his freebie programs and confuse his teachings, so for those who are reading this, go straight to hec it might need some time for him to respond but at least you will be satisfied.
Being in an occupation that requires a certain level of fitness and strength, the principles of strong first immediately appealed to me. After seeking Jason out and receiving his instruction I realized how detailed kettlebell training truly is. His teaching methodology and instructor feedback are exceptional. As soon as our first training session had ended I felt confident in my ability to correct any deficiencies that he pointed out as well as become stronger in the process. Jason is a lifelong student of strength and I recommend him to anyone looking to become stronger.
I had the opportunity to act as an Assistant under Hector at my first time assisting at the StrongFirst SFG1. I learned so much from him that weekend; I am truly thankful that I got to know him.
Hector is an extremely knowledgeable StrongFirst coach. He has all the qualities that make a great coach and leader:
1. He has an amazing eye for coaching and helping students nail the proper technique.
2. He lives his values, demonstrating perfect technique and insane strength in his own training.
3. He genuinely cares about his students and their progression, not only in strength and fitness, but as overall better human beings.
Hector is one of my role models – just a top quality person! He is a leader among men and women and I sincerely hope to get to work with him again soon.
I’ve been training with Mira, the owner of Industrial Strength, for approximately a year now. I started going on the recommendation of my excellent physical therapist to continue my recovery from a severe back injury. I really like the vibe at her gym, which is comfortable and welcoming, and that the priority is overall strength and function and health over appearances. Mira is focused and passionate and dedicated. She is prepared, skilled, knowledgeable, smart, thoughtful, insightful, and articulate. She is supportive, encouraging, patient, and understanding, yet always pushes me and challenges me. She’s super serious but fun. She’s also very professional and responsive. I am stronger than I’ve ever been thanks to Mira and IS.
Having recently moved to Portland, OR, I was looking for a great coach after having worked with another great Strong First coach, Tom Liang, in NYC for many years. He connected me with Holly & I couldn’t be happier! She does a great job of meeting you where you are in your training plan and pushing you towards your goals. Technical form and remaining injury-free are important to me and they are on the top of her list of “to-do’s” as well. I highly recommend her.
My job sent me to Corpus for 6 months and Hector and Hardstyle welcomed me with open arms and taught me a skill and developed a passion in me that I will use the rest of my life. When I went back home to Houston I bought some KB’s and have been using his programs and facebook groups to continue to train and get stronger. Great gym, great programs, and great people!
I have had the great pleasure of working with Hector through his courses and being a guinea pig for several of his training procedures. I can say with certianty that his approaches are startling effective! I have gotten stronger with every one of his programs and if you take his course his emails are indispensable. he brought my double military press from 2x28kg for 1 to 2x32kg for 1 and gave me the endurance to get 102 snatches in 5min with 24kg.
I have had the great pleasure of working with Hector through his courses and being a guinea pig for several of his training procedures. I can say with certianty that His approachs are startling effective! I have gotten stronger with every one of his programs and if you take his course his emails are indispensable. he brought my double military press from 2x28kg for 1 to 2x32kg for 1 and gave me the endurance to get 102 snatches in 5min with 24kg.
Coach Hector and his programs truly embodies the core principles of Strongfirst. I used several of his programs already like; ATOS 1.0 & 2.0, Plan 801a, 803a & 803b, Snatch 240 (for my SFG1 prep 2 years ago) Snatch 601, SP001, Swing Strong!, Plan701a and 701B and just recently Deadlift260a and Snatch384 for my TSC. We at the Gravity Chamber are big fan of his approach to strength training and correct programming in achieving strength goals that clearly transfer to real life applications
Mira has been absolutely instrumental in getting this nearly 50-something back into shape. Her knowledge of strength training and nutrition have made a huge difference. Under her supervision I lost 35 lbs of fat while gaining 5 lbs of muscle and taught me why my body responded like it did so I could apply that knowledge myself in the future. Also, her knowledge of strength training technique and ability to communicate it has been key in avoiding the all to common injuries that occur when form isn’t good. I highly recommend her as a trainer.
Tony is an exceptional trainer with an acute attention to detail, form & injury prevention. His classes are motivating, balanced & pretty much guaranteed to help you get stronger in body & mind. I’m also super impressed with the culture of camaraderie, professionalism, & fun Tony & Mira have created at the gym. As someone who came in a year ago without a lot of strength to start, I was concerned about feeling intimidated or not being able to keep up (or worse getting injured!). I’m thrilled to say none of that has been the case & I totally credit Tony for the wonderful classes, care & attention he gives to this fantastic training program. And now I’m stronger to boot! Wow!
R.T. is such an amazing, inspirational, supportive, and just a great guy! I have been so fortunate to have him as my coach for several years. He really pays attention to your technique and gives you the critique in such positive manner. His instruction and coaching are spot on! I trust him completely. He will spot a tiny thing and give me advice anytime I need it. That one tiny thing amounts to an amazing Personal Best for me every time. Need a good coach, look no further, ya found him!
I met Andrea at my SFG Level 1 certification course.
I passed all my skills tests at the cert, but ended up having to do a video re-test on the snatch test. While I was not originally assigned Andrea as my team leader at the certification, she was kind enough to step in to oversee my video re-rest due to some scheduling issues with my team leader. This proved to be a huge benefit for me, as Andrea’s coaching is fantastic. When I resubmitted my snatch-test video, I was dealing with some mobility issues in my left shoulder relating to a previous injury from my youth, and Andrea recommended a drill to do with my existing mobility work, and it made a massive difference. That combined with a few coaching tips, and I was able to greatly improve my snatch form.
Andrea is thoughtful, patient, and above all, a fantastic coach. She was supportive along the way, both at the certification weekend as well as the video re-test process. She is genuinely passionate about helping clients, and coaches, become the best human being they can. Can’t wait to get up to Kettlebility for a session!
I’ve been following several of Héctor ‘s programnes for more than a year. It amazes me how simple and efficient they are. All the videos and tips he provides you with for free are always so useful!!!
He’s always there to help.!
Hector Gutierrez Jr. is the real deal. He is a great trainer, great friend, great father, great husband, and a great servant of God. Hector helped me achieve my goal in May of 2018 by improving my time in Corpus Christi’s Beach 2 Bay Full Marathon, not the relay, the whole 26.2 miles by myself. Conditions are brutal in this race with the high humidity and scorching heat. Through Hector’s guidance on the kettlebell, I beat my time from the previous year. As matter of fact, all my times improved in the 5K, 10K, and half marathon. I am a stronger runner now because of Hector Gutierrez Jr. I’m now training for the 2019 B2Bay Full Marathon and I know I will beat 2018’s time. The program I’m using for this race is Hector’s Kettlebell Workout Snacks and body weight exercises he taught me. Hector is an inspiration to me and to the people he serves. This man is an angel on Earth.
He is the absolute best coach along with coach Jake. His programs not only made me stronger in body but also mind. I am so lucky to be training at his gym every day (more like 5-6 days a week ?).
Awesome instructor and friend, I did a class with him and the amount of information I received was incredible. Highly recommend choosing him for your kettlebell training
Hector’s Double Kettlebell Manifesto is an outstanding ebook. If you follow the programmes as written they will not fail to deliver. Plus: They’re huge fun. So what more could you ask for?! Highly recommended!
Great coach and even greater teacher. Always patient and respectfull with students and willing to share training knowledge. Under his guidance i have become stronger and learned to move better.
GEORGE PARADISSIS,is an excellent teacher!!!!I had the best seminar lessons with him in Kettlebells!With friendly spirit,appetite for work,humor and his excellent knowledge gave to me and the rest of the team,a perfect kettlebell experience!!!!!!
Being a part of Mira’s KB classes has improved my strength greatly. After straining my back some 3+ years ago and taking advice from my PT’s at Advance Sport and Spine, I began taking strength training at Mira’s Gym. She continued to help me through my recovery so that I am now stronger than I believe I have ever been. Mira inspires everyone she teaches and I would recommend anyone looking to improve their physical goals to stop by and take classes from her.
Laurent is an outstanding professional who teaches his passion with passion. A pedagogue and an observer, he will identify your gaps and blockages to bring you “the little trick” that will allow you to progress. Accessible and pleasant, he will make you forget the burning of your hands ?
Laurent est un professionnel hors pair qui enseigne sa passion avec passion. Très pédagogue et observateur, il saura repérer vos lacunes et vos blocages pour vous apporter “le petit truc” qui vous permettra de progresser. Accessible et agréable, il vous fera oublier la brûlure de vos mains 😉
Mira has mastered strength training and coaching. She has done this while overcoming the challenges of injuries and coaching others to overcome those challenges. I have been trained by Mira and practiced kettlebells with her in classes she has coached. She has taught me about movement, programming and strength and makes it fun. I was able to achieve SFG I certification, 40 kg TGU and 36kg press with the help of her coaching and instruction. Mira has trained people with many different skill levels. Mira has a thorough understanding of programming and building skills. Students are in good hands with Mira as their coach! Mira has a big heart for her students and the community.
I cannot say enough great things about training with Mira – her acute attention to detail & form, infectious positivity, ever the professional she is inspiring, encouraging, & challenges me to be my best, strongest self in body & mind. In short, she is the jam!
There are so many wonderful qualities that I could mention in this review, qualities you’d want in a coach while on the path to making your whole-self stronger: professionalism, knowledge of craft, awareness of setting and achieving personal goals , sincere kindness, being an attentive listener; Mira has all these traits in spades.
But there is one characteristic which has always so particularly impressed me. Mira’s humility.
You’d never know all the medals Mira has won by the nature of her modesty. I lost 85 lbs in a year, I also recovered from a ruptured bicep. It was a daunting journey to say the least. Even as a competing athlete, Mira is a consistent example that it is betterment, not perfection, which we should strive for. Lifestyle, not vanity. Mira was then and is still today a crucial part in my continuing success.
It is my very good fortune and humble honor to call her coach.
Mira is the best instructor I’ve ever worked with. I’ve been training with her for five years, and every year she ensures I always push myself above and beyond in a focused effort to achieve my goals. Her wealth of experience and knowledge and her unrivaled technique put Mira far above any other instructor in the field. If you are fortunate enough to train with her, I highly recommend you do so.
Coach Mark Limbaga is one the best coaches I have met. He is very knowledgeable in his field of expertise and you can really see in him how passionate he is in teaching other coaches about his craft and in coaching other individuals. I just attended a kettlebell workshop/training recently wherein he is one the mentors and it is really great experience. I aspire to be a coach like him and I’m very thankful that I’ve met him and be able to attend his kettlebell workshops. Looking forward to more workshops in the future!
Coach Mark is a very good coach, he knows a lot about what he teaches. As a starting coach in the strength and conditioning field, I look up to coach Mark in terms of how he delivers himself to different people without compromising being professional and at the same time teaches exercise in a detailed manner. I am looking forward to more interactions with coach Mark so I can get better at this field.
I’ve just recently gotten into kettlebell training and it’s been an awesome experience having coach mark as a mentor and teacher. Looking forward to more seminars and workshops under his tutelage!
Coach Mark is an amazing coach. As a young strength and conditioning coach, I look for other coaches who can help me get better at my craft. I am thankful to have met Coach Mark because I saw in him what it means to be a real coach. He is very knowledgeable and very generous when it comes to information. He does not coach someone by just instructing, he leads. The first time I met him I saw how passionate he is at helping people get better. He wants to help other coaches as well regardless of where they come from. That’s the kind of coach that I want to be.
I took StrongFirst Bodyweight with Karen and it is by far one of the most necessary certifications for anyone looking to get strong. She broke down complex principles in a way that made it easy to grasp and comprehend and I’ve personally seen major improvements in my own strength and mobility. The best part is that the principles she teaches in this course transcend just bodyweight training. Regardless of the modality whether it be barbell, kettlebell, or anything else, the skills learned in SFB will drastically improve your performance or that of your clients. This was a must for anyone, beginner to advanced, looking to get stronger!
Karen Smith’s REFiNE program has been amazing. The results seem almost like magic. The mix of bodyweight and kettlebells in one program has been incredibly enjoyable and productive. Anyone who gets to attend one of her seminars or courses should consider themselves very privileged.
David is a true master of his craft and has set up a really special gym space. I love the people and the environment in the small group classes. The classes are very effective and educational, as David spends individual time with each person to address your personal goals and work around your injuries. He’s given me a new understanding of what movement and fitness can and should be, and as an ex-D1 athlete having to face that I can’t workout like I used to, David has been imperative in giving me the tools and movement patterns to be strong mentally and physically in this new chapter.
I attended a one day Kettlebell workshop with Claire prior to Strong First Level 1, which gave me important tips to work on before the 3 day course.
On the StrongFirst course Claire gave lots of great information on how to do things professionally and watched over us giving small coaching tips, that can make a massive difference. Claire has been very helpful when I have contacted her for advice and information. If you want to get better with Kettlebells train with the best.
Cheers Claire.
I have been training with Holly and Arryn since October of 2018. My experience has been nothing short of awesome. I had it set in my head that I wanted the SFB Certification but had no idea where to start and I knew I needed some guidance. Luckily for me, these two had just gone live with their online coaching platform. I couldn’t ask for more in my coaches than these two provide. They are patient when I have a million questions. Even more so when I have an injury or if I am being gun shy because of one. They have an extensive knowledge of all modalities that StrongFirst offers and are willing to have fun with you along the way. They take pride in how they teach, provide valuable feedback and cues that make a difference in your performance, and are your personal cheerleaders always. I am truly grateful for Holly & Arryn on my strength journey and I am excited for what’s to come!
Claire has been coaching me for about 9 months now. In that time I’ve lost another 20lbs (having already lost 15 before finding her, BMI has gone from 27 to 21) and my body composition has changed totally having lost fat and gained muscle. The strength I’ve gained has changed my life: my getup has gone from 16kg to 22kg, I can now do chinups and yesterday I did my first ever pullup.
Claire is all about sensible programming and perfect technique and she has clearly dedicated her life to learning about strength and health. I love that I can ask her about any topic and she’ll be overflowing with information on it – I always come away with a list of articles, videos and books to go and look up. This works for me because rather than just blindly following what she says (which, to be honest, I’d probably happily do anyway!) instead I’m also becoming more educated at the same time.
I have been training with Holly and Arryn since October of 2018. My experience has been nothing short of awesome. I had it set in my head that I wanted the SFB Certification but had no idea where to start and I knew I needed some guidance. Luckily for me, these two had just gone live with their online coaching platform. I couldn’t ask for more in my coaches than these two provide. They are patient when I have a million questions. Even more so when I have an injury or if I am being gun shy because of one. They have an extensive knowledge of all modalities that StrongFirst offers and are willing to have fun with you along the way. They take pride in how they teach, provide valuable feedback and cues that make a difference in your performance, and are your personal cheerleaders always. I am truly grateful for Holly & Arryn on my strength journey and I am excited for what’s to come!
My wife and I have been working out with David for nearly a decade. He is absolutely the BEST there is. He knows how to push you just the right amount, never too much. , He makes training fun, and varied enough you never get bored. I used to hate working out in the gym, but no more, given David’s method. And he’s done a great job of building a community with his classes that feels great. Thank you, David!
I’ve been working with Holly on my nutrition and exercise during a very difficult time in my life. Holly has been incredibly patient and kind – helping me work through my struggles.
I recently received my SFG1 in March of 2019, and may I say what a great Feeling! This is Due to the excellent coaching of Arryn and Holly online and in person. They were able to see where I was at in my kettlebell technique. Then get me to where I needed to be to pass my SFG1 the first time thru. They have built confidence with in me, and I can’t wait to work with them on my SFG2.
I recently received my SFG1 in March of 2019, and may I say what a great Feeling! This is Due to the excellent coaching of Holly and Arryn online and in person. They were able to see where I was at in my kettlebell technique. Then get me to where I needed to be to pass my SFG1 the first time thru. They have built confidence with in me, and I can’t wait to work with them on my SFG2.
I am not a current or aspiring StrongFirst instructor, just someone who wants to increase my strength and maintain it as I age. I have been working with Holly for two years, and I couldn’t recommend her more. Her focus is on technique and working with the individual needs of each student. She understands both my strengths and weaknesses, so her workouts are exactly what I need. And her enthusiasm is infectious, which makes working with her so much fun.
I worked with Holly and Arryn Grogan on the 1/3 BW military press to complete my SFG2 certification. In just 6.5 weeks from my first online training session they worked their magic and I passed! Their model is simple yet effective. They make constant communication, specific feedback, and accountability fun. Holly and Arryn have pushed me to train with more load than I ever thought I could, and have surprised me with what I can accomplish. I have seriously developed as a student of strength through their guidance. I highly recommend training with these special individuals – what you will achieve might shock you! Thanks!
I worked with Arryn and Holly Myers on the 1/3 BW military press to complete my SFG2 certification. In just 6.5 weeks from my first online training session they worked their magic and I passed! Their model is simple yet effective. They make constant communication, specific feedback, and accountability fun. Holly and Arryn have pushed me to train with more load than I ever thought I could, and have surprised me with what I can accomplish. I have seriously developed as a student of strength through their guidance. I highly recommend training with these special individuals – what you will achieve might shock you! Thanks!
I bet Holly while we were both working out of Industrial Strength Gym, and from the first moment that she stepped into the room and “did her thing” I knew that I had never seen someone more technically sound than her when it came to her craft! She is strong as all hell, emphasizes the importance of form over anything, and is a byproduct of consistency and her training methods. Holly and Arryn together have created an unbeatable team – I couldn’t have better things to say about them as both coaches and people. I’m crazy lucky to have them as coaches!
I first met Arryn when we had both been working out of Industrial Strength Gym. During his time there it was easy for me to see not only his fun attitude while working with clients, but also his discipline and ability to constantly learn. So many coaches seem to get stuck in their “own” ways, but Arryn is always looking for how he himself can improve, get better, and then teach what he has learned to his students. Once I learned of his online coaching with Holly I ran to them for help and will continue to return to them over and over again. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!
I primarily trained with Holly Myers for my SFG1 in February 2019 which allowed me the opportunity to work with Arryn a few times in that process. Arryn not only brings a thorough understanding of movement, kettlebells, and StrongFirst technique, but he provides easy to understand feedback and a fun, positive environment as well! Right away, you can tell how much Arryn cares about teaching strength and how he works with people and I’ve encouraged other trainers to seek him out for their own StrongFirst cert prep!
I started working with Holly in September 2018 to prep for my SFG1 in February 2019 and I continue to train with Holly today both in person and some online training. The technique, strength, and skills I’ve gained since have been invaluable and I went into my SFG1 weekend feeling confident and fully prepared – not only did I pass it but I received several compliments from the assistants and instructors! Holly’s approach to training combines her knowledge and appreciation for movement quality with humility and fun. I feel so fortunate to be able to train with Holly for future StrongFirst certs and strength tests!
I worked with Arryn for over 2 years on kettlebell and barbell training, primarily in the context of small group classes. Arryn has the unique ability to tailor his instruction to the individual so that each trainee received the specific instruction appropriate for them. I also have a tendency to geek out on technique and like to ask pretty specific questions. I really appreciated Arryn’s willingness, and ability, to geek out with me on really minor technique points. If you want to get strong, and learn solid technique, as well as the “why” behind the technique, you can’t go wrong with Arryn. Last, but not least, Arryn is just really fun to train with.
It is rare to find someone who has the passion and at the same time the calmness of character required to lead in any endeavor, such as kettlebell practice. George is this sort of person.
Tenacious and patient enough to listen me bombing him with all sorts of questions during a precertification kettlebell seminar, he carefully dissected the various exercises and via practical demonstration solidified the required principles in order to practice on my own.
Highly recommend him for venturing into the world of kettlebell practice!
I worked with Holly after finding her and Arryn online through their amazing Instagram page ( @liftwithhollyandarryn). I was, what I considered, an avid kettlebeller but when I saw their form and technique I knew I was nowhere close to where I should be, so I contacted them. Being in Canada and them in the US and never doing any online training I was a bit hesitant, but once we started a personalized program I knew it was a perfect fit! They really helped me hone my technique and coached me through video review and video calls. Their personalities and eagerness to share their knowledge was awesome and I highly recommend them as coaches for anyone looking to sharpen their skills or just to learn the Strongfirst method.
I worked with Arryn after finding him and Holly online through their amazing Instagram page ( @liftwithhollyandarryn). I was, what I considered, an avid kettlebeller but when I saw their form and technique I knew I was nowhere close to where I should be, so I contacted them. Being in Canada and them in the US and never doing any online training I was a bit hesitant, but once we started a personalized program I knew it was a perfect fit! They really helped me hone my technique and coached me through video review and video calls. Their personalities and eagerness to share their knowledge was awesome and I highly recommend them as coaches for anyone looking to sharpen their skills or just to learn the Strongfirst method.
I’ve been working with Holly and Arryn for 5 months – present doing a combo of in home and online training. I’m not a health Instructor or gym rat but struggled getting my body back after pregnancy. This has been the best investment I have made for my health and my family! I can not recommend them or the program enough. They even come in my home while my twins are taking a nap! Now, who else can say their trainer has that kind of passion?
I’ve been working with Arryn and Holly Myers for two months via online coaching. I can’t say enough how effective their programming and coaching has been. The progress has been measurable and I love their style – very positive, technical, and lots of great feedback. So excited to see what’s next!!!!
I’ve been working with Holly for 2 months via online training to prepare for SFGII. I am absolutely floored by the progress I’ve made in such a short amount of time. The coaching cues and positivity have kept me so motivated, I have yet to miss a workout! I feel strong and empowered every time. I’m super grateful for the focus and look forward to continuing to progress with Holly!
I started seeing Claire about two and a half years ago when I had so many niggles from running that I couldn’t carry on without help. I had also picked up an injury from self taught Kettlebells so I wanted help with that as well.
From the first session I could tell I had made the right choice. Claire looked at the body as a whole and worked out why I had constant tight and pulled calfs and looked at my Kettlebell form and stripped it down and rebuilt it. She explains what is happening and why so I’m constantly learning. Within a week I was running pain free!
The Kettlebell routines Claire gives me isn’t to complex but works, as I’m now running faster aged adjusted than I did twelve years ago!
Claire has a wealth of knowledge and is always off around the world learning the latest in the fitness world and passes that expertise on.
I now feel fitter and stronger than I have in ten years and that’s down to intelligent training from Claire, so if you want to be pain free, move better, lift smarter and feel great I can’t recommender enough.
Jason will hold you accountable to your goals and will help however he can to get you fit. I’ve been training with him for over a year he has been nothing but professional. I’d recommend him to people of all fitness levels.
Joe is very knowledgeable. With his help iv lost almost 20lbs in about a month and a half. It’s is not magic, follow his instruction and put in the effort and you WILL see results. I feel much stronger, more athletic, and many of my minor aches and pains have gone away. His workouts are very dynamic and hit the entire body. Joe is a good guy who’s easy to to talk to and be around, but when it’s time to work, he will push you to your limit. He will not disappoint
She has given me advice for improving my kettle bells techniques and barbell techniques which has lead to stronger lifts.
On top of this Claire has helped me with nutritional advice. My diet was affecting many aspects of my life such as skin problems and digestion. With Claire’s advice and knowledge I have seen a great overall improvement with my health
Matt Aldous is an approachable, down-to-earth, extremely competent instructor that has provided me with many coaching tips and technical corrections for which I am most grateful. He has a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point communication style, and I believe that as an instructor he is someone that has the capacity to see beyond the symptom of bad technique, make the necessary corrections at the root cause, which in turn results in the desired improvement. I wholeheartedly recommend him as an instructor.
I have know Colin for over a decade now, and been both his student and occasionally a peer(ish). He brings his both his passion and diligence to every class and client. His knowledge in his field is exceptional whilst his ability to bring this information in a manner which is uncluttered or full of jargon and easily understandable to everyone there. While he has a gruff exterior his is very approachable with a great sense of humour and always will to lend a hand if ask. He always goes the extra mile to every student and keeps abreast of all those his feels responsible. It is always an honour to work with him.
I have been a student of Anne’s for 4 years and knew that when she opened her own gym I had to follow her there. She is thoughtful with her programming and truly cares about good, quality movement and not just eeking out ugly reps (as we see in so many “crossfit” style gyms). She makes necessary modifications for all fitness and skill levels and will customize training for specific personal goals. I am at my strongest at 38 years old and will continue to improve my fitness level due to Anne’s impeccable coaching. Personable, kind, funny, approachable and a true gem in the fitness industry. Highly recommended!
I’ve been training with John for almost 4yrs now. John demonstrates and talks you through every exercise so you not only know how to do it, you know why you’re doing it.
He keeps training fun & interesting & makes training with kettlebells so enjoyable i even bought my own kettlebells for using at home.
Colin’s classes are well structured, fun and challenging for all age groups and body types, you certainly want to come back for more and you feel the difference after a few weeks, I would highly recommend colin to anyone who needs more exercise in their lives and are looking for a friendly, motivating environment in which to get fitter or leaner
Colin is a highly professional instructor and because of his wealth of experience he can always find a way to relate the material to anyone regardless of ability in a fun and enjoyable way.
As a sufferer of arthritis and a complete novice at kettlebells Colin is very patient and ensured I focused on good technique to limit any possibility of pain or injury.
Colin’s wealth of knowledge and passion for personal training and fitness education has enabled me to become stronger, more flexible and fitter. His encouragement when using kettlebells has given me belief in my lifting/strength ability and he has had me lifting/using kettlebell weights I would have never attempted. Colin’s attention to detail makes me feel safe from injury and I look forward to attending his class.
Colin has helped me become the strongest I’ve felt by training with him. He encourages you and is very knowledgeable in what he does. I hope to continue working with Colin and learning even more from him in the future!
I have been training with Ella for 3 years and I would definitely recommend her. She is encouraging, adaptable and supportive. I leave every session smiling and feeling that I have worked hard and am making definite progress towards my fitness goals.
Anne is an amazing instructor. I always feel like her programming is well thought out and exactly what my body needs. There is depth of quality about her coaching that she is able to convey in simple straight forward ques. I have followed her from two other gyms until finally landing at a gym she owns. I would recommend, her coaching to anyone at any level hands down.
Nicci Modolo is an brilliant instructor with insights and industry experience far beyond her years. It is a pleasure to watch her coach, and from my own perspective she has often provided cues and insights to improve my technique, performance, and confidence. She is an excellent communicator and relates to her clients no matter their age or range of experience.
My experience with kettlebell training under Coach Ray exceeded my expectations.
After buying the book simple & sinister and training on my own at home. I decided it would behoove me to seek out personal instruction from a strong first certified trainer. This led me to Coach Ray and I can wholeheartedly recommend his Coaching to anyone else in that situation.
Even though I felt that my form was competent, Coach Ray was able to identify deficiencies in my swing and Turkish get-ups and skillfully coached me through corrective measures. As a combat infantry veteran and a Jiu-Jitsu athlete I am constantly battling injuries. This is what led me to the simple and sinister program in the first place. Having a book and youtube videos is great but nothing beats one on one coaching from a skilled coach such as coach Ray.
Mr Summers is one of the best pioneers in the fitness community. He truly puts his heart and soul into everyone who is willing to learn and goes out of his way to help people who need it. He has helped my friends and I with reaching our fitness goals, which ended up steering our lives in a positive direction unimaginable without his help. Mr Summers is a true inspiration for me and I’d encourage anyone who has the chance to train under him to take the opportunity, especially high school students who are at a very vulnerable stage in their lives and could use a great mentor who practices what he preaches. Great coach, and most importantly a very good person. The world would be a much better place with people like this. Once again, I’d encourage anyone who gets an opportunity to train under Mr Summers to take it and absorb some of his knowledge.
This man has changed my life .I will be forever grateful everything Mr summers has done for me. If it was not for him i wouldn’t be where i am today all the deep conversation we have had about talking life where i want to be who i want to become. I will be graduating June 2019 to be a certified athletic massage therapist it was a Hard process but always had mr summers in the back of my mind pushing me and making me a stronger person physically and mentally . All the years of training kettle bells under this man has made me the man i am today. Very strict but worth every minute Again thank you Mr summers!! all the love in the world TEAM SUMMERS!!!
I was lucky enough to met and have George as instructor to a pre certification kettlebell seminar to Athens .
His deep knowledge and skills but the most important his ability to share and teach the fondamental kettlebell technics made this seminar an amazing experience .
Excellent professional who can inspire and blow in your heart and mind the StrongFirst spirit!
Ella’s enthusiasm for kettlebell, strength training and fitness in general is highly contagious!
Her clear & achievable instructions, as well as her support, have lead me to lift & swing weights I never would have dreamed of on my own with noticeable physical results. I leave her PT sessions feeling like I could take on the world!
I can’t think of a better way to start my week, then my regular small group session, with Ella. Exercise, chat, progress, fitness, all with laughter and a good buzz.
George Paradissis is an amazing teacher with unbelievable learning transmissibility, i am thankful that have lernt kettelbelt secrets from him and how to use it right. Excellent professional !
Ella is a consummate professional – her care and attention to posture and individual capabilities from start to finish of a work out means I have been able to move to heavier weights with total confidence – and I am thrilled at the resulting personal sense of achievement. Superstar instructor.
James’s dedication, patience and passion for what he does makes his training and kettlebell classes really stand out. The particular focus on learning technique enables you to feel safe and gain the confidence you need to really push yourself at your own pace. All in all a great trainer for anyone from complete beginner to the more experienced!
Piers is the calm in the storm that is health and fitness. Piers is a genuine human being that takes a simple and pragmatic approach to getting you stronger and guiding you on your fitness goal journey. Above all else Piers listens and takes the time to understand you.
Ray is an excellent and extremely high quality coach. I appreciate Ray’s attention to detail and excellence. There isn’t a class that I attend at the Shop in which Ray coaches where I don’t receive some extra tip in my training and form. Being an “older” member of the gym, I need particular care in injury prevention and Ray always looks after me. I also appreciate how Ray himself is always personally striving for excellence in his own life and fitness goals. He’s an inspiring and attentive coach!
Ray is an outstanding coach, role model and teacher. I’ve had the pleasure of being a member of his CrossFit group workouts during the past year. As a masters 55+ athlete/learner/client, I’ve felt nothing but respect and support from Ray along my journey to the highest levels of strength I’ve had in my lifetime. It’s clear to me that Ray is truly a lifelong learner – he studies and shares what he learns and knows about strength. To watch him work himself is inspirational. And if you’re looking for a coach who will kindly and respectfully make sure you, too, are inspired to achieve higher levels, you’ll find Ray to be among the best.
I have been learning Kettlebell’s with James for 3 years now and always look forward to his classes!
James has a huge amount of knowledge to pass on and his classes are technical, but he breaks the elements of the move I to sections to make them easy to remember.
The classes are hard work but always fun, he is encouraging, supportive and a great coach!
I am always appreciative of Rays coaching and guidance. He approaches each of his clients with care and understanding. He always is following up with me and asking me what my goals are, this not only helps me think through what I need to be focusing on but also what ways he can direct his coaching to better suit my needs. If you need a coach who listens to your needs but also pushes you to do better in all areas of your athletic endeavors I would highly recommend Ray!
I had done kettlebells previously with other trainers and thought I had them mastered… until I met John!!
John strips it right back to the basic movements and teaches you techniques to ensure you are using your whole body to power through with those movements efficiently.
John’s passion for kettlebells was evident from day 1 in his class and I knew I had to get onboard with some 1-2-1 training to see what it was all about. I can honestly say I wouldn’t train with anyone else now.
Not only do you get a full on killer workout, he also throws in some life coaching chats and giggles along the way.
The guy is a hero.
James focuses on kettlebell technique and safety, but also makes the classes varied and interesting. We look forward to his classes each week – we all work hard but they are also fun. James is a great trainer, we enjoy all the classes of his we attend.
James introduced me to the world of Kettlebells in 2014, and they are now an integral part of my weekly routine.
His classes are focused on technique whilst being both fun & challenging, and no two sessions are ever the same. Even with a dozen people in a class, James will always find time to focus on each individual’s form & he is never short of an encouraging word.
I would recommend James to anyone who was seeking to improve their strength & mobility in a safe & supportive environment.
I really like training with Amber in small group and team training! She is very knowledgeable and I’m seeing overall gains in strength by training with her at First Capital Gym!
Ryan is a great trainer. His approach is perfect for me, challenging but sensible, which helps me stay consistent! I’m definitely getting stronger and feel like I’ve found a home at First Capital Gym in York, PA!
Eric has been a terrific instructor and coach for me. While I have been a certified personal trainer for years, I specifically sought out Eric’s knowledge and expertise in kettlebell training to enhance my own fitness regimen. He has also been instrumental in helping me improve my mobility training, which has helped me get better at my jujitsu game.
I’ve been training with John for 4yrs now and have to say that he has extensive knowledge, expertise and passion for nutrition and training.
At the beginning of each kettlebell session, John would break down and demonstrate the fundamental movements used for each exercise. Some of the exercises I do during training range from single/double handed swings, squats, clean, press, snatch and get ups. John will constantly monitor my movement/technique, giving me advice along the way, so I could make corrections as required.
By using kettlebells in my training, it has enabled me to develop my core stability, increase my strength & endurance and mobility.
Many thanks John for all your help over the last few years.
I have been working with John for over 2 years now, originally to lose some weight but with Johns guidance and support I love my strength training. Always look forward to my deadlifts and kettlebell training. Has been a complete change in my lifestyle since I started training with John.
Andrea is a great instructor with deep knowledge of human body and training methods. He is so focused in his approach and so methodical that he will guide you to unbelievable strength levels or whatever your goal is. They say, “Never trust a trainer who doesn’t train himself”. Well, Andrea is a true student of strength. Continuously developing and expanding his knowledge and skills. But also a great person, polite, gentle, pleasant. I couldn’t recommend him more!!!
I first worked with John over 4 years ago after having my first child. Through his down to earth approach and consistently going above & beyond to help his clients, I have learned so much and progressed in my strength journey. Initially I was pretty apprehensive for a ‘kettlebell’ rookie like myself, but with John’s coaching and motivation my confidence and my strength have grown. Not sure I will make an Iron Maiden but who knows with John’s knowledge and ability to encourage people to challenge themselves……
I began training with John in January 2017 when I was recovering from surgery having suffered a serious rota cuff injury in 2015. I had physio and recovery for 2 years and instructed by doctors not to exceed weights of 10 kgs.
With Johns I was doing one on one personal training three times a week. With somewhat simple and very controlled exercises I have achieved goals way beyond my expectations.
I now can complete multiple sets of 10 pull-ups and regularly deadlift 115 kgs (5sets of 5)
Having taken all the nutrition and lifestyle advise offered by John, I now weigh 78 kgs, feel healthy and happy and at 65 years of age I don’t think that’s too bad at all.
I was first introduced to Eric when he was coaching Muay Thai and I couldn’t speak more highly of him as a coach, trainer, and overall person. I transitioned from going to Eric strictly for Muay Thai into also using his knowledge and expertise to improve my strength and conditioning. He always made difficult things fun to learn, ie kettlebells, has always been meticulous with detail, is patient, safety oriented, stresses mental toughness, and of course personable.
Piers has built a strong, supportive community at QKB, which is built around his philosophy that “training should build you up.” He really is a student of strength, and has solutions for any problem, whether you’re a beginner or have been training for years. He has a gift for finding simple, memorable cues that help movements make sense. I highly recommend him, wherever you are in your training journey.
I met him personally at a seminar on Kettebells in Athens. Ultimately the most important thing even from your love of exercise is your coach. George has a gift in method and understanding. If you can trust you can succeed. I hope to see you soon and practice for SFG1!
John is a loving soul who pretends he’s a hardass. He is very convincing. This extends to us having absolute confidence in him. Sessions are hard and rewarding and we laugh a lot, which is important. He is absolutely on top of his game
In just 6 short months I have developed a passion for kettle bell training that has given me huge improvements in strength, fitness and mobility. I have James to thank for this 100%.
I attend 2 or 3 group kettle bell classes a week with James. The classes are always fun, varied and interesting. James keeps focus on technique and safety which has given me the confidence to train with kettle bells on my own as often as possible.
James clearly has an extensive knowledge of kettle bell training and I am thoroughly enjoying learning as much as I can from him!
James has supported my training for many years now, including introducing me to using kettlebells. He carefully trained me in a range of exercises, both in personal training sessions and in group classes. He is extremely attentive to developing excellent technique and good form which helps me to feel safe and avoid injury. I must say, by bringing kettlebells into my training James has really helped me to step up my overall fitness and especially my core strength. James is incredibly supportive and always positive. He constantly adjusts training to suit my capabilities, motivation and training goals as they change over time. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.
George Paradissis is a very pleasant person with great will to teach you to use right his passion, which is of course the kettlebells. Excellent professional !
I have been attending James’ kettlebell classes at Unique Results for the past 3 years. As with everything James teaches, the focus is always on technique first and foremost. Whilst every class hones the core moves of swing, squat and press, James will introduce training programs and ‘mini challenges’ to keep the classes interesting and to share his continually increasing knowledge. My love for kettlebells is completely down to James’ teaching style, expertise and enthusiasm.
I was the child that faked her ‘get out of PE’ notes at school. And now I chose to exercise! And I enjoy it.
I believe this is very much down to James’ coaching and specifically his coaching of Kettlebells. He provides safe, invigorating, fun kettle bell sessions.
He is a stickler for technique and breaks down each move into simple to follow steps that build to challenging routines that make his clients goals a reality.
On January 1st 2017 and 2018, a group of us led by James swung our Kettle Bell 2017 and then 2018times in one session after completely the 10,000 swing challenge in December. If this is not evidence of a motivational trainer, I’m not sure what is.
Eric is an excellent trainer and mentor. His vast knowledge of the human body and how to train it correctly is superb. His education along with his passion for nutrition and physical health shines through in what he does. Eric is patient, professional, and a true asset to all level of fitness enthusiasts. San Diego misses him dearly!
Megan has definitely changed my life. I’ve been training with her for nearly a year and it has revolutionised my view on fitness and ultimately my view on myself. By setting goals every few weeks, she keeps training fresh and interesting. Always explaining things in ways that make you really think about what you’re doing, and she always has an answer for any question- no matter how stupid it may seem. She is an absolutely fantastic trainer and I wouldn’t hesistate to recommend her to anyone- whether it be injury recovery, general fitness or training for a specific goal. She is fantastic.
Rachel is dedicated, passionate and so educated. She doesn’t just stick to the “trendy” workouts or what gets people sweating, she does what makes people’s lives easier. She helps people move – she helped me get rid of my migraines and be able to touch my toes. The skills she has taught me mean that I can go to the gym and I’m engaging the right muscles so I don’t injure myself. It’s not just about a workout, it’s about living without pain.
I met Kim years ago first like student and then like a kettlebell coach in my facility. She moved to Roma now and she left a big hole here. A lot of “knowledge in a pocket”. A patient and detail-oriented coach. Lessons always interesting and great a motivator. Absolutely recommended. Thumb up!
A deep well of knowledge and skill meets a kind, big heart! Those are qualities that I look for in a teacher and coach. Rachel has a unique blend of all of those. My journey with Coach Rachel began 2 years ago after a chronic injury that I’ve had for 6 years. The transformation has been amazing!
Thank you!!!!!
Two words. Positive. And motivational. The words you want from a coach who can push you beyond your limit(s). And who can keep you motivated (with a smile) throughout the process.
Piers Kwan exemplifies all that I believe is essential as a StrongFirst Team Leader. He nurtures a community of like minded people at Queensland Kettlebells, seeking to move well and get stronger, through a variety of methods. Beyond that he continues to lead, motivate, and develop those (both within and external to the QKB gym) that regard him as both a coach and a mentor.
I’ve been working with Hans for at least the last 2 years. In that time I’ve had major strides with my form and strength. Working out with Hans is actually fun, in part because his coaching has made me so much stronger. He has helped me perfect my form so that I am safe and effective with him and on my own. He’s has pushed me to challenge myself, while respecting my limits. I can’t recommend him enough!
Jade has impacted me in more ways than just being a fitness instructor. She motivated me to pursue strength training in my early forties. After she introduced me to the kettle bells, I was hooked.
I began to enjoy my workouts because she made me believe that I could be strong, fit and enjoy the journey regardless of starting late. Her pleasant demeanor and positivity has made all the difference in my approach to fitness. Jade has set the bar high for other instructors.
I’ve trained with Nandor for almost 3 years. I started training after taking a year off due to an injury but I was 4 months away from my wedding and needed help fast. This turned into training for my honeymoon 3 months later, which later became training because it was a part of my lifestyle.
Nandor offered various programs for my goals and eventually helped me train through my first pregnancy. He’s an amazing coach and now a good friend. Our new goal… losing the baby weight. I’m sure he will have a great program for me.
I’ve trained with many trainers over the years but none that have consistently motivated me and adapted to my lifestyle the way Nandor has. I’ve set what I thought were impossible goals and we’ve reached them together.
As a firefighter, Jeremy as a professional mindset. He quickly knew how to find my strengths and improved my weaknesses. Far from each other, I send to him my training videos to get corrections. Jeremy has established a personal program to help me reach my goals. He gaves me quick and intense workouts to match with my busy lifestyle!
Jérémy is definitely a dedicated and benevolent coach who will satisfy you no matter the difficulties. He will motivate you in your quest. Thanks to Jeremy’s advices, you will be a skilful athlete and will increase your potential!
In Colin you will find a wealth of knowledge that is hard to come by combined with the analytical mind of an engineer. He’s been a guiding force towards many parts of my physical training, from post-surgery rehab over the changing of body composition to sports-specific performance improvements. I’m very much looking forward to keep working with him!
I just finished the one day kettlebell course in Alexandria, Va. and Thavy worked as my coach throughout the day. She was very friendly, encouraging and full of knowledge. I know her observations and input of my technique throughout the day made an improvement then and there and will continue to guide my training and help me to get me stronger and meet my training goals. I believe she is an excellent example of what a Strong First instructor is and would not hesitate to seek out here advice in the future.
Excellent instructor with the ability to explain concepts and principles in a way that can be easily understood by all. She is very personable, and makes training fun! If you have the opportunity to practice and learn from her, do not hesitate, you will not be disappointed.
I have tried several Fitness plans over the years and the workout programs at Underground Fitness Revolution have had the best results for me. I love that you get there, workout hard and you are done in an hour. Clients are SO supportive and make it a positive atmosphere with NO intimidation!! Nate will adjust your workout for your personal issues if needed and work with you to reach your goals. I highly recommend Underground Fitness Revolution.
I was recommended by Daniel for my back pain and I found that Piers gives you the space to learn and grow at the pace you’re comfortable with. This creates a unique training environment focused on long term benefits and community. I’ve become much stronger than expected, feel less back pain on a daily basis and feel happier for being apart of the awesome group of people who also train there.
Piers is a great team leader and mentor who displays a genuine interest in seeing his clients move well and be strong, without bias or judgement. Not only does he facilitate a great community gym with quality instructors, he also leads a great community of supportive like-minded people who want to move better and feel strong – without ego or bias.
Highly insightful, intuitive and all round great coach. Piers has a great depth of knowledge, highly recommend to anyone wanting a practical approach to long term, sustainable strength training. As a practitioner I have no hesitencies referring patients to him.
Piers is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with. His knowledge of movement and his passion to help people are second to none. In the past he has helped me work around injuries so that my training didnt suffer. On top everything else he is an awesome dude.
Piers is an excellent person who is very passionate and knowledgeable. He has helped me and countless others so much. His passion and commitment shows everyday and acts like a magnet, causing his clients to turn up day after day, creating a community that does more than training together.
Steven is a fantastic instructor. His professional knowledge of the appropriate technique is clearly evident. His unique ability to encourage, motivate, construct, and push us to the next level is truly a gift! We are abundantly blessed to have Steven in our community to promote health and wellness through his personal story, and his ongoing efforts to encourage others.
I have attended kettle bells for a few weeks now and Steven is a excellent instructor! He is very attentive to everyone in the class to be sure we are lifting correctly and learning! You can see his passion for teaching others come through in every class. Great instructor.
I’ve been doing kettlebells for a couple months now and Steve is such an awesome instructor! He pushes you to do your best and is encouraging along the way. He is always attentive to everyone in class and helps correct your form to ensure proper technique to avoid injury. He makes kettlebells fun and I look forward to class each week.
I had loved getting back into the “swing” of kettlebells. Steven takes the time to encourage and push you. He stayed extra for me the other week so that I could swing the big bell. I can tell that I’m getting stronger with each class.
Andrei is an exceptionally skilled and talented kettlebell trainer. I spent a little over a year with him and was impressed by his emphasis on technique. He absolutely required that I master the basic skills before advancing to the next level. I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone interested in kettlebell training regardless of fitness level.
Last week I did my video recert for SFG 1, Pavel was in charge for me and the whole proces. I was surprised with his level of profesionalisam, passion, and the level of knowledge he delivered during the 1.5 hour of recertification. Amazing. It was a huge experience and honor to work with Pavel and I hope I will have a chance to work with him live. All the best to all SFG family arround the globe.
Ive been training with Cristiano for the last 3 or 4 years and after been trained with many different people he is the one that has brought what i needed for my body. A part of having tremendous knowledge of body movement skills and many different techniques , he also connect with the people and know exactly what they need and when ! Each person has there weak point and he helps to develop this part using and preparing a long term scheduled training where you see long last results and creates a deep conscience of your own body and its possibility ! Cristiano is one of a kind of trainer and having the chance to train with him is a gift !
Kylie is a fantastic coach – so smart. She sees movement remarkably well and can pinpoint issues quickly. She tailors her feedback and programming to the individual for great results. She’s also kind, serious, fun, tough and supportive! She’s a professional – a skilled trainer, and I recommend her highly!
Kylie is a sensational personal trainer, workout partner and all around motivational coach. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She is tough, fun, creative, amusing, authentic, versatile and capable of kicking my butt more intensely than anyone I have ever worked out with. Kylie cares deeply about her clients and their goals and becomes personally invested in your success. She takes time to meet with you before setting up a training program to help you achieve your goals and is able to tweak a workout to your goals, body style, etc, as well as offer great advice on nutrition. Kylie is patient, kind and highly motivating and with an awesome Australian accent, is a pleasure to listen to, chat with and be yelled at! I look forward to every workout and have recommended her to others. Kylie is a total 5-star!
Kylie has been a pillar of support for me training for the SFG 1. In addition to her insight into technique flaws, she went above and beyond as a mentor. I appreciate her combination of mental training to complement the physical training, and it has been so useful to me both with kettlebells and in life.
Kylie is a GREAT trainer; she cares deeply about the needs of her clients and applies her training to the specific individual. There is nothing rote about Kylie’s approach but rather her training is tailored to the goals of each person. She’s extremely fit, funny, vivacious and supportive. You will LOVE having Kylie work with you.
I had the pleasure of attending Analisa’s kettlebell course. She is an incredible instructor! We had just the right mix of fun and work. Analisa is warm and funny which made the class all the better. Your strength skills will suffer if you make the poor life choice to miss her training!
I did my Cert with Andrea in 2018. She was approachable, consistent and very knowledgable. Working with her brought a lot of wisdom and energy back to my training
I was lucky enough to find Dustin fairly soon after he moved to Tulsa. I was looking for a trainer certified with Strongfirst and he had just happened to move here. Dustin is a great coach with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. I am a physical therapist and his sessions have helped me develop new exercises for my patients as well as for myself. I was really missing kettlebells after moving here from Ca, but he has helped me get right back into it and has been an amazing motivator!
Without having previous exposure to weight or kettlebell training, I knew I wanted a professional to guide me through this journey. I wanted to educate myself about strength training for a positive lifelong change. Brian is a fantastic coach educating me about foundational movements and progressing at a pace comfortable for me. What is most motivating is Brian “practices what he preaches” without being intimidating. I see myself training with Brian indefinitely.
I had the chance to meet Jérémy during a seminar organized in Nantes.
He is a passionate coach and pedagogue who knows how to share his knowledge.
I recommend him without hesitation.
J’ai eu la chance de rencontrer Jérémy lors d’un séminaire organisé sur Nantes.
C’est un coach passionné et pédagogue qui saura vous transmettre ses connaissances.
Je vous le recommande sans hésitation.
Claire is an amazing coach and person! Before meeting her I had never picked up a kettlebell, now I have them in my house! I’ve learned so much about strength training from her!
I met Betsy four years ago at her gym Rapid Results Fitness. During the year I was a member of RRF my kettlebell skills improved immensely thanks to her fantastic instruction and I got into the best shape of my life.
In 2018 I decided to pursue the SFG I certification. Even though I had relocated from Durham, Betsy agreed to assist me in preparing. I would not have passed the cert if not for her invaluable insight and instruction. Her passion, knowledge and recommendations kept me focused, motivated and improving. I’m so grateful for all of the assistance she provided. If you have the chance to work with Betsy privately, at her gym, RRF or through an StrongFirst seminar – I highly recommend it!
Where do I begin? Eileen is a wonderful teacher. She inspires through example, precise teaching, encouragement and humor. She is a keen observer of each student and offers helpful suggestions for improving body awareness that leads to safer and more effective movement. I love and appreciate the group atmosphere which is also very supportive and helpful. At 72 and two years of working with Eileen, I have never felt stronger and more confident in my skin. I highly endorse Eileen and Just Kettebells to anyone of any age and level of ability. You’ll be amazed at what your body can do with the right support.
I tried Ericka’s kettlebell class on a whim several years ago, and have been hooked ever since. Ericka’s creative training plans make every class exciting and challenging. Her attention to each individuals’ needs never wavers: just this morning Ericka helped me fine tune my goblet squat and I was able to find strength and ability I didn’t know I had. Ericka provides support, challenge, respect and a terrific sense of humor (oh and the best music!) – a combo that makes it easy to wake up at the crack of dawn several times a week to get my kettlebells fix! I compete in canine agility, and the work I do in my EDK Training classes has translated to faster sprints, more endurance and improved footwork on course. Heartfelt thanks to Ericka for all of your hard work and support! I am so fortunate to be able to train with you and my fellow EDK friends.
I can say when I came to Nate five and a half years ago, I was almost 150lbs, and a tight size 12 pants. Menopause did a number on my body. Now I’m a comfortable 8, and I have been for the past four years. You can’t find a better or more effective place to reach your goals. I don’t have to think about anything, Nate tells me what to do and it works. Imagine attaining your fitness and weight loss goals attending only three sessions a week. Try it and you’ll never exercise anywhere else!!!
I know Pavel from a lot of years and when I knowed that Pavel was thynking about teaching a new course I thought: “I have to do it”!!
I taked part in the first inaugural StrongFirst Resilient event last we in Vicenza (Italy). The course and the content was very interesting e Pavel was perfect into every aspect, I learned a loto of new important things.
See you soon Pavel
I am going to be 63 this year and I train at UFR. I love this place! It is better than a family — everyone gives positive encouragement. I am stronger, have better balance, and improved range of motion. I can carry sacks of mulch and compost in my garden, which I built suing cement blocks. I run up and down stairs with my granddaughters. I will keep moving as long as I can — and my coach, Nate, makes sure I move correctly. Come join us. You will never regret it.
Pavel is a very precise, knowledgeable and personable instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from him at the very first StrongFirst Resilient Workshop in Vicenza, Italy.
I started with Nate’s Metabolic at home work outs which were great for my schedule at that time. I joined the gym about a year ago and I have not felt this strong and healthy in years! Nate’s gym provides a fun, small group atmosphere and he brings a ton of energy and knowledge to the work outs. It’s amazing how he can keep his eyes on everyone to ensure proper form! He is also careful and aware of different fitness levels. The support he provides (physical and nutritional) is great for those needing it and new to this level of training. I’ve never felt intimidated, he makes the new members feel very welcome and the experienced ones like family! If you are wanting a change and willing to work for it, do it!
After lightly “badgering” me for several years to workout with her, my good friend Lisa finally succeeded, but ONLY after I saw her one day and in shock I said, “what happened to your body”???
She always looked fit but something was very different. She was so lean, and I could see more muscle tone, especially in her arms. When she laughed and said no, she hasn’t been sick, she had heard of a new gym in Alachua that was promoting a 3-week trial special, so she gave it a try, was hooked, quit the other gym she’d been going to for several years, and that’s how I heard of Underground Fitness Revolution.
August 8th, 2012 I went with Lisa as a guest for a free workout. My life, as I knew it, was drastically changed after that workout. I had no idea exercise could be fun. Prior to joining UFR, I belonged to a gym since 1988, but I stopped going as I wasn’t motivated nor did I get much help when I did go.
I immediately signed up for the next training phase, and this August I’ll be starting my 8th year at “UFR.”
I’ve never, ever stayed with anything this long. As long as I’m alive and able, this is my go-to haven. When I started, I was 40 pounds heavier and NEVER felt intimidated or ashamed. We are all there for the same basic reason.
Now the reasons I love UFR:
Number one, Coach Nate.
I’ve always wanted a personal one-on-one fitness coach but too expensive. At UFR that’s exactly what you get but in a group setting. There’s no more than 10 people at a time in each class so Nate is right there making sure your form is correct and you’re performing at your peak. You will never be forced to do anything you’re not comfortable doing.
Nate is very knowledgeable about weights, kettlebells, nutrition, adamant on performing all exercises correctly, super funny, family-oriented, and makes his gym fun to come to.
He just opened a new, pretty, shiny, clean gym, and you’ll never smell anything but clean. The workouts are different each 4-week phase and are customized by Nate.
Everyone does the same exercise but use the weight Nate recommends.
Nate’s focus is strength, number one.
The variety is what makes the workouts fun, and you get results.
My life revolves around my workout schedule.
I am stronger, healthier, have more endurance, energy, and I’m basically a happier person.
I highly recommend UFR, but you have to do the work. Nothing is easy, and the workouts that Nate painstaking puts together, will guarantee results, I promise.
As long as you, DO WHAT NATE SAYS, you’ll be a happy camper. I am. Just do it!!
I am probably Nate’s Oldest client for almost 7 years now. I love the people who train alongside me.
Young and older, we all have the same goals..to be healthy, strong and balanced and of course to keep extra weight off.
Nate plans the workouts for us, we all do the same things just using different weight based on our own strengths. He stays with us giving good “form“ advice. If you need nutrition advice he can give it!!
If you can up, walk a straight line and pick something up off the floor, you can do this.
Whatever your issues are..maybe you are just lonely, come and try Working It Out!
Underground Fitness Revolution (UFR) is more than just a great place to workout, we are a family!
I have been training at UFR since May of 2014 and absolutely love it! I have gained so much strength, flexibility, mobility and knowledge about food and nutrition.
It is a non-intimidating judgment-free environment.
Nate, the owner and trainer, is very passionate about what he does and practices what he preaches!
If you’re looking for a great place to train, I encourage you to check it out!
My journey to UFR started about 7 years ago when I hurt my back so bad that I could not walk straight.
I went to several physical therapists and they all told me that I need to work on strength exercises.
One day a friend of mine posted on Facebook about this new class that she just had joined and was thrilled about. Best of all the first class was FREE.
Since then I have became strong and lean. My osteoporosis reversed and overall my health is 100% better.
So, without my coach Nate I would not be where I am today!!!
He has shown me everything from eating right to exercising right.
He is constantly improving himself so he can improve us.
I can firmly say that he is one of the best coaches in the area.
Awesome trainer and training in a group setting. Have experienced incredible results under Nates instruction. You will not find a better plan for health strength and overall fitness with a time commitment of less than 3 hours a week!!
I love training at UFR. I have been a consistent member for over two years and I don’t believe I have ever done training that works my entire body. There are so many times when I would rather not go at the end of my day, but I know if I don’t I will be missed. Those that I work out with are super supportive and fun loving. There is no judgement. Nate expects everyone to work to their potential and pushes you if you are not. I love being more flexible, I love being stronger and have so much more energy. Lastly, I don’t have to think….I come in and I do what Nate says!! So easy, yet so results driven!!
Since joining Underground Fitness Revolution with Nate I have become stronger and I feel Great! Nate offers a variety of class times which works great for my busy schedule. His dedication and attentiveness to each of us while we preform various excersises has been a key component to my success. Making sure we perform each excercise correctly to avoid injury, answering all our questions and his continued support is absolutely encouraging! Thanks so much Nate!!
Excellent gym and instructor who holds everyone accountable. Working out made a tremendous impact on my daily life. I definitely recommend working out with Nate!
I love going to UFR. I’m a vuluptuous diva, and I don’t feel awkward or singled out here. Nate is attentive and is sure my workout is injury free. He also modifies my workout if needed. I also love that I can work at my own pace and where my body feels comfortable.
I love the variety of workouts at UFR. I appreciate Nate’s enthusiasm and fitness knowledge which really keeps us motivated. UFR has been an important part of my life for 6 years and I look forward to the next 10 years!!
Training at UFR with Nate has been great over the past few years! Not has my form improved but my strength is so much greater than I thought it could be. Definitely recommend for a great place to train!
Stéphane is an experienced coach, excellent pedagogue and a trusted friend. He never miss an occasion to help you and give you good advices about technique and programming. Definitely the StrongFirst instructor you want and need for preparing the SFG1 cert!
I’ve been working out with Nate at Underground Fitness Revolution for a little over 3 years. He and the other clients are very supportive of each other- it really is a family. The workouts are structured well and most can be completed in 45 min or less, which is great for my busy schedule. I also enjoy the 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off approach (although you can still train for 4 straight weeks with no break), because the off week allows me to do other things such as running or yoga. Nate knows what he’s doing, and he even has lots of alternative exercises for those with chronic injuries or pain. I was able to work out up until I delivered my baby, and so he’s also knowledgeable about what exercises I could do while pregnant. I also like that I can go workout at noon during my lunch break. He also gives occasional talks/workshops about diet and exercise so that we can get the most out of our experience. Highly recommend Nate and UFR!
Nate provides detailed individual coaching in a small group setting. He has class times to meet all schedules! I have been training with Underground fitness for 9 years!!! The benefits are tremendous. He has taught me nutrition and strength to keep me healthy for a busy lifestyle!
A friend invited me to join her at one of Cheri’s kettlebell classes. Although I was nervous about being a beginner in a class full of experienced people, it didn’t take long for me to feel comfortable there. Cheri looked at each person in the class, suggested which kettlebell they should use for whatever exercise she had demonstrated, and then turned her attention to me. I was amazed at how she could give me such individualized attention in a class of at least 10 other people and be able to coach each one of them at the same time. That was almost 2 years ago, when I was 69 years old.
Thanks to her expert knowledge and sincere interest in her clients, I’ve since joined the group of people in the class who know what to do with Cheri’s suggested kettlebells. ‘I’ve watched her coach new people in the group, giving them the same attention to detail that she gave me in the beginning .
The individual attention never really stops, though. Cheri is always mindful of everyone in the group, always aiming for her clients to improve their form to avoid any injuries, and to be able to get the most out of their workout.
As a result of the way she runs her gym, it has become a family of caring and encouraging people of all ages. Thanks to Cheri and the support of my gym family I’m able to do things I could never do when I was younger and I’ve lost 11 inches!
I’ll be 71 in a few months and I’ve never been stronger or felt more comfortable in a gym.
Thanks to Cheri and the staff at her fabulous gym, I’m improving my balance and I’m getting stronger. I know that the stronger I get, the more independent I’ll be as I get older.
Thanks, Cheri, for helping me improve my quality of life while having so much fun!
Nate is AMAZING. If you want to work hard, have an infinite number of different workouts that are all challenging, which are designed by an extremely knowledgeable provider, this is your Trainer AND YOUR GYM!. Nate has helped me work on form, focus, and nutrition. He has truly helped me to LEARN my body and invested so much time in me as he does with each of his clients. His 30 years of experience has literally built my body.
He is a true expert in his field and is constantly growing his knowledge to best grow his clients both inside and out. He is funny, creative and has built an environment at Underground Fitness Revolution that is highly motivating, family oriented, non-judgmental, and AMAZING!
Every workout is intense but every workout is also different and is designed very specifically to build muscle, burn fat, and increase overall quality of everyday health and well-being. His nutrition plan and recipes are OUT OF THID WORLD TOO!! He’s a true genius. Nate will hold you to account to push yourself, and you WILL see results. I cannot recommend him enough!
Underground fitness is awesome gym, and he is running the show! Nate’s level of expertise allows him to work with people of all ages, all fitness levels, and to work with people who have injuries and or disabilities. You can 100% tell Nate has a passion for people and for what he does. He truly cares. Underground fitness Revolution is so much more than just a gym. So, If you are looking for a trainer that actually cares about health/wellness/fitness and his clients…. Look no further. Come join our fitness family! I am very lucky to have found him. Underground Fitness Revolution is a hidden gem for sure …You HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT!!
Nate is an amazing coach! I have been going to Underground Fitness Revolution for almost 2 years now, and love it! It is the first and only program that I have ever stuck to.
I never knew what a kettlebell was prior to attending UFR, and now I use them with proper technique and am getting stronger and stronger.
Nate and all of us at UFR are so helpful and supportive. I plan on being a member for LIFE!
Nate has helped me become stronger and significantly reduce my lower back pain. I have exercised for years, though I would often avoid certain exercises, afraid I would cause further injury to my back and neck. Nate has helped me learn how to get stronger while avoiding further injury to my back. I’m able to do exercises I never thought I would do again!
I love this place! It’s a group atmosphere without being crowded. Nate cares about his clients and makes sure they get the encouragement and attention they need. I’ve been a member here for a few years now and feel a difference in my endurance, strength and focus when I put in the effort and #dowhatnatesays. We welcome everyone with open arms and support each other. Come join us for one session and I think you’ll be hooked!
No one person is alike. Personal trainers go through the motions. Nate creates new workouts to mix things up. Boredom isn’t something you have worry about. Without realizing it, you’ll become stronger and healthier. Nate is consistently educating himself to provide you with the latest information. Come workout with us! #wearestrongfirst #dowhatnatesays #progessnotperfection
Coach Mark Limbaga is my go to person when it comes to strength & kettlebell. But beyond the strength skills & knowledge. His passion for seeking mastery & the wisdom to simplify the complicated is what makes him a Jedi kind.
It is unfortunate that strength & kettlebell is underrated & has not been quite understood yet here in our fitness industry. As a strength & KB practitioner we are fortunate to have an elite strong first instructor like coach Mark who can shed light on strength & KB & unlocks your potential to maximize your performance in a very simplistic way.
All you have to do is just ask him & you shall receive.
I had a great experience with Andrea for my Level 1 Recertification. Her expertise, knowledge, and passion cannot be understated. Having the opportunity to work with her has been instrumental to refining my skills.
I’ve been working with Saša for three years now. I have to say that Saša is an amazing professional. He always adjusts exercise to my possibilities (and sometimes, when I have a tough day, to my mood). I’ve learned a lot of new exercises with him, and I use the rules of body movements in my everyday life as well. Since I am 46, sometimes those rules save my back, shoulders, knees…
Saša is an excellent motivator, sometimes totally funny and at the same time he has the characteristics of a coach who makes you cross over your limits, and exactly that kind of work brings best results. I see this progress by the way my body is shaped, no matter my age.
I think Saša is an example of what a coach should be.
Zach is an amazing instructor. The way he makes sure we’re being safe and properly doing the movements gives me confidence that I’m not goin to hurt myself. He knowledge and understanding of kettlebells Is impressive and he’s dedicated to helping everyone get stronger while having fun and be confident with the skills he’s teaching.
Cheri is a terrific trainer with incredible exuberance and patience for her students. I started going to Elite two years ago to learn how to use the Kettlebell properly.
Training with her in private and during classes helped teach me the kettlebell basics that have helped me in my OCR training. I highly recommend Elite Strength and Performance for anyone who is interested, whether a beginner or advanced kettlebell user.
Very detail oriented and technically correct coach. He designs a very good routine by keeping in mind the strength, Force & Resistance. I would highly recommend him as a coach.
Sunny is an awesome instructor. She is all about safety, and correct form, in every exercise or lift that my husband & I do. Sunny has been our instructor for over a year now. We have never been disappointed in any training sessions we had with her. She makes every session both fun & challenging. Sunny knows everything there is about how our muscles work together & how to improve core strength. She always has the answer to any aliments or questions we have. Always quick to come up with solutions to improve our workouts. We are both so much stronger & feeling healthier since Sunny has been our instructor . She is one of a kind, and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an experienced instructor.
Roughly two years ago, Hector decided to take me under his wing and be my mentor. To say my training and those who I train did not improve is a massive understatement.
One of the best teachers and people you will ever meet
Sunny is a literally amazing trainer. She is highly knowledgeable about the mechanisms how the body works. She continues updating new knowledge about nutrition and diet, too. I’m a PM&R (Physical medicine and rehabilitation) doctor myself, so I can tell whether a trainer is coaching his or her client based on the correct understanding of the body. She notices and corrects my pitfalls even it is a very tiny incorrect posture or insufficient volition. People who workouts seriously would know how important the right way of exercise is. Sunny knows and executes it.
I have been working with Sunny for almost two years, and, in that time, I have become the strongest I have ever been. I’ve also become incredibly gym confident. I used to stick to treadmills and large group classes – now, I’m able to go to the gym and go to all of the “scary” areas and completely hold my own – whether I’m swinging or pressing kettlebells, or heavy lifting. I no longer look at people and think “I wish I could do that”. I know how to do that.
Sunny is a wonderful instructor. Her knowledge never ceases to amaze me – nor does her desire to continue to learn more. She truly loves what she does, which gets me excited to go to the gym to work with her.
I started training g with Louka almost 4 months ago and could not be more impressed with his coaching style and his approach to making you strong. I have learned more and progressed more in my little time with him than I have at any other point in my training and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anybody who is looking to get strong the right way. Best gym and best trainer I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
I always look forward to working with Andrea because I always walk away with at least two to three new “tricks” to dial in my form. I did a video recert via FaceTime and even though connection can be choppy at times, she did not miss a thing and I appreciate that she brings even the tiniest things to my attention. In my opinion, those little details can add up and sometimes it is just the slightest correction that can make a huge difference.
Thank you, Andrea!
I did the kettlebell and body weight course with Louka in the fall of 2018 in Lacombe, Alberta at Fit Body Boot Camp. Louka was so focussed and professional. Safety came first, but aside from that he had a very calm yet motivating way about him. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of his training. There was no judgement. Everyone was treated equally. It was ridiculous how much I was able to learn in just two days. I highly recommend spending time with Louka to take your skills to the next level!
Louka is The best kettlebell Coach I know!!! He as been my coach for the last 4 uears and I have learn so much with him! And being myself a trainer, I also learned a lot on good cueing and coaching!!!
Louka is one of a kind trainer. He is very present and attentive to my needs. I was very impressed with Louka and his approach. He is a very dedicated and generous coach. I would gladly reccomend him to my family and friends, or anyone who is looking to get stronger, healthier, loose weight, gain musscle, or be happier with their body.
Louka is not to not only passionate about his craft but also he masters and roles model his craft very well but also he knows that he is a student for life, always learning, always growing and always curious and for him it doesn’t stop at Kettlebell only, he has a lot in his pockets and hats.
I am privileged to train with Louka and learn from him. Amazing human being.
I had the opportunity to receive online coaching from Louka for a loaded carry program. While I am often skeptical of online coaching, Louka proved to be adept, aware, and informative throughout the program. I had heard of the many benefits of loaded carries, but Louka was able to walk me through the process of how best to integrate them into my practice, how to compliment them with other movements and lifts, and how to maximize the gains from the program in multiple stages. If the rule of thumb is to avoid online coaching, Louka proved the exception and demonstrated excellence throughout the program. If I’m ever in Montreal, I’ll definitely be stopping in for a live instruction!
Louka is amazing! He is very passionate, perfectionist and knows how to maximize someone’s strenght. He has offered to help me but most importantly guide me with my OAPU so I can become a SFB certified instructor. I am beyond grateful.
Loukas is a Kettlebell technician and a wonderful teacher. He is able to break complex movements into attainable steps and can address difficulties from a functional perspective. The day that I spent learning from Louka has made a very large impact on my kettle bell practice.
Louka is a great trainer and i recommend him specially for the people who have physical problems he is capable to train them with no pain and can overcome their physical problem during training
Louka is a great teacher and really knows his stuff. I came to him after having read a few books and watching a few dvds and he really helped me to get my technique on point. His workshops are well worth it. Looking forward to the next time I will make it to Montreal to train with him again.
Anne is a stellar technique coach and programming guru. She points out those small adjustments that can be made in body position to make the workout perfect. She’s also excellent at developing training programs that deliver results. I’ll keep coming back to Anne.
As a two time Kona Ironman qualifier I have ambitious athletic goals and as a physician I am very discerning in my choice of trainers. Ericka came highly recommended, and my first hand observations of her working with clients confirmed to me that we would make a good fit. I have not been disappointed. She comes prepared to each of our sessions with a carefully crafted menu of exercises to work through, each building upon the previous within that day’s workout, and building in a more holistic fashion from week to week. The progression is well thought out and designed to target my weaknesses while improving not just my strength but also my flexibility and posture, all while avoiding injury. I highly appreciate her attention to detail in getting me to execute each move in a technically precise fashion, and her demonstrations of the movements leave me with a profound respect for the degree to which she has honed her craft. Working with Ericka has made me a stronger and more resilient athlete and under her tutelage and support I am left with a sense that my best is yet to come. What more can you ask for?
I’m not sure how I became interested in kettlebells but my first experience was ordering a DVD and trying to self-teach myself kettlebell techniques. That was a mistake. While I was immediately hooked on kettlebells, I also quickly realized that I would gain a great deal more from my workouts if I knew I was executing with proper form ( I have since learned that it takes years to master that form….)
Since then I have worked out with some good coaches and some not so good coaches. Three years ago, I found Ericka. I knew I had found the coach for me.
Ericka is committed to proper form and after three years of swinging those bells in Ericka’s classes, there are still days when Ericka needs to remind me to tweak what I’m doing. Just this morning she looked at my feet and had me slightly adjust the direction of my heels. Just a small correction, but it was a big difference. You can’t get anything by her and that is exactly what I want.
There are many places you can go to take a kettlebell class but if you want a coach, if you want to work with someone who is going look at what you are doing with a laser focus and analyze what you are doing, then you want to work with Ericka.
When she does a group class, she’s not up there working out with us. She’s watching, correcting, suggesting and encouraging. She coaches – not just in private classes but in group classes.
Private sessions with Ericka helped me crush a PR goal while recovering from injury. In early 2018, I set a goal for a PR military press. As an experienced kettlebell student, I knew I had some “leakage” issues to resolve in order to achieve it. Then, in early spring, I suffered a bad ankle sprain. I laid off of my press goal for a few months to focus on active recovery. Impatient to get back on track, I turned to Ericka for 1:1 coaching. Ericka’s laser-focus on perfect technique was just what I needed! In addition to improving my core strength, Ericka helped me regain flexibility and correct asymmetries caused by my injury. Equally important: she reminded me to be kind to myself when I was frustrated. By our last session, I had achieved my PR goal and made huge gains toward full recovery. Ericka is a phenomenal coach who brings it all: excellent training, passion for coaching, and compassion for students!
I’ve been taking kettlebell and barbell classes from Ericka at EDK Training for a little over a year. I am not a big cardio gal, so when I was introduced to a workout that included iron, the high school athlete in me came back alive. I mostly appreciate Ericka’s focus on technique above anything else. She does a great job at slowing down the process in order to prevent injury and teaching movements correctly from step one. However, do not be fooled, she also encourages and pushes her students to work up to their fullest potential. It creates a fun environment when your coach is highly vested in your progress and at times is more excited about your accomplishments than you are. I highly recommend Ericka an any of her multitude of classes she offers. You will not be disappointed.
If you are looking for an amazing trainer in the Edmonton area, look no further! Logan is an absolutely amazing coach. Not only is he immensely passionate and knowledgeable about his craft, he is also incredibly personable and kind; he genuinely wants you to succeed! Logan took me from knowing nothing about kettlebells (I could identify them on sight and that’s where it ended) to coaching me through all the stages necessary to getting my SFG-1 certification as well. Through his guidance, I was able to walk in to my certification weekend confident that I could complete the skills.
In every session Logan will push you to be stronger, mentally and physically, he will make you laugh, sweat and in all likelihood curse his name a little.
He will truly make you an overall stronger person, and I am forever grateful for the knowledge he has imparted on me since we began training together.
Tom is a awesome instructor. Training with him for 6 months I found myself not only stronger, but also have more stamina to do the activities I enjoy. Tom balances well between strength and mobility and he ensures that your overall abilities develop together to create a stronger and more resilient body to take the hard work. He also focuses on correct motions to protect the body from injuries. He does not rush things or simply put on more weight but rather build a solid foundation towards the more intense training. I think his methodology really helps me improve in the training. I look forward to training with him and my progress too!
I met Jeremy twice for practiced KB.
Jeremy is a very good coach who knows what he do!!
He got lot of knowledge, very accessible, shows a perfect technic. As coach he has advices to teach you and make you better.
I recomanded him for everybody and hope to train with again!
See you « keumé »
I had the opportunity to take part in Jeremy’s workshops. Accessible, open-minded and dynamic, he made me realize that my physical activity was largely perfectible. With his sharped advices, techniques and listening, he helped me releave my pains and improve my performance. I recommend Jeremy, of course, to any athlete who wants to progress smartly and listen to his body! Thank you Jeremy!!
I trained with Nandor in London for about 7 months before I moved to Paris (and I sadly couldn’t take him with me). Nandor is a great instructor and personal trainer.
When we first met I said to him: “I don’t like going to the gym, I’m bored super easily, I’m not very patient, and also I’d love to get fit and lose weight as I’m basically chronically unfit and overweight. All that while having fun otherwise I won’t last”. Dream client, right?
Well none of that phased Nandor, who in 7 months went on to help me lose nearly 10 kg, reduce my body fat percentage, build muscle, and most of all succeeded in making me LOOK FORWARD to go to the gym for sessions. We did a lot of resistance training, kettlebells, and some muay thai boxing which I had asked him for (and which is great fun and great training to do!)
To top it all up, Nandor is the friendliest, funniest guy and it’s a pleasure to spend time training with him, so I highly recommend him to anyone who’s after a good trainer in London town.
Excellent instructor for people of all fitness levels , if some one is serious looking to improve conditioning , joint mobility , flexibility and have a real fun with kettlebells then Louka is the person to reach .
I have been taking classes with Jordan since he started at Alpin Haus Fitness. I have attended his mobility, kettlebell and functional training classes. I have learned from every class I take with him. He pushes me and I’m amazed at how strong I actually am. Jordan is very knowledgeable and I like learning new things from him. He also will work with you if you don’t understand how to do something. I often tell people that they need to take just one class with Jordan because I know that they won’t be able to stop at just one class.
I started going to Alpin Haus a year ago and about one month after a becoming a member I met Jordan and he has given me so much knowledge and continues to show me even ways to expand my mind, body, as well as understanding of the fitness world. He is more than just a trainer; he is a scholar in anatomy and physiology of the human body as well as a phenomenal mentor to me on my journey of becoming a certified trainer.
Having exclusively been a runner and yogi for 16 years, I was a bit intimidated to try Ericka Darst’s kettlebell class this morning. Within minutes of being in her class, I realized my concerns were unfounded. Ericka provided a very welcoming and safe space to work out in. I also appreciated how she broke down the mechanics for each of the kettlebell forms we worked through to keep our bodies in proper alignment to maximize the benefits of the work being done and prevent injuries. I will definitely be coming back for more of her classes!
I have been attending classes with Jordan for around a year and a half at Alpin Haus; his overwhelming knowledge never surprises me. I have learned so many new movements and he has helped me to improve my kettlebell work immensely. I have become a much stronger woman after working with him and have even surprised myself how strong I have become. If anyone is struggling with how and what to do in the gym I highly recommend taking any of Jordan’s classes!!! He is a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to share and is always happy to help.
Bruno was the lead instructor for a Kettlebell class I attended. His ability to impart his knowledge and relate to athletes of all abilities is inspirational. I learned a great deal. Anytime I know Bruno is coaching near me I will attend his sessions.
Steve is an amazing instructor. I knew he was highly regarded when I first sought him out but after training with him he far exceeded my expectations.
He clearly and concisely instructed us on the correct technique, form and drills. He is a exceptionally polite and well mannered individual and it has been an unbelievable privilege to refer to him as my teacher. He is patient and very methodical in his instruction. You wont find a more courteous and thought provoking kettlebell instructor and also someone who practices what they preach – his numerous accolades testify to that. His is an inspiration to novices like me.
With regular work, you learn the technique to have strength. A discipline that works the whole body. The results are surprising and effective.
Discovered recently, I am adhered to and I position myself better in the movements of everyday life.Total discovered, thanks to my club coach and instructor
I’ve trained with several kettlebell instructors, certified and non-certified, and Ericka Darst is the best.
There have been two important game-changers for my training and overall fitness: 1) discovering kettlebells and StrongFirst’s methodology; and 2) choosing Ericka Darst as a trainer. She pushes me to work harder than I would on my own. Her coaching of technique and form enable me push myself and avoid injury. I look forward to the training sessions.
I have a wife, four kids, a corporate career, and a commission in the Army Reserves that all keep me very busy. Most of my training is done on my own in our basement or in a small gym at the office. I’ve found kettlebells to be an ideal tool for training at home.
Still, my gains went up even more after making the decision to attend at least one session with Ericka each week. I wish I had found her sooner.
If you’re considering kettlebell training for the first time, I highly recommend purchasing ‘Simple & Sinister’ and finding a StrongFirst trainer to help you master the movements. If you’re in the Twin Cities, I recommend contacting Ericka.
Just been able to get back to doing kettlebell after being out for about 4 months. Steven is now teaching the class and does a great job. My husband and I enjoy the class for many reasons. One of the main ones is that Steven always has a different work out planned for us. It is one of the best 30 minutes anyone can spend working out. He is always attentive of beginners and past swingers making sure we all keep good form and technique. Glad I could finally get back with the class!
Analisa is called an Iron Maiden for a reason. She lives strong as an athletic and social example. As a coach myself, I can attest to the progressive qualities of her technique correction. She is really great at nourishing strengths while pushing my athletic skills to their max. I’m glad to review such a solid human being and I hope you too can get the chance to share time with her!
I’ve been attending Steven’s kettlebell class for a couple of months. He definitely takes me out of my comfort zone. He always makes sure correct technique is being used to avoid injury. I feel as though I can accomplish anything during this class even if the workout seems impossibly hard, I know I can do it thanks to his coaching. I always enjoy his workouts!
I have been attending Steven’s kettlebell class for about 4 months now and it is one of the highlights of my week. He is always patient, encouraging, provides a great class atmosphere and makes sure everyone is in proper form to avoid injury. Thanks to Steven’s leadership, I am already having great results and becoming stronger in a short amount of time.
Rebecca encourages and pushes me to do my best. She does it with humor and enthusiasm. I do not feel like I am lesser around her. I do feel like I am in good company and leadership. She gives me hope.
Kettlbellz is a wonderful facility and I hope to fit in with the other more advanced members someday.
Steven goes the extra mile to make sure your technique is perfect and that you are safely preforming each workout routine. Kettlebell is becoming my favorite class. He made a comment that he wouldn’t ask us to do anything that he hasn’t done himself. I’m a strong believer that a great instructor can make all the difference. With his encouraging, positive attitude I’ll be there every time I can.
I am a 73 years old lady and before i started training with Ray i suffered low back pain and i was afraid of starting exercising as i thought it could do more damage than good to my condition but, to my surprise, Ray was very meticulous when explaining and taking care of my execution which i found to be very helpful in my rehabilitation process. After a few weeks i started to feel and move better and now i am doing things i thought i could never do again like walking without pain, charging my grocery bags with no pain and that’s just amazing. I love training with Ray.
This is my first kettle bell class to ever attend. I love the fact that we get a great workout but also get time to catch our breath! Steven is great on technique and proper form which I love. I’m so excited to see major results in a few months! Highly recommend this class!
Tonda is exactly what I look for in an instructor. He is skillfull, strong, patient, and really cares about every student. I prepared for the Tactical Strength Challenge and several Triathlon races under his guidance and he was always able to find an effective solution when I ran into problems.
I recently began going to Steven’s Kettlebells class. He is a dedicated instructor. He provides feedback and encourages you throughout. His classes are intense and leave you exhausted. I look forward to going and getting fit. Steven is great guy and seems to enjoy teaching his classes.
My daughter and I are new to Steven’s class but we already love it! I appreciate the fact that he is truly an “instructor “, he tells you the how and why but also takes time to show you what to do as opposed to just being a leader expecting to be followed. He has created an inviting atmosphere instead of an intimidating one. We checked out his class because of his story but we continue to go because he is friendly and does a great job of keeping everyone motivated.
I mainly joined FitLife to take part in the exercise classes they offer. I have always heard great things about kettlebells, and decided I would make that my first group class to attend. I have been going to Steven’s kettlebell class for about a month now. After that first class, I was hooked! He takes time out to engage with the new people- to make sure they fully understand the proper form/ technique for each exercise. And even when you become a “regular” to the class, he still engages in conversation, and constructive criticism. He values everyone’s opinions, and loves to help others achieve their goals. His class is very fun, and I leave each time feeling like I made a huge accomplishment. He’s the type of teacher you want to have for every group class!
Just started kettlebell! I was so nervous to do something different, but felt like a million bucks after Steven’s class. He was able to lead the class and at the same time make sure my technique was correct. He pushes and encourages at the same time. Can’t wait till the next class.
Pete is an amazing instructor. As a Certified Massage Therapist I appreciate his attention to proper form and alignment. I had been experiencing pain after exercising and lifting weights. With Pete’s instruction I learned how to feel my body being in proper alignment and the pain associated with lifting weights has disappeared. These techniques have become extremely useful in my profession and day to day activities. I highly recommend Pete as an instructor and someone who can enhance your workout performance.
Although initially introduced to Kbell by someone else, I approached Eugene because of his certification with StrongFirst. Before he began training me, he had me read “Enter the Kettlebell”. Even though he taught me in a group setting, he always gave me individual attention, as he does with all of his students.
Now that I train on my own, he still inquires as to my progress and is always ready to answer a question or tweak my form.
His energy towards training is infectious!
Tim has been instrumental in mine and my family’s personal strength. What a real treasure Tim is! He’s the best and I would look no further if you are seeking to be strong and healthy.
Ray has been my trainer for over 4 years now, i love the way he trains and teaches me about movements efficiency, good form and good technique, i have trained with quite a few trainers before but Ray keeps impressing me as he’s always giving me the best advice to improve my performance. I would really recommend him if you are looking for a personal trainer in the Mexico City area…
Colin is an excellent coach/instructor. He can explain why you’re doing what you’re doing and how it works towards the goal you want to achieve.
He’s always learning and applying that to his coaching. I train much more safely and with a healthier mindset as a result of having been coached by him.
Brian has worked with my wife and I for over eight years now, and I couldn’t recommend a better trainer. He is patient, encouraging, challenging and above all safe and knowledgeable. Brian’s wholistic focus on health is remarkable, as is his tolerance of my whining. He’s really top notch, and I’d highly recommend his expertise. Without his help, I don’t think I would have developed any desire to exercise much less sustained it. He is, quite simply, saving lives.
Brian introduced me to kettlebells 10 years ago and I’ve loved every workout session ever since! He makes each workout varied and enjoyable and tailored to my needs. If I need a modification for a movement he doesn’t miss a beat and has a couple to suggest. He’s always very knowledgeable, flexible, patient, encouraging, and upbeat. I’ve done individual training, small group and large group sessions with Brian and he’s always enthusiastic and supportive. Even in bigger groups, you know he’s watching your form and helping you make any corrections needed to stay safe. I love how much stronger I am since starting my training with Brian and highly recommend him for anyone looking to improve their strength and fitness.
Today it was an important day for me. I had to face the Master – I mean Pavel. I was very much worried about this meeting. First of all I had to recertify my SFG Level 1. I was stressed. It turned out to be an unique and fascinating adventure. Pavel turned out to be not only a demanding examiner but first of all a helpful hand to me. He gave so mane piece of advise which improved my performance. I strongly recomend his work. Pavel You are becoming a role model for me. Thanks a lot for Your support. Stay Strong&Healthy
Regards
Eric was a great instructor. We jumped right into my skill level, which was different for different exercises, and moved them forward quickly. I had been using KB’s on-and-off for years and I needed help tweaking little things that I couldn’t fix myself. Eric is great at teaching what you are doing wrong and how to fix it, not just telling you to move without you understanding. He also was very helpful with questions, and would describe the reasoning and context around them. Would highly recommend.
Matt’s knowledge and ability to work with any skill or fitness level is fantastic. Not only does he get you working hard, but he is also encouraging along the way. I would recommend Matt to anyone looking to get into KB training or take their skills to the next level!
If only every day in the gym could be a Sunny day! Sunny days are full of motivation and new fitness knowledge. She can get the most out of you by keeping a close eye on form and consistent encouragement. She knows her stuff. She is itsy bitsy but is a great spotter who can lift many times her own body weight. I feel safe pushing myself when she’s around because I know I’m doing it right (and that carries over to when I’m solo). And she actually cares about her clients on a personal level which makes working out fun. Even if you aren’t working out with her on a particular day, when she sees you in there getting yours, she peps you up. Oh, yes, and if you do what she says, guess what, you get mad results. She is the best of the best.
I first met Betsy at the 8 hr. KB class she held at RRF. I had been ” messing around ” with kettlebells for some time, and felt it was time to learn how use them correctly. That class was great. I was so impressed with Betsy’s understanding, kindness, and ability ,that I signed up for an SFG weekend.
I had a great experience at the weekend, however, I didn’t complete the snatch test. Enter Betsy once again. I reached out to her, and she got back to me right away, and in a few short weeks, I was able to pass the snatch test.
Betsy’s support, attention to detail, and professionalism is second to none! She truly takes the time to help and teach in a completely organic way. THANKS BETSY!!
After many years group class of cardio fitness without any goal, there is more than 1 year I met Yann. This meeting has change my vision of sport… and bring new challenges in my life.
Yann started to teach me a solid technical grounding of kettlebell to be stronger.
Then he initiated me to kettlebell in swing, press, get up, snatch…without to forget values of “StrongFirst”.
Day after day he is still a very professionel coach, patient and encouraging. He makes me discover the importance of mobility and awareness of his own body. Today I feel stronger and self confident. I am ready to go further.
Yann success to completely enagage m; My new objective is give the best of myself during the Z A Challenge in Paris.
Well done Yann 🙂
Après plusieurs années de cours collectifs cardio sans avoir de réel objectif . Il y a un peu plus d un an, je me suis tourné vers Yann pour qu il m enseigne les techniques de bases du kettlebell afin de travailler et développer ma force.
Yann est un coach très professionnel et très patient, il a su pleinement remplir sa mission
Il m a initié petit à petit à la pratique du kettlebell en swing, press, get up, snatch…. tout en me transmettant les valeurs de StrongFirst ….
Il m a fait découvrir l importance de la mobilité et de l écoute de son corps.
Aujourd’hui je me sent plus forte et j ai aussi plus confiance en moi, en mes capacités à soulever lourd.
Yann a su pleinement me féderer : nouvel objectif, donner le meilleur au
Z A challenge à Paris
I have followed Anne through 4 gyms and for 5 years. Her programming is fun , challenging, and has helped me improve my strength and fitness to the best level in my life. She is also fun and her classes are a blast. She is a great inspiration.
Jess is one of the most incredible trainers I have had the honor to train with. A trainer that meets you where you are and really helps build you up, step by step, progression by progression. She modifies and challenges at the same time while keeping your form in check. As a plus size woman, she has empowered me and has helped me trust and learn my body through her programming and coaching in a sustainable way. She has a true gift of figuring out what her client needs and goes the extra mile to ensure your goals and safety are met and that you are always challenged. And she is truly genuine, one of a kind, who tells you how it is with compassion and fact. The fitness world needs more trainers like her!
The best coach I have encountered by far in strength and conditioning. His attention to technique is remarkable. He’s an authentic, genuine dude that can teach/coach anyone he encounters. I am a CSCS, FRCms, doctoral student in Sport Pedagogy, USSF licensed soccer coach, and have yet to find a teacher/instructor of his caliber. Humble enough to continue his education and one of those bad asses that will never tell you he’s a bad ass. I wish all of my athletes would train with him.
Brian loves to be in a room full of people, working hard, challenging themselves to set and work towards their individual goals. He can make a room full of people doing different work feel like each person is getting his personal attention. He is always evaluating methodologies, approaches, and workouts to make sure that his ideas are current and that he has strategies for all of our different exercise needs. I have achieved the most strength gains and goals working with Brian. I appreciate his methods and approach to keeping me healthy, strong, and excited about working out.
Ericka is an excellent coach. She is passionate about teaching you the correct technique but also strengthening your ability to believe in what you can accomplish with the right mindset. Training with Ericka helps me approach things I thought I couldn’t do before from not only a strength perspective but a confidence perspective. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for her training and it’s carryover into my every day life.
Dan is a fantastic coach. He is patient and knowledgeable. I only had a few training sessions and he taught me so much with the limited time we had. I cannot thank him enough and i wish i had more time to train with him. If your looking to learn or improve how to use kettlebells or barbells Dan is your man!
Tonda is an awesome instructor! He always has so many mindblowing tips and tricks up his sleeve, seems like he really knows a stupid-easy but super effective hack for every movement you have trouble with. He teaches with real passion, you can tell it is not a job for him, but a LIFE MISSION. Thank you for every lesson, bruise and blister, Antonin!
Where do I begin, I met Brian a little over a year ago. I went through two online coaches where progress was little, if any. Brian was very patient, he spoke with me in length over the phone (I think it was an hour) even before meeting me. I shared him with the experiences of what hasn’t worked so far. He took me under his wing and within a year’s time through bulk/cuts, I reduced my body fat by 8% and gained 4.5 pounds of muscle. I even managed to build a half of pound of muscle, when I was cutting and doing cardio 6 days a week, which is next to impossible. Brian is very patient, he still deals with my endless questions (I suffer from paralysis by analysis, just ask him). The reasons I love Brian is because he practices what he preaches, doesn’t force the same monotonus routine for 12-16 weeks at a time and is always there when i need him, he has even responded to a text message as early as 430 am (I wonder if he even sleeps). Brian is a wonderful asset to StrongFirst.
I found Jason on the strong first website and was so excited first of all to have an SFG so close to me. I went to him to help me train for the SFG I. I’ve been training kettlebells for several months and I thought I was doing things decently well. Very quickly Jason was able to point out where I can improve on the basics such as the swing and the get up. He is an absolute wealth of knowledge and not just with kettlebells but with many other modalities, Indian clubs, movement, mobility as well as Functional Movement System. Being strong is not just a job for Jason but is also his personal lifestyle which I respect. I highly recommend him and I will definitely be going back to him before I go for my certification .
I have been going to Elite Strength and Performance for 2 1/2 years. I can honestly say that Cheryl Christie has changed my life. I have had several serious injuries and was told not to do many things, like lift anything more than 30 pounds, dont lift anything over your head. Well I now press, swing snatch, etc, kettlebells much heavier than 30 pounds. I also just participated in the tactical strength challenge and deadlifted 225 pounds. Cheryl is a great instructor. I trusted her when i started because of her physical therapy background and im so happy i did. The workouts at her gym have made me stronger, more confident and also improved my mobility. I highly recommend Elite Stength and Performance abd Cheryl Christie!
I never would have believed that I would be as strong as I am in such a short period of time under the coaching of Cheri. The one on one support to ensure that you’re lifting and swinging properly has brought me to a level of strength without injury and has changed my life.
Cheri is a phenomenal trainer and changed my life! She is the reason that I received my SFG1 certification. I am stronger and feel better now, than when I was in my 20’s and 30’s. I am so thankful that she brought kettlebells into my life.
She inspires her clients and pushes us to the best of our ability. The result is hitting goals I never thought I would be capable of.
The absolute best!
I’ve been training with Jason on and off for a while now. At least 5 years. He has a strong passion for functional strength, but never sacrifices on form. He is a great teacher and coach. Jason introduced me to kettlebells (hard style). Then progressed to barbell training. Today I am practicing progressive calisthenics with kettlebells and I make it a priority to always touch base with him. In those meetings we mostly focus on form and mobility. Thanks bud for all your help, you gained a student for life.
Thoughtful, caring, and a true student of physiology/sports science and always striving to learn more. Ben listens to your goals and tunes in during each session. As a fellow SFG I would recommend Ben to anyone looking to achieve a fitness goal(s) over a wide spectrum.
I have been training with Sunny for a little over a year. With her guidance, In exercise and diet, I have lost nearly 60lbs! I have a new outlook on life thanks to her. She is currently helping me transform from round, husky and unhealthy, to a tone fit athletic body type! I couldn’t be happier with her knowledge, encouragement, and support in my journey from flab to fitness! Thank you Sunny!! Let’s get now get ripped!
I started training with Sunny at the end of 2017 for Olympic weightlifting after being inspired watching her lift at our gym. I was 49 at the time and had a lot of doubts, but Sunny cheered me on and had a way of explaining I could understand. Besides being tough and demanding the right way of moving, she was encouraging and accepting of my limitations. I trained with her well into summer of 2018 until she helped me in choosing a program suited for me, and she is still very supportive and helpful of my choice to be a weightlifter at 50. She will always be my first choice for a strength coach. Did I mention she is funny, knowledgeable and strong?!
My wife and I have been working with Sunny since April 2017. We are both in our 50 and it has been all about core. It is always something different and that keeps it fun. Both of us would like to say thank you. And yes we will continue to work with Sunny……
Pete is “Strong First” in every way. He has helped me immensely in my rehabilitation of physical, mental and neurological challenges these past months, with consummate patience, wisdom and consideration on my journey to regain strength and health. I am 70 years young.
Pete is a stand-up guy; 5+ stars!
I found Dan after many years of searching for a qualified kettle bell instructor. I have been training with Dan for 6 years and under his guidance, and coaching, successfully tested for my SFG I in 2017. Baltimore Kettle Bell Club is a friendly gym with a non-intimidating, family-like atmosphere. Classes are fun but challenging. Dan is an energetic and dynamic strength coach that is passionate about sharing his love of strength training with everyone regardless of age, shape, size and skill level. The small class sizes allow for close individual attention and focus on safety and proper form. He fosters a welcoming and supportive environment that makes strength-training fun for everyone.
Augusto is an excellent instructor. I was so impressed at how well he moves and his strength that I reached out to him to help me with my double KB lifts. He is very humble, but has a ton of knowledge and is able to distill it in a way that is understandable and appropriate depending on your level.
Definitely reach out to Augusto if you are looking for a trainer in West Orlando.
I’m a personal trainer and StrongFirst instructor and recently reached out to Tim for help with my own training.
I’ve known Tim for a while and can’t believe I waited so long to get some lessons from him! He is an excellent teacher of strength! In our first lesson he was able to refine my technique which lead to immediate improvements in my lifts.
Tim not only is a great coach, but is incredibly strong and moves really well. He has a great eye for finding out what you need based on your skill level.
I would highly recommend Tim to anyone who wants to get stronger or move better and look forward to continuing to learn from him.
As a certified personal trainer, I was looking to expand exercise options for my clients. After reading several articles about kettlebells, I decided to locate someone to teach me the basics. I could then incorporate kettlebells into my client’s programs. The first instructor I found was taking a short hiatus from teaching and suggested I contact Dan. This referral (for a few lessons), is now approaching seven or eight years of working with Dan. Dan’s coaching style and expertise has helped him build a dedicated exercise community that I’m very pleased to be a part of! I happen to be one of the more senior members of our group and am in the best shape of my life. In large part, I give Dan credit for helping me get to this point. Looking for a top-notch trainer…see Dan!
I did my recert via FaceTime time with “Coach” Andrea. Even though we were in separate cities, her coaching made the experience potent and highly productive. Working with her was a great recharge for my fundamentals.
Dan has trained me for the better part of a decade. His ability to teach is second to none. I definitely would not be the trainer I am if it was not for him. In the state of Maryland he is the absolute go to for all things kettlebell.
I have been working with Dan for a year and half. It is been the most transformative period of my life. Dan is not only knowledgeable about the mechanics of training, but is incredibly motivating. He has built a supportive community of lifters who encourage and inspire each other. I am constantly amazed at how he keeps track of the progress of each of us. On a personal level, he has not only inspired me to train and get stronger, but thanks to him I have entered two Powerlifting competitions, winning first place in my age division (Master 4b, 75 – 79), and am currently the National Bench Press Champion in my age division. http://usapl.liftingdatabase.com/lifters-view?id=46585 I certainly couldn’t have dreamed of that if it weren’t for Dan’s coaching. He works with athletes of all ages – children through late 70’s, and seems to know just how to bring out the best in each of us.
Whatever it is you train for, expect to excel at it under Dan’s training genius. I was skeptical of kettlebell training up until my first class with him last year in October of 2017, and that class kicked my butt. Been working with him ever since, and will continue to work with him for the foreseeable future.
Nandor does not train me but I can confidently say this guy knows his stuff and its been a pleasure to know him and be able to ask him questions whenever I need to! He is one of the only few PTs I would recommend a freind go to especially for somebody starting out he knows the basics and it is very refreshing to see somebody who truly loves what he does and is clued up on it as well its a great pleasure to have you in my gym brother!
Dan has really helped me realize that I am capable of so much more than I thought. He is a great trainer and his gym has the perfect atmosphere for me. Definitely recommend!
There are many trainers out there that open gyms, put together generic programs, and don’t really engage with their clients on a personal level. That is not Dan Cenidoza’s approach. When you step into his gym, you are family. He gets to know his clients on a personal level, not just a fitness one. He is a great motivator that sees the potential in everyone that walks through his door, making The Baltimore Kettle Bell Club a safe place for people to come, feel vulnerable, and then grow from that vulnerability. I’m so glad that I found this training home!
A bit more than a year I am working out with Sven as my coach now. I have never thought kettlebell training would be so much fun. For me as a beginner it has been very helpful to get the exercises demonstrated. Sven takes his time to answer questions and to advice. I appreciate his motivating nature. It is always a pleasure to train with him.
Zach is a fantastic trainer. I was totally out of shape, my body just didn’t function. Basic balance was out of the question. He never made me feel bad about what I could or could not do, he just encouraged me and gave me ways to get stronger. He pushed me to my limit and low and behold I started to improve. His classes are well thought out, and fun. Life changing.
I took a class with Zack and thought he did a great job! I was a beginner getting back into fitness and he modified everything in detail for me to prevent me from injury or pushing pass the point of safety. I appreciated his approach to safety and form first before all else. I will continue to be trained by him after I birth my 3rd baby and look forward to getting back into kettlebell again in the future!
I began training with Nandor leading up to my wedding. After analysing what I could and couldn’t do, he began with my mobility which has improved exponentially, changing the way I live! After those issues were solved he began an intensive program for me which introduced kettle bell training. I ended up looking exactly like I wanted for the wedding, having lost a significant fat percentage and gaining lean muscle. I also completed the 4 week kettle bell challenge with him and he has been pushing the kettle bell weights up ever since! Nandor is a fantastic trainer, he has an amazing knowledge of exercise, the body and how each movement impacts physical development, and is always improving his own learning which speaks volumes to those he teaches. He is always ensuring that his Clients have the correct technique, that they work hard and push their goals even further!
Coach Jason is awesome! He is not only amazing at what he does, but he actually cares and has a heart for people. Jason is so knowledgeable about different areas of fitness but he also knows how to break it down so that everyone else can also understand. He watches everything you do to make sure you have great form to avoid injuries but he also knows how to push you to be better and do better. Love working out with Jason and learning from him!
Marcos is the best movement teacher I have in a while. He is very meticulous, attentive to every detail. He also plans the season very carefully and worries every day about my recovery and my needs. I truly recommend his work.
First and foremost, besides being a true professional, Sasa is a great and positive person that cares deeply about his students. Dedicated and passionate in every aspect of his work. He will guide you through technique, and drive you forward with meticulous attention to detail. He will explain every move from multiple angles ranging from basic physics to brain-muscle connection, making sure that you have proper fundamentals in place to be able to perform any given move in safe and most productive manner.
WARNING: Once he is confident that you are ready to progress, he will push you hard. No pain no gain.
Andrea has been a consistent and amazing coach through my SFG career. I’m always excited to work with her and am inspired by her sharp eye, meticulous standards, and firm but warm coaching. She is always friendly, encouraging, and patient. A rare gift to the business.
I had the pleasure of meeting Yoana Teran on December 2, 2016, at the first SFG I certification in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (state), southern Brazil. She is such an energetic person with great charisma, who promotes a positive atmosphere for training with focus and enthusiasm. It was at that event in South America that I decided to attend the first SFG II in San Diego, CA, where I realized that Yoana was indeed the right person to coach me for that more ambitious endeavor.
After witnessing how talented she is in teaching and motivating people to overcome their challenges, I sought her help through online training. Throughout a period of eight months of hard work, she proved her ability to evaluate, correct, and provide personalized training programs that helped me secure a SFG II certification. She also gave me great feedback when I was preparing for the SFL, which helped me immensely in hitting that target. Yoana also trained me for the SFB certification, who once again made all the difference for me to achieve the goal of becoming StrongFirst Elite.
Words are not enough to describe how much I learned from her, how empowering her methods are and how I appreciate her expertise and dedication in helping me reach my goals. I strongly recommend her to everyone aiming at difficult undertakings like those. Thank you Yoana for all the great work you do and for being such an inspiring person!
Great coach, in addition to taking care of each position in each training and helping you achieve your goal, it fills you with knowledge about what you are developing in training, which broadens your vision and takes you into this wonderful world of functional training.
It is as important to develop body strength as mental, it makes you be constant and disciplined.
No doubt injected passion for this sport!
I have a couple of months training with him and I just can not wait for another day of training!
I have noticed more strength and coordination in my training, a lot of energy and incredible results in my body composition.
I just have to say thank you Coach!
You’re the best!
I’ve had the benefit of having Grace as an instructor for my very first kettlebell program. Having no kettlebell experience prior, I was nervous to see what my capabilities were and if I could manage to learn the specific techniques unique to kettlebell under her guidance. Grace was excellent in gearing the learning process to my particular level. She was very patient and focused on making sure I was doing it right! Her positive nature and compassion for fitness is infectious and leaves you wanting to come back for more!
Andrew is one the best trainers I have worked with, period. He is extremely knowledgeable and always prepared. The workouts are tough and concise. He is always in a good mood and you can tell he really loves what he does. My only wish is I could train more than once a week!
Valerie does a superb job of getting class participants to have good form and have a positive experience in every class. She is a great at encouraging, motivating, teaching and coaching.
Five stars for a great guy who deserves ten… Andrew is an awesome trainer. I have been working with him for almost a year and have been stoked by my progress. I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. Andrew’s positive attitude, knowledge and approach to training are motivating and challenging. He really listens to you and tailors workouts to your specific goals, limitations and schedule. He has helped me refresh my workout regimen by introducing me to kettlebells and animal flow which were unfamiliar territory for me. Now I’m addicted. I would highly recommend Andrew for anyone seeking to get to their next level of fitness. THANKS ANDREW!
I joined FitLife of McComb a little over three months ago. I have been active most of my life, but being a mother, wife, and teacher was the most important things to me so being active and healthy was falling behind. The first couple of classes I attended, I made my husband or a friend go with me. I was shy and a little intimidated. Steven has helped me overcome that weakness. I now can’t wait for class. Husband or no husband, I rarely miss. I also feel so much better about myself. I can be the mother and wife I want to be while staying fit and healthy. I owe this to Steven and my sweet kettlebell family. Thank you Steven for helping me get motivated about being the best me!
Andrew is a extremely knowledgable trainer who focuses on each clients goals. I’ve worked with him a couple of months now and each work out is interesting, challenging and keeps me motivated to come back the next time. I would highly recommend Andrew to anyone looking to get in better shape.
My favorite workout of the week is kettlebells! Steven is a such an encouraging instructor. I feel like he pushes us outside our comfort zones, but always makes sure technique is correct. I have become a stronger lifter because of things learned in his kettlebell class. His amazing story is such an inspiration to so many!
Stephen is a very dedicated and committed instructor. His positivity and passion for what he is doing comes through in every class. I love the way he encourages me to push myself farther but with great compassion and attention to safety and proper form. Since starting my journey to be healthier I have lost 25 pounds and feel stronger than I ever have. I directly relate this to Steve Melton being in my life! He is such an inspiration. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Stephen and his wife Robin. His Classes are a great work out and we really have a good time!
Carlos has been my personal trainer for almost four years, and in that time he has helped me to be stronger every day, healthier and sexier. He is always aware of the technique of execution of the exercises and transmits the passion for kettlebell training. Without a doubt he is the best StrongFirst instructor in Mexico!
A great new instructor at the local gym Fitlife in Mccomb MS. He strives to give everyone a great workout and make sure everyone has the basics down before moving on. Everyone enjoys his class and he has a killer music selection!
Steven has been an inspiration to so many. He is very committed to a new lifestyle that includes eating clean and working hard in his workout program. He is an outstanding citizen outside of his interest in health. A fine example of what a young man should be. Great Christian leader in his community, business and family.
I have attended Stevens kettlebells classes and he is great! Lots of energy in the room , attention to good form and always has kind words of incouragement.
He was my coach for a little more than a year and I highly recommend him, he has great attitude, shows a lot of professionalism and love for his job, personally he helped me a lot, he’s always aware of the techniques to improve our execution, he passed on to me the love for kettlebells and now I look forward the course of these in StrongFirst Mexico.
Carlos, Charly as I first knew him, motivated me to train with excelent attention -and patience, since I was completely new at training-, he explains every exercise with detail so one can make it apropiately. As I kept training, he made me understand limits are only in our minds, and impossible is nothing.
He’s so great in his job, he help me to get to my goal, such a great trainer, he’s good explaining all the exercises and if you are doing something wrong he teaches you to learn in your mistakes.
A really good instructor
Carlos has inspired and motivated me to get involved in Strongfirst training. He is an excellent personal trainer. During each session, his full attention is on his trainee, correcting and making sure each excercise is well executed to avoid any injury.
I have been training with Andrew off and on for 2 years now. He has consistently crafted new work out routines that not only challenge me physically, but have also produced desired results faster than I could have ever imagined. His up beat demeanor, positive outlook, and encouraging training style motivated me to recommit and stay committed to my fitness goals. I would recommend him to individuals just getting back into the gym as well as to those who are looking to take their workouts to the next level. Thanks Andrew!
I have been training with Nandor for two years. The results I have achieved to date are largely due to Nandor’s diverse training methods, challenging but achievable. His professionalism and extensive knowledge and commitment to his work changed my lifestyle. I have never felt healthier and stronger. I highly recommend Nandor
Ericka’s focus on coaching proper form for each kettlebell exercise coupled with her passion and commitment to help others succeed is exactly what I needed. Private sessions with Ericka have been invaluable for me. I had previously suffered a sports-related injury that over time , due to my body compensating for the injury, lead to other injuries. Ericka’s training sessions have not only helped me get stronger, but her attention to technique and corrective strategies have eliminated the ways in which I had been compensating and significantly reduced my pain. I have truly enjoyed training with Ericka and I have never felt better as a result of it!
Andrew is great! Been training with him for 3 years and I feel way healthier because of it. Twice a week I look forward to chatting basketball and swinging kettlebells. He knows his stuff, he’s a great communicator, and it’s clear that he cares about his clients.
Tim and I first met when we both attended our first kettlebell instructor cert in 2012. He was and still is the consummate professional. Humble, intelligent and a superb instructor. He has been a resource for me ever since. If you have the opportunity to learn or work with Tim DO NOT PASS IT UP!
Andrew is, without a doubt, the best trainer I’ve had. His passion for fitness is contagious and he has transformed my body to the fittest and strongest it’s felt. Andrew took my “fear” of weights and had me swinging kettlebells almost instantly. I’d say most of the reason I was willing to swing the kettlebells was because of his enthusiasm for it. I’m really grateful to have learned so many new techniques from Andrew, and I’d recommend him as a trainer, teacher, and/or motivator any day.
My sessions with Andrew are the highlight of my week (and my life is pretty awesome so that says a lot). I was a college athlete and have been an endurance runner for the past 15 years. Andrew keeps the program fine tuned to not affect my ability to keep my weekly mileage up which i didn’t think would be possible doing strength training 3 days a week. Being an entrepreneur and a perfectionist myself, I love how Andrew is constantly fine tuning his craft. Great trainer, even better human.
I’ve worked with a lot of trainers and hands down, Andrew Mitchell is the best trainer I’ve ever worked with.
Backstory: I’m not an easy client. I’ve had 2 microdiscectomies in the last 6 years due to a severely herniated disc and some really bad luck. As a former college athlete and semi-active adult (“moderate” per apple watch standards), it wasn’t easy for me to stop working out and Andrew came in and taught me the right way to work out for my overall health and specifically to support my back and core. He knows the strength and ability of my body better than I do and isn’t afraid to push me when I need to be pushed or tell me to stop doing an exercise that I clearly shouldn’t be doing (SoulCycle). His knowledge of kinesiology far surpasses that of any other trainer I’ve worked with and makes me confident in working with him long term. Andrew is a true professional and I would highly recommend him to anyone, especially if you have an injury. Just don’t take my preferred time slot 🙂
Andrew is without a doubt the best trainer I have ever had. He plans sessions ahead of time, is always organized, pleasant and interested in my health and happiness. He is a true professional and I’m sure this is why he is amongst the top producing trainers in the Equinox system.
Ericka is a phenomenal, knowledgeable, and encouraging coach who exudes so much passion for what she does. She provides a fun and supportive environment and strongly emphasizes on proper technique. She truly changed my whole attitude on fitness, which helped me fall in love with kettlebell and barbell training. I started training with her over two years ago and I’ve lost over 35 pounds by incorporating her coaching in my routine, now, lifestyle. This whole experience has inspired me to begin my journey towards a SFGI certification. Twin Cities, run, don’t walk to train with her, she’s worth it!
Alexei is perhaps one of the most passionate trainers you can meet. He helped me along some pretty intense moments of injury with logical, scientific explanations. Alexei introduced me – and many other grateful jiu jitsu athletes – to smart training techniques such as mobility and getting stronger with kettle bells. It has been great to watch his success (along with Melissa and Luis) in opening up their own gym, which by the way is the hippest outdoor gym I’ve seen.
In only working with Luis a few times, his expertise, patience and focus is remarkable. He seems to have many loyal clients and I look forward to training more at his gym. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to get stronger, with accessible, smart and safe workouts.
I am constantly impressed with Melissa. I trust her implicitly with my workout regimen – from kettle bells/lifting to nutrition and jiu jitsu. Her dedication and attention to detail is felt each moment she is working with you whether in her amazing gym or at the dojo. She asks good questions, listens, applies her expertise and remembers for the next time. I am undoubtedly stronger physically (and mentally!) because of Melissa.
For the past sixteen months I have been privileged to train under the direction of Brian. As a twice wounded Vietnam veteran my overall health/strength was very average at best. I have a full joint and bone replacement in my left shoulder and right leg due to these war injuries. In a matter of just a few weeks I saw incredible improvement in strength, flexibility and balance. Each week I felt better, grew in strength and saw my health go from decline to incline.
In Masters Olympics , track And field competition I recently won gold medals in discus and Shot Put. In Ultra Weight throws of the 200 lbs competition I doubled the distances in an eight month period. Brian’s instruction has changed my life, I’ll turn 70 in ten days and now I have the strength I had back in my 50’s.
Roxanne has done awesome improvements in her physical therapy treatments of my surgery and joint/bone replacements as well.
After seeing the results for themselves, I have friends now joining Primitive Strength and enjoying the benefits of the great instruction by Brian.
Nandor is a very helpful instructor and helped me enjoy training he always motivates his clients to become better and stronger. Nandor has a lot of knowledge about working out and I personally think he is the best trainer out there.
Jeremiah is a top-notch instructor. His knowledge, patience, dedication and support is unlike anyone I have ever worked with. His experience of working with all shapes and sizes, along with his caring nature, has really given me the motivation and support I needed to improve my health and strength without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. He even checks-in with me outside the gym to see if the program is where I want to be, what my goals are and how to improve his program. I would recommend this gym to everyone!
Grace is an amazing instructor with the patience and ability to inspire others. I enjoy working along side her and learning from her. She cares about her students and will go the extra mile to help achieve the individual success a person is looking for, no matter what level of fitness they are!
I recently attended the 1-day barbell course with Mike as the instructor. I wanted to learn more about technique and prepare to pursue the certification. After this one day of instruction, I came away feeling stronger and better in form and technique. Mike is an awesome instructor, he’s very knowledgeable and makes it fun to learn.
Throughout my fitness journey, Coach Mark has been, at first, a witness. Eventually, I seeked mentorship from him because of my constant and recurring injuries that needed correction. My journey up to today has been smooth sailing. Increasing my strength safely and methodically as it is the way of Coach Mark.
Coach Mark has been a big influence in my journey. He continuously encourages me along with our fellow mentees to always become stronger. Striving for more strength, Coach Mark is the perfect fit for anyone, at any age, in any condition. Competence, relatability, mentorship, and friendship are the best traits of a good coach, Coach Mark has all these and more.
Piotr Dziedzic -very good coach.
A great man with a great passion, as an instructor sets the bar high.
Classes conducted in a very thoughtful way and motivates everyone to continue working!
Piotr Dziedzic -bardzo dobry trener.
Świetny człowiek z wielką pasją, jako instruktor wysoko stawia poprzeczkę .
Zajecia prowadzi w bardzo przemyślany sposób i motywuje każdego do dalszego działania !
Potrafi dać niezły wycisk;P
Since I started training with Piotr both my strenght and accuracy of movement increased significantly. After every class I feel both tired and fulfilled. Definitely worth recommending.
I have been training with Brian for a few years now and the transformation that I have seen is amazing. Brian continues to find ways to push and motivate me every workout. Over the years Brian has become a friend and not just a business transaction, mainly because he truly cares about his clients. Brian has pushed me to accomplish many goals that I did not believe I could accomplish before training with him. He also continues to preach movement patterns, mobility and nutrition on a regular basis. Brian and Roxanne want all of their clients to grow older with out feeling like they are getting older. If you are serious about investing in your quality of life for the rest of your life, then this is the trainer for you. If you want to post on social media that you went to the gym, don’t waste his time.
I started with Brian in 2012. I was getting into shape for a brown bear grizzly hunt with a bow. Brian far exceeded my requirements and I’ve nevee stopped. He and Roxanne TrueType care about your fitness. They do not just take your money!! If you’re not serious they want train you. They are a must for reaching your goals!!
P.S. I killed a Pope and Young Brown Bear with a bow and arrow. Thank you Brian!!
I joined Brian at PS in 2012. He and Roxanne quickly earned my respect with their “practice what you preach” ethic and dedication to continual improvement in all aspects of things health. Under his guidance I have made significant gains in strength, but more importantly he has taught me safe movement patterns allowing me to increase my mobility and function better as I age. Brian and Roxanne are also good people who care about their clients and treat training as a craft, not a hobby. If you are serious about training and fitness Brian is your guy, if not, you won’t mesh, move on.
Brian has been my Strength-Fitness-Nutrition Coach since 2012. In a month i will be 63 and i am a helluva
lot fitter/stronger/healthier than i was 20 years ago.
If you are serious about life long fitness built on the foundation of strength … look no further. He’s your man.
Having had the privilege of strength training with Mark Rippitoe of Starting Strength, kettlebell training with Jason Marshall, Master SFG StrongFirst Elite: SFGII, SFL, SFB and getting my SFG certification under the tutelage of StrongFirst Master Trainer, Brett Jones … i can assure you Brian, like them, is one of the elite in fitness coaching.
Tim is an extremely qualified instructor/trainer/coach in the field of strength and fitness. Whether it’s a kettlebell, or a barbell, Tim’s ability to teach proper form and technique, that is easily understood, brings out the best in whoever he teaches. His eye for detail, to ensure that every exercise is done correctly, is his biggest attribute as an instructor.
Brian is a world-class coach who focuses on safety, form and meaningful progression. He is diligent and motivating. He cares about long-term health and practices what he preaches. He is a true inspiration to me and has changed the way I look a fitness. I highly recommend him for everything from basic instruction to a life-long practice.
I wish I had found this gym years ago instead of wasting time in “traditional” fitness centers…machines with no instruction, no motivation, and little results.
Jeremiah is motivating and encouraging, while always prioritizing safety. He takes a personal interest in everyone, spends time with each member and makes the hard work fun. The gym is a welcoming place….All the members encourage each other, and cheer each other’s successes. Kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, jump ropes, rowing machines, bands, squats, lunges, planks, push-ups….never knew this type of work out could be so effective and rewarding.
As if being a committed family man, having a full time job and his dedicated work at Huntley Barbell aren’t enough, he also gives back to the community with various fund raisers!
I met George at my Sfg I Certification in Vicenza 2018. He was my assistant, he helped me a lot, so many technical suggestions and the heart and compassion of a true Greek warrior. He is truly a quiet professional one of the bests around. Hope to see I’m again maybe for my SFG2!
Tim is truly the best! He has a special gift and eye for coaching you through to your goals. He makes sure you understand proper form and how to stay safe while getting you stronger. He’s a natural born teacher. Thank you for all you do, Tim!
Been training with Jeremiah for about over a year now and the amount of knowledge and gains I have made is incredible. His gym is the second family you never had, the strength that you never know existed, and knowledge better than a class on weightlifting in college. He will tailor a program to suit each individual that brings the results they want or simply teach the kids how to kettlebell so that they can take all the groceries in on one trip while the parents drink Starbucks. Old or young, gain muscle or lose wait, Jeremiah is a phenomenal coach and in my view one of the best.
I am a newer member of Huntley Barbell and am very happy with the classes provided. Jeremiah manages to know each and every one of his members strong and weak points and challenges them to continuously improve while keeping safety as a priority. The quality of training given far outweighs that of many other places!
Jeremiah Caterina and Huntley Barbell have absolutely changed my life. I have gained so much strength in not only my body but also my mind and spirit. I am forever grateful for the amazing support and coaching that I have received from Jeremiah Caterina. He not only has incredible knowledge and expertise in strength training, he accommodates and individually modifies training to meet ALL peoples needs. As a bonus…. he is compassionate and committed to everyone who steps into his facility.
I’ve had Jeremiah as an instructor for three years now. My overall health and body strength continue to improve. Jeremiah continues to monitor both your technique and how he continues to help me get stronger. Jeremiah has the knowledge and experience of working with the young as well as older clients.
Colin was the person getting me comfortable with Kettlebells. Great Coach who taught me what I needed to know to become an Instructor myself. VEry thankful
George is a very knowledge and patient instructor, who is a joy to work with, and has much to teach. I high recommend him, to any serious student of health, fitness and well-being.
I’ve never regretted a day I was in the gym with Nicole coaching! Her programming is diverse, fun, and functional, and she’s constantly teaching me more than just how to move correctly. Her heart and mind are focused on her clients, pushing and encouraging when needed and always helping us believe in ourselves. I wouldnt have the self confidence i do, or been able to achieve Sinister without Nicole!
Ericka is a fantastic coach, and I am so happy to have the opportunity to train with her. Her instructions are clear and informative, breaking down each exercise into easily understandable components. Classes at EDK are always fun and challenging, I learn something new every time, and leave feeling energized. Not only have I learned proper kettlebell technique, but also why it’s important in order to maximize efficiency and avoid injury. I’m always excited and looking forward to the next sweat session with the EDK crew.
As a chiropractor. I see many sports related injuries due to lack of quality training from instructors. Ericka, however is the highest quality kettlebell/barbell instructor in the Twin Cities bar none. You will see results in your fitness, avoid injuries, and have fun while doing it. I can not recommend her highly enough!
Ericka is a top notch instructor. She is very knowledgeable and more importantly, she is able to impart that knowledge onto others in an easy to learn manner. I highly recommend her if you want excellent coaching or training in kettlebells or other strength training or mobilty work
I’ve worked with Rob for a while now. He is very motivating, interested in your success, and thoughtful about your needs as an individual. I always feel challenged, humbled, and excited for my next training session.
I throughly enjoy training with Nandor – he introduced me to kettlebells. Nandor is a great motivator who always pushes me harder. He has very good technique and keeps an eye on my posture / technique.
Rachel is the best fitness trainer I have ever had! I have grown with her over the past 5 years and when asked what I want for Christmas, my birthday or mother’s day I say “Rachel classes”.
Nandor is an exceptional personal trainer. He imparts wisdom and a philosophy of training that means the cost of sessions is an investment in your future stronger and happier self.
In a world in which everyone is taking shortcuts in the pursuit of quick gains, Nandor uses training principles which are hundreds of years old. He teaches you that strength training and Muay Thai are art forms, the dedication to which is a rewarding and fun way to live your life.
Having recovered from spinal surgery I’m glad I have found a trainer with a serious understanding of human physiology who can help me in my journey to becoming stronger and healthier. I can not recommend Nandor enough.
Very professional in his job. He pays attention on many details while passing his knowledge and experience. All of that is presented in a very patient and friendly way.
He is also very attentive in noticing individual capabilities, making an extra effort giving additional advice how to improve exercising and to get the best benefit of working out.
Nandor helped me rekindle my love for martial arts. I had previously practiced Brazilian jiu-jitsu forma number of years and he added Thai Boxomg to my training which I absolutely love.
He mixes up all training sessions to h not only help with technique but also to up my cardiovascular performance.
The name and the game, being a girevik is on his blood, I admired his dedication to teach the concept and the benefits of hardstyle kettlebell. If you want frame by frame perfect execution of hardstyle skills you can’t go wrong with this guy.
My brother since ’04 from Elorde Boxing stable, knew he’d be a great coach since he knows the struggle of a fighter , as my senior in StrongFirst he helped me prepared for my SFG I certification and to be honest looking up to this guy is one of my motivation.
As far as I can remember I was heartbroken in 2014 when I decided to hit the gym. LOL! Searching the internet for some fine gym near me, it brought me to Eclipse Fitness Gym in Mandaluyong City. Being one of the head coaches, it got more interesting to meet Coach Mark because of the excellent reviews. As a beginner, I was very shy and didn’t know what to do. I cleared out the self-doubt and just let go of the fear and anxiety. Since then, I fell in love with working out. We would train together and hit unexpected PRs. I remember I’m the female student who would beta-test his programs. I loved every bit of it though! Not only I’ve changed physically but I’ve become more confident and mentally strong.
Coach Mark is a very smart, humble and professional trainer. He would sometimes impose tough love training on his students. He’s an awesome friend too. I see him as the only Kettlebell Master in the Philippines but I’m also very proud that I am blessed with his exceptional knowledge in bodyweight and barbell training. I’ve received compliments all because of his guidance. I’ve learned so much from his teachings and connected with awesome people in the fitness industry.
He’s one of the major influences in my life. I am consistently training, getting stronger everyday and living a good life. Keep spreading the true meaning of strength and happiness! 🙂
A gentleman, a scholar, and a warrior-poet. He possesses great strength, and even greater humility–a true martial artist. And he has a great sense of humor.
I’ve had the opportunity to learn from Reneta in one of her Hard Style Body seminars in Orlando, and the sheer amount of knowledge she dispensed made it money very well-spent. I’ve also had the privilege of assisting in one of her StrongFirst Kettlebell Courses. Her professionalism, and expertise in all three StrongFirst modalities are tremendous.
I’ve been following Hector’s programming for the past year, and I am very impressed. I love its simplicity and no-BS approach, which has allowed me to spend more time concentrating on my jiu-jitsu.
I’ve had the privilege of attending one of Karen’s certifications and assisting in two, and I continue to learn more from her every single time. Her mastery of strength principles and coaching is top-notch, making her capable of working with students of all levels, from the very early beginners to the most advanced athletes. She also genuinely cares, never passes judgement on anyone, and is very down-to-earth; making training with a coach of her caliber a very enjoyable experience rather than an intimidating one.
I’ve been following Mark’s fitness advice for over 10 years now. Always reasonable, open-minded, and professional, he teaches students with no judgement and meets them where they are. And despite all his knowledge and accomplishments, he remains humble and down-to-earth.
Gab was my old teammate and sparring partner at Elorde Boxing. We happened to find ourselves in the same team (StrongFirst) years later. His School of Strength in the Philippines houses some of the strongest and most knowledgeable strength coaches in the country, and would be an excellent place to train in.
Oscar is a true martial artist, and student of strength and movement. He is constantly improving his knowledge base, while at the same time humble enough to recognize when something is not his area of expertise, not being afraid to refer out. He is the go-to guy for general health and wellness in the East Orlando area.
A wealth of experience in strength and movement, Tim was the first teacher I went to for kettlebell training. I’ve periodically trained with him for the past 3 years, and he has been instrumental in my decision to be involved in the StrongFirst community.
Augusto is amazing! He’s a delightful person, incredibly knowledgeable, and well rounded. Moreover, he is very insightful and understanding of individual situations, and he never condescends.
My love for kettle bells and fitness in general came from Nicole. Her attention to detail, knowing what que’s to give, and a genuine love for the people around her made me want to pursue a career in the fitness industry. She truly cares about others goals and finds ways to make it happen! Never a bad day at the gym when she’s around! Much love and respect all the way from Michigan!!!!
Simply amazing!! Nicole’s passion for strength & fitness is contagious. She gives the perfect amount of push & support. With Nicole ‘s expertise all goals are achieved. Grateful to call her coach & friend.
Nicole is phenomenal! I love how she digs into each persons “closed door” and helps you want to open it up and find your strength! Nicole has a simple, but POWERFUL approach and knows when to push you to achieve individual goals! You can start with her at ANY level of fitness! I love her and want her to know that she has forever put a mark in my heart! ???
In the time that I’ve known Nicole, I’ve been impressed by the wealth of her knowledge and willingness to teach and help. But even more than that is her continual eagerness to learn! It’s an easy trap to fall into as a trainer, thinking you have all the answers. But Nicole is continually seeking out guidance in anything she needs help with in addition to being an amazing coach and mentor to her clients.
I had the privilege of working alongside Nicole for a few years, and not only is she an extremely dedicated and intelligent coach. She’s a real joy to be around. Nicole’s insights into my own kB coaching and performance are things I still use and teach, to this day. You will not go wrong aligning yourself with her.
Where do I start! Augusto is an extremely well rounded coach. His skills compliment every fitness goal including youth programs. Amazing spirit, sense of humor, positive, motivating, and full of talent. Great hire UFC GYM lol!!
I met Augusto a few years ago when he joined the BJJ school I train at. He is an amazing trainer bringing multiple styles and techniques to improve oneself in whatever your discipline is in. He has given me strength training pointers that has improved my BJJ game.
There are very few occasions in a life to meet real a real teacher.
A person who really understand the full spectrum of training methodoly, principles of strength and who really represent and live by these standards.
A person who inspire with strength , rectitude and comprehension as a human being.
If you meet Alexey you will probably feel all of those things
We met at Title Boxing Clermont and became friends. I enjoy his ethics and character. Best of success and I will see you soon (at the gym). Real proud of you….❤ from Toronto!
Augusto is my favorite trainer ever! He not only taught me how to use kettlebells with proper form, he also gave me the confidence to be able to do things I never thought I could do. He truly cares about each person he trains and will do just about anything to help them achieve their goals.
I was fortunate enough to train with Augusto for a number of years. Not only did he always plan and execute a challenging workout, but he was always teaching. He doesn’t simply tell you to do a movement or even how to execute it. He explains why you’re doing certain movements the way you do and the benefit of different techniques. Augusto is always willing to share his in depth knowledge in a manner that is easy to understand. He is a fantastic trainer.
Augusto is an amazing coach. His strength is enthusiasm and genuine interest in the overall well being of the individual. His sense of humor makes the learning process fun, which makes it easy to keep going when it’s tough. He has a perpetual smile, as though he’s always enjoying some joke we all missed, which may very well be the case. He has a surprisingly BIG voice!
Augusto helped train me for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition. Within a few weeks, my training partners remarked that I felt stronger and more explosive. I felt he got me the results I needed faster than expected. He focuses on learning fundamental movements and setting a foundation of stabilizer strength that allows for more progress and safety as one progresses. Finally, Augusto’s just a great guy who works hard for his clients. Highly recommended!
I met Vanessa during an SFG I Certification in Mexico City where she attended as an assistant and i had the fortune of having her in my team helping me and my team mate during those three days.
Vanessa is so cool, she is always willing to help and share her knowledge and passion for kettlebells and believe me, she is a Strong girl.
So if you are looking for an instructor in the Alaska area be confident to contact her and expect nothing but total professionalism, great advice and great results!
Vanessa is incredibly knowledgeable and patient when it comes to teaching. She is passionate about proper form and “greasing” the movements. I have truly loved going to class with her each time and it is awesome to see how much of her education has caused me to progress with my own fitness!
I first reached out to Alexei after being fed up with chronic pain I had been experiencing in my ankles, knees and both hips for the last few years.
In our first meeting Alexei listened to all of my complaints, goals and physical aspirations and seemed optimistic about everything.
Alexei offered very clear, patient and scientifically backed instruction to help determine what my problems were.
After teaching me the fundamentals of how to assess what my issues were he set me on a journey towards strengthening my joints. I can safely say that due to Alexei’s instruction I am no longer a victim to any of the pain I was initially experiencing and we’re currently working on a new strength program geared specifically towards my goals in martial arts.
I can’t recommend Alexei enough – he quite literally changed the way I look at fitness and has also led me to having a happier life pain free!
I met Anna at the beginning of my Kettlebell journey about 10 months ago and in that short period of time she has taught me so much. As of last Sunday I’m an SFG I instructor! She saw something in me that I didn’t and helped me find my strength. She has taught me how to practice in a safe manner that doesn’t take me away from enjoying life and the strength gains are impressive! We live almost 900 miles from each other but she has a great setup and she checks in on me regularly. I absolutely recommend her as a trainer and coach.
I have been training with Dave for the last 6yrs … I train 2-3 times per week. Dave pushes me, supports me, and most importantly listens to me re my age/injuries & lifestyle, goals and helps me achieve them… he mixes up the training, adds mobility, strength and cardio .. there are times I walk away hating on Dave, trying not to throw up – they are my best sessions …
I love the kettlebell sessions … took me a while to master them now im addicted … Oh and the food .. Dave’s knowledge on food and how that flows into training & my lifestyle is invaluable. I love my mornings with Dave, his energy and positive attitude… I look forward to training as it sets me up for a great day. I feel very energised, motivated and ready for anything.. 10/10 Dave
I’ve been a fan of Pavel, KBs, and StrongFirst for a long term, but because of where I lived, I was largely “self-taught.” Recently I moved to a different part of the country, close to Christian. What a gift it is to work with him. I’ve learned more in a few months than I had in more than 10 years working on my own, not to mention the fact that he has identified (and fixed!) a number of bad techniques you tend to learn when you teach yourself. He’s terrific.
I came to Brian Wright’s Ashburn kettlebell studio 5½ years ago after months of discomfort from a back injury. I quickly became stronger and within the first month was pain free, and have continued with 2x/week classes ever since. Brian easily handles the different needs and experience levels in our small classes. He’s familiar with our individual workout goals, what strength level we are each at, and any possible physical challenges we might be facing (e.g., a bad knee or shoulder that can be dealt with by adapting the exercises and strengthening surrounding muscles). Brian’s philosophy is that a workout shouldn’t be a tedious chore; instead, the goal is to work out “smarter.” His varied routines make the hour-long classes fly by – I don’t think I’ve ever done the same workout twice. Brian encourages, challenges, and most importantly, ensures that each exercise is done with proper form so as to avoid injury and gain maximum strength.
Kim is one of the most careful trainer I have ever had. She was paying lot of attention to the posture of the body and was really good prepared to explain me new movements. She was the one showing me for the first time the TGU and dedicated so much time to every single movement. She inspired me a lot.
In January 2016 I started my A(lactic) + A(erobic) journey under Al’s guidance. After two six week swing protocols I increased my SSST from 181reps to 200 (+10,5%) without snatching and a 10min running test from 1950m to 2250m (+15,4%) without running. Good reasons to keep going.
After the swing protocols I did my first snatch protocol all with 32kg for six weeks. The Alactic protocols are a build up of fairly high volume with a moderate to heavy weight in the least stressful way by learning to interpret the signals of the body and mind as it manifests through the breath.
The rest periods are not fixed to a clock but guided by the subjective readiness after each short high power repeats. One has to literally get the feel of it by practice over periods of time. The volumes of snatches really opened up my chest, extended my T-spine and developed a proper lockout I formerly did not have although I did tons of get ups.
After the first snatch protocol mid 2016 Al encouraged me to introduce traditional steady state endurance training to build up an aerobic base.
Steady state endurance training? The “dishonour of aerobics”? at StrongFirst? is this man nuts?
20 – 8 years ago I enjoyed some running two to four times a week and from spring to autumn riding my racing bike frequently. But for the last six years I did strength training a bit with the bar and mostly kettlebells, no endurance work. It was not a complete new realm for me, but it was far away.
More than just sticking to the MAF number (180 – age) for heart rate intensity, Al instructed to keep relaxed rhythmical locomotion in sync with breathing steadily through the nose. Getting and developing a feel of it.
As I had good results with Al’s guidance so far I simply trusted him and began running or concept2 rowing around 5 times a week for around 45 min, with some longer runs from time to time.
My heart rates I found most repeatable on a consistent basis on the rower are mostly around 125bpm, while running around 130bpm. 10-15bpm lower than my MAF. Recovery between the A+A snatch repeats got much better, also from session to session.
After half of a year doing this in addition to two more snatch protocols (where I transitioned from 32kg to 36kg over to 40kg) I “lost” 10kg of bodyweight (from 93kg-95kg to 83kg-85kg), and currently I am still at that weight.
Sure, I lost a bit of muscle, but more so fat. My body composition improved. I conserved a half bodyweight press (without pressing), and even got a bit stronger relatively on the zercher lift (2 times bodyweight to 2,12 times), bodyweight exercises such as freestanding handstand-pushups or ring muscle ups got easier and I got more reps with these.
Fast forward to September of 2018. I am really happy, that I am almost three years working on Al’s A+A philosophy. At my first TSC in spring 2018 I pulled 2,5 times bodyweight, so my all-time best relative ratio stayed without touching the bar for half a year. 15 pullups without doing pullups, “only”109 reps with 24kg on the snatch but without getting into the red hr zone far from maxing out and breathing only through the nose.
Today the 40kg bell is a go to standard for my A+A snatching. The last 4 months I had some promising sessions with 44kg and 48kg for up to 100 total reps. For the last two years I snatched literally tons of weight and volume, and I am still amazed of how joint friendly these were. No injuries apart from some torn skin of the hands from time to time, which is part of the business.
I kept and will keep snatching and steady state endurance base work, and enjoy comparing my heart rates over the months as the same work has lower “training-stress” responses over the time.
With A+A I have all the programming I need for a lifetime without having a program, but a lot to ponder and to practice on.
I really appreciate Al’s contrarian but down to earth and “just” reasonable and clear instructions without having a dogma. He guides but does not want to convince. This stuff works. Like a charm.
I came to Jade on recommendation from a friend to get proper training in Kettlebells swing technique. She’s highly technical and pays tons of attention to form, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Kettlebell swing is by far the most complicated gym technique I have learned, but Jade was patient with me and we worked out the basics quickly. Extremely satisfied. I’ll continue to work with her for the foreseeable future.
I did not know anything about kettle bells and how to use them. But when I attended one of coach Mark’s program in GI JO Fitness, I instantly fell in love. Coach Mark and the Strong First members are great instructors. Looking at those big chunk of metals was daunting at first but the way they taught us the basic and the proper way to use the kettle bells, it felt awesome that we, noobs, can also do it. Coach Mark is a great teacher. He knows your limit and how to push it. My overall strength and endurance improved. Gradually from a 10KG kettle bell, I am now comfortably using 16-18kg for strict press. I am eager to learn much more from coach Mark.
Mi alleno con Cristiano da 4 anni, credo di non aver mai avuto una sessione di allenamento uguale ad un’altra. Parliamo di un professionista estremamente preparato che là dove non ricorda con certezza non si fa problemi a prendere i libri in mano e/o a documentarsi dove trova notizie affidabili e aggiornate per poter rispondere e risolvere le varie esigenze che si presentano. In continuo aggiornamento e con il notevole valore aggiunto dovuto alla certificazione FMS è in grado di comprendere le problematiche e personalizzare il lavoro, seguendolo nel dettaglio per evitare ogni tipo di conseguenza, non a caso in 4 anni mai una volta mi sono fatto male o mi sono trovato in condizione da non poter svolgere normalmente la mia giornata causa traumi derivati dall’allenamento. Nel frattempo ho più che raddoppiato i miei massimali senza considerare l’enormità di peso perso e altri numerosi vantaggi relativi all’attività svolta.
Tana is a great coach! She provides supportive accountability and challenging workouts that are still (mostly) fun.
She has been working with my 15 year old son for the past 3-4 months, and she has done wonders for his confidence and attitude about being strong and fit.
Pavel has a positive attitude that is infectious. He guides his students to realise their potential and sets a great example of the patient, disciplined and dedicated teacher. A true quiet professional. I’m grateful to have been inspired by Pavel to start my journey as a Kettlebell student of strength.
Da più di tre anni che mi alleno con Cristiano e senza ombra di dubbio si tratta dell’istruttore più preparato che abbia conosciuto. Un allenamento personalizzato ed efficace
I have been training with Steve for over 10 years beginning in my mid 30’s wanting to get into the ring as a Muay Thai fighter, then as a pregnant 40 year old and now as a mother and almost 50 year old trying to stay healthy and strong. Steve has helped me through it all! Steve’s enormous skill as a trainer combined with his enormous heart makes him irreplaceable and unsurpassable.
When I first started training with Ben I had zero experience doing any weight lifting but he soon put me at ease with his knowledge and friendly demeanor. One thing about Ben is he is always trying to get better at what he does. You can clearly tell by the effort he puts in with you and with himself that this is not just a “job” for him. This is his passion. You wont find many people with more knowledge of this industry than him. Highly recommended!!
I was nervous as hell when I joined the training group. I learned so much from Ben. He helped correct my positioning and guided me when it was time to increase my weight throughout training. He’s patient, funny and won’t let anyone feel judged while learning. Awesome coach. I’d recommend him to anyone. Thanks Ben!!
Ben is one of the most well-rounded trainers I have worked with and he constantly shows his depth of knowledge every time a question or problem pops up. He has great cues to give in the moment and has useful information to share with me that I could think about later.
He is constantly improving and putting in the work outside the gym as well, which helps motivate me to get better each day.
By the time I finishing writing this Ben will be better than I can express. He’s constantly learning, living the life, and a gift to those who are fortunate enough to train with him.
He’s a rising star in the industry and will continue to lift those around him. Do yourself a favor and seek out hits coaching.
I’m not really sure where to begin with reviewing Ben. He has been an incredible coach, motivator and most of all an awesome friend. I began training with Ben 6 years ago, moved away for two of those but always stayed in contact. He helped me understand my strengths and really honed in on them. I began training with him at a weight of 260 pounds, but for long. With his guidance and never ending knowledge on his craft I lost 100 pounds in just under 11 months. No gimmicks no crazy diets or ridiculous training schedule. Just hard work and great coaching.
He really is amazing at what he does, he doesn’t make you feel like he’s a drill instructor, and will always help you grow when you fall off track a bit. There’s never any judgement and always a lot of coaching.
I really can’t say enough great things about him and I’m glad we’ve remained friends throughout the years. It really is because of him that I’ve been able to stay at a maintaining weight since dropping it 5 years ago. Thanks for being a great mentor, buddy! Keep on changing lives!
I can’t say enough about Ben. He is wonderful at meeting you where you’re at and helping you to advance in a proper and successful way. His training techniques and drive to see each individual succeed comes from the passion he has of learning and teaching. If you haven’t trained with Ben, do yourself a favor….start.
I thought I knew quite a bit about kettlebells having trained with them in the past…that is, until I met Damali.
Over our 10 sessions she taught me proper technique (a stickler for form she is), a variety of new exercises/stretches as well as how to breathe through my lifts, which ultinately made me stronger.
I highly recommend Damali, my strength considerably improved over just a few sessions with her.
Ben is a great trainer. Knowledgeable, honest, helpful, funny and challenging. He customized workouts to meet your needs and puts the important things first.
Ben started training me over 4 years ago when I was first starting out. I was a complete beginner and very apprehensive about training with weights. Bens approach to training is encouraging and professional that is laser focused on his clients health and safety while working toward their individual goals. You’ll appreciate his professional approach and technical understanding of improving the body’s function and mobility. Ben views his clients as individuals and will tailor your attention every step of the way. Ben excels at working with all levels of fitness and ability whether you’re at the begging of your fitness journey or an athlete looking to improve your competitive edge. He practices what he teaches -follow him on social media to see for yourself.
I’m a fellow coach and have known Ben for several years now. I recently hosted him for a kettlebell workshop for my clients. It was a great experience. Ben is an extremely knowledgeable coach and had the ability to effectively teach individuals through articulate and succinct cueing. This is what makes the biggest difference. He’s able to pinpoint what area or movement pattern that needs adjustment, and is able to efficiently communicate that to individuals in the simplest terms possible. He’s passionate about training and coaching and truly looks out for the client’s best interest regarding their progress. I’d strongly recommend him as an online trainer, a coach, or for a seminar. All around five stars.
To say Ben knows what he is doing is an understatement. Ben and I have been training together for three years now. From the first night at Peak he wanted me to train to be a strongman competitor. I was more worried about bettering my health and I never truly felt like competing again. It wasn’t until this past July that I fell in love with competition again. Even though I was competing against myself, it felt remarkable. I decided to compete in the strongman competition and I feel very confident in my strength. I owe that all to the coaches and Ben at peak. Ben and I really started talks no about health fitness four years ago at a mutual friends wedding. I feel like we have built a life long friendship and I know with his guidance I can become the best version of myself. Thank you Ben. You’re a great coach.
Easily the best trainer I have ever worked with. Ben is patient and will help you achieve the results you are hoping for. If you’re willing to follow the plan he will customize to your specific needs and put in the work you will absolutely see the results. His training style is unmatched. He is thoughtful and truly cares about his clients, not just another trainer going through the motions. He will push you to be your best self and encourage you to keep pushing through your “I cant’s” showing you how you CAN.
Don’t hesitate to hire Ben. He’s one of the best around!
I worked with Eirinn in Boston for several years, and found her to be extremely knowledgeable and a great motivator! She consistently (but gently) pushed me to improve and get stronger, while continually encouraging me to listen to my body so as not to overdo it. Eirinn takes a holistic perspective on wellness and helps you set realistic goals.
Jonathan has a state-of-the-art understanding of health and fitness, and is truly a champion for his clients to live their best lives. I trained with Jonathan for 5 years (2013 to 2018), twice a week, which had a significant impact on my physical strength and stamina. Jonathan is very knowledgeable and experienced as a trainer, and regularly brought new concepts and exercises to our training sessions, so it was always interesting and cutting edge. Interpersonally, he is a gem – a kind, non-judgmental, funny, and encouraging person who makes working out both enjoyable and effective. He is disciplined and has a systematic approach to training, and is flexible, always willing to pivot on a moment’s notice to focus on areas that rose to importance in that session. Each day, he would meet me where I am in terms of my energy. He is a talented professional and wonderful person.
Jade is as passionate about training as she is knowledgeable. Her ability to breakdown complex movements helped me tremendously in the Turkish Get up and barbell movements. She has a modern approach to injury prevention that allowed me to train Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a much higher level as well. Above all else, Jade cares! She has clear intentions in helping build a stronger community through instruction and motivation.
Jade is one of the most incredible trainers I have ever come across. It’s so hard to get or stay motivated, but she really sticks it out with you and explains things so well. She’s a wonder-woman and anyone would be lucky to be trained by this woman!
As a personal trainer and a coach, it is good to have someone in the industry to look up to and reach out to for business and training advice. I first met Brian about 4 years ago when I decided to take a deeper dive into proper technique and training, attending a workshop at BW-PT. Since then, he (Workhorse Consulting and Training) has been my best resource for all things training. After a recent significant back injury, I reached out to Brian for some coaching with specific goals: Improve core strength, prepare for Spring 2018 TSC and SFG I. His 6 week “Easy Strength” program was just what I needed. I hit my TSC goals (including 101 snatches) and now we prepare for SFG in December. He is easily accessible and affordable. Weekly check-ins via text, email and phone. Honest evaluations specific to me. But most importantly, he is passionate and he cares. Brian is the man!
Brian is a talented kettlebell and fitness instructor who is well suited to instruct beginners as well as more experienced individuals looking to improve their strength, fitness and performance. His background in kinesiology helps him modify exercise when needed on an individual basis, so that injuries are avoided while still striving for peak performance. Classes with Brian are always varied, fun and challenging. He Is friendly, professional and motivational for his clients.
Kim is an excellent and very enthusiastic trainer from whom I was lucky to learn many kettlebell skills. Her ability to convey her knowledge yet in a simple way was engaging. I needed to learn the proper methods and right form when using kb, while at the same time, getting stronger. Kim made it all happen through consistent training and positive feedback. Always available to give advice and share her knowledge, she would send videos and links for tips and workouts. I never worked with a better trainer, thanks to Kim I gained confidence and greater motivation to train on my own.
For me the best coach ever!!
Dopo più di un’anno che mi alleno con Cristiano, posso dire che é una coach molto professionale e preparato.
Gli allenamenti sono customizzati sulla base delle proprie esigenze e dei propri obiettivi sotto la massima supervisione di Cristiano che non lascia nulla al caso.
Uno dei migliori coach che abbia mai avuto!!
Kim is a terrific all-around trainer and a highly skilled kettlebell trainer. I had very little interest in kettlebell training at one time but I became an enthusiast after attending a few of Kim’s classes. She has an amazing ability to accentuate the positive while also gently yet thoroughly highlighting areas where someone can improve. Kim has inspired me to become a kettlebell trainer myself. Vicenza has lost a great trainer, anybody would be lucky to train with her!
Luego de más de un año teniendo a Cristiano como entrenador puedo decir que es un excelente profesional, con muchísimo conocimiento, formación y motivación. Los entrenamientos son súper completos y siempre adaptados a cada alumno teniendo en cuenta siempre correcciones posturales y poniendo el ojo en todos nuestros movimientos. Con seguridad, uno de los mejores profesores que tiene la isla! Gracias por todo
I’ve worked with Matt for over 2 years. He’s an awesome coach. Matt is very passionate about what he teaches and is great at coaching in way that helps anyone grasp how to perform exercises properly and to understand why the exercise is important. He takes great care of his clients.
L’istruttore più preparato che io abbia mai trovato, preparato in tutti i settori (anche su problemi fisici, ha trovato soluzione a problema che medico non capiva). Allenamenti super mirati e senza strafare, molto efficaci.
10+
Kim is one of the most patient and knowledgeable trainers I’ve ever had the privilege of training with. She introduced me to kettlebells and ever since has been encouraging me to believe in myself and reach for my goals. Kim is hard working and incredibly gregarious and optimistic and anyone who receives her training is truly blessed.
Kim is one of the most patient and knowledgeable trainers I’ve ever had the privilege of training with. She introduced me to kettlebells and ever since has been encouraging me to believe on myself and reach for my goals. Kim is hard working and incredibly gregarious and optimistic and anyone who receives her training is truly blessed.
Kim has not only been an inspiration as a Strong first instructor and personal trainer, but she has been amazingly resourceful and talented as an instructor and trainer. I never thought I would feel confident in the weight room and definitely not with a kettlebell. Kim instills confidence in her clients and she also was able to cater my personal needs and requests. After several months, I learned an unexplainable amount of knowledge and skills from Kim from deadlifts and bench presses to Turkish getups and double kettlebell swings . Most importantly, I can safely and confidently continue my training on my own thanks to her.
In the short time that I’ve worked with Alexei he has inspired me to keep pushing myself toward goals I didn’t even know I wanted to achieve. With his friendly demeanor and infectious enthusiasm, he has made working out an enjoyable endeavor. His science-based approach to health and fitness makes it so that his programs are designed to get you optimum results with as little energy wasted. I leave every session with him feeling like I worked hard but never feeling overly taxed or sore. And yet week after week I keep getting stronger and leaner which has been a lifelong struggle for me.
Alexei is committed to knowledge that he is more than happy to share with you to better help you understand the mechanics and reasoning behind each and every exercise he coaches you in. I have found this extremely helpful in seeing the big picture toward my goals especially on days when I’m lacking motivation.
Finally, through his coaching Alexei will help you address any problem you have going on with your body. He has a solution for just about anything and will work tirelessly until the problem is fixed. Personally, my profession has put a lot of stress on my body over the years but after about 9 months of working with him, I no longer leave work with back pain and he has helped me strengthen all the other problem areas so that I can perform my job with ease.
If you are committed to taking your health and fitness to the next level, I highly recommend working with Alexei toward that goal.
I’ve really enjoyed Al’s simple and straightforward advice on the forum and through email. His training philosophy is not as flashy or exciting as many other trainers, but rather it is blue collar and effective.
I recently completed one of his A+A snatch protocols and really enjoyed it. It’s a simple way to build strength, power, and endurance all while using just one heavy bell and one exercise.
Based on my experiences with him, I would definitely recommend Al for physical training/general health especially for those concerned with staying strong, healthy, and durable.
I was feeling increasingly bad from being so sedentary all my life, but previous attempts at exercise had ended up making me worse (neck pain, joint pain, even more tired, and cynical about overly enthusiastic instructors). This time, I needed to make sure to find a safe, practical program that would work in real life (MY real life). I got lucky: Eric has focused on what helps me the most to competently schlep the heavy objects in my life without injury. Also, for me, the hallmark of an excellent instructor is someone who understands what I’m misunderstanding. Because my body awareness and coordination are basically lousy and my concentration goes out the window when I get tired, Eric is very careful to dissect techniques into small, comprehendible pieces and prescribe drills that help me “get” how I need to move. I’m very grateful to Eric for setting up a program I can actually put into practice. The aches and pains are resolving, and I’m getting stronger.
I have trained with Alexei for about 5 years now, and I can definitively attest that he’s one of the best coaches you could ever wish for. His breath of knowledge is quite impressive, and he’s always striving to learn even more for the benefit of his clients. He practices what he preaches and helps you to be your very best leading by example, being quite a dedicated athlete himself. And finally, he is not only an excellent coach, but a wonderful human being quite empathetic to your needs, and sincerely interested in your success. A coach by heart, I recommend him highly.
Listen to Pete, Do the work, and Strong you will become!
I have trained with Pete for different goals over the past few years. Each time he listened to my issues, tested my skills, and made sure he understood what I was looking to achieve, before designing me a specific program. It is never just a one-size fits all approach with Pete.
His programming is smart, achieves results, and is most definitely challenging. My goals have ranged from rehab, weight loss and specific events. At 38 I was the leanest, strongest, fittest and lightest I had been, pretty much ever in my life!
I have since moved back to Australia and Pete continues to train me remotely. Next challenge is climbing Mt Kinabalu in Borneo!! Thanks Pete!
Jozef is the best instructor I could ever imagine to meet. He understand how body works and explains it very well. He is very patient. I know it, it takes a lot of patience to work with me. He tought me tons of great thinks regarding to strenght training! Thanks to him I am stronger and not crashed!
I trained with Jonathan for 6 years, and it was a life changing experience. Initially I was someone that never exercised, and in time he instilled in me a new desire to take better care of myself from how much sleep I got, to what I ate. Looking back he was able to train me to be the strongest I have ever been in my life at age 40. It is fun to think back at how when I first worked with Jonathan I could only do a single pull up. He then implemented a program that included multiple exercises that helped strengthen the necessary muscles for me to be able to do 5 pulls ups over several sets. I am forever grateful for all that he taught me about exercising and the motivation he gave me to be stronger and healthier.
I’ve been training with Steve for around 10 years. He’s an excellent trainer who is as adept at expanding a student’s skill set as he is at increasing overall fitness or prepping for a specific event. My skills, strength, and cardio have all improved thanks to him; this summer he helped me with a simple, but incredibly effective, workout plan for a multi-sport event. A great motivator as well as trainer, Steve is well-versed in a variety of training methodologies and constantly expands his own skills and knowledge. He’s also flexible in working within students’ capabilities. He’s fun to work with and an interesting person as well, but unfortunately can’t be conversationally distracted from making me start the next set of reps…
I can’t recommend Eirinn enough! She was my trainer about two years in the Boston area, and it was a joy to work out with her. I have chronic back issues, and I really appreciated the fact that she connected with my physical therapist to develop a program to ensure that I could work toward being my strongest me! She has a depth of knowledge of training as well as the importance of what we put into our bodies. Through her encouragement, I always add extra veggies to my menu now! She continuously motivated me in a positive way. The people of Raleigh are lucky to have her!
When I first got to Five Points, I barely knew how to use kettlebells. It’s only been a month later, and I have improved so much! Steve is an excellent TEACHER. He is very patient, and I love his style of breaking movements down into parts; I understand it much better and retain the information. His music rocks, which isn’t a big deal for some but for me, it is a must to have bangin music while putting in hard work. Also, I have gone up in weight when I didn’t think I was there yet because of Steve. He helps you push yourself so that things never get stagnant; you are constantly learning and improving.
I trained with Jonathan for 1 year. Prior to training with him I did not have much experience in the gym. He made me feel comfortable and taught me the proper way to train and condition my body. He also was great in explaining why we were doing each exercise and which muscles I should feel it in. He made a specific plan catered to the areas I wanted to work on. Lastly, he made going to the gym a fun activity and something I looked forward to weekly.
Alexei is a great coach for all the obvious reasons: He’s very knowledgable, he’s great at giving instruction, he’s a keen observer, and he has a fun, friendly demeanor—which is pretty important when you spend hours with someone while they watch you do weird things with your body. But the thing that makes Alexei really shine is his ability to combine these things into the perfect recipe for identifying and reaching your goals. Alexei helped me recover from knee surgery in half the time the doctors predicted, while also keeping me strong and healthy enough to jump right back into my jiu-jitsu training. I can’t thank him enough.
Jonathan trained me for nearly 4 years in Boston. He’s a tremendous coach and also a great person to spend time with, funny and easygoing. He quickly understood my training needs and developed a custom training program. That program helped me both feel great and improve my performance across the board, from running to basketball to hiking. Perhaps even more importantly, he quickly learned how best to motivate me, something I didn’t realize until months had gone by. Strength training with Jonathan was always something I looked forward to, which had never been the case for me prior to working with him.
I had been working with KBs on my own for a few years, but kept running into various issues (injuries, over-training, lack of progress, you name it). I finally decided to hire a coach to fix my technique and provide some planning and I consider myself lucky to have found Yoana. Other reviews have mentioned her attention to detail, deep knowledge of KB and strength techniques, and inspirational attitude. I completely agree with these reviews, and also wanted to add a few other positive things. The first is that, in addition to strength techniques, she spends a fair bit of time teaching you how to move your body and improve your mobility. My back has never felt better! I also appreciate her flexibility with respect to scheduling, and the various ways she is willing to coach (at my home, in her gym, by video, etc.) This makes fitting my strength practice into my busy life much easier. Have I mentioned that she makes training fun?! Highly recommended!
My wife and I each independently trained with Eirinn for about two and a half years and it was a very positive experience. We were very sorry to see her go. Eirinn is very supportive and dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals and is an incredibly responsible person. She’s willing to give helpful advice on all aspects of your wellness choices while being supportive of your choices. She’d be a great personality fit for anyone who wants to work out in a relaxed but motivating atmosphere.
I can’t say enough positive things about Matt! As a total beginner, I was honestly a bit scared to start working out with a trainer, but I’ve seen the results that kettlebells can provide so it seemed like an interesting route to take to achieve my toning goals. Matt knew exactly how to ease me into a routine that wouldn’t overwhelm me and would also help me to build a solid foundation. I trust him implicitly and know he will help me to achieve the ultimate results I want in a safe and effective manner – I already see a difference in a short time I and look forward to continuing to work with him!
I’d been a gym kinda guy since High School, doing the usual weight training routine for over 30 years, and worked out with a variety of trainers over those many years. Then I hit the wall and completely lost interest.
Life, kids, work, etc all became excuses to not work out anymore. Took a few years off from training. Then I tried Muay Thai and Steven Milles. My cardio is back, my strength is back and my motivation is definitely back thanks to the very expert training and the absolute sensational down to earth REALNESS of the world’s greatest trainer: Steve Milles. If you haven’t met Steve, you’re missing out on what SHOULD be an important part of your day.
Steve is a great strength coach and overall runs a great program at Five Points. Its the only place in NYC I’d go to take a kettlebell class. He puts together challenging programming while incorporating modifications for beginners and injuries. He uses great cueing techniques and meets students where they are in terms of competence with more complex movements always ensuring proper form and safety. Steve’s helped me become stronger and with increased mobility and is one of the best coaches I have ever had over the years.
I trained with Jonathan from 2015 to 2018 and had the chance to see him train others in individual and group settings. Jonathan is an excellent coach—he listens to clients, is super knowledgeable, and flexible in coming up with plans that work to meet clients’ goals. He put together a nice mix for me—plyometrics, lifts, kettlebell routines—and kept mixing things up without losing focus. I give his strength coaching the credit for getting me thru three marathons, a couple of Olympic tris, and the wear and tear of everyday life injury-free.
Eirinn has been my trainer for more than five years and she has been an incredible help to me over that time. Like any good trainer, she was eager to understand my goals and has always been willing to work closely with me to help me achieve them. Whether it’s been building special routines for me while travelling, tailoring my workouts as I worked through injuries, partnering with my physical therapists, chiropractors and massage therapists or offering recipes to support a healthy diet, Eirinn has done everything I’ve ever needed to keep me focused and fit. And it doesn’t hurt that she’s always got a smiling face and a genuine enthusiasm to train me whenever I see her. I am grateful, blessed and thankful to have Eirinn in my life!
I had the great fortune to train with Jonathan in Boston for three years before he moved to Raleigh. I’m not someone who loves working out but Jonathan always made it both fun and motivating. He was prepared with a plan for each session but modified it if I had pain or issues I needed to work around. Anyone who trains with Jonathan will enjoy it and get stronger!
Jonathan is an incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtful trainer. He not only designed specific training programs to prepare me for events, he did so cognizant of my physical limitations. As an over-50 athlete, I have relied upon Jon not only to help me recover from injuries, but also to incorporate strength training to prevent their reoccurrance. As a bonus, he has a great sense of humor and is a great companion for a workout.
Excellent coach! M’a beaucoup aidé à guérir d’une blessure récidivante à l’épaule et m’a énormément fait progresser! A de solides connaissances en anatomie et biomacanique ce qui est un vrai plus dans ses explications.
I just finished four weeks of private sessions with Eileen. I have used kettlebells for years, but wanted to improve my form and learn some new exercises. She delivered that and much more. I have been able to correct some hitches in my form and learn new movements that will help me round out my training. Eileen knows her stuff, explains things clearly, and gives the reasoning behind what she is teaching. I now have a set of workout routines and a goal to shoot for. She made the experience rewarding and fun. I cannot recommend her instruction enough. If you are interested in kettlebell training, Just Kettlebells is the place to go.
I’ve bee training with Alexei on and off since 2014. He’s, in a word, incredible.
Alexei is highly sensitive and aware. He can push you without pushing you over the edge. His depth and breadth of knowledge about the scientific principles behind what we’re doing is mind blowing and fascinating to a nerd like me. He’s a joy to learn from, so if you have the chance to work with him, JUMP ON IT!
Saša is an amazing pedagogue ! Great analyser, he provides solutions, progression, adaptation and always with the sense of humor. Saša share some golden knowledges with the spirit of a real Team Leader. I had the privilege to learn from him and to be prepared by Saša for my SFG I & SFG II .
Does not miss the opportunity to meet him from regular classes to StrongFirst certifications!
Q: Do you wish you were in better health?
A: Steve Milles
Q: Want to learn and train the best Muay Thai NYC has to offer?
A: Arjan Steve Milles!
Q: Would you like to be, feel, and look strong while increasing flexibility and avoiding injury?
A: Team Leader SFG Steve Milles
Q: Tired of not living up to your potential?
A: Lifestyle Steve Milles
Q: Interested in learning new things and challenging yourself?
A: Instructor and Coach Steve Milles!!
Q: Curious to meet cool people and train at the cleanest gym in the city?
A: Five Points Academy Steve Milles
Q: Willing to finally cut through the excuses and improve yourself?
A: No Nonsense Steve Milles
Q: Open to making lifelong friends, pushing your boundaries, competing in a ring sport, helping others learn with you, and meeting your spouse? (experiences may vary)
A: Life Changing Five Points Academy Steve Milles!!!
Q: Likely to talk about taking better care of yourself but not really put the effort in?
A: Not Steve Milles
Steve personifies all of the qualities of a masterful teacher. Whether conducting a group class or an individual session, Steve leads with years of experience, intelligence and humor. With Steve, the challenge of training becomes a personal desire, without the need for a cheerleader. I’ve been a member of Five Points Academy since 2005, and couldn’t imagine going anywhere else, a fantastic group of people-I love muay thai and kettlebells!
Steve is a phenomenal coach. Incredible knowledge and teaching skills, delivered in a very simple, personable manner. I’ve really progressed under Steve’s coaching, and look forward to each session as I know I’ll improve. Big recommendation!
Steve is one of the best trainers I have ever had the opportunity to work with.
I have done personal training and taken group classes with Steve. In both settings, Steve is extremely observant, making sure everyone is doing everything with the correct form. His instructions are always clear and easy to understand. He is also very patient and helpful when it comes to correction, modifications, etc. He pushes you in the best way possible.
Every since I started working with Steve and taking his classes, I have become progressively stronger, more agile and aches and pains from my old injuries have begun to fade. No matter what mood I’m in when I go into his class, I know I’ll be a great mood when I leave!
To say that Steve is a wonderful trainer is putting it so mildly.
Although my main pursuit at Five Points has always been Muay Thai, Steve’s ability to supplement that work with smart, consistent strength training has been crucial. He has helped me both to avoid injury by building a strong base, and to recover from some doozies that I thought would sideline me forever. At one point, when an MRI revealed a herniation, a slip, and an old stress fracture in my lower back (and I could suddenly barely walk), Steve worked with me to assess my range of motion and overall strength, and to create a program that helped me to come back to the sports I love at 100% capacity – without injections, surgery, or even too much frustration. And as a side note, even without injury, kettlebell training is a great partner to Muay Thai in terms of building strength, flexibility, and fitness.
Whether you are working to hit a new PR or to get in the ring, Steve has a way of finding just the right cue: the words to help you tighten up your technique and make that lift easier, or to get through another round when you just want to drop. Training with Steve has taught me tenacity, heart, and strength that I am able to apply to any situation. And being in my late 30’s, I am also at the point that I really appreciate the physical strength I now have, because it makes my day-to-day life in New York – climbing countless stairs, fighting crowds, walking how many miles a day (in work shoes!), and schlepping heavy bags everywhere – that much easier.
I’ve been at Five Points for nearly ten years, and I can’t imagine wanting or needing to train anywhere else.
I have really enjoyed having Dave as a personal trainer. His energy and enthusiasm really motivated you to work hard and push yourself in your sessions. He is also very knowledgeable and is always keeping a keen eye on your form which means you don’t have to worry about risking an injury. When training with Dave you know you’re in good hands!
Whether you are a beginner or a professional athlete, Saša will do the job. He is a motivating teacher and an excellent team leader with a great knowledge, a common sense to use it wisely and a good eye for the tiniest details.
I am very happy for the opportunity to learn from him on many workshops and personal lessons that helped me sharpen my skills while I was preparing for my SFG1 certification, and upgrading after that.
He is excellent, open minded teacher who always has a few more tricks on how to improve, whether it is your performing skill or your skill of teaching other people.
He is a pleasure to work with, so don`t miss a chance to learn from him – you won`t regret it.
Great taste in music; never once played that meathead, Miami rendition of techno and house music that you would hear at Equinox.
What can I say? The relationship I have with Steve Milles has been pretty casual and organic. I started off as an ordinary member at Five Points, hitting pads and fighting off dumpling bod. A year goes by, and he invites me to do fighters sparring. Another year goes by, and I’m fighting for the gym.
Every step towards my “fight” career, and my overall fitness has been done in manageable micro steps. I have the coordination of a blind autistic child; so to have Steve break things down for me in a simple and easily absorbable manner has done well for my coordination (or lack thereof) and my overall understanding of movement.
After training with Steve for 10 years, beginning with a post-pregnancy huge weight gain and lack of foundational strength, he has consistently moved me to optimal fitness in every area. One of Steve’s distinctions with clients is his deep dive into a client’s areas of need, where he supplements his professional experience with a tremendous amount of inquiry and study to help a client.
I’m now dealing with multiple health challenges and Steve has adapted our training to help me recover and remain strong. He researched and read about my issues and has continued to modify and enrich our sessions accordingly.
Steve is the best, in every possible way, and if you try a session with him, you will want to stay with him forever!
I started training at Five Points Academy with Arjan Steve about one year ago. At the time, I had one Muay Thai fight — a loss — that had shaken my confidence pretty badly, but I wanted another shot in the ring and to try to improve. Joining Five Points turned out to be the best decision I ever made.
I’ve been an athlete my entire life and Arjan Steve is the best coach I have had. He has an eye for technique, is calm and patient, and an incredibly good teacher. He knows how to get the absolute best from his students whether that be in Muay Thai, kettlebell or just an overall strength and conditioning perspective. I really look forward to his kettlebell classes and they have become an important part of my fight training.
Five Points has become my second home, my community and my family. And thanks to training with Arjan Steve, I have grown exponentially as an athlete, a fighter and as a person. He is the best of the best.
Arjan Steve has taught me so much since joining Five Points Academy three years ago. I started because I was uninspired by my workouts, needed a change, wanted to get strong and learn how to fight. He taught my first class there and immediately I signed up and was hooked! At first I was only focused on Muay Thai but gained a lot of interest in the strength and conditioning programs provided by the gym. I started taking the kettlebell, TRX and HIIT classes more regularly to supplement my training. He is very attentive to detail and patient in making sure his students execute the exercises correctly. With in a year at being at the gym I started competing in Muay Thai. Steve has a very calm demeanor (which is very much needed when he’s cornering you) and has his own way of pushing and challenging you to be your best. His gym and coaching has completely changed my life. I now have the confidence to face challenges I never imagined myself doing, and a strong community that I consider family. I couldn’t ask for a better coach or leader- thank you Steve.
I started training with Steve in 2012, and 6 years later I was hoping to bring a Five Points Academy flag to the top of the world, Mount Everest.
When I first came to Steve, I was an office worker mostly but also an infrequent recreational climber with aspirations of climbing more challenging mountains. A special operations friend of mine who was getting his doctorate in sports physical therapy recommended only one trainer: Steve Milles.
I had barely lifted before and had never trained with kettlebells. I appreciate that Steve is adamant about perfect form. I have never been injured or sidelined by pain at any point in the 6 years we’ve worked together. Instead, Steve has been a crucial part of my training for many of my mountaineering expeditions – in fact, on May 16, 2018, I became the 68th American woman to summit Mount Everest and survive.
Now, Steve is working with me towards my own Strong First Level 1 certification. He is awesome – personally and professionally.
Dustin is one of the original Leaders I looked up to while gaining my experience with kettlebells. He is what I envision that all instructors should be; Strong, humble, smart and skilled. He has probably has more experience than most of the people in leadership with using a kettle bell. I am also honored to call him a friend
Tiago IS StrongFirst Brazil!!! With out Tiago there would be a whole continent without StrongFirst! He is a good friend and I am honored to have gone down to Brazil and help teach StrongFirst along side him. Aroooo!!!
Analisa is one of the strongest people I know. Not just for her accomplishment ( Iron Maiden, 375DL…), but for who she is as a person. No matter if met her for 2 minutes or known her for years, you will automatically be her friend. Her quest for knowledge and her humility make her someone you want to associate with. She is strong because she is smart. She is smart because she’s strong! I have been fortunate to work with her a few times and every time its a blast!
Saša is an excellent teacher – patient, humble, friendly and kind, with a great sense of humor. He was my Team Leader at SFG Level 2 and I had the chance to learn from him as well as practice with him on many other occasions.
Saša is a prime example of our StrongFirst code, and I am very happy that I can call him my teacher, my colleague, and great friend.
Use any opportunity to learn from him – private lessons, regular classes, workshops and certs.
Hector has been serving as my mentor for almost 2 years now and while his programming and attention to details in technique have made me stronger, the lessons did not stop with me.. they also helped made me a better coach.
Definitely a top notch instructor worth learning from
Damali is an excellent coach. She’s steadfast in her approach and will stick with you to the end. You will be happy with your choice of her as your coach.
Want a trainer? Hire Damali
Want to see results? Hire Damali
Damali is an excellent trainer, she’s experienced, dedicated, caring, funny and tough. I have used many trainers in the past, but only saw results with Damali . If you are not afraid, check her out ??
I have been training with Mike for just over 2 years. He is extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of strength training and nutrition. He has helped me become stronger, leaner and all around happier! He understands if you are having an issue with an elbow or shoulder and plans a way for you to get a good workout while the issues heal. I just can’t thank him enough for his strong yet compassionate way of training! I would and do recommend Mike to everyone I know!
I attended a 1 day kettlebell course at Mike’s gym in Modesto this past weekend. The instruction given by him and two other instructors was very good and easy to digest in real time. Mike and the other instructors helped me clean up my technique with all the movements that were covered; (Swings, TGU’s, Goblet Squats, Presses). I would highly recommend Mike for all your hard style kettlebell training needs.
Mira is great! From taking her kettlebell classes and watching her weightlifting ones, you can easily see how engaged she is in the class, making sure everyone is doing things right. Even in a busy class, she’s able to make sure people are swinging/lifting appropriately. She’s enthusiastic, engaging, and fun in class. She’s also an inspiration as she’s always pushing herself to get better and seeing her lift is a great motivator to keep myself going.
Luis is a very intelligent man, and knows what he is talking about. You get a personal workout every time because he pays attention to every individuals capabilities. Try his workout and you will understand.
Pavel is a great teacher of strength because he is a very good student of strength. He is hungry for knowledge and he passes what he learns to his students. He wants to do things right and he insist on that we do things right. I’m glad he introduced me to a strength training. Thanks, Pavel!
Pavel is the real deal.
I have invited him to my martial arts academy several times to teach kettlebells and strength training. His approach is methodical, clear and most importantly- highly effective.
I would thoroughly recommend his classes for anyone who has a chance to study with him- you will get inspired, and get strong!
In short – Pavel is a strong, great person with nice sense of humor who does what he loves and he’s probably one of the best in this area. One of my model teachers of Strength & Conditioning and especially of lifestyle and personal development. He himself does what he’s teaches. And as you can see it works to him very well, so it’s easy to believe him.
Pavel is not only a teacher and really strong trainer but also active online publisher who shares his lifestyle/training experiences and tips with others. When I’ve been looking for kettlebells information years ago, knowing nothing about them, I found the name Pavel Macek. Thanks his publishing activities, he brought information about kettlebells and StrongFirst to Czech fitness world and I could read many articles about kettlebells, get-ups, swings – why to do it, why to use it and why I shouldn’t use Youtube to learn it properly 🙂 Lot of motivating readings about strength training, kettlebells efficiency on Pavel’s web led me to find my SFG instructor close to me who could introduce me to kettlebells practically. All the rest is history 😉
I’m very proud that I know Pavel personally and very appreciate every occasion to meet him. I have to say, he affected my thinking a lot – thanks him, I’ve discovered I can be stronger and healthier in many ways. And as I want it, I am stronger and stronger and love it. Thank you for your hard work for SF community, Pavel!
I first came to Alexei after spraining my knee in my karate class. In all my years of training, this was my first serious injury, and I was very fearful about what the future could look like if I didn’t address this properly. Alexei was comforting in his precision and attentiveness. He gave me multiple different mobility exercises, such as rotating my feet/ankles, hips, etc. I quickly felt a difference. My knee went from feeling loose and unstable to stable and mobile.
Despite my own ignorance, he never made me feel dumb for not understanding or knowing something. He gives clear explanations, and is able to adapt when something he is saying is not getting in.
His passion for helping others is apparent in his work. He would often follow up and send me different bits of homework to keep my recovery moving along. After a few weeks I was able to get back to training.
Not only did he help me repair my knee, but he also gave me a new awareness of my body’s movement and how to change/direct it, making my training safer and nicer for me.
Overall, I trust him completely and think he does incredible work. I would recommend him to anyone looking to improve themselves and achieve new fitness goals.
Pavel is Senior SFG, Kettlebell Instructor SFG II, Barbell Instructor SFL and Bodyweight Instructor SFB . So you would expect him to know his stuff. And you know what? He really does . And maybe you would be surprised how much knowledge and experience he has to offer. So if you had a chance, let him share some of it with you. Pavel is really willing to give a lot. I saw him to stay and answer questions after 8 hour seminar. So you know, that he loves what he does.
Alexi has been training me over 3 years now. My goal has been gaining strength and mass. His advice is very technical which makes sense from his engineering background. I didn’t know how to lift a kettlebell when I first met him. But he has a knack for connecting with you and i was on board quickly. In these 3 years I’ve put on about 20lbs at 11% body fat. Most importantly I’ve never been injured.
Apart from his exceptional coaching skills what sets him apart is that his advice comes from a genuine place. It’s rare to see that with fitness coaches. Very motivating and world class training.
Alexei is a fantastic coach. His advice has dramatically sped up my rehab from several injuries – if it weren’t for him I’d have chronic problems in my legs and feet. He knows fitness and physiology backwards and forwards. He pushes you when you are slacking, lets you relax when you need a break, and compliments you when you make progress. I would 100% recommend him to anyone wanting to improve strength, fitness, and recovery.
Even coaches need coaches. I have known Alexei for about six years now, which means he also knows me very well. Like any coach, sometimes you put too much energy into your work, and forget to carve out goals and maintain a level of health and fitness that is important to you. I’ve entrusted Alexei with helping me in that department and he has been instrumental in helping me with programs from Plan Strong and Strong Endurance. Knowing my schedule, my goals, my injuries, and the kind of active lifestyle that is important to me, Alexei will take the time to help you map out meaningful goals. Whether you are a new client, or an experienced coach, you are in excellent hands when you’ve got Alexei on your team. Week after week, I am grateful for how straightforward his programming is for me, how thoughtful his feedback is, and how precise his expectations are for quality of movement.
One of my favorite parts of being a coach, is to have a rich network of individuals to help support our mutual goal of helping people move better and be stronger. Not only does Alexei help me with my personal programming, but also for troubleshooting ideas, concepts, goals, and injuries around working with some of the people I see on a day to day basis. Alexei is an invaluable resource for all things strength and mobility.
Antonin is a great instructor. Always willing to find a way to strenghten and improve body movements for every single student. I also appreciate his effort to extend his knowledge. I’m grateful that I finally found my way to KB5 gym and Antonin was the first person I met there more than a year ago.
Alexei is the most knowledgeable coach I have ever met and has consistently helped me meet and exceed my strength and fitness goals for the past two years. After training with him at his previous gym, I followed him to his new gym and have never looked back. Since working with Alexei, I have PR’d over and over and have reached a level of strength I didn’t know I was capable of. He is extremely informative and is invested in the the success of all of his clients. Working with him has been a pleasure and I can’t think of a better guide into the wonderful world of kettlebells!
Alexei is a special coach. He has a unique combination of analytical and observational skills, and bottomless enthusiasm to help people solve problems. Talk to him for five minutes and he will give you “homework”. He helped me break lifelong bad habits and appy powerful techniques to training and injury rehabilitation. These same techniques have improved my performance and resilience to injury. Alexei is a solution for anyone who wants to improve strength, mobility and capability. He is a brilliant coach and teacher, and he makes everyone around him better.
C’est un excellent coach. Bien que donnés à distance, ses conseils toujours très précis et pointus ont été immédiatement efficaces dans ma pratique des Kettlebells.
I can’t recommend Alexei enough. His coaching is a wonderful combination of technical detail and inspiration. His passion for how bodies work, move, strengthen, struggle and heal is palpable, and I’m truly grateful to have him as a resource. Do your mind and your body a favor and connect with Alexei. Your life will improve.
I’ve been training with Mike for about 6 years. Although I haven’t always been consistent, I know I feel my best when I’m training at the BrickHouse. With all the changes as I’ve aged, Mike has worked with me, encouraged me and motivated me to continue with my workouts and not give up. Although the training is in small groups, it feels like personal training because no one does the same workout. He individualizes everyone’s workout to their personal needs and desires. Don’t ask me how he remembers everyone’s specific needs, but he does.
Another aspect of his training is nutrition. He is extremely
knowledgeable and helpful in this area. With podcasts to listen to, food journaling, sending photos of meals and great suggestions and recipes.
Mike is a wonderful young man and I feel fortunate to have stumbled upon him. I never thought I’d be working out with him this long, now I can’t imagine a time not working out with him.
As a sports physical therapist I have had the opportunity to work with many trainers and strength coaches. Tony is by far the most exceptional coach I have had the pleasure to work and train with. He has a gift for programming and an keen eye for movement. He will without a doubt get you to where you want to be. Prior to working with Tony I could only snatch a 20kg and perform a Turkish-get-up with a 32kg while dealing with multiple injuries. After working with Tony I can know perform a 32kg Snatch Test and TGU with 60kg all PAIN FREE. I completely trust Tony with my patients and my own training. I highly Recommend him!
I played sports throughout my life, was a Division 1 collegiate athlete, and continued to exercise after college. I worked out over the years, both on my own and with trainers. About two to three years ago, I had gotten to a point where I was injuring myself consistently and not seeing results. The lack of progress coupled with a demanding and stressful professional life made me think about stepping away from weight training all together. I turned to Alexei to help change the pattern of injuries and he has worked wonders.
Alexei has assisted me with multiple areas to help improve my workouts, including proper form, workout programs, sleep, nutrition, and mobility. We constantly dialogue to figure out to what I am responding best and it has been a positive and dramatic shift. I am now able to workout consistently, feel more confident doing movements, and as a result–have seen drastic shifts with my body composition, joint health, and over well-being.
Alexei is a wonderful trainer, fun to be around, extremely knowledgeable, and down-to-earth.
Alexei is the funniest and most educated trainer that I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He has extensive knowledge of human anatomy and can pick up on subtle abnormalities in movement. He taught me how to increase the accuracy of my deadlifting form and how to create a strong foundation for bodyweight movements, notably the push up and the plank.
I can sometimes be a sensitive crybaby that gets easily upset from minor setbacks so I was irritated with myself when I hurt my lower back from exercising with improper form, but Alexei was very patient and thorough with examining the issue, describing what went wrong, and prescribing exercises to correct the damage. Within a few weeks, I was back fully training again!
He’s a swiss army knife of a trainer; whenever I need a helping hand with leveling up my deadlift PR, increasing the size of my buttocks, strenghtening my noodle arms with pull ups, or ensuring the health and longevity of my flexibility and range of motion through mobility training, he’s my go to trainer I can always count on!
Laurent est un passionné qui prend le temps de transmettre, d’expliquer ses entraînement. Professionnel et technique dans son travail, vous pouvez lui faire confiance.
Coach Alexei is one of the most knowledgeable, passionate fitness professionals available. I’ve been fortunate to train with him in both hard-style kettlebell and mobility. Even when I moved cross-country, I knew I still wanted him to help prep me for my strong first certification in September. He’s not only a brilliant technician, but also one of the kindest human beings I’ve met.
I would highly recommend Dave as a trainer. His depth of experience and ability to adjust his training to injury issues is something I have appreciated. As a result of this approach I have never been injured as a result of training. He also brings a positive experience to the sessions due to his personality and he likes a laugh!
Matt Flaherty is a superb trainer. I have been training with him for over 6 years- and that alone is a testament. He is extremely bright, and knows his stuff – AND is cutting edge- he’s constantly attending conferences/ teaching and staying on top of his field. He completely changed my life. He knows how to motivate and support you at the same time. Because of his excellent kettle- bell instruction, my sciatica is basically gone, and I’m winning on my tennis team for the first time in my life .
Luis has an eye for detail and a deep understanding of the movement/exercises. I think people in every level of fitness from novice to expert can stand to gain knowledge from his training. Not once during training have I ever felt overwhelmed, underworked or bored . Come for the kettlebells and stay for Luis.
Training with Luis has been an amazing decision! His program is thorough and highly effective. I saw my body change after 1 month; going to ~2-3 sessions a week. I’ve tried many exercises over the years and kettle bells have brought me the greatest results in the shortest amount of time. The added bonus is Luis! His attention to deal, knowledge, professionalism, and motivating vibes can’t be replaced! If you haven’t tried training with Luis, stop reading and run to one of his sessions:)!!
I could go on and on about what a good instructor Luis is. I’ll try keep it brief.
Not only is Luis the most kind, patient, punctual instructor but he is also extremely technical and constantly bringing new information and concepts to class. The curriculum is constantly improving under Luis.
nuff said – please, for your own good – try out one of Luis’ classes!
When I arrived to Australia I looked for a kettlebell instructor and found Dave. Now I see that my choice could not be better. Dave is a real professional and with his guidance I have passed SFG1 certification in Sydney this May. Our co-operation continues and I hope I achieve a new goal soon. If you are looking for a professional trainer and friend start with Dave.
Thanks Jozef I was able to start with kettlebell training! I saw kettlebells only on the Internet before and was afraid to start with it by myself. Jozef as SFG instructor, my colleague and friend introduced me the kettlebell training, principles, technique and gave me lot of great personal advices during next years.
It’s almost 5 years ago and I’m very glad I asked him for this introduction at that time. This step completely changed my life. 5 years ago I was weak, hypomobile person. Get-up with a shoe seemed to be too difficult for me even though I was attending standard gym for many years before… Now I feel strong like never before and I’m able to to get-up with half bodyweight.
Jozef is really competent and strong trainer who inspires his students. If you have a chance to meet him in his gym, do it – you’ll be stronger!
If you simply want to check the box for a routine work out, maybe you should not waste your time with Yoana. But, if you want to learn how to get healthier, stronger and more powerful, then you must stop what you are doing and call Yoana now. Her training approach is pure StrongFirst. Her style is unique and amazing. Her knowledge and ability to train is world-class.
Who will benefit from her counsel? Competitive athletes, first-responders, novices, busy moms and busy dads, even older people who have worked at a desk for 40 years like me. I just want to avoid injury while moving around with more confidence. The common thread is that her students want to train with a superior strength coach. If you make the commitment to train with Yoana, she will truly care about you as if you were a member of her family.
Come to think of it, even if you only want a routine workout, you should attend one of her classes, and be prepared to have your life transformed. That is never a waste of time.
When I met Yoana I was impressed because I met a very strong woman, not only physically, but also of inner strength and will. The first time I saw her was 5 years ago in a Bodyweight Certification in México City. I had the opportunity to train with her under the command of Karen Smith. Time after, I have the privilege to call her my friend and be her student in several Kettlebell Courses. The way she teaches, explains and transmits her knowledge is admirable because she leaves no doubt about the passion she feels. She leaves the seed of passion, the thirst for success and the will to surpass ourselves in the people who work with her. That’s invaluable!
I have been working with Mira for over three years. She is a tremendous coach who is the perfect blend of pushing you to reach your goals and test your limits while helping you be mindful of your body and staying safe. Mira was instrumental in helping me recover from a back injury, she helped me retrain my body, breaking down the simplest to most complex movements in an easy to understand fashion which allowed me to heal and ensure proper form to avoid injury in the future. Mira did all this while working closely with my physical therapist to create a holistic program that would keep my body safe and me in the gym for years to come. I absolutely adore Mira, she takes what she does seriously and requires that from her clients while being easy to talk to, a tree of knowledge, and fun! If you work with Mira you’ve found yourself a champion, someone who will inspire you, push you to achieve new goals and rally beside you each step of the way. I am lucky to have found her!
Yoana is a great person, with a genuine interest in helping others achieve their goals. Demonstrate that if you can, it is the challenge you have with each of the people who approach you. managing to do it with each one of us.
Yoana is a wonderful trainer, coach, and person! I truly enjoyed working with her, and she taught me so much about Kettlebell training. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to learn about Kettlebells or looking for a coach to help them train more effectively!
I took a class on a whim as he is in the same gym I take Krav Maga at. I’ve been hooked since.
Dave is a great instructor. Knowledgable, patient and the workouts are killer. And probably most important, the classes are fun. I sometimes don’t think of it as a work out and more so going to hang out with friends while throwing some bells around. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my body mechanics since I’ve started, from only doing 2 classes a week as my scheduled permits.
I can’t say enough about Coach Mira and her skills as a Strength and Conditioning coach. Through the use of kettlebells, she helped me navigate through a horrible hip/back injury. As a Chiropractor and rehab specialist, I have been the worst client at time, not listening and doing my own programming. Coach Mira pulled me back on track, through the injury and kept me strong throughout the process. She inspires me, routes for me, sometimes yells at me (I need it somedays) and always keeps me on the path of continued strength. She is an inspiration as both a woman and a coach. I simply adore this woman.
I met Yoana last march during a Kettlebell Course in Mexico City, that was my real first real encounter with kettlebells . They way Yoana taught the course was so profesional and it was clear, since the beginning, she knew what she was talking about and i knew it was the right place to learn Kettlebell Training. Right after the course i got enrolled in the SFG Certification and Yoana has always been there to give some advice or to share some valuable training tricks and tips with me and and with all the others enrolled for the SFG Cert. She does it because she loves it and she transmits that, she is always willing to help, even if you are not paying her for her advice, that talks about how humble and the kind of person she is. I hope i can get to be as good as she is one day!!!
I first met Yoana in my SFG 1 cert, when she was my team leader. During the cert she improved so much my technique and I’ve learned so much from her that it has changed my life forever. She is responsible for my improvement and she’s keep being my inspiration. Yoana is a Kettlebell and Bodyweight specialist with makes her a role model in the StrongFirst community. From and because of her I learned and adopted StrongFirst as a philosophy of life.
Exceptional trainer, leader and human being. I had a chance to attend SFG I under his and Fabio’s leading and even after few years in SFG gym I still felt like gaining so many new informations. I feel great respect to him and his wife, my current trainer, because no mettre how big is the challenge, they still want to teach you the best, the most efficient way and they are both hell good at it.
I am very happy and feel really blessed that I can have Pavel around.
I feel honored to learn and grow under Pavel. He is great teacher. You can clearly see after few exercises that he knows his stuff. He looks constantly for new ways how to improve his teaching and how it make more effective for his students.
Yoana, I have known for 15 years I believe as a person she is extraordinary person knowing the person she is. As a Trainer she is out of this world she talks the talk on Fitness training. I started training with her in 2005 and she introduced me to Kettlebell training and have thoroughly learned so much from her and still do with my training . Her attention to technique and body movement is so keen which is amazing. She is there to help you be the best you can be and be strong bodied for life in general. I appreciate everything she has done for me in my learning of Kettlebell and body movement. Her workshops I have taken are so precise in material and she makes it fun and interesting, I recommend for you to take one to experience her passion and presence of one strong trainer in her field. I’m proud to know her and to have her as a coach to educate me in my personal training and most of all as a long life friend forever. You will not be disappointed when you train with her, you will be hooked as I was. One of the Best trainers I have ever known. Thank you for everything you do and for me always being there when I need help.
Yoana is an outstanding trainer. She puts together workouts that truly enhance your overall fitness. Each class is well planned to run smoothly from the warm up to peak exercise to the cool down. These training sessions improve: strength, endurance, mobility, flexibility, and body structure. The gains made support everything from sports performance to carrying groceries or walking a dog. As a teacher Yoana is vested in her students’ success. She explains and demonstrates everything thoroughly and provides students with valuable feedback. Yoana is a rare find, train with her as often as possible.
From body movement to kettlebell training techniques, Yoana is a stickler for proper form and movement that insures that her clients progress in an even fashion avoiding injury. Being bi-lingual has open her practice up to a worldwide audience as the language of fitness and stength has no international borders????
Yoana is one hell of a coach! I have had the pleasure and honor of being coached by Yoana personally and having her coach our team of In-Home coaches. Her attention to detail and the depth of her knowledge are easy to see after just a few minutes with her. Having a resource like Yoana will unquestionably allow you to reach new levels of strength and knowledge. She is also a blast to be around! I highly recommend Yoana for 1-to-1 (in person and online) as well as group training.
Yoana has been an encouraging and inspiring coach for me the last 4 years I’ve known her. Her knowledge in technique, fitness, the human body and its functionality are just a few of the multiple qualities she has as a strong first coach. She has the gift of knowing how much to push folks in the direction needed to reach their potential and to continue to improve and grow in strength. She used these character strengths she has as a coach, to guide me in the direction of maintaining safe training while pregnant, and thereafter guided and encouraged me to get strong first certified myself.
Since I met Yoana, she has always proved to be a happy person to be able to share her knowledge, teach and train anyone who is willing to dedicate time to its training, want to learn and improve his abilities
A person with a lot of professionalism, athletic abilities and cheerful; with which it provokes to speak, to share opinions, knowledge, training and much more
I apologyse in advance for my grammar, english it is not my mother tongue
I’ve been training with Dave for the last six years. He has been the ultimate professional in the field of strength and conditioning that I could have ever asked for. I obtained my SFG1 with his help this year and I believe I am a better all round athlete for it. If you are training with a certain goal in mind or just wanting to get into good physical shape, I would seriously recommend Dave.
You can see, that he loves, what he do. True profesional, true teacher. Preaches pu-erh, drinks pu-erh, he can one arm swing his bodyweight and if you allow him to do so, he will teach you everything he knows, because, some people just love to give, what they have.
It has been my pleasure to teach alongside Pavel Macek. A consummate professional while remaining a down-to-earth person, he serves as a role model in our community of someone who walks the walk – 56 kg bent press @ 68 kg bodyweight! And he has a keen eye and mind as a teacher, one whose students make rapid progress and achieve great things.
DQ is the BEST! Seriously, a phenomenal instructor and all around great guy! He has turned my husband and me into kettlebell junkies! His program is hands down the best around. Contact Dave immediately – you won’t regret it!
I recently started training with Mira and would highly recommend working with her! Her level of expertise and knowledge has helped me gain confidence with form and technique while having fun! Regardless if the classes are small or large, she makes sure to give everyone her full attention in order to make small detailed changes to our form that allow us to get stronger without hurting ourselves along the way. She will also make time outside of class for any questions and clearly cares for all her students. If you get a chance to work with her get ready to be motivated to get strong while having fun in a positive environment!
I thoroughly enjoy my time working with Mira! She inspires, encourages and teaches. I got super lucky to be a part of Mira’s gym and community!
She helps in the most encouragable way to overcome any physical or “mind” obstacles that we, as her students, build around our physical abilities. I appreciate her scientific approach to the body mechanics that allows building fitness and health routines that motivate to gradually and consistently change and grow as an athlete.
She is a dedicated and knowledgeable coach and an all-around great and fun person!
Mira is an incredibly balanced and knowledgeable coach. She has excelled over the years and offers outstanding technical coaching along with awareness of her students needs. Mira has the ability to observe a movement and find the perfect explanation on adjustments that should be made with skillful and clear instructions . Mira’s likeable nature has students embrace her instruction and stay motivated throughout training. Mira operates at a high training intelligence and is capable of training anyone from novice to professional skill level.
Dave’s training sessions are based around technique, weights to push you, motivation to take your training further and focus to deliver those results you’re looking for. Even if you have been training for years you will still pick up new & improved techniques and a more precise way of getting results.
I used to look at people training with kettlebells with fear and trepidation, but Dave’s detailed and thorough approach to learning not just the practice of kettlebells but understanding the precise movement breakdowns helped to remove any fear and see the kettlebell as a powerful tool in (and out) of the gym. Dave’s friendly and meticulous approach to his profession allow him to meet his clients where they are at and then help them get to where they want to be. Training with Dave will make a difference not just in the gym, but in your life.
Rob is one of the most skilled, thoughtful and effective trainers I’ve ever met. He has a deep knowledge of working with the body in multiple ways and customizes and varies our workouts week to week so there is continued growth, flexibility, mobility and strength gains. He is clearly an expert in kettlebell training but offers much in terms of mobility and functional movement. I can’t think of anyone, regardless of fitness level, who could not benefit from Rob’s expertise.
I retired from teaching at 60 years old & decided I needed to begin an exercise program to keep active & keep my bones strong. I joined a friend who was taking kettlebell training with Eileen. I was not confident that I would be able to keep up but soon fell in love with kettlebells & Eileen as an instructor. She helps you start where you can, encourages your every step and gently pushes you to achieve even more. Before you know it, you’re doing things you never imagined you could. I stayed with it for over 2 years and only stopped because I moved. I would
recommend Just Kettlebells to anyone. If I could do it, so can YOU!
Antonin is a great instructor, very helpful with positive attitude and individual approach. Thanks to his support I was able to improve myself and get over few obstacles and keep being motivated. He was able to get me really interested in kettlebells. Thank you, Antonin!
I worked as a fitness coach in Stuttgart for several years. Changing gyms, I met Sven.
Until then, I was familiar with barbell work and kettlebells. But Sven taught me a whole new level of training, incorporating kettlebells into my routines.
Sven is able to work out with any type of clients. Regardless of age or training background / fitness level.
His mindset and how he walks the talk are inspiring!
I would recommend getting coached by him anytime!
Pavel is a natural borne leader. Strong in many aspects, great personality, he is wise and inspirational. Important to mention that he has build up a great team of instructors at his KB5 school. KB5 has in my opinion one of the most professional instructors I ever experienced. Great job from a true leader!
Tim is a true professional, motivating and encouraging all clients to push themselves and achieve goals. He is a top bloke and a true pleasure to train with. I would highly recommend Tim to anyone looking to loose weight and becom fitter.
Tim is the most encouraging, inspiring and motivated guy I have met. He will give you his absolute ALL each and every training session. Tim believes that everyone is capable of achieving their goals, and will motivate and help you though each step of the way.
I started training with Mira after another coach I had worked with for several years retired. I didn’t think I would find anyone to “fill his shoes” but after my 1st class with Mira, I felt very confident with her coaching and was impressed with her expertise and professionalism.
Regardless of the number of students in a class, Mira provides a lot of personal attention. I appreciate her acceptance of where I’m at in my individual level of training while encouraging me to build my strength. She is very detailed in her coaching, ensuring my form and moves are correct which not only helps to build my strength but keeps me safe from injury in the process. I’ve benefited greatly from Mira’s classes and have a lot of fun in the process!
Tony is a highly skilled trainer and leader that trains other coaches. He is constantly updating his skill level and programming. I have been training with Tony for many years. He has developed my strength, endurance, balance, flexibility and motor skill level to my capacity which I needed for my career as a police officer. He also got me to be a SFG I and doing 40kg Turkish get ups. I have been able to meet new standards in physical abilities in such things as firearms qualifications with more stringent times, defensive tactics skills, properly lifting people and other physical skill based requirements. I have also been able to transfer many of these skills to teaching others in related subjects to my profession. Tony is a great coach that cares about his students and the community.
The incarnation of the quiet professional, Alexey is the right coach for you, if you are serious about strength and movement quality. His coaching eye and attention to detail are second to none.
Just as an example, it took him just five minutes to correct my form and have me achieve a clean one-arm one-leg pushup. I had been working on it for weeks, and he fixed it in 5 minutes. The value of a great coach…
I first went to John over a year and a half ago for help with the Simple & Sinister Proramme. I thought a few sessions and I would happily be on my way, however, I am still regularly seeing John for help with all things strength and mobility related. I find his knowledge invaluable in my journey to become stronger.
If you ever have the opportunity to learn from Pavel, I really recommend it. Pavel Macek is one of the best examples of what a StrongFirst instructor should be. If you are looking for knowledge, strength and skills, you have just found it. The best choice.
My colleague, my teacher, my training partner, my good friend – smart, skillful, strong. Any time I see Alexey, I learn a lot of new stuff – he is an excellent, patient coach, who pays attention to detail; thanks to this vast teaching experience has many great drills and progressions to help you move better and move stronger.
To be a strength coach is not Andzelika’s job – it is her life and passion. If you want to move better, get in shape, move stronger, she will teach you how – and she will be always there for you. Her and her husband’s gym is a role model StrongFirst Gym, an example to follow!
I started training with Dave about 6 months ago. He helped me get back into weight training after a lower back injury. Dave is a top guy, he is an excellent trainer and has his clients best interests at (Hart)) couldn’t resist ?
He has taught me how to train with great form, gain amazing strength in a relatively short period of time and I can now use kettlebells knowing I am doing it safely and effectively.
I really look forward to my sessions and would highly recommend Dave to anyone from beginners to more experienced weight trainers.
Years ago when I met Jean-Francois for the first time, I thought: “What a great student – patient, paying attention, humble.” Today I know: “What a great coach!”. Learn from him, and get stronger – get StrongFirst!
Quiet professional, leading by example, great coach and my very good friend. Jozef has all the necessary skills of a good teacher – patience, great technique, and good heart. Make sure to visit his gym and get better, stronger!
My colleague and good friend, strong gentleman with an excellent technique, student and teacher of Strength. Make sure to visit his classes in Bratislava, recommended!
A group of us first started seeing Pete four years ago. We’d travel down to Bristol to learn two kettlebell exercises, go back, practice, then keep repeating until we had nailed the many kettlebell and barbell exercises. Over the years we’ve seen many trainers, and Pete is up there with the best. An excellent teacher, who is able to break down movements such as the TGU and teach them simply with out over complication. We continue to travel to see him. He’s also a really nice, amenable guy. Can’t recommend him enough. His teaching and programming is really first rate. He has an excellent understanding of the human body. Would also recommend getting a program off him that you can do at home or in your own gym if you can’t get down to his gym on a regular basis.
Dave is an exceptional trainer! He gets everyone who trains under him and never fails to deliver with progressive programs, thorough guidance and fun with it. Training with Dave has improved my running and pilates teaching – I didn’t expect it & it’s a key part to my overall training now.
The best kettlebell coach I have had. I did a few one on one sessions with Dave probably about a year ago. Fantastic coach, he taught me the fine mechanics of kettlebell lifting so I am able to train myself at home with my own kettlebells. Breaks things down to minute details, and to top it off he’s a very friendly and engaging instructor. I can’t recommend him enough.
I was really grateful to start training with Dave at a point in my life where I felt I needed additional strength, both mentally and physically. Every week I really looked forward to stepping into the space he created for us – an energised and focused space that also embraced a good laugh amidst the concentration on nailing technique, and training hard. I grew to love kettlebell training almost immediately as Dave gave me the tools to feel entirely confident with them, and like I could safely look after my body in the process of pushing my limits. Building on this allowed me to work hard and make changes to my physical (and therefor mental) being really quite quickly, with the joy of attention to detail which made every session hugely valuable. Each session balanced revisiting core exercises and introducing new ones perfectly, keeping me completely engaged. Dave is an empathetic, immensely knowledgeable and humerous guy whose passion for meaningful and conscientious fitness is contagious and I can’t recommend him highly enough.
Training with Mira and watching Mira train over the past couple of years, I’m always impressed with her attention to the details in every movement. I’ve now done hundreds of Turkish get ups, but each tiny movement can still be improved by making sure each rep is done with the intention of making it a perfect rep. This is something I see every time with Mira. Consistency, an eye for details in how we move, and practicing that always. When I feel tired and just want to quickly move through and get a rep done, I refocus and move deliberately. It’s an inspiring model of consistency that Mira displays every day. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to train with her.
Nic Waeber est un instructeur en or!
Sympathique et très encourageant !!! Il est passionné et passionnant ! ☺️Je suis tellement contente de l avoir rencontré.
Il y a 4 mois , J’ai pris contact avec lui pour mon entraînement préparatoire du SGF1 et depuis notre rencontre mon évolution et ma technique d entraînement ne font que s améliorer ! Il m avait prédits que je serais capable de pousser très lourd au dessus de ma tête pour la fin d année, pour mes 50 ans ! Je n’y ai pas crû une seconde car cela m était carrément impossible …pas capable! impensable ! Inimaginable !
en un mois , ayant bien noté et bcp travaillé sur ses précieux conseils , je me suis totalement dépassée ! Je validais ce poids si lourd à mes yeux ( 20kg !!)en TGU …dire qu’ en mars j arrivais tout juste avec a soulever 12kg!
Alors Nic, Merci pour tout !
Yoana should be regarded as one of best kettlebell instructors in the world! I had the honor of having her as my Team Leader at my very first kettle bell Certification. Her knowledge and experience makes her the top instructor in the game. If you ever have a chance to train with Yoana, do yourself a favor and do it!
Patient and pationate about technique and its benefits, inspiring and meticulous and fun, focused on results and he didn’t just made me believe i can achieve he teached me that i can and showed me how.
Thank you
Having been generally unfit and overweight for several years i decided it was time to make a change. I started having personal training sessions with Pete approximately five years ago. My strength and fitness has skyrocketed since i started. Pete is extremely knowledgeable and will taylor sessions and programs to suit your individual requirements. I can’t recommend Pete as a personal trainer highly enough.
I am a person who lacks basic movement skills and habits. For the first time in my life someone – Antonín – was able to thoroughly explain every single movement I should be doing and how. Changed my life already. Attentive, knowledgeable, supportive.
I have been involved in sports and working out my entire life, and I have to say Mike has been by far the best all around trainer that I have worked out with.
He is passionate about what he does and unlike many others he believes what he teaches.
Mike puts a lot of time into perfecting his skill set and educating himself to be the best.
Mike has a knack of managing various skill levels all at the same time while making sure everyone gets the most out of every session.
Weather you are a seasoned veteran in physical fitness and nutrition or just a beginner, you will get results with Mike and learn in the process. I highly recommend Mike from Brickhouse stregnth and conditioning to all.
Mike is a dedicated trainer who will do whatever he needs to do to help you reach your any fitness goals you want to accomplish. Mike is well versed in nutrition, mobility, body weight, barbell, kettlebell training and more. I have been working for over 20 years and I have not met a better trainer.
Training with Mike is challenging but fun. I have a love/hate relationship with the programs he designs. He definitely makes me work hard, but it’s all worth it because of the results I am seeing and the strength I am feeling. Mike is a very experienced trainer and I know I’m always in good hands training at The Brick House. He can quickly adjust movements for me depending on how I’m feeling that day to ensure I always get a safe and effective training session in. I would highly recommend training with Mike; you won’t be disappointed!
I started training with Tony several years ago after a LONG absence from strength training, and while dealing with several lingering injuries. Tony has a keen eye for movement and can quickly identify faults in technique, which is key for getting the most benefit out of workouts and avoiding injury/re-injury. He also has a knack for pushing his students just a bit harder than they think they can go. Needless to say, I’m not feeling those lingering injuries too much anymore, and I’m probably stronger than I’ve ever been.
I had the pleasure of assisting Mike deliver the SFG curriculum at the SFG1 kettlebell certification in England. I was blown away by his attention to detail and ability to break down the movements, not only that Mike makes it fun and interesting!
If I lived in California, I know who I would go see to get stronger!
I just now read the paragraphs on Eric’s bio. Wow! Never would have thought such a humble guy is such an accomplished badass!
Eric is a fantastic coach. He is vastly knowledgeable and able to transmit his wealth of mind without condescension, with simplicity, and ease of application. He is very personable. Even though I’ve been using kettlebells for almost six years on my own with help from YouTube, I learned a TON about how to move a kettlebell and a lot about the morphology of my body in just a few sessions with him, things that totally changed how I train kettlebells. Mostly, since I only had time to have a few sessions with him, I learned how much I don’t know which is always THE BEST lesson. Also, his facility is top notch. Highly recommend to anybody even remotely curious about kettlebells. Gift idea: if you love someone who is curious about/needs kettlebells, or exercise in general, gift them a few sessions with Eric.
I have been training with Mike for the last 10 years and have seen him grow in his knowledge and expertise in strength and conditioning , body mechanics, nutrition and kettlebell training. He is able to assess people where they are and train them at their level, gradually increasing their confidence and ability. His small group sessions are like you are getting one on one training because each person is working on different exercises. He fits your work out to you, not you to the group. He has been able to modify my workouts through various surgeries on my feet and knees and I’ve come out stronger and recovered better due to his instruction. A truly exceptional trainer.
It is a great honor for me to be Justyna’s student. She is very nice true lady, awesome teacher, friend and definitely strong skillful wise profesional.
It is a great honor for me to be Pavel’s student. He is true gentleman, awesome teacher, employer, friend and very strong skillful wise profesional. I’m glad to know him and to be part of his team.
I’ve been training with Pete for two years now via a mixture of group, semi private and private training sessions. Pete is an absolute expert trainer. He has such a vast knowledge and experience of training methods, techniques, muscle impacts, I trust his training methods completely. He always delivers a fun session which meets my training goals. He is very careful to understand what my training needs are and to tailor the session accordingly where possible. He is also great at giving nutritional guidance.
Tomorrow is the 2nd year anniversary of having Sven as my trainer. When we started working together in 2016, I had trouble pressing an 8 kg Kettlebell. With a lot of patience and motivational words, Sven changed that!
Because of him I own a small but constantly growing „stable“ of kettlebells now. I follow the workout plan he made for me and I know the absolute great feeling of walking up to a barbell and feeling like a badass.
He taught me how to row, press, swing, clean, snatch and get-up with a kettlebell. He showed me how to deadlift, first with a Kettlebell later with a barbell. We are working on me doing a full chin-up/pull-up and I would really love to be able to deadlift my bodyweight some day. I have no doubt that he’ll get me there.
With him I’ve achieved a lot already:
– Over the last couple of years I lost 30 kilos, for about 17 of them I „blame“ Sven.
– we started doing TGUs with no weight in my hands, last week I did them for the first time with a 16 kilo Kettlebell.
– IIRC my first deadlift was with a small Kettlebell, now there is a 60 kg barbell in front of me.
We can only meet every other week, but I am looking forward to it every time! Training with Sven is fun, exhausting, hilarious, inspiring, motivating and has the best soundtrack of all times (if we have control over the gym’s stereo). Plus he takes my verbal abuse and “mimimi” like a champ. Sorry for that, coach! I hope we will train together for AT LEAST 2 more years… or longer!
I came to Pete a few months ago. As a personal trainer I found it hard to stick to my own training so needed someone to stay accountable to.
Best decision I made. I’ve been consistent with training and have gained a lot of strength, dropped bodyfat% and feel a lot more confident with heavy lifts… all without killing myself!
Sessions are super informative, simple and fun. I have learnt so much from him and would highly recommend. Thanks Pete! 🙂
Amazing Person and Trainer! He knows his craft and knows how to make workout fun and long lasting.
Sven is definitely an amazing motivator and partner if you want to achieve something in your workout routine.
Simply the best there is!
Usually everyone will say that about their personal couch. But Sven just is THE BEST in Stuttgart and Area. Nuff said!
Thank you for pushing me, thank you for the inspiration
Rob is an amazing trainer! His programs are great and he has kept me “on my game” throughout the time I’ve worked with him. Through a few injuries he has easily adapted my programs and made it so I was still able to get in good sessions. He has shown me the importance of mobility training and I believe that’s one of the reasons I feel so good. He has helped me “get after it” while always stressing good form. And above all else he practices what he preaches – and there is no stronger motivator in a trainer than that!!
Pavel is really great teacher and overall wonderful person. He was the one who introduced me to kettlebells and the world of strength years ago and has been my tutor ever since. You will always come out better after a lesson with him even if you have years of training behind you. And he lives what he preaches!
Pavel is great leader, excellent teacher, and true embodiment of the StrongFirst Code.
He probably doesn´t know this himself but I owe him a lot. Without even knowing me, he changed me through his early articles and videos from weak and fat couch potato into strong and competent police officer.
Later on, when cirrcumstances forced me to change my job it was thanks to workshops and courses he taught and organized that I became successful and competent professional in the business of health and strength.
So Pavel, I owe you so much that I will be never able to repay it so this little review is the least I can do for you in return.
I have always been struggling to gain weight but ever since I started training with Coach Mark, my body weight improved. Never a dull moment training with him. You’ll be surprised as to what skills you’d be able to unlock after every training.
I find myself extremely lucky that I have Justyna as my teacher. She turned me from I-don’t-think-I-can-do-this attitude into a let’s-see-if-I-can-do-more enthusiast. I feel stronger, physically more capable and harder to kill after every training session with her. She is a super strong woman, an amazing human being, and a wonderful coach. She has created an exceptional community of super strong women in her gym, and I am super proud to be a part of it.
I’m an amputee and I worked with Mike to help me improve my core strength and generally help me stay strong and properly aligned. Even with just a short time He significantly improved my technique and over time I’ve been able to consistently stay in good shape and live strong.
Pavel taught me what STRONG really means, and not just physically. He is one of the very few people (well, one of the two people, the second being his wife) I would never question, I can always trust and never feel the need to seek “better” alternatives. I highly admire and respect Pavel, and I am grateful for every single thing (and every person) he brought into my life. Thank you, Pavel!
Martine has an amazing eye for detail. She not only has amazing knowledge of craft, but she is a kick ass person to hang around. What more can you ask for? A great person who is also amazing at what she does. I am honored to call he my friend!
Sara’s passion for StrongFirst is second to none. She is very skilled as an instructor. I don’t know many people who have a squat rack and a bunch of kettlebells in their dinning room, but I know Sara does! She is an amazing person and a terrific mother as well. If you are in NOLA and don’t look her up you are a fool!
Bruno is one of the most passionate people in StrongFirst. He has gone above and beyond to help make StrongFirst Brazil a reality. His knowledge mixed with his awesome personality makes him a double threat. He is someone I try and emulate as a person. I am honored to call him a colleague but more honored to call him a friend!
I just finished my 3rd, 6 week session with Eileen and Just Kettlebells. I have loved it and am looking forward to starting the 4th one soon. Eileen knows her stuff and she has a great place to swing the bell. If you are curious about Kettlebells or have been looking for a way to shake up your workout routine I highly recommend signing up for Eileen’s Beginner 6 week session to get you started. It gives you all the fundamentals and from there you safely build on those fundamentals and you get stronger then you ever thought possible.
I’ve been training with Tony for over three years and I can’t say enough good things about the atmosphere and programming that he has created at Industrial Strength Gym. I came to Industrial Strength very out of shape and nervous to start a new fitness routine, but because of the emphasis on safety and being a good training partner, I quickly felt welcome and excited to work hard. His kettlebell programming has helped me lose and maintain a fifty pound weight loss and also collect a fun set of strength skills. Tony is a top-notch trainer and I highly recommend him and Industrial Strength Gym.
Pavel is an excellent teacher of strength.
I went to see him when I was preparing my SFG certification. His attention to details and guidance put me on the right track.
I had the opportunity to see him in action a few more times at his gym, and he always acted very professionally. Every time, I left with more knowledge.
Highly recommended.
As a newbie to kettlebells, I always leave Mira’s classes knowing more than I did before. She has a keen ability for breaking down complicated moves and exercises in a way that makes sense and feels approachable. She’s a total powerhouse and someone I admire!
Gary Music is an instructor who truly cares about his students. He will patiently work with you at your own pace to set and attain your personal goals. Him and his wife Reneta are a power couple who take pride in teaching strength without compromising safe body mechanics. Gary taught me how to do my very first strict pull-up. I would recommend his training abilities to anyone who seeks strength.
KB training with Mike is thorough, detailed, and patient. The accompanying documentation was unexpectedly comprehensive. Your swings will be spot on and your posture perfect after participating in Mike’s training.
Great trainer and person. Mike works with clients of all ages. I have been training with Mike for almost 10 years and I would recommend Mike as a trainer for anyone. Very professional and knowledgeable in his field.
Mira is a wonderful teacher, and has been instrumental in my growth as a student. I had never touched a kettlebell before I walked into Mira’s gym and started training, and I know that her coaching in particular has been a big reason for my progression to more difficult techniques and weights. She has a unique ability to break down movements and exercises, and to explain them in ways that really “click”. Movements that first felt entirely foreign soon became comfortable, and soon, I became more confident in my ability to accomplish them. Her classes and comments are always insightful and encouraging, and I’m not sure I would have stuck with my new workout regimen if it weren’t for her tutelage. Thanks Mira!
Pavel is an inspiration to all StrongFirst instructors. His posts and videos are very helpful and inspire us to improve our techniques. He is always working for making the StrongFirst community stronger that’s why he’s a role model in our community.
Awesome guy, strong and knows his stuff. Was my group leader at an SFG, patient, but strict and got the best out of you. Also, not a guy to mess with in the mosh pit….
Jimmy is the real deal! I have had the honor of hanging out with him at StrongFirst events and every time I leave smarter and also with side cramps. Jimmy will drop some knowledge bombs while making you enjoy every minute of it. If you ever have a chance to listen to him at a conference/ weekend workshop – GO!
Pavel is the definition of Strength. He lives and breathes it. I have been fortunate to have a few conversations with Pavel and every time I leave stronger. He is a true professional and gentleman. He IS StrongFirst!
I’ve been taking (and loving) MIra Kwon’s kettle bell classes at Industrial Strength Gym for a few months now. The level of specific and consistent technical instruction directed at improving my technique has benefited me enormously!
What I’ve also come to appreciate from Mira’s keen attention to technique are the nuanced and detailed prompts for correction during the arc of a movement. They’re seemingly small but very impactful observations that leave a lasting effect and have been instrumental in helping me get the absolute most from that particular movement. She knows when to push for more and when one should lessen the weight for the sake of proper technique. Mira is one of those rare instructors that sincerely cares about her students….. I so look forward to her classes!!
Mira is amazing (and I’m not exaggerating )! I brag about her all the time to anyone who will listen. She is everything you could want in a trainer. She has a deep knowledge and commitment to building strong, proper movement with her clients. I’ve significantly increased my strength and mobility as a result of working with her. She’s a master motivator! I often hear her cheering/pushing me on even when I’m working on my own. And she doesn’t stop the motivation or commitment to your strength at the end of your session. Mira has supported me as a whole human through injuries and health issues. She’ll recommend physicians, acupuncturists, podcasts, and supplements. She’s freaking sent me flowers when I had a whole month where I was out sick – what?!? She’ll work with you no matter where you are or what your goals are (and trust me you’ll hit those goals). She’ll challenge you to be so much better, stronger, and even happier. She’s patient, dedicated, and passionately committed to every client. She’s an exceptional person and a truly outstanding trainer.
As a physical therapist, strength training is very important beyond a patient’s rehabilitation. Tony and the staff at Industrial Strength Gym have the highest qualified trainer’s in the area. Tony is a high level instructor with a great eye for movement and the right cues to make you strong and keep you safe. You cannot get a higher caliber of trainer, who is also a trainer’s trainer. As a clinician, Tony is my go to movement professional to continue with my patients care and beyond!
Al’s expertise and knowledge are second to none. I’ve been working with Al for some time now and he has opened my eyes to new ways to train that are purely productive. I have completed several of Al’s protocols and come out stronger both physically and mentally each and every time. Al is always available for guidance and motivation. Being in the tactical field Al’s training methods have kept me strong and injury free allowing me to perform day in and day out.
Pavel is for a long time now one of my model in the SF community. I admire him for his teaching manner and his impressive strengh/height ratio! He is like an ant! Not really tall but a million times stronger than that!
When I first started working with Tony, I could barely snatch the 12kg or complete a Turkish Get Up with a 16kg. Really…both were a struggle. Tony puts a TON of work into his programming and helping athletes reach their goals. After working with Tony for the past 2 years, I can now complete a snatch test with a 24kg and a Turkish Get Up with a 40kg. I can’t thank him enough. Truly an amazing person and coach.
I’ve been around the iron game a bit. Once you get to a certain point gains come tough. You can take several paths at this point. Beat yourself up thinking only more hard work will get you over the hump. You can take the easy way out and use unnatural substances. Or, you can hire Al.
Al’s methods will appear different because they are. He will help you find just the right amount of work and rest you need to reach your potential. Doesn’t matter really what goals you have in mind. Become stronger, reduce body fat percentage, increase endurance, or just general health and wellness to help you lead the life you want. Al has a system that will allow you to reach your goals. Just add your hard work in just the right amount. The surprising thing is you will find yourself with more time on your hands because you aren’t spending hours in the gym. Who couldn’t use more time in todays world?
I participated in a couple of Al’s experimental training protocols about two and half years ago, and to say that I was impressed with the results is an understatement. I’ve since used his methods to train for everything from a half-marathon OCR, to military service, to fatherhood, and have seen excellent results in regard to both strength, endurance, and what I would consider durability. It seems like it wasn’t so long ago that I couldn’t snatch 32kg at all, but I am currently using 32K snatches as the workhorse for my training (for reference, I’m 5’10″&160 lbs). His methods will work as long as you do, and his approach to training and life is such that putting in the work is often pleasant.
Between the protocols, emails, and forum posts, it’s safe to say that I’ve learned quite a bit from Al. That being said, I am even more impressed by Al’s “white belt” mentality. He operates under the assumption that he always has more to learn, and if I had to guess, I would say it’s that humility that’s allowed him to acquire the extensive base of knowledge that he has.
Andrei trained me for a few months with gradual but challenging workouts. A highly competent and professional trainer in kettlebells, sessions were well thought out and increased in technical difficulty through the weeks. Andrei is really knowledgable and challenges himself to always improve which benefits his students. The training sessions I had with Andrei form the basis of my kettlebell workouts 4 years on.
I started to work with Al 6 months ago. I’m 55 years old and am stronger now than at any point in my life and I have Al Ciampa to thank for that! The program is relatively simple, however, it is also highly effective! I am now snatching with the 36kg KB , single hand swings with the 40kg and the 48kg for 2 handed swings now feels pretty light…I am doing sets in the range of 30-40 and reps of 1-5 often just on the minute, pulse is recovering very quickly between sets and I attribute that to the incredible conditioning from these sessions as well as the low level aerobic work that I do daily (swim, bike, rowing, running and Rucking)..As an older guy I am not interested in what a 20 something trainer has to say as they will probably (definitely) change their outlook on training numerous times before they reach my age ! I wanted someone I could genuinely respect to help me with a plan and Al is that man, I only wish I had met him years ago!
Al took me from out of shape middle aged guy to being in triathlon (long course) shape! Along the way he taught me how to design my own training, how to shift focus based on what’s lacking and where I was in the season, together with a lot of general philosophy on training and life!
Al’s no-nonsense style is refreshing in a world where people try to impress trainees by confusing them. He adapts to what you need at each point along the route to your goal, from very detailed custom “do this” programs to taking on a mentor role and helping you find your own way, all while being genuinely interested in what you have to say! He’s patient when you need someone to listen, and pushes you at the right moment.
Although my goals were clear and specific I learned a lot around how to train for different goals, and a whole bag of strategies and how to use them (like kettlebells, there is a clear WTH effect to Al’s teaching, goals change and you keep finding back something in Al’s teachings that will get you there again!)
In short, if you need a coach, teacher, mentor, and someone to kick your ass when you need it, go with Al!
Two years of Kettlebell training has flown by with Eileen Backman as my instructor. I love her technical expertise, strength, and encouraging spirit. She allows you to start where you are in your fitness journey and guides you to improved strength and mobility. By changing the class cycle every 6 weeks, you never get bored with the training and you are always amazed at the progress you’ve made in just 6 weeks. I am thankful that I signed up for a Functional Movement Screening and took the beginner class with Eileen. Now, I make sure I sign up for every session, so I don’t lose my spot!
Eileen is indeed passionate about kettlebell training and supporting her students’ health and strength through achieving their personal goals. She is masterful in designing workout routines that build strength and good form. And she knows each individual students’ abilities , offering modifications to prevent injury and gradually build skill. The classes are fun and the supportive atmosphere is contagious. At 71, after just a few years of working with Eileen, I feel stronger than ever, and am executing moves I never imagined I could do. She’s just the best! And kettlebells are so much fun!
Al has a knack for leading horses to water while making the horse think it was his own genius idea. He is a gifted mentor with expertise in fitness, nutrition, stress management, and behavior. As expected, his focus on health, fitness, and stress management got me in the best shape of my life. What I did not expect was the knock-on effect of giving me the confidence to go after bigger challenges outside of the gym.
Al knows all the pieces of the puzzle, and which pieces to focus on first. You will never attain maximum performance if any aspect of your health is lagging. His innovative use of the question & answer method teases out details you would not of found on your own.
I was impressed by the beautiful simplicity of Al’s training methods. Do not make the mistake of thinking that makes them ineffective; they hit like a sledgehammer to the chest! Al’s training is old school cool: practice a few effective moves (a lot) and repeat until strong.
His stress management and mindset tools are life changing. They will improve your training. However, you maybe surprised at how much they improve your life.
Im currently working with John to prep for my StrongFirst level 1 cert. The amount of knowledge John has is incredible. I would have comsidered myself fairly good when it comes to using kettlebells but what ive learnt with john so far has really been amazing….
John has taken me right back to the basics and shown me that you need to master the basics first above all.
I have trained and worked with John over the last year and a half and can safely say this guy knows his stuff when it comes to Kettlebells and Barbell work
If you are looking for some flashy, faddy method or secret I’m sad to say John won’t provide it
But if you want to learn how to work and develop some serious strength and conditioning or just drop some of that extra body fat and move and feel better then John can provide you with the theory and more importantly the practical knowledge to get you were you need and want to be
My mentor since 2014. He’s like the kung fu master on top of the mountain and I’m the apprentice who needs to go on a journey once in a while just to train with him personally. He’s a very big influence in my coaching ang training style. Very sesnible and practical. I hope to be a part of strong first and he always pushes me to be better. Good coach and an even better friend.
10+ years of hip and back pain from numerous falls from horses and training martial arts, Christian has been a God send! Retraining movement patterns and building the right muscles, has meant daily tasks are pain free and horse riding and martial arts are soon-to-be enjoyable again. He goes above and beyond for all his clients and his continuous want for learning means we get the best advice and care available.
The knowledge and support I have received from Karen has been exceptional. With her expertise I have grown in my understanding of how my body responds to strength training and body weight stabilization. She is a amazing teacher but keeps her mind as a student always learning to help others. I would highly recommend Karen.
He’s been my mentor and coach way back since 2012 up to now… Guided me through on how to get myself in the health and fitness industry by having the right foundation of knowledge, strength and integrity. Will always consider this man a big brother in strength.
“Never forget the people who believed in you when your potential was still in seed form”
Mark is an awesome coach apart from being a good soul and overall well informed trainer. Has helped me with prep many times. I strongly recommend him. Yusuf Khan. SFG 2.
Awesome coach! Makes sure that everyone can do the training properly. Even after class, you can ask him for advice and will proudly teach you the best that he can. And he will be thankful that you ask.
My love for kettlebells started when my sister and I randomly signed up for the Hardstyle Kettlebell Workshop with Coach Mark together with his fellow StrongFirst Kettlebell Instructors. I was fascinated with their display of strength and power that I, a certified couch potato, mindlessly signed up to train under Coach Mark’s wing.
Before, I could hardly swing a 10kg kettlebell but now, I’ve already managed to press double 10kg kettlebells effortlessly. Days, weeks, and months of training passed by yet here I am still eager to learn! What used to be scary and heavy blobs of iron are now my training constants.
What I love about training with Coach Mark is how I managed to discover and develop my inner strength at my very own pace. For a lethargic lady that I am, being able to lift heavy objects was extremely satisfying and empowering.
I always look forward to our training sessions because it is yet another opportunity for learning but as Coach Mark always say, slowly but surely.
I’ve learned under Piers for about four years now and everytime we get to interact hands-on, his teaching style never fails to amaze me.. definitely top notch
Excellent coach. Very precise coaching, every detail counts, from breathing to tension and flexibility etc. If you want to make a great progression, you can count on her. Highly recommended.
Shaun was my Team Leader for SFG I Certification. I cannot think of a better person to lead through a cert weekend than him. He is humble, knowledgeable and concerned with getting the most out of you. Even though I entered the weekend pretty well prepared, I came out of it with even more confidence thanks to his leadership and teaching. Would highly recommend working with him in either an individual or group/team setting.
Besides the professional figure, a great personality, personally the best! I have been training with Cristiano for 2 years and besides him, no one has managed to pass on the passion and the right criteria concerning the world of physical preparation. Thanks to him I have started a journey that I will never abandon as long as my body will allow it. The top!
Oltre la figura professionale una grande personalità, personalmente il migliore! Sono 2 anni che mi alleno con Cristiano e come lui nessuno è riuscito a trasmettermi la passione e i giusti criteri che concernono il mondo della preparazione fisica. Grazie a lui ho iniziato un percorso che non abbandonerò mai finché il mio corpo lo consentirà. Il top!
I trained with Robert during certification for SFG I. I was grateful that we got paired up together because I gleaned some great information from him concerning the lifts tested as well as personal training experience in general. It has helped me with those I train! Friendly and knowledgeable, highly recommended!
I worked with Renata on occasion while preparing for SFG I. Though our interactions were few, she brought a technical eye to my training and saw small issues with the lifts that we were able to fix prior to certification weekend. I appreciated her honest and insightful feedback. I would highly recommend her if you are looking for somebody who will take your lifts to the next level!
I trained with Gary in 2021-2022 to prepare for SFG I. With his guidance and encouragement, I was very well prepared for the weekend. He helped me immensely and provided an excellent pressing program to help me build strength on my weakest lift at the time. He is very personable and embodies well the StrongFirst principles.
Super knowledgeable about the strong first standards. Nora offers her suggestions in an understandable way that makes it easy to apply to our skills as the student. She helped me a lot through my sfg 1 certification with suggestions and answering questions anyone had about anything we were doing.
I just completed my SFG 1 certification with coach Shuman this weekend. I am thrilled to say that I received my certification.
When I look back on the weekend, coach Shuman stands out for so many reasons. His passion for sharing his knowledge was radiating through his teaching. He was able to keep everyone on their toes while educating us in a way that was understandable. While sticking to the rules of the program, he was able to make us all laugh at the same time. I felt comfortable asking him what I needed to ask and always got an answer that was beneficial and accurate to help with my training . I’m thankful he was part of my experience with this .
We invited Logan to create a basics workshop to prep our Iron Lab training team with the skills to make barbells safe and simple for our clients.
Aside from obvious passion, Logan embodies the Strongfirst principles. He was the PERFECT amount of detail and technical nuance mixed with the real world application our team needed to apply to all users from beginner athlete to seasoned lifter.
His humor and humility and total professionalism would make our Strongfirst team leaders proud. An exceptional colleague and resource to have nearby.
Many thanks!!
Joely Churchill and Kim Berube
Iron Lab
Lacombe, Alberta
I got to know Kenneth at the SFG I Cert in Darmstadt. He is an outstanding instructor with a very appealing approach to teaching kettlebell knowledge. Thank you Kenneth.
I started training with Logan two years ago, and this has been my favourite fitness journey by far. I really appreciate that he enforces understanding and teaching the basics to form a strong foundation for every move implemented in the kettlebell workout. Not only does he cheer me on when I crush my workouts, but he also applauds me if I need to re-start for a better form. Aside from the high teaching and ethical standards he holds, I also appreciate that I’m never rushed, he makes time as needed for each session, and his gym is clean and always ready to go. He is a fountain of knowledge, and a genuine person. I always enjoy the conversations and laughs as much as the workouts. I am excited to continue learning from him.
David is a great trainer! He’s knowledgeable, energetic, and very motivating. I had lost the motivation to stick to a work out / exercise regime due to work and family obligations, which led to me developing some health issues. A friend referred me to David. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but he quickly got me engaged and refocused, and my physical fitness and health have greatly improved as a result. 10/10 would recommend this guy!
My wife and I took a private kettlebell class and Anne walked us through every motion and technique to where we had a very solid understanding of what we needed to do without getting hurt.
About a month since we took the class and I feel my core and lower back getting stronger and less achey.
If you’re interested in getting into kettlebells I would highly recommend working with Anne. She’s a great teacher and generally just fun to be around!
Dave is a knowledgeable, fun and energetic trainer. He looks out for proper technique, takes time to teach when needed, and I always look forward to his class!
Charly is a great and professional instructor. His experience and the way he share his knowledge is one of his main strength. I am really happy to be part of this workshop and met Charly!! Awesome Coach!
I have been training various sports for 18 years and Grzegorz is the best coach I have met during these years. He is a trainer with great knowledge and a heart to do his job. He points out every tiny detail that helps me improve my technique to get better results. He encourages and motivates me and shows me how I can fulfil my potential and achieve goals that I have never dreamed of before.
So if you are considering starting training with Grzegorz, do not hesitate. This is the best choice you can make.
Louka is a deeply gifted instructor. I feel deeply fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from him. His ability to demonstrate, communicate, and help students grow is truly remarkable. I cannot recommend Louka or StrongFirst highly enough.
I have had several sessions with Steve online and in person. He is an excellent coach. He is great at explaining concepts and technique. I have gained a lot of skill with kettle bells. He is supportive and good at pushing his clients without breaking them.
As a professional, I appreciate Steve for his intelligence and personality as well.
Nothing but great things to say about Steve.
J.P. is a really good trainer and a really good guy. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great ability to communicate and dispense that knowledge. He asks what you want to focus on and modifies his plan accordingly. I had not ever trained with kettlebells before and was a bit skeptical initially, but I have really enjoyed the challenge and am pleased with the results. His ability to provide consistent applicable feedback delivered in the most positive and encouraging fashion makes him a cut above most trainers.
I just completed the foundations workshop and really enjoyed it.
I found John extremely knowledgeable, he gave very clear instructions and explained the principals of each exercise. Comfortable environment.
Top class, would highly recommend. Will be back for another workshop!
I have been working with Steve for over a year now. I found him through the StrongFirst website while looking for a new Kettlebell coach. I was so happy to find someone in my area. I couldn’t have asked for a better find: His knowledge of the human body and how it moves is remarkable, I mostly appreciate his way of explaining the technical aspects of each movement. He shows great adaptability to each of his clients and is trying to speak my language to get the technicality across.
His programs are 100% tailored towards me and always excite me. He listens to my wishes and needs while pushing me at the same time.
I trained with him while he was working on his SFG II certification and his dedication and motivation taught me a lot. He sets such a great example and he is constantly working to upgrade his skills and add new techniques and tools to his repertoire.
The most important thing to me though is that I trust him. He is one of the least judgy coaches that I have ever met. I am grateful for his encouraging words and belief in me.
Charly has changed me a lot in a short time, he is a great coach and a great person, he really loves it in his work, you can see the passion he has for him. He would like to be the same as him or even better because he is too good: 3
Charly me ha cambiado muchísimo en ya poco tiempo, es un gran entrenador y una gran persona en verdad se la rifa en su trabajo, se ve la pasión que tiene hacia el. Quisiera ser igual que el o hasta mejor por qué es demasiado bueno :3
John Kenny is an excellent, knowledgeable, informative trainer. We had a brilliant session with him, he’s so engaging and a brilliant communicator. Highly recommend this StrongFirst trainer. I’ll be back for the next workshop.
Really enjoyed John’s workshop and would recommend to anyone looking to work with Kettlebells. Looking forward to the next one!
Excellent workshop with John, thoroughly enjoyed it and was challenged beyond expectations! Looking forward to many more in Ireland!
Analisa is a truly unique combination of amazing strength, fantastic coaching skills, genuine warmth, energy, professionalism, hard work, and the authentic desire to improve the lives of others.
Analisa is a highly accomplished athlete and coach, yet she makes everyone around her feel welcomed, appreciated, and valued.
She is energetic while also being highly professional and organized.
She is always fun to be around while also sharing precise knowledge.
She is a talented teacher and a great listener.
I have assisted Analisa at various StrongFirst workshops and I have also been lucky to learn from her at some StrongFirst certifications. I am so thankful for her mentorship and everything I have learned from her.
If you have the chance to meet Analisa, jump at it. Your life will be brightened, and you will learn from her not only how to become stronger, but how to live a good life.
I am grateful to call Analisa a friend, mentor, and teacher.
Guido is my master, friend and role model.
He taught me how to be methodic,
technical and to train with the head and
with the heart. It’s a honor to be his
student.
P.S. No Guido, No Deadlift
Best Kettlebell coach in Würzburg.
Cody provides excellent instruction! I was very hesitant to do video only, but there are no Strong First instructors near me. I found Cody and decided I would give virtual training a shot. I’m glad I did. He provides feedback in a timely manner and his video tutorials and detailed explanations of all the things I could improve (and even some things I already did pretty well) really helped me clean up some bad habits and learn a lot. I feel so much better about my training now.
Joan has been with me for 7 months, thanks to him I have been able to get to know my body better, I have progressed enormously in different movements.
He is very pedagogue, very humble, always listening and it is very well to adapt.
Always in a good mood, which pushes even more to this exceeded it is of a great benevolence.
He is also a very motivating person with his mentality and the skills that possesses.
Joan me suis depuis 7 mois ,grace a lui j’ai pu apprendre à mieux connaître mon corps,j’ai progresser énormément dans différents mouvements .
Il est très pédagogue ,très humble ,toujours à l’écoute et c’est très bien s’adapter .
Toujours de bonne humeur ,ce qui pousse encore plus a ce dépassé il est d’une grande bienveillance .
Il est aussi quelqu’un de très motivant par sa mentalité et les compétences qui possède
Joan has been preparing me for sfg 1 for 2 months now,
And the difference is felt, I progress quickly and efficiently joan is benevolent, always smiling and above all a lot of empathy he is truly an excellent coach who takes care of you to take you as far as possible, he adapts to your level … I’m going to stop there because it would take hours to qualify joan …
Cela fait maintenant 2 mois que joan me prépare pour le sfg 1 ,
Et la différence se fait sentir, je progresse rapidement et efficacement joan est bienveillant, à toujours le sourire et surtout à beaucoup d’empathie c’est véritablement un excellent coach qui prend soin de vous pour vous amenez le plus loin possible, il s’adapte à votre niveau … je vais m’arreter là car il y en aurait pour des heures pour qualifier joan …
Training with Paul has been incredibly rewarding, a life-changing experience.
I’m an older dad with a 12-year old son. My son was starting to work out, and I wanted him to learn good technique for safety and to get the most out of his workouts. For me, I had just read Pavel’s books, and wanted to use kettlebells as a regular practice. We found Paul through StrongFirst, and my son and I have been training together.
It’s been much, much more than I expected: we’ve learned the basic kettlebell techniques, along with movement and flexibility, body weight and ring exercises. My son and I are both much stronger than when we started, with better balance and posture. This with me just putting in 10 minutes a day! The exercises feel great, something we both look forward to.
Paul is an outstanding instructor. He has a good sense of our limits and adjusts to work with them; he’s patient and can explain the same thing in different ways till we get it; we get excellent feedback and help with technique, all in a warm, positive manner.
Highly recommended!
If you want to get motivated, humbled and put to the test David Doza is the one to teach & guide you through the operation of where cruicial impact training exercises with kettlebell and powerlifting will acsend your strength and conditioning game in no time.
Cody is an awesome trainer! I began training with him roughly at the beginning of last year and was able to train with him for around 8 months or so. He definitely helped me Train Strength Through Discipline because there were some days I came home from work super late and because of his training, I was able to push through my workouts. He’s helped me with minor changes to my technique which produce better long term results. If I ever had a question or anything, he would respond as soon as he got the time and I was very appreciative for it. He will always be one of my favorite trainers and i respect him for everything he does. I will recommend him to anyone interested without a doubt!
My son attended the kids’ kettlebell class and absolutely loved it. Dave was so energetic and made the class really fun for the kids. While knowing how to have fun, Dave also made sure the kids were using proper form and helped each of them safely use the equipment which I really appreciated. Dave was wonderful and we have been recommending our friends to try out the class!
Dave is a great guy and knows his stuff. He motivates me to get the most out of every minute I spend training. More importantly, Dave reins me in if I push to overdo–he’ll critique and correct form or modify exercises and workouts to ensure no injury derails my progress. I’ve achieved and set new goals with him in less time than I thought possible.
Dave is very high energy and good at pushing folks to make progress. However, he also does a strong job critiquing form, and ensuring that each exercise is done safely.
David is a knowledgeable and fun trainer! He has structured routines but also knows how to mix it up. Either way, you’ll get a fantastic workout!
Vicki has taught me how to really use the kettlebell. Once you know you get going with strength training wherever, whenever. Never thought I would be able to get up a 36kg. but I did. Top coaching makes all the difference!
To say Heidi is the bomb would be an understatement! I am approaching my 50’s and wanted to start off strong. Heidi took the time to understand my goals and my body to create the best plan. She made sure I was challenged but comfortable with each step we took and was my cheerleader every day. I would highly recommend Heidi! You won’t regret it!
Heidi is an INCREDIBLE instructor! I worked with Heidi for about 6 months, and felt extremely comfortable with her from the start. While I have always been active/busy I have rarely felt super fit or strong. I did not know anything about kettlebell training when we started and Heidi was very educational, instructional, encouraging and motivating throughout the process. She is extremely knowledgeable about safe training techniques. I’m so thankful for the foundations she has taught me and because of her guidance I am stronger, healthier and more confident than ever! I highly recommend Heidi!
I was very nervous about getting a personal trainer. I was always the last kid picked in gym class. But by my mid fifties, I could feel myself weakening and knew I needed to do something. Heidi made the whole process so unintimidating! I never believed that I would be lifting weights but what a positive difference its made. More strength and less pain!! I highly recommend Heidi.
It has now been 3 months of preparation with Joan for the SFG1, and I do not regret at all having placed my physical and technical preparation in her hands.
Thanks to his knowledge, his quality of teaching, his requirement but also his humor and his benevolence, he allows me to advance in my preparation with serenity and confidence to validate my certification in March 2023.
With him, I discovered a new way of working that allows me to carry out this preparation with great enthusiasm.
Whether you want to prepare for a certification or just for coaching, I recommend this person with an irreproachable state of mind and who will know how to motivate you and move you forward in your projects!
Cela fait maintenant 3 mois de préparation avec Joan pour le SFG1 , et je ne regrette pas du tout d’avoir placé ma préparation physique et technique entre ses mains .
De part ses connaissances , sa qualité d’enseignement , son exigence mais aussi son humour et sa bienveillance , il me permet d’avancer dans ma préparation avec sérénité et confiance pour valider ma certification en Mars 2023.
Avec lui , j’ai découvert une nouvelle façon de travailler qui me permet d’effectuer cette préparation avec un grand enthousiasme .
Que vous vouliez vous préparer pour une certification ou juste pour du coaching , je vous recommande cette personne avec un état d’esprit irréprochable et qui saura vous motiver et vous faire avancer dans vos projets !
I decided to contact Lois in order to pass the SFB certification.
His care was very complete and the exercises very progressive, which allowed me to constantly evolve and to arrive ready (and even with a margin of advance) to pass the tests during the certification.
Despite the distance, he was able to offer me an online service and always made himself available to meet my needs.
My next goal is SFG certification, so I asked him to follow me like he did before and I trust him completely.
J’ai décidé de contacter Lois dans l’objectif de réussir la certification SFB.
Sa prise en charge fut très complète et les exercices très progressifs, ce qui m’a permis d’évoluer constamment et d’arriver prêt (et même avec une marge d’avance) pour passer les épreuves lors de la certification.
Malgré la distance, il a pu me proposer un service en ligne et s’est toujours rendu disponible afin de répondre à mes besoins.
Mon prochain objectif est la certification SFG, je lui ai donc demandé de me suivre comme il l’a fait précédemment et je lui fais entièrement confiance.
When you meet Andżelika in her gym you immediately know that she’s the right person in the right place. I had the great pleasure to assist her during SF workshops in Kraków and I was very impressed by how truly professional she was. Her knowledge and passion for kettlebells that she passes to her students are incredible. If you’re looking for tips and tricks to improve your exercise technique, no matter whether it’s a press, squat or TGU, she knows them all. Or maybe you want to become a certified SF instructor? She’s definitely the one that will know how to help you achieve your goal.
Megan has been coaching me towards Sinister for a year and a half now. Despite encountering problems, challenges and injuries Megan has always been a source of practical knowledge as to what to do to progress and to keep my training enjoyable and effective. To top it off, most of the sessions we’ve had have been online and yet Megan remains engaging and provided quality feedback on my training. Her help has been invaluable.
I came to know about Vikas from one of the subreddits for KB enthusiasts. I have been training under him for almost 20 days. I liked his technical approach and way of dealing with problems (one of the benefits of being trained by an engineer;)). My swing has improved a lot, and there are small details about core activation, lats engagement, foot placement, etc. that you somehow miss online, and Vikas really helped me to include those aspects in my swing, which made me feel confident. Right now I’m trying to improve getups, and I’m really excited about learning other movements as well.
Having practiced S&S for about 7 months, I met John to review my swing and Turkish Getup form. I was delighted with the time and level of detail we went into from the warmup right the way through. We spent most of the time on the swing which yielded a great improvement of how it feels overall. Highly recommended.
Hi there,
This is my first year with Lise Marie and through the practice of the Kettlebell, I have seen my endurance, my strength and my support improve.
This allows me to be more efficient and more comfortable in the practice of Roller Derby.
He is a coach who encourages self-transcendence in a good mood and with the smile.
I can’t wait to start new sessions with Lise-Marie at the start of the school year.
A big thank you for sharing this practice of the Kettlebell.
Bonjour à tous,
C’est ma première année avec Lise Marie et par la pratique du Kettlebell, j’ai vu mon endurance, ma force et mes appuis s’améliorer.
Ce qui me permet d’être plus efficace et plus à l’aise dans la pratique du Roller Derby.
C’est un coach qui encourage au dépassement de soi dans la bonne humeur et avec le sourire.
J’ai hâte d’attaquer à la rentrée de nouvelles sessions avec Lise-Marie.
Un grand merci pour ce partage de cette pratique du Kettlebell.
—> HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!! <—
I got into kettlebell practice during the first lockdown and read-up and researched as much as I could. After over a year of self-taught practice and the second lockdown coming to an end I wanted to take my practice to the next level and I found Tim.
First of all, Tim is a beam of light and positivity and such a great coach – he takes all his time and attention for you and really works with you depending on your personal skill level and needs (no one-size-fits-all approach, no copy&paste workout plans). You can sense his passion and he is very encouraging and a fountain of health when it comes to fitness, strength and movement.
Since working with Tim I have improved my practice noticeably. He is great in breaking down movements and providing pointers and cues. I also like that he offers in person and zoom sessions, which is great and very convenient.
And lastly, it is worth mentioning that I live in Bondi and have plenty of PTs and instructors in my area (and I tried my share of different coaches in the area). But I happily make the journey out west to work with him, as I haven't found anyone in my area who offers me the same quality of coaching, while keeping it fun and relaxed. Thanks for that Tim!
Had the pleasure of joining John for his recent 101 S&S & 102 Rite of Passage seminars. His down to earth teaching style quickly put everyone at ease in the first 5 minutes. His ground up coaching approach quickly fixed small problems I had with my swing and get ups that I didn’t even realise I was making. His focus on tension and breathing had me pressing more weight in my KB press than I thought possible and made it feel easy! Can’t recommend him enough, will be definitely joining future seminars
To be upfront, I turned 75 in June. Back in November of 2021 I was diagnosed with needing spinal fusion surgery for constant sciatica-like pain that ran down from my lower back all the way to my right foot. I delayed having surgery as honestly the idea of it creeped me out. A friend who is also a member of the Baltimore Kettlebell Club, recommended trying the Strength after Sixty group instead. I am happy to report my efforts have paid off! The pain and soreness are gone, and any sensitivity is barely noticeable. I have stopped using pain medicines with the exception of sometimes taking a prophylactic dose before training. I’d be fooling myself to think the spinal problem had magically gone away, but here’s the most important point… Through kettlebell training I am building strength to compensate for the issue. When my brother had hip replacement surgery in his forties, he was told that he had to exercise to get his life back to normal. The same is true for me now. Muscles are the skeletal system’s best friend. Finally I need to say that Dan is an amazing trainer. Under his watchful eye and constant encouragement, he has helped me to gain the confidence to grow in strength. Most of all he has helped me to get my life back to normal.
JP is a beast! I started off with awful kettlebell habits and after just one session with JP, I was already swinging the bell with good, hardstyle form. I’m about 8 months into being trained and not only have I gotten stronger and conditioned, but my chronic back pain has also nearly disappeared completely thanks to his knowledge and meticulous coaching. Furthermore, he is a good dude and a friend; I’d recommend JP to anyone within the area.
I was reluctantly convinced to take Baltimore Kettlebell Club’s Strength After 60 class. I started in April and 4 months after beginning the class I have to say that I have noticed a difference in my balance, overall strength and health. I might even like it more than I expected. Dan is a very conscientious trainer. He looks after us for progress and safety and it is a very comfortable environment in which to embark on this new adventure. I highly recommend classes at Baltimore Kettlebell Club.
I met Katka about 10 years ago. She came to a self-defense class. I had no idea she already had made a career as a kickboxer and personal trainer. We became sidekicks and I started to learn from her. She has been gaining experiences in strength training, nutrition, self Defence and martial arts. She became a true professional at a top level.
I always recommend her to everyone as I am driven by my own experience. As I needed to
get ready for a fight or I struggled with my shoulders, having difficulties after a knee surgery or I simply needed to get in shape etc.
To be honest I said to myself I can try this or that as they write it here or there. However, Kate was always the certainty of success. Let me tell you one thing. If you decide to put yourself in her hands, listen and do what she says. It will work. Trust me. I know. It will be no bed of roses, but it really works.
Testimonial for Strength Coach Jazz Gulati – PT Client Saarthak Chhibber (Professional Golfer)
I am a professional golfer. A year ago I began working with Jazz sir and the results have been nothing short of great, with his systematic approach to my training while keeping golf in mind, I have seen great progress on the golf course and in my overall health. His focus on building strong fundamentals has kept me injury free.
Jazz Sir, who is a level 1 StrongFirst Certified Kettlebell Instructor since Feb 2018 has employed various SFG principles in my sessions in my training using kettlebells, barbell and progressive bodyweight exercises. All this has helped my performance in Golf.
Since the golf swing is a repetitive and violent asymmetrical movement, Turkish Get-up exercise used by Jazz Sir in my sessions have greatly helped me in restoring left and right symmetry to the body. Turkish Get-up with Kettlebells has increased my stability, mobility, increased my grip strength, rotator cuff function and improved my hip hinge.
Since many shoulder injuries happen due to scapular instability, Jazz Sir’s planned sessions using highly effective tools mainly Kettlebells in Carries, Deadlifts, Swings etc helped me put a demand on the grip which has a strength-building effect on the muscles of the cuff, which are important to golf because they stabilize the shoulder as it goes through flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and internal/external rotation.
I highly recommend anyone whether be a Golfer, or an athlete from any other sports, and people in general looking to improve their mobility, strength, endurance, to get in touch with Strength Coach Jazz Gulati Sir who shall help them achieve their sporting performance and help them get stronger, more mobile and help perform their daily tasks with ease. He has a beautiful PT studio setup for face-to-face classes and also offers online classes on Zoom. Thanks and regards
Saarthak Chhibber
Professional Golfer
I completed both 101 and 102 workshops with John and can highly recommend him as an excellent instructor and teacher, his delivery in detail is excellent, giving everyone equal time and patience. His approach to teaching is firm, frank but most of all fun. His eye for the small details ensured everyone came away from the workshops with a bundle of knowledge to apply to their training. Thanks John for a great weekend.
Had John for 101 simple and sinister. Lovely guy, humbly knowledgeable who takes the time to ensure everyone in the class has gotten it. The GLAD method has already helped me shift more weight and I can now reliably do a Turkish get up (I couldn’t beforehand)! Am already considering doing 201 rite of passage. Thanks John!
Just finished a 2 day Kettlebell workshop with John. Absolutely loved it, his style of teaching is fantastic and it’s clear he knows what he’s talking about. I’ve come away with so much more knowledge than I went in with. John is amazing at what he does and his style of teaching makes it easy for anyone to understand. Couldn’t recommend enough!
I just completed 101 with John. His coaching style is second to none. He gave great coaching cues and made it a relaxed, enjoyable and friendly environment. Looking forward to the second one ! Thanks again John , brilliant day . ?
FR
Après 3 années de musculation “classique” j’avais déjà un passé sportif et une base de connaissance mais j’avais malgré tout besoin de changer mes entrainements. Grace à Lise Marie j’ai découvert la pratique du kettlebel, je travaille ma force, ma mobilité. Cette pratique m’aide à prendre confiance et j’ai hate de pouvoir réaliser mes premières perf ! Un grand merci à coach Lise Marie
EN
After 3 years of “classic” bodybuilding I already had a sporting past and a knowledge base but I still needed to change my training. Thanks to Lise Marie I discovered the practice of the kettlebel, I work on my strength, my mobility. This practice helps me gain confidence and I can’t wait to be able to perform my first performance! A big thank you to coach Lise Marie
I have worked with Lise-Marie for several years.
I developed, thanks to different methods, mobility, strength, tone. This is what suits me, because the programs she offers are personalized for her students.
I feel good in my body, and I love going to train because the sessions all take place in a good mood, and serious at the same time.
I can only recommend her.
Je travaille avec Lise-Marie depuis plusieurs années.
J’ai développé, grâce à différentes méthodes, de la mobilité, de la force, du tonus. C’est ce qui me convient, car les programme qu’elle propose sont personnalisé pour ses élèves.
Je me sens bien dans mon corps, et j’adore aller m’entraîner car les séances se déroulent toutes dans la bonne humeur, et le sérieux a la fois.
Je ne peux que la recommander.
I have been training with Lise Marie for several years, always in joy and good humor. She taught me how to position myself well, always with kindness. She was able to follow me in different stages of my life with different objectives, even accompanying me during my pregnancy. Thank you.
Je m’entraîne avec Lise Marie depuis plusieurs années, toujours dans la joie et la bonne humeur. Elle m’a appris à bien me placer, toujours avec bienveillance. Elle a pu me suivre dans différentes étapes de ma vie avec des objectifs différents, jusqu’à m’accompagner lors de ma grossesse. Merci Lisou ?
Lise-Marie est précise, posée, technique et toujours de bonne humeur. Grâce à son enseignement on acquière de la rigueur, de la force, de l’endurance et de la mobilité. Bref, on devient tout simplement meilleur sous sa supervision.
—- ENGLISH—-
Lise-Marie is precise, calm, technical and always in a good mood. Thanks to her teaching, I’ve acquired rigor, strength, endurance and mobility. I’ve essentially become better under her supervision.
The best coach I’ve ever had. Training with Grzegorz is pure pleasure and a guarantee of success. A trainer full of professionalism, a treasury of knowledge, an amazing approach to the student. He is always ready to help, gives tips and supervises greatly. He cares a lot about the exercise technique. I recommend such a trainer to everyone!
During my first session, before picking up a kettlebell, JP evaluated my starting stability and technique. By the end of the session, having improved my technique, I DOUBLED the weight I comfortably swing. I’m looking forward to 100 daily injury-free kettlebell swings and my next coaching session. I highly recommend scheduling a session with JP. An in-person coach gets you better results faster than a book or video.
I’m am very happy with the session I had with Fran – he helped me immensely with my swing and TGU. I will be back for further instruction in the future.
Muy contento con la sesión que tuve con Fran – me ayudó muchísimo con el swing y el get up. Volveré para mas instrucción suyo en el futuro.
AMAZING COACH! – Technical – Passionate – Motivational
Tim is an amazing coach. I’ve been passionate about fitness for most of my life and have trained with many personal coaches including competitive IFBB Pros and ex Olympian sprinters and Tim is one of the best and most enjoyable coaches I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Firstly, he has the technical know-how and can guide you from where you’re at to where you want to be with your kettlebell swings. His keen eye for detail helped me to correct my Turkish get up, single arm swings which I almost gave up on as well as my clean so that it’s now a smooth fluid motion as I was previously aggravating and old elbow injury. This helped me tremendously in avoiding poor form leading to injury allowing me to keep up my practice and stick to my program.
He’s not only great with kettlebells but many other forms of training from resistance to endurance as well as functional training. The latter was a tremendous help for me as I suffer from Ankylosing Spondylitis. Tim is helping me fuse together a kettlebell and functional movement program which as we discussed is helping me to bulletproof my body!
On top of all this he’s just an absolute gentleman who is very encouraging and generous with his time and knowledge.
Thank you brother! God Bless!
I am totally hooked. I’ve been training with Marta for just two months and have felt already a true change in both my strength and my motivation. She is a professional: extremely knowledgeable about anatomy and the science of strength and fitness, while also clearly possessing a grasp on sports psychology (as she magically manages to encourage and motivate more each class). She prioritizes proper form and safety to help us progress without injury. I’d rate her ten stars if allowed!
For someone that takes so little credit for what he does for so many it is only right it should be known. Many of you who know me only online will understand I am not an easy person to deal with. To my suprise Mark always had time to talk and discuss training. This is a rare thing indeed. Much less for someone to do this freely.
With his suggestions and input I was able to start to address many of the problems following my injury and illness. He is a great example of what a coach should be. While he might not hold a national record or trophies the man’s mind has great strength that has more use I think to most.
I would encourage anyone who has need to contact him. Keep an open mind to his words and many of your issues can be resolved or mitigated.
PT Client testimonial for Strength Coach Jazz Gulati
Training with Jazz was an absolutely great experience and I would highly recommend suggesting Jazz to anyone who is considering to start or further develop their kettlebell training. Jazz is very thorough in his explanations and it is easy to understand what he is trying to teach. As an international client and training online, Jazz also recommended and constantly requested videos of myself training in my own time, which he would then evaluate and provide me with constructive feedback. This helped quite a lot in my training and showed that as a client of Jazz, it is not only the class time that he allocates to his students, but a lot of time and effort outside of the class time as well. In addition to the kettlebell learning program, Jazz would also add in other suggestions on how to maintain health and wellbeing which I found very thoughtful. It was great fortune to come across Jazz in helping me start my kettlebell journey and I would highly recommend anyone looking at learning kettle-belling to reach out to Jazz, it’ll be one of the best decisions you will have made.
– Mohammad Sydney, Australia
Training under the vision of Marta is an amazing opportunity.
Her skills are so incredible. Her professionalism goes into all the details of the movements. The results are just fantastic.
I am greatful for the having the honor and the pleasure to be coached by such a wonderful soul.
Thank you Marta you are a life changer !
You‘re a machine!
You‘re the best Trainer 😉
I’ve been Katerina’s client for more than 3 years already. She is a qualified trainer with multiple certifications and interest in many sports and physical skills but also a very nice helpful and positive person. She knows when to push your limits and when you just appreciate support and encouragement. I’m a big fan of hers.
Marta is a truly awesome coach, professional, committed and knowledgable. It has been a pleasure to attend her classes ( cannot wait for next one!) . Marta’s personal example and passion keep you motivated and, moreover, make you challenge yourself every time you work with her. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced in your fitness activities , I highly recommend Marta to guide and coach you to your next level.
Wael is the only instructor and coach who I learnt through the “True meaning and Feeling of Strength”. He is one who is keen on the strong development of his students in a way that makes strength transferable to all parts of one’s life and not only on the mat. He is so generous and detailed in sharing the technicalities of all movements in a way that reflects massively on the quality of any movement when practiced. By being a student of strength under Wael; I have learnt patience, resilience, the integrity when performing and most importantly: “there is never one size that fits all”, but each has their own challenges that they need to deal with or break through them!
He is so humble to always call himself a student who is constantly in a state of learning and that in my opinion makes of him a great true teacher & coach!
Much Respect & Appreciation ?
I knew right from the initial phone call that I would get along with Grahame. He helped me with my form before making the big jump to a 32kg bell. Would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for kettlebell training.
Cause his great experience in martial arts and gym activities, Antonio is able to make the beginning phases less difficult and improve strenght and tecnique to his students. patience and perseverance make him a pleasant and professional coach.
Wael is a very competent coach. He is very passionate about teaching his students the skills he has learned. He give constructive feedback and is very patient and supportive to all.
I have trained with Karen for the past 18 months and the results have been consistent and solid. She is very knowledgeable and patient, and I am growing stronger and fitter every month. I would strongly recommend her to anyone looking to become stronger, fitter and more mobile.
I would highly recommend Coach Wael for anybody looking to improve their fitness level. He is an excellent communicator and very aware of proper form and techniques to prevent injury and improve strength. Coach Wael is also able to apply all of his knowledge to help make any adaptations to movement(s) due to previous injuries or limitations. I have been very impressed with his professionalism and keen eye for small details, which make a HUGE difference!
I’ve seen first hand how much work and dedication Bob puts into preparing his programming for his clients. As a training partner on occasion, I know that he never asks them to do anything he isn’t willing to do himself. You can’t go wrong with, Bob…just don’t take fashion advice from him.
Aphrodite except from being really really nice and polite she can be very fun and is possibly one of the best personal trainers I have ever had! And probably the best I could have!
Congratulations boss..
Great man and coach. It was a honour to have him as teacher of my group during my sfg1. I highly recommend him
Deciding to train with Wael Al Sayegh 7 years ago was by far the best decision I could have made as an athlete. Wael possesses every quality you’d want in a great coach. He is an incredibly talented, passionate and innovative coach and a great motivator. More importantly, he instills these same qualities in his students and coaches he interacts with. His energy and passion for strength & conditioning combined with his relentless work ethic is contagious! My agility, total body strength and performance have improved tremendously, which I contribute to Wael’s training sessions and coaching. Wael is truly one of a kind and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a professional, sincere and deeply passionate coach!
This man inspired me to be STRONG in many way. I am very lucky to have been coached by him directly. His observations are on point and his solutions to fixing issues is the same. His students are luck to have him as a guide and coach.
We are the SCHOOL OF STRENGTH, and Antonio is definitely a perfect example of Student Of Strength. Watching him during the SFG1 was a pleasure, I was impressed by his determination and self-confidence, and also humility and willingness to help others. In SF we say that we never graduate. He understands that the key to being a good coach is to have an open mind and keep learning. If you are looking for a strong and good teacher, he is your man.
A strong man with strong attitude for coaching and teaching , he support me during my SFG certification .
No doubt if you want someone with the right experience !
Amazing instructor and athlete, careful for any detail.
In Blazej i found a great teacher and a friend.
I highly recommend him.
I watched Blazeh through Instagram and Facebook and I new his abilities but getting to know him, his mindset, character and knowledge was a privilege.
I met him in Vicenza, Italy. Unfortunately I wasn’t on his team but I had the chance to see how he is coaching others from up close.
He he is a man of detail, focused and driven by doing what he loves that there is no question for his evolution and success.
We are definitely brothers and sisters in Strength but I also consider him as a friend of mine.
Power to you my friend!!
We met during the SFG1 in Vicenza, IT, where I was one of the Assistant. I’ve been watching her work throughout the course and I can tell you one thing: you rarely see a person so ambitious, humbe, with an open mind to learn new thing. It was pure pleasure to congratulate her on the title she earned. Greece has gained a fantastic instructor and StrongFirst has gained a new family member. Oh, and by the way – privately Aphrodite is a very nice and warm person. If you are from Greece and looking for a person to learn how to swing – she is your person 🙂
Keep Going my lovely Coach❤❤
You are the Best!!!????
Wael had introduced me to kettlebells, and has been coaching me on how to properly use them. He is dedicated to learning and improving, and passing on the knowledge, while paying special attention to safety and integrity of technique. Couldn’t ask for a better teacher!
He never stop learning and sharing his knowledge. We are very proud to call him our Coach.
Very passionate in making people’s life better. Awesome coach and awesome human being.
I became a part of the Stout community about a month ago, after encouragement from family members that Anne was the best personal trainer they had experienced. I have experienced serious past injuries and want to get strong, while being safe and decided to give Stout a try. Anne is helping me to reach my goals at my pace, all the while watching my form and helping me to prevent further injury. Strength training should be a part of everyone’s fitness goals and if you feel like you need help to get to a place where this seems attainable, I highly recommend you reach out to Anne. She is a high level professional, extremely kind and encouraging and can help anyone work towards their goals no matter their experience, age or fitness level.
I started my kettlebel training with the redstar kettlebel “simple&sinistre” live class 1 year before sfg1 in March 2020, I discovered the swing and the get up..today certify sfg1 thanks to Lois who found the patience and the tactic that would take me to certification. A big thank you for all your knowledge and your availability. Thank you for everything.
jai commencé mon travail KB avec “simple&sinistre” en mars 2021 avec lois et les cours en ligne. je découvrai a l’époque le swing t ne savais pas effectué un set up.
Aujourd’hui me voila certifier sfg1 (1 an après S&S) grâce a toi et tes précieux conseils. un grand merci pour ta patience et toute cette planification qui m’a beaucoup appris mais aussi pour m’avoir faire évoluer mentalement. Une grande source de savoir et un exemple que beaucoup devrais suivre plutôt que de tenter de copier comme on peu souvent le voir.
I attended this Foundations course and I really liked it! I learned several very interesting technical things and I went back to see some concepts that are fundamental. Thanks to Charlie for the professionalism and dedication to the course, I left very satisfied and eager to apply everything I learned immediately. A highly recommended course!
Asistí a este curso de Foundations y me gustó muchísimo! Aprendí varias cosas técnicas muy interesantes y volví a ver unos conceptos que son fundamentales. Gracias a Charlie por el profesionalismo y la dedicación para el curso, me fui muy conforme y con ganas de aplicar todo lo aprendido de inmediato. Un curso muy recomendable!
Carlos is an excellent instructor, he is very clear when he explains the moves. It is very clear that he practices what he preaches. It is an honor and a privilege to train with him.
Carlos es un instructor excelente; él es muy hábil para explicar los movimientos. Es claro que él práctica lo que predica. Es un honor y un privilegio entrenar con él.
What can I say about my Coach & Trainer since 2004 she has taught me everything I needed to know about Kettlebell training and more. One of the Best TRAINERS I know that’s for sure and a true friend for life. she is amazing in every aspect knows the body so well and how it works. Her teaching methods are great and makes you understand why each movement of fitness exercises make you strong in Life. I give her credit for where I’m at in my fitness training kettlebell classes at Eos Fitness in Palm Springs. If you train with her I know you will get the results you need plus more strength you need in your body to live a healthy long life . I recommend her always to my people. Thank you very much for always being there for me and having a true friend to trust always for life.
Charly is an excellent coach. The training sessions he give us are always effective and prepared carefully to get the better result for each us. My teammates and me enjoy every movement and every new thing we learn in order to be stronger day by day.
Charly is a great person and the best coach I’ve meet. He is always pending each us, always improving and continue preparing himself to be able to help us being stronger people in all ways. The team he have done is commited and focused all the time, they help us to work in our opportunity areas to get a balanced body and mind.
Professionalism, knowledge, physical fitness, strength are the features of a good trainer. Marta has all this and something more, a talent for working with people. I recommend it with all my heart.
Hey Dan, I want to thank you for giving Robbie the opportunity to work in your gym in exchange for training at a young age. Not only the opportunity to have a job/responsibility outside of our home, but the seed that you planted on the importance of exercise and working out. It really started his path to making it a part of his daily routine and I am so grateful. That was not always a part of my daily routine until I was in my 20’s and even then went in and out of a scheduled work-out routine. I always prayed that my kids would understand and adopt the importance of being healthy (mind, body and spirit) at an early age and while we encourage that in our home, sometimes outside influences make a bigger impression. I credit working out throughout the pandemic to keeping him strong (mentally and physically) and it gave him a social outlet. Thank you again for being a part of Robbie’s journey. Fast forward 4 years, he is 17 and a total gym rat, he loves it and it’s awesome! Tammy Edwards
Andrey is a professional in the truest sense of the word: he engages in strength as a profession; he “embodies the ethical and technical standards of that profession”; he pursues strength at the highest level. Looking at the Merriam-Webster dictionary entry for the word professional is like a checklist for his qualities: whether noun or adjective, the word springs to mind when thinking of him, and that is perhaps the greatest compliment a professor of strength (which Andrey is as well) can receive.
I’ve trained with Andrey in person back when he was stationed in Shanghai, and when I first came to him, I couldn’t properly lock out a 8kg kettlebell overhead at a bodyweight of 85kg. I had chased the deadlift on my own for a year, had stalled out, had turned myself into a “tin man,” as Jon Engum puts it, through desk work and the belief that mobility wasn’t necessary as long as I could pull a weight off the floor. Andrey set me straight with a mobility diagnosis and recovery plan, carefully instructed me in the kettlebell deadlift, swing, get-up, goblet squat, and press, and guided me in my program development even after he moved to Thailand.
But as in all things, the results speak for themselves. In the last three months of following StrongFirst programs that Andrey guided me towards (and as he guided me away from my tendency to needlessly randomize things), I’ve tripled my pull-up technical max, doubled my airborne lunges, and nearly doubled my 24kg kettlebell overhead press technical max.
Strength is a profession, and if you want someone that has studied that profession to guide you, then seek out Andrey Zyurin. You won’t regret it.
Ai is the best out there! One of the most caring people I know and you can tell when you work out with her that she really knows what she’s doing.
JP is an excellent teacher.
His communication skills are on point as he is able to break the fundamentals of various kettlebell and conditioning modalities into clear, concise steps.
My overall conditioning and strength have reached new heights since I began training with JP. I always look forward to our next session and appreciate his follow up’s in between.
Bill E., Wichita Falls, Texas (age 54)
I found my time with Hugo invaluable. Great understanding, great delivery. I will be seeing him regularly, and he will allow me to achieve the beast Tamer Challenge, & Sinister.
Ai is amazing! I have worked with her for several years. She very focused on form and making sure you get the most out of the exercises. She designs programs to really help you and provides nutritional guidance if you need it. I am in better shape now than I have ever been. The workouts are fun and varied and she is always mindful and careful with injuries.
Ai is always professional, on time and a genuinely nice person.
I have been training with Ai for over 3 years now. In addition to being an incredible human being, she is a true professional trainer with extensive technical knowledge and tons of patience. She’s truly the best at what she does and takes great pride in her work.
I attended the kettlebell 101 and 201 workshops Kevin hosted in early May and had a blast. I found much of what we learned in a condensed amount of time very tangible and helpful, especially for an introductory workshop. Kevin provided great feedback to learners, just enough to help improve, but not too much to overwhelm. I’m likely going to pursue further certifications because of Kevin’s workshops and I would definitely recommend to others!
I often call Marius a magician!
But it’s not magic . It’s science , patience, kindness, persistence and a quest for answers which makes Marius special.
After 25 years of thousands of medical procedures , my body was broken. I had torn a rotator cuff, received steroid injections in multiple joints and could not perform basic athletic moves .
Through a careful evaluation, Marius has brought me back to life . My back feels great , my core is stronger than ever and I am now walking upright ! It’s a credit to Marius , when someone asks me if I’ve lost weight . I’ve not lost weight: I’m standing up straight and am pain-free!
Marius has also helped my wife and daughter become better tennis and volleyball players, respectfully.
Many thanks to Marius ! He’s super !
Andrey is a kind, patient, and detailed man and an excellent instructor.
I have been working with Andrey for several years now, both in-person and online. He is so careful to ensure that your form is correct to avoid injury and takes the time to explain and demonstrate how to do each motion. His feedback is encouraging and precise, without being nagging or patronizing. His workout plans are thorough and expertly personalized.
Andrey genuinely cares about his clients as the well-rounded and complex creatures we are: he would at keeping in touch with my nutrition, sleep schedule, and phone habits–all to ensure that I am growing in my health in all aspects.
I loved needing out with him during rest periods about scifi, mindfulness, and finance.
I’ve loved training under Andrey I hope you give him a chance. He is a good dude and an superb teacher.
After many years of moving kettlebells with what I self-assessed as “pretty good technique” I’ve encountered Andzelika’s Instagram account. Amongst many other “kettlebell” accounts hers was standing out with detailed and precise hints on the technique. This is what convinced me to follow. Ever since then I wanted to meet her in person and draw from the wisdom directly. Few years forward, it’s 2022. The wait is over. I’m at two-day kettlebell workshop at her gym in Cracow, Poland. Before I know all my confidence is destroyed… and rebuilt ground up. Swing, press, one arm, double arm, turkish getup – all of them! I hated this initially but now, after a few months, I’m grateful. My training plan has more consistency and is more intentional. The weights regressed initially to focus on technique but are catching up quickly. It is amazing how well Andzelika and her team can coach a such a simple tool – kettlebell!
Had a remote session with Migiwa to clean up my kettlebell swing technique. She took me back to the basics and gave clear instructions on what to improve. Highly recommended. ありがとうございます。
Louka is one of those rare teachers who can do and can teach!
Just being around such an accomplished instructor makes it easy to learn.
On top of that he is very articulate, diagnosing issues and suggesting immediate corrections that take into account any limitations that the student may have. There is no time wasted and it is possible to make very quick improvement.
Thank you for a great course, Louka. I look forward to more courses and instruction in the future.
Dan has been training our boys personally for about a year and before that as a coach. Dan has gone above and beyond what was ever asked of him, he has developed a strength and conditioning program specific to their individual needs and as a group. He holds his athletes accountable and checks in with them almost daily, weather it be lifting, stretching, conditioning, heath, or nutrition he is very attentive and extremely knowledgeable. I am extremely grateful for Dan and the work he does with my boys and all the athletes he trains!
The workshop was amazing and Kevin was super cool, down to earth and able to explain the basic and fundamental movement of kettlebell. Thanks for helping me help others ?
I attended the Kettlebell 201: The Rite of Passage Workshop (May 7, 2022). Kevin’s instructional style is informative and entertaining. Kevin shared experience and insight that improved my kettlebell technique delivered in a fun workshop experience.
Kevin was polite and professional while creating a fun and welcoming environment for his attendees. I also admired his attention to detail to ensure everyone was performing all exercises correctly and safely. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to get stronger!
Blazej is a good friend and an excellent coach with a lot of knowledge. He knows how to advice and keep you motivated.
“perfection doenst exist” , but he always work to closer to it
Dan has worked with all three of my sons (Ages 19, 14, 14). Each of them have shown increased confidence since beginning their work with Dan. Dan has a gift of connecting with the human spirit. He is innovative, inspiring and an amazing male mentor for my sons. I’m so grateful for all Dan has given to my boys, in addition to and beyond strength!!
Stout was exactly what I wanted and needed in a gym. Small classes, with a community feel and programming you will literally never grow out of. Anne is extremely knowledgeable while her personality adds a fun flare to serious training.
Having worked with RKC, HKC, and Strongfirst coaches across America, I can confidently say Anne is one of THE BEST practitioners of kettlebells, strength, and functional movement coaches in the game. Anne’s use of stellar cues and sound science have helped me to get in the best shape of my life at 32 years old. Her gym, Stout Strength and Conditioning is a welcoming environment for all types that relies on small steps and incremental growth to achieve goals and maximize your time spent there. I would recommend Anne for anyone that is looking to improve their daily life from physical to mental and everything in between.
Anne’s group classes have made getting into kettle bells and fitness completely accessible to a beginner (me). I’ve been able to get stronger on a great schedule and improve my other fitness activities. Really appreciate her attention to detail and the community here.
Best gym with best trainer I’ve experienced. Mature crowd and excellent programming. I’ve seen dozens train with Anne, and we’ve all made continuous gains in strength and fitness. Kettlebells have improved my biking, climbing and mental health. Recommend without reservation.
There is only one. Keith you are amazing and a transformational coach. Anyone looking for training in Chicago run don’t walk to Keith!
My first visit to Logan was spring of 2021. My wife heard about him at the gym she goes to, and thought I should have a few sessions with Logan for some kettle bell instructions. Had no idea what I was getting into. I’m 64 years old and have always been physically active in sports but had no interest in joining a gym, but here I am a year later doing weekly sessions in a gym setting with a personal trainer! Can’t imagine a trainer that could do a better job of explaining, demonstrating, critiquing and encouraging. I feel if I continue with this program, I am doing my part in preparing my body to stay active and healthy as the years go by.
Consider Logan if you are looking for a personal trainer, you won’t regret it.
John Scott was an excellent teacher. Had plenty of time for me and my questions, top man.
Recently had the pleasure of attending kettlebell 101 and 201 with Mike at his gym in Modesto. Sessions were phenomenal and very detailed. Mike is able to break down complex movements into very understandable sections.
During the courses I received extremely helpful corrections that I now keep in mind while training at home. I walked away feeling much more confident about the movements and my ability to perform them correctly. I cannot recommend enough. Sign up, get strong.
I have been training with Joan for 2 and a half years now.
I did not practice any sport, I started from scratch, and he gave me the taste of practice and surpassing myself.
He was able to accompany me and adapt to my level and my pace, with incredible kindness, without any judgment.
Through his coaching I also learned to raise awareness of my body and I now feel more connected to myself.
I even went from one session per week to 3 sessions, they are so beneficial for me!
I recommend it to everyone, all ages and all levels!
Sweat and guaranteed results!
Je m’entraîne avec Joan depuis maintenant 2 ans et demi.
Je ne pratiquais aucun sport, je partais de zéro, et il m’a donné le gout de la pratique et du dépassement de soi.
Il a su m’accompagner et s’adapter à mon niveau et à mon rythme, avec une bienveillance incroyable, sans aucun jugement.
A travers ses coachings j’ai aussi appris à conscientiser mon corps et je me sens aujourd’hui davantage connectée à moi-même.
Je suis même passée de une séance par semaine à 3 séances, tant elles sont bénéfiques pour moi !
Je le recommande à toutes et tous, tous âges et tout niveaux confondus !
Sueur et résultats assurés !
I have been training 1-1 with Paul for about 4 months. I could not be happier with his training and the results it has garnered. I am a 55-year-old mother of two, cancer survivor, and office job desk warrior. Although I have been athletic and fit most of my life, Paul’s training has taken me to a level of fitness and confidence in my body that I did not think was possible at my age! Paul is a technician and will find a way to articulate subtle movement cues that work perfectly for me and my style of learning. I highly recommend Paul as a trainer and coach. He also plays great music in his gym!
The level of detail provided was simply encyclopedic. Absolute world class attention to detail. Corrected so many small nuances that other trainers might never have picked up on and left me very confident of performing lifts safely.
Katka, is amazing person, excellent dedicated trainer and passionate kettlebell and profi sport fan . Her friendly, professional approach, advices and personal energy could be used as leading example . I started with kettlebells early 02/2022 I wish be able to train more then 3 weekly 🙂
Pavel is unbelievably captivating, motivational and knowledgeable guy you just want to listen to. Workshops under his lead are professional, packed with great deal of education and my kinda humor. His demeanor is calming and inspiring. Every time I meet him (and his team) I feel respected yet guided, which is something not that common in my experience and very important to me. To put it short, Pavel is a gentleman who knows his sh..tuff and it shows.
Pierre is an extremely conscientious and knowledgeable coach who is dedicated to his task: helping you get stronger! He will take the time it needs to help you progress and reach your goals.
Thanks to his advice, I did a very, very big step forward on my simple and sinister journey.
If you are looking for a great instructor, Błażej is definitely one of them. He has huge knowledge about strength and conditioning training, and a sharp eye for any mistakes. Kettlebells keep no secrets from him, and no matter what your training goal is he’ll help you to achieve it.
I’ve had an awesome experience with Fred and his strong first principals,I highly recommend seeing him at his studio in east Malvern called real fit you will walk away knowing how to move your body ?
I met David during the SFG1 cert in Budapest. I took a part of it as an assistant and David was one of my Student. It was a great honor and pleasure to work with him, to answer his questons and see how professional he is in everything we worked on. I’m sure that David is what StrongFirst is all about. Great athlete and instructor. Good man. Thank you David and hope some day to meet you again.
I met Blazej in Budapest last year when I was doing my SFG 1 certification. From the get go he was kind and friendly but also professional. I was in the group under his supervision and his guidance and knowledge was unmatched.
I believe that he participated in my success and I can not recommend him more. If you are going to Poland and want to learn about kettlebells the right way, then Blazej is your guy.
Błażej is a very good Instructor . He is a Professional.
If you want to be strong , Błażej will teach you that.
I recommend this guy ! 🙂
Błażej is a great hardstyle instructor and professional. Working with him is pure pleasure. He provides help, advice and support at any time. I highly recommend this man.
Cus D’ Amato once said: “Greatness is not a measure of how great you are but how great others came to be because of you.”
Now look at Błażej’s “Ząbkowicka Szkoła Siły” and you know the answer.
Clarke is an amazing trainer. I would highly recommend doing one of her courses.
Jesse is a fantastic strength coach and is very passionate about kettlebell training. He introduced kettlebells to my training sessions more than seven years ago and the exercises started off very basic with light bells and I have progressed to more complex exercises with heavier bells. As Jesse learns more about kettlebell training and techniques he passes that information to ensure I am getting the most out of every exercise for my goals.
Training with Jesse has given me the necessary skills and confidence to train with kettlebells in my solo sessions and I have really developed a love of kettlebell training and appreciate the versatility they add to my sessions.
Jesse Fuller is an exceptional strength and conditioning coach and an excellent kettlebell coach. His relentless pursuit for perfect technique and form is something all coaches should aspire to. I completed my SFG 1 with Jesse and his expert coaching was one of the reasons I did so well that weekend. If expert kettlebell coaching is what your after Jesse is the right man to talk to….
Joan m’a accompagné pendant la certification SFG1 de mars 2022, c’était parfait.
Il est à la fois précis et encourageant ; grâce à lui, j’ai amélioré de nombreux points dans les différents mouvements de SFG1.
Joach trained me during the SFG1 certification of march 2022.
His way of teaching is precise, clear and friendly. Thanks to him, I brought my technique to a whole new level.
I look forward to training again with him !
Joan est un entraîneur perfectionniste! J’ai adoré m’entraîner avec lui! Il a su trouver les mots et les moyens pour m’encourager à persévérer !
Sa qualité de travail et top! ?
Lois lead me through the certification with confidence and knowledge.
I have started kettlebell training 5 months before the SFG-1, with him, during a 101 course. 5 months after, I am certified
Thanks a lot Lois for your knowledge, experience and enthusiasm !
On the road for SFG-2 !
I was lucky enough to have Baptiste as my coach during my sfg1 exam.
Thanks to his advice and encouragement , i my exam in a good mood .
I’m in my early 40’s and my goal was/is to improve my fitness and general health (and just feel better). My wife and I were first referred to Logan, and we trained with him together. We all really hit it off. Logan’s a true master. He’s also funny, personable, and kind; just a big teddy bear covered in tattoos. I knew I needed to do more – but it was probably year 1 of the pandemic (that added all sorts of stressors and unhealthy habits) that was the real catalyst for me. I was gaining progressively worse muscle aches and pains that weren’t getting better. My sleep was suffering, my stress was high, and I was losing the ability to do day-to-day activities or really keep up with our kids.
Last summer I turned to Logan for personal training; and (without exaggeration) I look back at this as one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself.
We’ve been working out regularly once or twice a week for almost a year now. I’m amazed by the progress (and very grateful). Logan invests the time to make sure I understand how to complete the exercises safely and with the right technique. He get’s me excited about learning new things. His training is thoughtful, attentive, and he’s extremely enthusiastic and encouraging. I’ve never been the guy that’s looked forward to working out before. Today I genuinely look forward to our weekly sessions. He’s helped me build up my strength; always been available; and encouraged me at every step. More than a trainer, he really is a friend, and someone I consider an excellent role-model and mentor. He’s truly great at what he does.
You will not regret working with Logan. I whole-heartedly recommend him to anyone that’s looking to make a positive change for themselves.
I was very fortunate to meet Yann at a low point in my life where I was struggling with severe protracted inflammatory back problems. After receiving the appropriate medical treatment, I still had to get stronger to get my body and life back on track.
Thanks to his expertise, I could quickly and safely engage in a tailored resistance training regimen including many kettle bell exercises as well as TRX, TRX rip trainer, elastic bands, mobility stick and bodyweight exercises. After a series of 15 private sessions, where mobility was also a key focus, the result was amazing: I had substantially gained muscle, felt way better in my body and my spirits were markedly lifted.
What turns out to be very effective in Yann’s approach is the way he zeroes in on your weaknesses after a thorough body analysis and elaborates a custom program to tackle them. He challenges you but never goes beyond what you can safely do. Good form is of utmost importance for him and ensures a safe training.
He’s been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years and his many certifications testify to his high level of practice and knowledge in the domain of weight lifting, strength conditioning and overall body fitness.
To this day, I continue my training sessions with him and keep seeing progress in my recovering body. Thank you so much, Yann!
I participated in the 201, Rite of Passage course. I like how John and Strongfirst have short one day courses leading towards SFG 1 certification as it gives you plenty of time to get your technique and programming correct. As always Johns coaching style os second to none. Great coaching cues all done in a relaxed fun and friendly environment which for me helps the learning process very enjoyable. Thanks again John , brilliant day .
I have done two KB workshops with John and found him to be an excellent teacher. Highly recommended
Just done my first ever strongfirst workshop held by John. Really enjoyed The experience, John is a Great guy and a great coach and Felt I really got something from it to help me going forwards in my own training and clients kettlebell training! I hope to get to more of these workshops in the coming future for that to help me Consider going for my SFG1 sometime in the future!
Thanks again John
Started training with John some 7 years ago having had surgery on a major shoulder injury. Following strict instructions, techniques and advice I regained almost full fitness. Way more than expected by surgeon and physio’s. Fast forward 4 years and had to start from scratch again, having been hit by a car. Serious surgery again on opposite shoulder
Thankfully, John worked his magic and got me motivated again to commit to training, diet and rest. Thankfully lightening did strike twice.
John was an excellent instructor for the simple and sinister program. The class was very informative and the atmosphere was very relaxed.
Jesse is an amazing strength coach and personal trainer. Before meeting him I had never touched a kettlebell. He has taught me how to do kettlebell swings, progressing from double arm to single, and recently Turkish getups, which is something I had doubted I was even capable of doing.
Every program Jesse creates is tailored to you as an individual and helps you to achieve your goals by couching on how to improve your technique, knowledge and mindset.
I have been with him for nearly a year and travel 40km twice a week to see him, and for me he is definitely worth the drive.
Jaime is super knowledgeable and an outstanding trainer. I have worked with Jaime for over five years and she always provides new challenges and workouts to keep you moving towards your goals. She was also instrumental in helping me return to full rugby fitness after an Achilles rupture.
Mark really helped me out with my cleans and presses and TGUs as I was recovering from an injury and stuck at home during a lockdown. He also offers great advice on the forum. His form tips and programming advice were very helpful – I highly recommend working with him.
Baptiste is a coach who knew how to find the right words to give me confidence throughout the certification. His advice, his eye allowed me to improve my technique on the fundamentals. A big thanks to him .
Shaun’s attention to detail, his cues and corrections are excellent.
If I had to describe Jo in one word, it would be “knowledgeable”.
She can teach you not only the correct techniques and give you a program that is right for you, but she’ll also teach you corrective and mobility work to make your progress sustainable. I think this is particularly important for the not-so-young, but probably needed by everyone. As a coach, I think she is just the right amount of tough to push you, without ever compromising your safety. I’ve been training with her for some months now, and I’m very glad I started.
Due to an injury I had to take a break from kettlebell ballistics. James provided me with a strong endurance deadlift template and gave me remote coaching to rebuild my stability in the hinge pattern and get me back to swinging, and it worked amazingly well! After spending about two months on his program I’m very impressed with the results – my swings feel stronger, easier, and most importantly, they don’t cause back pain anymore. I highly recommend working with him.
Have been training with David for 4 months now – to lose weight, build muscle, repair injury and be straighter and stronger. As a woman over 60, I was concerned with poor muscle mass and sedentary lifestyle. David has been extremely encouraging and with him – it’s all about the technique!! I started at a small knee bend and can now achieve a deep squat in just 4 months! I cannot recommend David highly enough – my children are now training too and we are all loving the kettlebells!!
I wanted to prepare the SFG1, Pierre gave me the opportunity to be stronger trough his passion and knowledge of strength training.
With him you ll becom the Best version of yourself!
I have been training with Paul and he has been great to work with! Very knowledgable and breaks the kettlebell movements down in a helpful way. I highly recommend training with Paul to learn the proper techniques and to get stronger.
I thoroughly enjoyed my session with Tim learning the swing and get-up. His enthusiasm for kettlebells is second-to-none and he is very generous with his time and knowledge of technique.
I left feeling confident that I was on the right track with my kettlebell journey.
Philip is a phenomenal coach. I’ve been learning from him for the past two years, and his style of coaching is unbeatable. His attention to detail with form/technique and the way he cares about each individual person under his coaching makes him stand out above all other coaches I’ve ever learned from. I’ve recently completed my second kettlebell course with him, and I’ve become so passionate about it that I’m working on acquiring my own set of bells for my home. I recommend anyone and everyone who’s interested in learning more about fitness, especially kettlebell and CrossFit disciplines, to reach out to Philip.
After several years of benefitting from Louka’s targeted and minimalizt videos, I moved to some remote coaching. Frankly, I thought my form was better than it was… In 1 session, he quickly and nimbly offered about 15 adjustments through a range of KB movements. I could feel right away through applying them over time it’s likely my trips to the chiropractor will be less frequent, and my ability to reap the benefits of my practice will increase – while I have more fun in the process! Louka is not only highly fluent with the kettlebells and movements, he’s a grounded and effective instructor.
Highly recommend Claire?
I visited Claire for one-to-one body weight training. It was a really positive experience and I left with a treasure trove of cues to improve my form, a programme of exercises and the confidence that the work will produce results.
I’m very grateful for Claire’s warm, patient, non judgemental, detail oriented mentoring style.
Highly recommend working with Claire?
Inspirational, Educational, Fantastical.
Class was very interesting and fun
Went to one of his workshops a few weeks ago, John is very very knowledgeable and was able to answer all my fitness questions, even my running specific ones. I sent him a couple of form videos afterwards and he replied promptly with some good feedback. Very happy with my experience, great investment in time and money.
Yoana is really amazing. My daughter and I have been training with her for 6 months. I keep telling my wife that Yoana is either going to kill me or make me stronger. I am still alive I am really, really, really strong. In 6 months, she has more than doubled my swing, clean and press weights. She is very particular about technique, and ensures that form is perfect. She has many ways to get you to feel and internalize kettlebell, barbell, and bodyweight movements. She is a great trainer and very methodical and focuses on form and technique a lot, and amazing at motivating you to perform the one thing that you absolutely hate. I love working with her and she is an expert at different forms of exercises, understanding your weakness/strengths and helping you to strengthen your weakness. If you want to be become strong, Yoana is your answer!
I’ve had a spiritual experience with Coach Mike 3 years ago and I’ve never forgotten.
Baptiste has been training me since 2016. the results keep increasing: significant weight loss, mental and strength development, cardio is not to be outdone. I am a coach today largely thanks to him. thank you Baptiste. ???
My interest in kettlebell training started when covid19 happened. Being quarantined made me realize that i do not need a gym membership to be fit. So, tried learning on my own guided by online content floating around the net. Naturally, I became aware of Pavel Tsatsouline’s StrongFirst and the S&S protocol. I was stuck with the 24kg getup for a year with unguided training in my garage. So come 2022, I decided to look for an instructor who can help me improve my practice. I found Coach Mark using this website and he started coaching me online 1st week of January 2022. It is mid-feb2022 as of this writing, I’m pressing 28kg, snatching 24kg, my getup is at 32kg and started practicing with double 20kg kettlebells. In a span of a little over a month, I’ve definitely improved with coach Mark’s guidance!
P. S. Initially, I was quite hesitant with online coaching setup, but now I’m convinced that it can work. The result speaks for itself.
Baptiste is very skilled coach. He is able to adapt the training to every physical condition. He pushes all the group and can create a team spirit.
I highly recommand Baptiste whatever the objectives are.
Motivation attentive coach who encourages us to surpass ourselves.
Very good coach and that’s why I’ve been taking his classes for several years!!
Many thanks
a coach always on top, listening, always available, smiling. it pushes us out of our comfort zone and helps us overcome our limits. stay as you are
You are an attentive coach who listens to everyone’s needs. we haven’t worked much together but you are attentive, professional, caring and always smiling. you give us confidence in ourselves. you are a very good coach and I wish you the best for the future
a coach at the top to listen. he was able to push us up, get us out of our comfort zone. just awesome stay the way you are.
Those who are lucky enough to have him as a coach can congratulate themselves! he demonstrates great pedagogy and knows how to pass on his passion. The promised results are there if we give him all our confidence;
His professionalism, his kindness and his availability reassure us and motivate us!
A big THANK YOU Coatch!!
A lot of professionalism, expertise and experience, listening and empathy, with a personalized program, a good dose of confidence and enthusiasm that he knows so well how to transmit to progress on a daily basis. The best sports coach I have ever met.
super sports coach, greatly helped me with my weight loss, motivated always listening and persevering in his field of activity nothing to say except congratulations to his fantastic career.
Hi Coach,
You are amazing and robust, I really enjoyed our workout and miss it
Hope to see you soon !
Sharliny
Working with Wendy and training with KBs has been a fantastic experience. I am 53 years old and have asked a lot of this mind and body. I played college football, explored the world of endurance sports and bike racing. Too much. Along with the adrenaline and endorphins, I also enjoyed a shoulder, six knee and back surgeries. Wendy is emphatic on training with proper form. She actively engages in your goals and progress. For me–Staying off the PT table and remain active in life. Enjoying the outdoor and selective adventures with family and friends. Five Stars. Hands down.
I’ve been working with Mark for the past month now. And in the short time that we’ve worked together I’ve been able to improve my TGU form, started improving my snatch endurance, and start tweaking the programs that I have been working on and in some instance pushing me to things which I would’ve naturally not done. Not only do we think alike but I have found in him a great advisor to suggest and course correct me on my strength journey. He has great knowledge, is very approachable, and always gives more than what you ask for. Highly recommend getting in touch with him if you are looking for a great coach.
I reached out to Jeff to tighten up my kettlebell swing and getup in preparation for simple and sinister. Working with Jeff was great on many levels. First I achieved my primary objective of maximizing efficiency and form. At this rate I’ll achieve the timeless simple goal 5 months from now and be stronger than I have ever been in my entire life. Second Jeff is a pleasure to work with. He is consultative, positive, and gets to work. We accomplished my goal in only 4 sessions. Lastly we did every session over zoom which worked out much better than I had expected. I highly recommend working with Jeff to accomplish your fitness objectives.
Jeff was a tremendous help as I was preparing for my SFG Level 1. I had a good bit of experience with kettlebell training prior, but I needed help dialing in my technique, programming and preparing for my cert.
Jeff helped me understand the movements on a deeper level, helped me hone in my technique and was instrumental in helping me pass my Level 1 cert. He was always readily available to bounce ideas off of, provide feedback and support.
Thanks to Jeff, my SFG Level 1 was an awesome experience and I still look to him for guidance to this day.
As a physical therapist/strength coach myself, I truly value Jeff’s approach to coaching, health and fitness. You won’t find anyone who cares about your success more.
Whether it’s completely fixing all of my knee problems, making gains I genuinely thought was impossible, or teaching me how to not fold in half at the first sign of physical conflict, he’s responsible for all of it.
Couldn’t recommend more.
I was looking for a Strongfirst instructor to perfect my use of kettlebells. As they say, I was not disappointed with the trip! How lucky to have a sports coach of this caliber close to home. Laurent is passionate. Available, attentive and caring, he also perfectly masters his area of expertise. But more importantly, in my opinion, he has the eye of real coaches and physical trainers. The one that allows him to observe you, analyze you, correct you and give you the keys to becoming a better version of yourself. I recommend Laurent’s services 100%. A safe bet!
To raise my kettlebell game, and help my journey towards SFG1, I recently attended a 201 Rite of Passage workshop led by Claire. What an excellent teacher – very richly detailed instruction with excellent 1:1 observations and corrections. With this single 4-hour workshop session, I feel all parts of the my kettlebell skillset have been set on a better path – with loads of new and refined things to practice. Highly recommended.
What made Claire a great instructor is her ability to explain complex subjects with simplicity and clarity, she is very knowledgeable and helped me to improve my technique and work around my disability. Thanks Claire
I met Todd in 2019 for an intro KB course, and two years later he helped train me for a successful SFG I certification. Every time I hit a sticking point in my training Todd knew exactly what to say to get me past it. He also looked closely at all my lifts and gave me great adjustments to make them better. He convinced me that I was ready for the SFG I, and as an older athlete I really needed his encouragement. Todd is the consummate coach! I look forward to knowing and working with him for a long time.
David is an excellent kettlebell trainer. His effort for making me fit is awesome. His knowledge about maintaining good health and sharing & communication is really helping out a lot to stay fit after having a baby. If you are looking to get fit and have fun I highly recommend David.
Trying to get back into shape after lockdown I started training with David from Ravenbell and I cannot praise and recommend him enough! I was a total novice when it came to kettlebell but he is very patient, he shows and explains everything so well making me feel at ease. After the workouts I feel I have been doing something good for myself but I am never too sore. He also comes to my place at a time that works well for me, saving me the hustle of going to the gym.
David has been training me for over a year now. I’m 43 years old and I’ve got 35 years’ martial arts experience. My goal is to preserve my muscle mass and my strength as much as possible for the next half of my life. I always wanted to learn the proper way of kettlebell training not just from Pavel Tsatsouline’s book or YouTube, so I asked David and it was the best decision in terms of training as well as health support. David has very up to date knowledge about healthy eating and healthy lifestyle. He won’t be going to feed your confidence for no reason. He believes in no short cuts, and he won’t let you get away with a halfhearted workout. David is correct, trustworthy, upright guy.
Katerina is a great coach and human. I go to her training for one year and I am extremely satisfied. She taught me to exercise with my own body and weight. I recommend it to everyone who wants to lose weight, strengthen their body and start a healthy lifestyle. Her workouts really work.
I can only recommend Kateřina. I’m very happy with the training and the results. Lessons with her are interesting, reasonably demanding and effective. 10/10
Ai means results, Ai is a trustfull professionnal.
Ive connected with Ai trough social media,
At this time I was prepin for SFB and I needed to dial in my nutrition in order to get a better body composition, I was 104kg (230lbs) at this time and roughly 17% bodyfat.
In a 5 months period ive lost 25lbs of pure fat.
My relative strength level went trough the roof. I didnt lost any absolute strength, my energy levels were skyrocket.
More important she was able to understand my motivation and my character.
She was able to build habits that Last.
Plans were send every sunday without exception. Never late.
Now im training for Sinister, she’s adapting to my goals, I sit at 97kg with more muscle mass and better cardio vascular conditionning than ever.
She’s a pro.
I worked with Ian leading up to the SFG1 in NYC in December. After an initial assessment Ian gave me invaluable feedback that truly saved me from injury due to poor technique as well as overtraining. He also helped me to adjust some of my movements that were aggravating a preexisting injury that had slowed down a lot of my progress in training. He provided me with a program that helped me to taper and dial back some of the volume in my training that I am sure helped me arrive to the certification as strong and as fit as I could have been. Ian’s knowledge of diet and recovery also helped immensely in making sure I was able to not just survive but thrive through the long SFG weekend.
Laurent, teaches us to be strong physically but also mentally. He teaches us a solid foundation on which to build our armor. And that, in complete safety by listening to our body and adapting to our capacities. Laurent, is rigorous, observant, passionate, a bit crazy… ? He gives us all the keys to evolve.
For the last word : crash the nuts ?
I am 10 sessions in with Jazzy G Sir.
A bit of background :
I gota bad case of covid in March 2021. It left me completely bedridden and weak for about 5 months introducing never before experienced conditions like
1. Neuropathy
2. Avascular Necrosis
3. Tennis elbow
4. Sharp lower back pain
5. Weight Gain
Some of thes emerged from high use of steroids administered while in hospital, and some due to weight gain resulting from post covid recovery.
I had been (badly) doing Kettlebells for 4 year with no proper form – just average results.
Enter, sigining up with Coach Jasbinder Singh Gulati.
a. Within the first 4 sessions, my overall posture had started improving.
b. Withing first 6-7 sessions (one and a half month), I had lost a bunch of weight.
c. Most importantly, I’ve gotten stronger over the course of last two months. Strength – not just in swinging, squatting with Kettlebells – but in other areas of life too.
I run once every 2 days, and my overall mobility is better.
Grip strength is better.
Back pain is as good as gone.
Tennis elbow is gone.
There is a certain structure that the body starts taking after serious kettlebell use – and it looks good with clothes on.
I haven’t been seriously focussing on my diet – eating pretty much everything (I eat bread on weekends) from eggs to some sugar, to some junk food and these results are despite my diet.
I intend to clean up my act – and sign up for atleast 2 more full courses with Jazzy G.
Best money I have invested in last 3 years or so.
If you can – totally go for it.
Jazzy G’s expertise and pedagogy is amazing. You learn concepts like Tension, correct form, correct frequency, intensity and these things go a long way in displaying great results.
Happy Swinging
1/8/22, Kettlebell 101.
It can be super awkward to attend a class where you know nothing about the subject matter and fully out of shape, but Coach Mike’s Professionalism removes that feeling immediately!! Coach Mike is full on humble and a subject matter expert!! Although I have much work to do, I left class super confident, based on his knowledge, presentation and energy to help his students thrive. Looking forward to Kettlebell 201 regardless of a four hour round-trip!! Thanks Mike!!
I had the pleasure to travel from Idaho to Modesto for kettlebell 101. I started doing simple and sinister programming about 2.5 months before and knew I could tune some things up. I learned wayyyy more than I imagined. Mike was super knowledgeable, has a great gym set up and loves Slayer. Once I get the simple standard I’ll be back for the next course. Highly recommended !!
For almost 4 months now, Joan has been coaching me to prepare the SFG1 certification. I really like his coaching and values : professionalism, rigor, precision and above all benevolence without complacency. He knows how to give me the weapons to progress technically every week towards excellence at its level.
I am very proud to be his pupil and his padawane, there is still a lot of work towards certification, nothing is gained, but the trip worth it!
I had the pleasure of working with Cynthia on how to do a Turkish GetUp (TGU).
To me, this is a complicated and difficult maneuver! I have lifted weights for over 30 years, but am not very flexible and did not understand the intricacies of the TGU.
Cynthia was very patient and knew exactly what I needed to change. She not only explains why something is done, but she actually demonstrated the movement herself.
If that’s not good enough, after our appointment, she took the time to videotape and then email me the movements she had shown during our session, along with a set of mobility exercises that she knew would help my flexibility!
I cannot recommend Cynthia enough!
Melinda is plain and simple the best coach ever! I came across Pavel and RKC via “Enter the Kettlebell” about 6 or 7 years ago and started with kettlebells for the first time, but didn’t really take to it at the time. About 18 months ago I wanted to get serious and simplify my training. I went back to Pavel and found StrongFirst and “Simple and Sinister” Knowing I needed a coach to really dial in my technique, my wife introduced me to Melinda. She is very detailed and nuanced with her training. I am a pain in the ass and love to challenge her and ask questions and she always has the answers and helps educate me. She gets to know me and what makes me tick and designs our coaching sessions around my personality and goals. She challenges me and cares about my KB practice being dialed in. She is passionate about KB practice, serious, fun and funny…she’s always making me laugh even while she’s kicking my butt! She is a great KB coach. In fact she’s so good “It’s hard for her to do it wrong.” Is she reads this she knows what I’m talking about and she’s laughing right now!
I’ve learned so much from Heidi and keep learning in every session. My strength and flexibility have improved dramatically as a result of working with her over the past couple of years — I feel healthier now than I did five years ago! She creates a relaxed, supportive environment while also providing helpful attention to form so that I get the most out of each training.
Love the articles. Definitely my favorite content provider for Strong1st.
Ai is incredibly knowledgeable, professional and the best motivator. She is amazing. I have some limitations in training because of an issue with my right hand and she tailors my training so that I don’t injure myself. She has the best attitude and positive energy. She has also been training my 13 year old and she loves her! I highly recommend Ai, she is not just a trainer for physical fitness, but for a healthy lifestyle.
Today I had my first training session with Ai, and I was blown away by the depth of both her expertise and ability to connect with me! I was referred to her by my sports medicine doctor to work on muscle imbalances that we’re causing reoccurring pain and injuries. After a few minutes of working with her she had determined my troubled areas and had me doing mobility drills. By the end of the workout I was doing kettlebell swings with weight that I hadn’t been able to work with in years. I’m excited to see where my training with Ai will go! I highly recommend working with her if you are serious about results.
Ai has reshaped my body to levels I thought It was no longer possible in my 50’s! She also has strengthened both of my shoulders which were very weak from a past injury. Her infectious energy and joyfulness are a pleasure to be around. She trains my husband and I together, and we just love It. It is the best investment we can do on our health!
I am a senior and always thought I was in reasonably good health until I was stricken with cancer. I started working out with Logan 2 months after finishing Chemotherapy. I was very weak and had lost all confidence in myself and in my physical abilities. I am now in the best shape of my life -not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well.
Logan is an outstanding trainer. He has a wealth of knowledge coupled with compassion, understanding and an ability to develop training programs to work around any physical restrictions.
Logan’s passion for improving the lives of his clients comes through in everything he does. His enthusiasm for positive and continuous improvement is contagious.
I love my workouts with Logan and I look forward to many years of strength , health and mobility under his training and guidance.
If you have ever doubted the value of personal training I urge you to contact Logan. He will show you what you can achieve and just how much better you can feel every day.
Milan is the best personal trainer I have ever trained with in terms of any type of weight training. He increased my body mobility and strength where I didn’t think it would be possible. Highly recommended trainer!
Kevin has helped me a lot with form on Simple and Sinister, and I am now well on the way to achieving my goals. He is very generous with his time, and does a great job of breaking down and explaining the movements. He communicates very clearly, and his instruction helped me tremendously, especially in fine tuning my swings and get ups. I highly recommend training with Kevin, especially where it involves kettlebells.
Worked with Jennifer at an SFG certification, and was very impressed with her knowledge, skills, and professionalism. Very enthusiastic and positive coaching style, and I would highly recommend training with her!
Brett is extremely knowledgable in the world of all things strength and conditioning especially with functional training. He uses a very people-first approach to motivate and help individuals reach their goals, no matter how short term or long term they may be. He is also flexible and understanding and can easily adapt workouts on the fly if needed. I have learned tremendously from him and his work.
I have been to Johns’facility 3 times now and it never fails to deliver. He is a superb coach and communicator who keeps things simple. John has created a warm and welcoming environment at Access Fitness and I think all of his hardwork with Strongfirst and delivering workshops in Ireland has made it more accessible for me personally and others in the fitness industry. I will definitely be attending another workshop and would highly recommend these workshops to Coaches and Athletes of all backgrounds. It is what it says on the tin…..be Strongfirst. Thanks again John.
I had the pleasure of attending the Kettlebell 101 workshop led by John Kenny at his gym in Raheny. John knows just how best to demonstrate and explain kettlebell skills. Furthermore, with his keen observation, he identifies technique flaws and takes the time to carefully guide participants toward better techniques. You will leave John’s workshops saying, “that guy is a great instructor and he goes above and beyond to support his participants.”
Met Daren for the first time yesterday. I’m about 3 weeks into my kettlebell experience. Daren brought me through all the basics in a lot of detail and spent a lot of time on me. Awesome guy. Learned so much from him. I’ll be back for more.
I’m 31 about to be 32 and I had been not taking good care of my body for the last 8-10 years or so. I got back in the gym and with the Kettlebell instruction as well as the dietary adjustments given to me by Melinda I have been able to do some major transformations in my life physically and mentally. She really is an all around trainer constantly making sure I stay in balance, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I’ve been around the fitness industry my whole life and she is hands down the best trainer I’ve ever worked with or been around. Her mobility flow has changed my life on just the way my body feels not to mention the pain relief in my back as well as my shoulders from football. If you want to get ripped, woke muscles you didn’t know you had, and have a kick a$$ time doing it work with Melinda…. If you can keep up.
I have an SFGI certification, and recently went to train with Sven focusing on the skills for the SFG II. He is a true student of strength, and a great coach as well. He helped me dial in my techniques quickly, and then helped me devise a training plan based around certain special needs that I have. Being part of the StrongFirst community, with all the experience and knowledge that is shared and passed on from person to person is a gift that I treasure.
Marius is the most caring human being I have worked with. He will always put you first, and will help you transform your health and wellness towards whatever your goals are. I had pain in my wrist and shoulder from sports injuries that were more than 15 years old and despite seeing a bunch of different doctors nobody has been able to help me until Marius. Whatever your goals, give him a try.
Amazing instructor, during training under Slobodan, i felt very strong, stabile and healthy. My grip and general strenght increased, and his training methods were efficient and innovative.
Unfortunately I lost opportunity to drive and visit his training center.
Best trainer I had, hope to return one day.
Amazing instructor, during training under Slobodan, i felt very strong, stabile and healthy. My grip strenght increased and his training methods were efficient and innovative.
Unfortunately I lost opportunity to drive and visit his training center.
Best trainer I had, hope to return one day.
I had a one to one with John to learn the fundamentals of the kettlebell swing. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and patient. I would definitely recommend him and look forward to attending one of his workshops in the future.
Hello ?? I am Evelyn and I live in Mexico ?? in the state of Quintana Roo, I met Pierre through social networks and I had the opportunity and luck to contact him, I see and admire his professional work, his students with a high level in performance with impeccable technique; The plan that he designed so that I could improve my technique helped me a lot, I have advanced and I am getting stronger ?? thanks Pierre, you are great !!!
Very professional coach with great experience. Learned so much from John
Błażej is the best StrongFirst Instructor in Poland! He is a great friend and
is an excellent teacher with a lot of knowledge and experience. If you want to be strong, if you want to be healthy and fit at any age – Błażej will show you how to do it.
Best coach I’ve ever trained with! Completely invested in her students reaching beyond their goals in every way. Leads by example. Loves what she does!
I’m 54, male, and I have been working a corporate desk job for 31 years. Needless to say, years of desk work takes a toll on your body. My overall strength had declined and my lower back and knee pain was getting worse. After training with her for only 1 month, I no longer had pain and my strength was significantly better. I am now 7 months into my training and I feel great! She has been a miracle worker!
She is extremely focused on understanding my physical capabilities and has designed a total body kettlebell training program designed for my unique needs. Training with her is fun, challenging and I look forward to each session.
She is very encouraging and positive and has become a good friend. My knee pain and back pain is gone and my total body strength has greatly improved. Her training has helped me become mindful of my physical strength as well as my diet.
Her training has been a game changer for me!
I’m a 58 yr old female who has been training in kettlebells for almost two years. When I first started, my squats/hinges were non-existent, I had weak wrists and ankles, and was, obviously, very out of shape. After training with Melinda, I have incredible power in my squats/hinges, and my wrists and ankles are no longer weak. The best part is that I am able to press a 12kg kettlebell, I can do loaded getups, I’ve thrown up to 400 swings in a session, and so much more! I’ve worked really hard and have had tons of fun, all while Melinda guided me on correct form, offered a large variety of training tools, and pushed me to do things I didn’t know I could do. Melinda is inspirational, extremely knowledgeable, and a great cheerleader. I sing her praises to anyone who will listen to me because she knows her stuff!
I’ve been training with Kerry for about 3 years now. In that time, she’s helped me tremendously gain strength and mobility and accomplish some incredible physical goals along the way all while feeling better than I ever have. This is because she’s not just knowledgeable about programming a workout, but she’s a student of the body and how to help it function properly and optimally. By combining her continual reassessments of my movements and any discomfort I have going on (which is lots because I beat my body up plenty over the years), she provides me with specific movement prep and corrective exercises in my programming, which set my body up for success. As a result of this, I’ve had lingering 20+ year injuries dramatically improve and I’ve had some incredible PR’s.
Additionally, Kerry was fantastic working with me throughout my pregnancy. She worked closely with me and adjusted my programming accordingly to keep me moving well and safely all the way through!
Incredibly passionate Kettlebell Coach…fully engaged in both her clients progress and her own continuing education. First class all the way.
Logan is a man with a true passion for his career and the progress of his clients. Being an out of shape 33 year old beer league hockey player was not enough for me and I needed a change. After our first session I was hooked and developed a thirst for more kettlebell knowledge. We developed a game plan and put it to work. Now after only 8 months of training with Logan I’ve made some amazing progress in my strength and mobility. I am only able to see him 1-2 times a month so he makes every minute count. I have a blast every time we train and always come out with new tools and skills to develop. I’m looking forward to many more sessions to come!
I’ve been working with Marc for 2 years now, and I can’t believe how much stronger I’ve gotten. Marc helped me discover a new passion for strength training —I started with less than zero knowledge (couldn’t even do a simple squat!) and now I’m completely addicted. Marc is incredibly knowledgeable, always stays on top of his craft, and is creative enough to come up with multiple ways to tackle anything I’m struggling with. He is encouraging, supportive, and you can tell he truly cares about your progress. I recommend him wholeheartedly, you couldn’t ask for a better trainer.
I met Pavel a few years ago, and have had the oportunity to learn from him, assist him and hear him speak on multiple occasions since then ; I can assure you, he is a leader you will want to follow. His perfect technique, his tremendous knowledge about training and physical preparation, not to mention his impressive strength make him a great source of inspiration for me. His vision and approach of lifestyle is also outstanding, I would advise you to discuss it with him ; it was a game changer for me. Trully an amazing man and friend.
I have had the opportunity to learn from Fabio on several occasions : I met him during my first certification in Italy, and he has been leading me all along my progression among StrongFirst, as he was hosting and coaching all my certifications (SFG1, SFG2, SFL & SFB). He is an amazing teacher, leader, coach, athlete and human being and has not stopped inspiring me since then.
He was always there to help us develop StrongFirst in France, mentoring, advising, and even coming whenever needed. He keeps being present every time I need, helping me grow my new gym without any hesitation. A fantastic athlete, coach, mentor and friend, turned towards others and helping them any way he can.
Pierre is a great instructor with a sharp eye for detail and subtle technique points that he will explain in a simple and clear manner. His original cues will make your technique instantly better. I was lucky to have had Pierre as the leader of the group at my SFG2 certification.
Pedro is a great instructor who pays too much attention to the details and insures proper form and movement. I learned a lot from him and thanks to him I feel safer and more confident in my kettlebell training.
I met Pierre at my recent SFG 2 certification. Man, he is what I want to be when I grow up. He learned me all the SFG 2 skills, reviewd the level 1 skills, talked about lasagna (layering skills upon skills), did a zumba routine and had a mental trip to the beach with a kettlebell.
Fun aside, his cue’s are easy to understand and applicable, he definetly knows what he’s talking about, he walks the walk, talks the talk and is very humble.
TL;DR: Fantastic Coach
Hi, i would like to recommend Ray, he’s been training my mother for over 2 years now and i can’t believe how my mom’s life has changed in a very positive way, my mom suffered low back pain which was limiting her with her daily activities, she was in home all day due to the bad pain she had. When we started with Ray we thought he was just one “specialist” more and that will not get the results we were expecting as he told us since the beginning it was going to be a journey, and to our surprise, my started feeling better within a few weeks. My mom now is able to move, walk, go out, and do her life as she wasn’t able to do the past few years. Ray is not just another trainer, he has experience doing other stuff like massages and therapies that in combination with the physical training have shown to have excellent results. I strongly recommend him.
Ian is a great trainer and though I was initially hesitant, he soon made me comfortable and feel confident about picking up 26lb kettlebells. Within the first month I felt stronger and my body felt more firm. I had lost 12lbs (exercise combined with diet) and my breathing had become better. Not only did Ian help me get fit and lose weight but I worked muscles I never knew I had! He is both flexible and has a no nonsense attitude. He is there for you as long as you are dedicated but he will never quit on you. Ian will push you farther than you think you can go, while keeping you safe from harm. Not only is he the best trainer, he also encourages, motivates and leads by example to help us (me!) achieve the best “you” you can become.
Great coach – a coach’s coach!
Knows his stuff through and through.
An absolute god send. Marius has transformed how I think about fitness and health. Marius has an expert level understanding of the body systems about the relationships between the parts.
I come from a military background and drank the CrossFit kool-aide pretty hard for about 10 years before the wheels started to fall off around the time I turned 30. After working with Marius, I move better and with less pain than I have since high school. And I’m just as strong, if not stronger, than when I was in the Army.
Marius excels in peeling back the onion. He identifies root causes of pain and movement dysfunction. After treating the issues and building proper movement patterns, he trains the body to work as a whole, fully connected. The results are simply amazing and I am incredibly grateful to Marius’s dedication to the profession, lifelong learning, and his willingness to share his knowledge with others.
I’ve been training with Anne for over 3 years and her coaching has made me stronger and healthier than I’ve ever been. She focuses on each individual person, even if in a class setting. And everyone at Stout inspires to push further. I’m so grateful to Anne and the Stout community!
I would like to describe Rahul as someone who is very clean with his approach. Be it coaching or nutrition he has a very profound knowledge of how things work and the way he implements it with his clients was something very great to learn from him.
I had an opportunity to work under him and i learnt as much as i can about coaching which helped me to understand the principles and set the base which i abide by till date.
If you want to be professionally guided by someone who is abundant knowledge in what he does, i would highly recommend Rahul and ‘The Formula’
If you want a good instructor to achieve your goals, it the coach you need. He will guide you to you travel of strenght with his knoledge and profetionnalism.
He prepare me to become a beast tammer, he plan my training and help me to stay focus on the road.
A very good technician who see all the think to improve your lift and share whith you his knoledge.
he will help you to be a better athlete and a better coach.
WOW! If you are lucky enough to train with Christian workouts will never be the same! His unique knowledge base will keep your workouts interesting. His commitment to your success will get the results you seek. But what is most important is his incredible spirit and genuine positive energy will keep you coming back!
Can’t wait to train here again!
I’m his instructor and he is mine… The bastard is gallant, tall,handsom ,STRONG AS HORSE ,chicks going craze about him, and his training methods are Perfect.
Always has resonable questions about technic that we are learning.
And classes with Piotrek are Great, each technique follows one another!
Piotr is extremaly patient as a coach and very warm as a person. At the same time he is most strict and heavily focused on details.
Thanks to his interest with all kinds of martial arts and fitness in general, he acquired great degree of skill and an understanding of body mechanics. Combining all the knowledge has given him enormous advantage as a kettlebell coach.
I have been training with Ella once a week for the past 6 months on a 1 to 1 basis. I am 54 yrs old and had no previous experience with weights. I kept myself fit with long walks, gardening and yoga. Repeat injuries, menopausal aching joints and a general lack of strength made me feel I needed to do strength training so I sought Ella’s help. I can honestly say that I have never felt better. Ella is an amazing teacher – very dedicated to her work, highly professional & incredibly knowledgable. She works me hard but thanks to her rigorous insistence on correct posture I have had no injuries and leave my sessions with endorphins buzzing and a smile on my face. Highly recommend.
The best personal trainer I’ve ever met!A mine of knowledge about body training!
Highly competent, very kind and professional. He trained me for years, and I see huge difference in my performance not only in self defense, but also in workouts and overall condition. The best trainer I have ever had pleasure to work with, I could recommend him to everybody 😉
Smart, Sensible, Frank are many words that could suffice Rahul. He’s been one of my best mentors till date in terms of not just my career but also my fitness and health. I’ve been working with him for my mobility and strengthening over the past few years and the ques, the tweaking he does pertaining to my ability, has always made sure that i feel into × 100 times better and stronger, pain free & more than that, confident. He’s someone who has inspired me in many facets, and if you are looking for that someone in your life, it definitely is Rahul you need to approach.
The greatest lesson Rahul taught me is that everything is in one’s own hands and you are your own biggest obstacle. We tend to blame everything and anything (eg. Work stress, no time, need a drink) which hinders our fat loss / well being program without realizing that with just minor tweaks to our mindest, we can achieve our goals.
There are many trainers and nutritionists who can guide you but Rahul has the unique way of changing your thinking which will ultimately in the long run benefit you immensely. His motto of consistency >intensity is simple but powerful and is often lost on us trying to achieve our goals overnight.
All I can say is that he is revolutionizing fitness in Chennai and he walks the talk. Kudos Rahul!
I have had the opportunity to work under Rahul for two years and it was the most educational experience of my life in terms of everything related to fitness and nutrition.
I have learnt a great deal while training with him, like the importance of form, mind muscle connection, techniques, rest & recovery.
It helped me build my overall strength and I always found his commitment to his craft so inspiring.
If you are looking to train the right way, perfectly geared work outs to your needs, accountability and support, I highly recommend Rahul.
Rahul is excellent at what he does. He is a fount of knowledge with regard to training and nutrition. I am constantly dumbfounded at how much he knows, and how well he knows his subject. I’m sure everyone that has worked with him will vouch for his attention to detail, his no-nonsense approach, and his exceptional work ethic.
Looking back on how much I’ve accomplished under Rahul’s coaching and guidance in just 3 months has given me a good idea of what I could accomplish in the coming year and years to come. He has taken all my “I can’t’s” and tossed them out the window by providing me with the knowledge and tools I needed to achieve my goals… goals that he understood better than I did myself.
I started out as someone who had never entered a gym, never lifted a dumbbell and never believed I would have the confidence to do so. But Rahul believed I was capable of a lot more. He started with simple cues and slowly over time, worked at perfecting my form and technique for maximum efficiency and minimum injury. He customised my program to fit my schedule and kept it very simple and straightforward. I’ve progressed from struggling to barely hinge or squat, to confidently loading plates on a barbell on my own and lifting heavier than I ever believed I could! The entire coaching experience has been so interesting and exciting.
Rahul, you have inspired and challenged me everyday to be better. I cannot thank you enough. My coach, my mentor, my Yoda, my friend.
Excellent coach.
Leads his students to performance thanks to his skills set, rigor, precision, ambition, and altruism.
I have been lucky enough to work with Loïs for more than 12 years. He shared with me his jiu-jitsu passion and the StrongFirst universe.
Today at 62 years old, I am Strong First Elite thanks to him. He saw my potential and made me believe in it too, despite my doubts.
I continue to work daily with Loïs to further progress in my physical and mental strength.
We look to better understand the possible causes of technical defaults in mouvements, look for and find the appropriate corrections and adapt it to each individual knowing they all have their own limitations.
And thus, become a better instructor.
Thank you my friend Loïs
Sensible. Honest. Smart.
When I approached Rahul to coach me, I only went with the intent to get stronger. Little did I know that there is more to the equation of living a healthy and a strong life. He corrected my ill-informed opinions that I took from the internet and setup a 4 month progression from basics that has set a solid foundation for the rest of my life. I practice whatever he has taught me even today and has helped me pack on a lot of muscle even amid covid lockdowns.
Nutrition is his forte and I am glad I got to learn from one of the best. By the end of it, you would have learned to live a flexible and social life whilst still being able to make progress in your lifts and health.
Pro tip: If you follow what he has got to say, he will go above and beyond to guide you. Been there.
When I tried to register for weight training at the Formula, I was asked to wait to speak to Rahul Gopal first before joining the gym and paying for it. I met him the next day where he explained exactly what the training session would entail, tested my flexibility and ended the meeting saying, “I can explain and show you the science, but you have to do the work. No bullshitting to me or yourself”. And he stayed true to his word. If you listen to him, you will understand exactly why you do the exercise you do, why repetition of that exercise is necessary, how not to hurt yourself while doing it, and he’ll do his own exercises right alongside you despite any injury he has, thereby motivating and inspiring you to push further and do better. I wholeheartedly recommend Rahul and ‘the formula’ for all your training needs in the present and all the fitness motivation and maintenance you require for the future
‘ I will teach you to be self sufficient’ is Rahul’s motto.
I was someone who believed that cardio and eating salads was the only way to stay for years. During lockdown in 2020 with no way to go out, something sparked in me to change this. I started training with someone who was a great help in setting me on course, but wasn’t a consistent development that one would hope for.
This is when I reached out to Rahul to help me with my training. He changed my mindset with setting the idea straight of training in a way that works for your body and not defined by generic parameters. Rahul said, ‘The goal is to be strong when you are old’ – this stuck with me.
Rahul set a program that moved from dumbbells to barbell.This program has not changed since I started training with him in May 2021, the only variable here has been progressive increase in load and calorie intake as well as regular check-ins and accountability. In my remote training journey so far, I have learnt more than just understanding nutrition, proper technique and form of training – it’s about having the right attitude towards both. This is the strongest I’ve been, and can’t wait to get stronger. I have only you to thank, Rahul. Here’s to more gains.
Thank you for all you do Rahul..
Truly inspiring and committed!
His nutrition and training programs transform you to what you want to be!
My goals were simple: I wanted to be able to play sports recreationally and bend down to pick up stuff without worrying about breaking something when I was 50. I was looking for a sustainable way to lose some weight, correct my overindulgent diet and attain a reasonable level of fitness. Rahul’s no-nonsense approach to nutrition and training was exactly what I needed when I signed up with The Formula to achieve these goals. No fad diets, no unproven training methods – it was all about the fundamentals.
I wasn’t looking to achieve any of my goals overnight. The simplicity of Rahul’s program gave me enough confidence that I would be able to sustain this healthier way of living long term. I found some internal drive to train regularly (mostly because I didn’t have to worry about overcomplicating something as basic as diet and exercise), while personal coaching from Rahul saw my form in training improve. He was able to identify my mechanical deficiencies, rectify problems, and recommended workouts which greatly improved my mobility. I felt the best I had in over a decade and I can’t endorse his methods enough.
Lois is an exceptional quality coach with a very precise and professional outlook who takes his work very seriously.
He accompanied me for my snatch test and for my SFL and played a most important role in my success.
It is for all these qualities that today I continue to ask him to prepare my sfg2.
Humanly and professionally Lois is a remarkable man, and I won’t change a coach for anything.
Rahul is one of the finest coaches I’ve ever met. Meticulous, detail oriented and dedicated, he continues to be an inspiration. He has a no-nonsense approach that I’ve always found rather endearing! His customized workouts helped me get over shoulder issues, knee pains and elbow tendinitis without ever having the need to visit a doctor.
While training with him for over a year, I learnt to listen to my body, lose fat, gain muscle and went on to become my fittest self at the age of 50! In time, I have understood the nuances of what comprises a healthy meal and how combining strength training with good nutrition is the best way to live healthy.
One of the best ?
I am 70 and wanted to use kettlebells to maintain strength and mobility so I can continue to play golf, cycle and hike the rest of my life. I knew kettlebells require specific techniques so you don’t cause injuries so I looked for a certified coach. I chose Don because he lives very close to my winter home.
I encourage you to take up KB workouts and to choose Don for your KB learning. He has far more knowledge than KBs and you will learn more that you expected. A true and genuine gentleman that will make the time to know you and what you want to accomplish. I feel exceptionally lucky that I happened to choose Don and I know you will too.
I wish you a happy and Strong First life!
Even though I’m an SFG1 you never stop learning. I attended one of Claire’s workshops and as always there was some refinement that could improve the way I swing a kettlebell, which always has a carryover to when I’m teaching. Learning to deadlift was my main focus and I’m looking forward to adding this exercise to my routine down the line. Thanks Claire
Had an opportunity to Coach with Jenny at a recent cert. She has great knowledge of kettlebells and expresses that knowledge in a calm, clear manner. Great Coach.
I took my first kettlebell class with Christian last week and I loved it. He broke down the fundamentals and prioritized learning the movements to prevent injury.
I look forward to learning more.
Every time I get to train with Christian is a true highlight of my day. He will meet you where you are, hammer the fundamentals, and help you get stronger and more flexible using the proper techniques. Not to mention a great guy to be around!
I’ve been training with Christian for some time now and he has been great. Detail oriented and super positive guy.
From the beginning he has stressed fundamentals above all else; not getting to the next step until the first move is done well enough. I appreciate the level of detail since I will need to lean on the fundamentals when going up in weight and also just happy to be training in a way where I will not be getting injured.
Would recommend him to anyone looking to get into this style training!
I started Simple & Sinister in May of 2020. It didn’t take long to realize I needed some one-on-one instruction on how to perform the exercises correctly. In June of 2020 I had a private lesson with Dr. Hartle. I learned more in that hour than I did watching endless Youtube videos and blog posts. In August of 2020 I started seeing Dr. Hartle weekly for training and instruction. In September of 2021, I certified as an SFG I Instructor thanks to Dr. Hartle’s training, programing, and instruction.
Dr. Hartle’s training style is straight, personable and to the point. His programming is designed for the individual student and their needs. He has an eye for detail, safety, and remaining injury free. Whether you are looking at taking one of his courses and training, you would be hard pressed to do better! Highly recommended!
Since a couple of years I trust Andre with my training and after an bad crash I made my rehab with him. The concept of kettlebell training as a complete body workout brings a lot of benefits in my sport track cycling because I need a lot of core strength.
Furthermore Andre has a lot of knowledge to connect different approaches to solve acute problems like knee pain or feeling stiff.
Louka is one of very few people I consider myself lucky to cross paths with them.
He is a true talented and passionate trainer and mentor. He is very knowledgeable and generous in sharing his knowledge, skills, and experience.
I believe he is a true treasure in the city to anyone serious about getting healthy, strong, and in shape.
Louka is a fantastic instructor. He teaches you a lot of the little things along with the basics. And he wants to see you succeed and progress. He is very knowledgeable, he is straight forwarding with you as a student. His goal is your goal.
If you’re looking for the consummate professional, Louka lives the Strongfirst principles and inspires greatness in his students. Aside from technique, drills and skills, it is his master approach in creating passionate and proficient students for life that sets him apart. Anyone can hand you a kettlebell, not everyone can make you a better version of yourself. But Louka can. He is patient, encouragement and the ideal amount of expectation. Not only will time with him make you ridiculously strong and conditioned, but it will make you a fantastic handstyle girevik.
I had joined Louka’s gym in 2017 and unfortunately I had to leave it after 6 months due to some health issues. I can tell you that the time he put in teaching and training was amazing and I was able to make significant improvements in my health and overall development. I wish Louka best of everything in his endeavors
Louka is one of a kind, not only is he extremely knowledgeable in hard style kettlebell but he understands human physiology. I have pretty severe rheumatoid arthritis and have had several surgeries. I used to train hard when I was younger and was trying to find my way back to training, I asked Louka if he thought it would be possible for me to train st the Kettlebell club. He not only said yes but helped me all along the way. I am feeling decently strong again and hope to go back to the classes soon. I not only built some muscle but became more flexible and feel better: Thanks Louka❤️
Louka was/is one of a kind. I needed a boost to get me moving in the right direction and finding Kettlebell Club under his supervision was what the doctor ordered so to speak.
Stronger, feeling better, adjusting workouts to account for injuries so I could still get full effects of the workouts were amazing. He even sent me home after my time at the gym was up with at home workouts which benefited me greatly.
Grateful and indebted to Louka for his excellence and care for his clients!!
Oliver is an instructor with heart and knowledge. If you want to increase your performance without compromise, you should contact him. He is a top performer and also a reliable partner and a loyal companion. I trust him.
I can’t believe how I’ve progressed working with Nikki via Zoom! Her knowledge and coaching style are spot-on for creating confidence and competence.
One of the most knowledgeable if not the most knowledgeable trainier I have ever met.
André looks for individual solutions for his clients.
In just 2 hours of training under his supervision I made progresses in technique, programming and even strength which I thought would take a year to get.
Of you are interested in strength training, especially in Kettlebells, check out André and let him open your eyes to a whole new world of possibilities!
Bonus: He is a very kind and humble person.
Louka is not only an absolute professional in his approach as a coach but also very knowledgeable, empathetic, smart and humble. We have learned the ins and outs of the StrongFirst philosophy, as well as the most pivotal kettlebell exercises that can be learned in Hardstyle. I‘m grateful and proud to not only call Louka a great teacher but also a good friend. ?
I was fortunate enough to attend two of Loukas workshops at the kettlebell club (kettlebell 201 and 301)
Louka is an instructor full of knowledge; a master of strength, and a fantastic teacher. His lessons are clear and straightforward. If you’re looking for someone to help you with your goals, regardless of where you are at in your fitness journey, you do not have to look any further.
André is an amazing trainer. He always helped me to get in shape after injuries and afterwards I was stronger than before. I just can recommend to try a training with him and you will all know what I mean. You will stronger and happier than before!
Great Instructor! Please contact André if you are looking for a professional coaching and results he delivered.
Ian and I started on a three-month program just 7 weeks ago. Having lived a fairly active lifestyle, I can say that I haven’t ever had tangible, exciting results like these before. Ian spent time to built rapport with me and to understand what I wanted. From there, we set high but achievable goals, and started down the path.
Ian’s whole training style and philosophy is encouraging and approachable. He’s not pushy or in-your-face at all; the weekly practice routine he writes for me is precise, straightforward and fun (the “fun” part really kicked in after 2 or 3 short weeks when results started to appear). He doesn’t want to run me into the ground; he wants me to feel recharged and conditioned with my kettlebell training. “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing every day,” he says. He also says (more often), “listen to your body.”
Ian’s instruction is more than just what you’re doing with the kettlebell in hand, he stresses the importance of diet and recovery. If it wasn’t for a few simple but meaningful tips about how and what I eat and when to push myself or not, I would not be seeing any of the gains I see today. Again, just 7 weeks in.
4 weeks ago I barely got a 24kg kettlebell over my head in a strict military press. Just now, cold, I did a set of 3 reps per side. Not part of a session, literally walking through the living room and felt like doing it. The bottom line is, Ian’s whole approach is about sustainability of a healthy, strong lifestyle.
Recently I had the privilege of attending the Kettlebell 201 & Barbell 101 workshops with Claire.
It was great to get an experienced coach to have a look over all the form and correct a few issues that had crept in over they years.
Additionally Claires use of various teaching points were highly applicable to every ability level, I’ highly recommend attending the workshops/courses she hosts.
It was Valerie who introduced me to Strongfirst during the lockdown.
I was starting my career as a coach and she suggested I come and do a training session with Thomas Cerboneschi. I immediately loved it!
Valerie and Thomas passed on their passion for Strongfirst and the desire to get certified. It was a great experience.
So when she asked me to join the Kave as a coach, I immediately accepted.
I can only recommend Valerie for her human qualities, her humor and her business and leadership skills.
It is an honor for me to work alongside her.
More than a coach, Thomas is a mentor and a friend to me. He passed on to me his passion for strength training and physical preparation.
He gave me the desire to develop as a coach and to orient myself towards training methods that are more respectful of the human body and its functioning.
I have the chance to continue to evolve with him at La Kave (Paris 15th) and can only recommend him to you.
Augusto was my personal trainer/coach during his time in Orlando. His scientific approach to fitness & conditioning was extremely effective. He would design trainings that fit my fighting style and body type. Under his tutoring, I saw huge improvement in overall strength, flexibility, and muscle movement. I would highly recommend him for beginning training or if you are an amateur/professional fighter.
I worked alongside Ally at a recent SFG I certification. Her positive and knowledgeable coaching helped to foster a fantastic learning environment for all in attendance! A fantastic instructor!
[18 months later]
Back pain really gone AND getting significantly stronger. Been working on all aspects of health during those covid times. We did a guided Simple (from S&S) and it really works. 3 month program. People are noticing changes now.
Much appreciation & much respect for the help throughout.
To anyone out there with discipline and interest, do yourself a favor and give her a call.
Dr. Hartle is an excellent teacher. He was just at the SFG 1 certification in Tampa, Fl. He was leading the event and helped correct my form on several lifts. He helped with the tension techniques and told us to go for a PR. I attempted double 40kg clean and press and nailed it. I left the certification excited about the new depth of knowledge I acquired from him.
Had the opportunity to Coach with Kim at a Cert. She has strong knowledge of kettlebell movements and expresses that in a clear concise manner. Very strong instructor
Had an opportunity to Coach with Rachel at a Certification. Her kettlebell knowledge is excellent and she has a very patient coaching style. Very strong instructor
Had an opportunity to Coach with Ally at a Cert. She was very organized and expressed her kettlebell knowledge in a clear and concise manner. Very strong instructor
Had an opportunity to Coach with Kevin at a Cert. He expresses his knowledge in a clear and concise manner. Very strong instructor
Had the opportunity to Coach with Rhuben at a Cert. He was well organized and his kettlebell knowledge was exceptional. I highly recommend him.
Had the opportunity to Coach with Rhuben at a Cert. He was well organized and his kettlebell knowledge was exceptional. I highly recommend him
I worked with Kevin at a SFG Level 1 Certification. He was extremely professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend training with!
I’ve worked alongside Lawrence as an assistant at user courses and certifications, and he brightens whatever gym that he walks into with his pleasant demeanor and positive attitude.
All of the attendees benefitted greatly from his coaching, and he set a fine example for his fellow coaches.
I first met Dr. Hartle during my SFL certification. His blend of deep knowledge and expertise, combined with huge doses of hard work and humor, make for the perfect learning environment.
I’ve also assisted under him, and would not hesitate to do so again. Any instructor wishing to help out at a certification would do well to be a part of his team.
He has drills and solutions for any issue that you might run into as a StrongFirst student and/or instructor, be it technical, programming, etc.
Whether you’re a student or instructor, you’ll walk away from his courses with a full brain and a full heart!
I worked alongside Rachel as an assistant at a recent SFG I certification. Her knowledge and experience, combined with a bright and positive attitude, enhanced the experience of both students and teachers, and created the ideal environment for learning and improvement!
I had the pleasure of working alongside Rhuben at an SFG I certification. The example that he set for both the students and his fellow assistants is what any coach and instructor should look to model themselves after!
I was an assistant on Tim’s team at a recent SFG I certification, and his passion, attention to detail, and genuine desire to help those working under him grow as coaches was apparent from the start.
If you’re attending an SFG weekend and have him as your team leader, you’ve hit the jackpot!
If you’re an assistant selected to his team, you will walk away from the weekend a better coach and person!
Tim is an excellent and invaluable asset in my training. He has a keen eye for detail. I started training with Tim earlier this year. I asked him to help me prepare for the strongfirst instructors certification. With his help, I passed and became a certified Strongfirst Instructor!
I have known Thomas for several years and have had the opportunity to meet him and work with him in different situations and with different roles. I saw Thomas fill the role of student and teacher, and I was able to appreciate his great professional and human skills in both situations. As a student he has always been attentive, interested and diligent, always ready to support his fellow students. As a teacher he has shown his preparation and attention to detail, as well as his great passion for teaching and his interest in the needs of the students and the whole team. His humanity, friendliness, availability, his sense of humor, together with his high-level technical skills and his professionalism, make him an example to follow for all those who work in our industry. If I were in France, and I needed a gym to train and a very good instructor, I would go to Thomas without hesitation.
Valérie is an entrepreneur at heart: the passion, the dedication, and the energy she puts in everything she does is truly inspirational. Applied to Strongfirst, this gives an amazing athlete, training budy, coach and gym owner who will always motivate you to set bigger goals and achieve things you never thought were at your reach. But don’t be fooled by the discipline she puts in her training, she is also one of the most joyful person you will come across, never short of a good joke and endless laugher!
I met Coach Augusto at UFC Gym in Orlando. I am grateful to have encountered him. Augusto’s extensive knowledge in building muscle and strength has enabled me to become more shapely, stronger physically and mentally, and I have noticed that my posture has improved. Augusto uses his creativity to design kick-ass workouts that are challenging, yet fun. I would not hesitate to recommend Augusto and I’m once again grateful for all the insights gained during my time with him.
Michael has been phenomenal to train with for the past 9 months and pushes me to both do better, do more, and be stronger. His description is spot on in that he consistently helps with minor flaws in techniques and keeps workouts safe, fun, and wildly productive.
May, the force was with us.
I met Pavel Macek in Paris for the SFG1 and FlexibleSteel level 1 certifications. It was a great moment full of inspirations. I can’t wait to see him again. Maybe for the Resilient course in Paris again.
My “intro to kettlebell” session with Joan gave me a strong base to begin seriously my kettlebell journey. Joan was both pedagogic, motivating and fun, making for a good day of work and sweat!
Français:
Ma séance de découverte du travail avec kettlebell avec Joan m’a donné de bonnes bases pour commencer à m’entrainer en autonomie. Joan a été pédagogue et motivant, pour une bonne journée de travail et de sueur!
Augusto is a great coach. He is able to push you past your previous limitations without you even realizing it. He has the ability to make the easiest exercises difficult (which is a good thing), while making the most complex ones seem like the easiest things you could have done. Augusto is funny, easy to talk to and down to earth; he’s not offended easily, even when being the butt of numerous jokes.
Valérie knows how to combine high requirement with adaptation to everyone. A practice with Valérie is always the opportunity to combine relaxation and rigor. She will succeed to lead you on the path of the strenght.
I had the honor to work with Valérie on multiple occasions. A great student with picture-perfect technique, and a great coach: patient, paying attention to detail, always there for you, always smiling, always helpful. Learn from Valérie, move better, get stronger, and have fun!
Thomas is a top-level professional, coach of the Olympians: smart, strong, with a great sense of humour, overall great guy. We have taught on many certifications together, and I took a lot of notes from our talks and discussions. I can sincerely recommend his gym to anybody who wants to move better, get stronger – doesn’t matter how old you are, or how (in)experienced you are, Thomas and his crew will help you to accomplish your goals.
Tom is a great coach, always trying to lift his students up and help them achieve their goals. In addition to that he is very easy to talk to, and has a great sense of humor. I would advise anyone interested in Strongfirst to train with him !
Thomas is an exceptional coach and athlete. He has helped me gain muscle and become much stronger than I ever was, and I haven’t stopped making progress ever since I began training with him. I recommend him to anyone interested in developing strength’ skills.
Thomas has been coaching me for two years now, and he has helped me reach all my sports’ goals ever since I have met him. He is an incredible coach, able to get the best out of athletes, while making sure to prevent any injury. His approach of physical training, his pedagogy and his tremendous knowledge of Strongfirst and strength training make him the best trainer you could ever dream of.
Cristiano is undoubtedly the best trainer I have ever seen. He knows perfectly the muscles and the body movements, and how to achieve your training goals with a wide range of excersises that keep the practice fun. Also, he really cares for his trainees, guiding them through the exercises for a correct body position, avoiding any damage and prevailing the excellence in the movement execution. He will push you to increase your strength and physical abilities, but considering your individual limits and weak points, with a customised attention. In summary, he is a top notch professiona. Do not hesitate to trust him your training, you would love it.
Through just a few sessions with Aaron my confidence with the kettlebell has progressed far more than I had hoped – it’s been a really valuable experience. Aaron is an easy person to work and is clearly an expert with the kettlebell – the sessions were really good fun. He was also generous with providing feedback and advice outside the sessions which helped keep me on track with progress. Looking forward to hopefully working with him again in the future!
I didn’t hire a KB coach to motivate, inspire or break me. I hire a coach to mentor the nuances of effortless form, hand insertion, hip timing and fluidity. I was seeking a coach with a firm foundation and background in KB’s as a primary coaching philosophy (knowledge), methodology (the way) and personal practice (uses KB’s) for their own method of general physical readiness.
We agreed to a trainer/client understanding and decided to work together. We hired each other (remember it’s a partnership and each can say no at any time) after a 2 mile walk and talk. I’ve been training with SFG KB Coach Nicole for 3 months and our focus is on essential basic form building, skill technique transfer, physical movement preparedness and foundations for the next ballistic or grind exercise pattern.
I highly recommend and appreciate SFG Coach Nicole for coaching with professional passion, keen awareness of the ongoing movement and not the weight of the bell. Coach Nicole, has an eye for movement mastery and is always on the lookout for improving your KB experience.
Always looking forward to the next session and skill.
Logan is a fantastic personal trainer in Edmonton. I am 55 dealing with knee and shoulder injuries that were exacerbated with group lessons with people of different ages and capabilities. Logan is helping me immensely…slow, steady and safely!
Logan’s focus is functional movement and strength to move safely which is so important as we age. He starts with basic kettlebell technique to make sure you are doing the movements correctly to get the most of this equipment and to prevent injury. He will work with you to create programs to slowly strengthen your areas of concern and overall strength of coarse. If there’s an exercise that causes you some grief, its stopped. There are always alternatives. He has great judgement of pushing you that little extra even though you may have some reservations with that idea.
Kettlebells are obviously his specialty but he also incorporates body weight exercises, TRX, resistance toner bands, rower, barbells, dumbbells, and more.
As for Logan, his personality shines…enthusiastic, extremely personable, funny, positive, great listener. Logan LOVES his job and is determined to help you with your goals. You will not regret working with him if you get the opportunity.
It was thanks to Pedro that I discovered the world of kettlebell training, and StrongFirst itself. I began training under his guidance in around december 2020, and I could not have asked for a better instructor nor a better introduction. It goes without saying that, as with most who enter into this world, I achieved in a remarkably small time period that doesn’t even reach to a full year, far greater results than I’d had with years and years of work in other methods of training. Results in terms of strength that I never had before, of health and well-being, of aches and pains that have entirely disappeared, of a sense of true progression and advancement in a physical activity, even aesthetically.
It’s only thanks to Pedro’s skills as an instructor, however, that I’ve had this journey so far.
Pedro displays not just talent and an almost uncanny ability to innately understand the concepts and techniques of kettlebell training and StrongFirst’s style, but, more than that, a genuine enthusiasm and passion for it, as well as an eye for detail in technique and form and abundant patience when it comes to turning said knowledge into instruction. Pedro teaches in such a way that one can feel confident not just that they’re both learning properly and applying the techniques correctly, but also that they’re seamlessly carrying things over in a constant and confident progression from exercise to exercise, from the first simple hikes and two-handed swings, to the more advanced snatches and turkish get-ups.
Another important point is that our classes are done entirely remotely, as I’m a student from Brazil and Pedro is an instructor in Canada, which goes to show that the qualities I’ve outlined in this review are not in the slightest diminished by distance and remote training over a computer screen.
I certainly can’t recommend Pedro enough as an instructor.
I learned with Pedro twice as much as I would ever learn with any regular gym coach. His kettlebell training helped me not only to get the strength I need but also the confidence to challenge myself. Pedro is very passionate and resourceful about the kettlebell technics and he always applies a positive attitude when he teaches any new exercise.
Pedro is an excellent instructor. I have been training under his guidance for 3 months now, and my progress still amazes me. Pedro started focusing on my form for the first few weeks. Later we moved on to weight progression, and then it became clear why he wanted me to nail those first steps. I’m much stronger now, and noticed that even my posture has changed. Definitely recommend him as an instructor.
I had a few trainers in my life but Claire is by far the best. She’s in such good shape that just looking at her I often think “how is this even possible?”. Nevertheless sessions with her are fun, very well tailored to me and the progressions are right on the money: not too hard, not to easy. Looking back just on the last few months of training I made huge progress. For example I wasn’t able to do a single pull-up, and now I can crank out 5 super strict ones like it’s nothing. And yes, I absolutely would recommend her as a coach.
I am so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Owen numerous times over the last few years. I originally met Owen at his facility AMPFit during my first attempt at acquiring my SFG-1 certification back in 2016. I found his skill level, professionalism, and supportive nature to be of the highest caliber. Though my first attempt was unsuccessful, his coaching, support and encouragement strongly motivated me to continue the course which I can proudly say was essential toward not only achieving the SFG-1 but also my SFG-2. More recently, I received coaching from Owen while recovering from an unfortunate lower back injury. His knowledge and exceptional coaching allowed me to continue progressing toward my SFL goal by working within my means but also most importantly, by rebuilding my confidence which had suffered a significant blow. Everything about my experiences with Owen have been first-rate and if you happen to find yourself seriously contemplating coaching, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not reaching out to him.
When starting the trainings with Grzegorz you’re not getting just the trainer or coach during the classes – you’re getting someone seriously interested in your progress who is giving you feedback or analyzing your recordings in between. If you ask – you get an answer, if you do anything wrong – you get immediately warned and corrected. He is able and knowledgeable to prepare special training plans tailored to your needs and capability instead of copy-pasting plans which are supposed to fit everybody.
Summarizing: one of the best coaches regarding knowledge, approach and attitude. If you have a chance to attend the training with him – do not miss this opportunity!!!
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Podsumowując: jeden z najlepszych trenerów pod względem wiedzy, podejścia i nastawienia. Jeśli masz okazję uczestniczyć z nim w szkoleniu – nie przegap tej okazji!!!
One off the best coach on my 30 career as a basketball player, crossfit competitor and student of kettlebell. Always have a time even on holiday inspire for trening. Last year I thought that I’m on retiring of sport but Grzegorz gave me chance to fell again sportsmainship!
A few words that describe Grzegorz: proffesional, attentive, wise, demanding (especially from himself), patient and he’s just a nice guy.
A huge thank you and shout out to Betsy Middleton Collie , Rapid Results Fitness and StrongFirst, Betsy is an awesome trainer and teacher who is down to earth, and a very common sense approach… I highly recommend seeking her out if you’re interested in Fitness, Kettlebell training, mobility etc. She taught a lifetime of knowledge during our session. You will not only learn technique but also how to make your body work as a unit, stretching, etc. She has an awesome personality to go with all the knowledge as well. I will definitely be going back to her in the future
Since the beginning of the training program, André took great care and attention to details and that made a difference. In the evaluations, he carried out a long interview and tested my flexibility and neuromotor capacity, which made me very confident to move forward. Tests and training feedback guided readjustments on more than one occasion and the program was quite challenging, but within my possibilities. I was self-taught before seeking advice and I have technical flaws and subtle quirks, and others not so subtle, in some movements. He has always paid close attention to these points, and even from a distance I received important instructions on how to correct them. As a result I really noticed changes in the way I perform the movements and in my work capacity. Kettlebell training has been instrumental in managing stress during these pandemic days; it’s something we can do in restricted spaces, very time-efficient.
My children who are 10 and 12 participate in Homeschool P.E. at Baltimore Kettlebell Club. They love the program and are so pumped and excited about what they have done during class. Each week they rave about something new on our drive home. My 12 specifically has gained so much. Having never been super into physical activity, they now have so much confidence and connection to their body and what it is capable of. Being physical in class has also helped them to learn more about the mind body connection and how moving their body makes the feel happier and more energized. I’m so happy we found Dan and BKC. Excited to continue watching my children grow there.
Reached out to Mathy to learn exercises mentioned in S&S such as Swings, TGU and Goblet squats. He was able teach them in just 4 sessions and helped me start with my S&S journey.
He has an excellent way of teaching these skills safely.
I highly recommend him to anyone wanting to learn the skills required to be strong.
I had done kettlebell training on my own but was worried about getting injured if I pushed myself. Grahame helped me fine tune my technique and showed me movements to take my training to the next level. It was 1000% worth the investment
As an SFG Master Trainer it is unnecessary to stress further that Shaun is a very considerable expert in his field. Opportunities to work with such a man come once in a lifetime for most of us and must be taken. Furthermore, Shaun will do much more than just give you the kind of strength training programme suitable for ‘someone like you’, the kind of generic stuff that abounds on the internet. Shaun will give you advice, training and programmes that are devised specifically for you as an individual, first taking the time to meticulously assess and correct your personal performance, understand your need, and give you the confidence and encouragement to pursue your goals in a realistic yet progressive fashion. He is thoughtful, authoritative, thorough, patient, engaging and humourous. What are you waiting for? Carpe diem.
As you know, I have been struggling with my back and as a result have avoided any exercise that could aggravate my discomfort…
This have all changed following the session with Shaun….
The very detailed demonstration of how to do the “dead Lifts” properly , has completely changed my outlook on this and I no longer have this fear of hurting my back.
Thank you for the privilege to attend the training session with Shaun on Saturday.
I found the training extremely educational as it was presented step by step and not rushed at all.
The explanations Shaun gave with regard to the engaging of certain muscles and how it supports each other, were very interesting and made a lot of sense.
I found his explanations very clear and easy to follow. Shaun is extremely knowledgeable and he made it easy to try new exercises. I would attend a session like this again. It broadens my knowledge base and boosts my confidence. Deadlifts and floor push-presses are now part of my routine!
I would definitely recommend Shaun’s workshop to anyone. The knowledge Shaun shares comes from lots of experience. Shaun will take care to guide you through the right way and the wrong way with safety in mind. His passion is teaching us and giving each one in the workshop the tools and knowledge to live a healthy and stronger life with mobility. Shaun makes sure that each person in the workshop gets attention and is not far to assist with advice or to tell you stop and try again. I will certainly join Shaun’s workshops again. I really enjoyed the workshop, thanks Shaun
As a marathoner and triathlete I always disliked strength training until I started working with Maggie. Now it is by far one of my favorite things. She is such a great teacher and I never feel nervous about getting hurt in her class. She will always correct poor form. She meets each class member where they are at on their fitness journey so you always feel like you are getting a personal training session with an experienced trainer.
I also love how strong I feel after her classes. I would recommend working with Maggie to anyone.
Heidi is an excellent kettlebell instructor. I had never lifted a bell before training with her, and she taught me the ropes safely, patiently, and with much encouragement. While focused on kettlebells, her classes also move at a relaxing pace, incorporating both yoga, stretching, and foam rolling. She is deeply attentive during classes, offering explanations and adjustments for all the moves. She’s the best! I would recommend her to anyone.
Steve has drastically changed my training. Before meeting him, I had a back and shoulder injury that discouraged me from lifting heavier bells out of fear of reinjury. He has this unique way of instilling confidence while teaching fundamentals. Within the first few weeks, my technique improved, and I began using appropriately sized bells. My “heavy” bells became light, and he has shown me how to harness my strength to take on heavier weights and more advanced movements.
I have always seen his name in the forum and knew he was well-respected in this community. When I realized that he was 15 minutes from me, I was beyond excited to train with him. Steve is kind, patient, and intelligent. He can tease out the small details that cause me discomfort or instability, and he effectively communicates how I could make them better. Every time I train with him, I am fascinated with the wealth of knowledge he has acquired and how effective he is at teaching those concepts. It is a privilege to know him, and I am honored to have him as a teacher. I highly recommend him to anyone from beginner status to those that look to fine-tune their technique.
I have loved working out in Maggie’s class. She definitely knows how to put together a workout and make you feel like it’s worth your time to go. Maggie knows her stuff and creates a good balance of fun but focused workout class.
I would like more information for certifications
High standards. Professional. Safe and well-thought workouts. Great example of what SFG Instructor should be.
In A Song of Ice and Fire there’s a saying: the more effortless the magic seems, the more powerful the wizard is perceived. I remember this saying a lot when I reflect on my training with Julio. The key words are “seems” and “perceived” of course, but the achievements made during our time together are indistinguishable from magic to the untrained (pun very much intended!) eye.
You sense Julio weaving its spells in the extreme care he takes to explain a movement (online no less!), in the full prioritization of good posture and injury free training, in the laser focus correction and attention to detail.
There’s also always a map, a clear goal, and the steps to get there. Sometimes you understand some needed detours are being made. Sometimes you can only see the pieces of the puzzle with a delightful look back, akin to looking at the awe inspiring view after climbing a mountain.
Kettlebells portability and ease of use seemed to be the better response during the current pandemic. Training with Julio I’m 100% sure that I’ll keep using them after this dreadful time has passed. Sometimes silver linings are made of magic gold.
I contacted Claire because I wanted to learn hard-style kettlebells … properly. I had dabbled in kettlebells on and off for several years so thought I knew how to swing a bell. I had watched all the YouTube and Instagram videos out there but honestly, NOTHING compares to the accountability and watchful eye of someone else looking out for you.
Claire took my basic form and technique and with a very experienced eye and an endless toolbox of techniques has tweaked and continues to tweak to make me better. Online or in person she has a knack for getting the best out of me.
It’s been was one of the best decisions I made during the pandemic. Thank you Claire.
Carlos was the one who taught me the Hardstyle Kettlebell and his teaching, patience and passion with which he teaches was so good that I ended up in love with the method and today I am also a certified instructor. Charly is still my instructor and every day I learn more, now not only for my training, but also to be a better instructor.
Grace is amazing! I’ve always been afraid of weights for fear of injury and she is helping me understand technique while still giving me a good workout. Since working with her I’ve been able to go to the gym and feel confident! Which is huge for me! I am so excited about what I’m learning and excited to get strong! Im prepping for 3 week thru hike and wanting overall strength and Grace is absolutely helping me get there!
I love working out with Heidi!! I never lifted a kettle bell before I met her. She trained me on how to safely use them. I see how much stronger I have become under her instruction. Osteoporosis runs in my family. I know lifting weights is key to maintaining bone health. I feel empowered.
Heidi will believe in you more than you believe in yourself. She is encouraging, kind, and instructive. Don’t hesitate to ask for her help.
I have been training with Heidi at the YMCA and via Zoom for about three years. Her joy for teaching, as well as learning, combined with her ease and humility, make training really fun. Heidi has a knack for understanding and explaining the nuances of technical lifts, which keeps her students safe. She is very patient and encouraging. I also really appreciate her care to separate strength and well-being from outdated notions about what a healthy body “should” look like. All that said, what I appreciate most about Heidi, is her holistic approach to strength training. Meaning, she understands that the whole of our lives affects how we train and what we are capable of from day to day. Heidi really cares about keeping students safe and supporting them as they pursue their personal strength journey.
I am so thankful for Heidi’s encouragement and support during my journey through strength and conditioning. Heidi is an excellent motivator and skillfull when it comes to form and function. She is always looking for creative ways to build her training program and is very focused on the safety of each individual. I look forward to my practice with Heidi and appreciate her coaching. She is top notch!!!!
I have been training with Daniel for almost 1 year and I can honestly say that his style and knowledge of strength training is superb and has helped me both physically and psychologically to a level I never could have expected.
Not only this but Daniel, as a person, is motivational and extremely affable which has enabled me to feel comfortable to talk to him easily about my personal goals for the training and also concerns over certain exercises. Our sessions have become so much more and I cant thank him enough.
Over the course of my training I have quadrupled my press weight, I am able to perform Turkish Get-Ups with a relatively heavy weight, I feel stronger, I feel healthier, I have lost weight, my body shape has changed, I have less daily aches and pains and overall I feel great.
I appreciate everything he does for me and the training partnership that this has become.
I attended the Foundations Workshop. As as a beginner who discovered SF during the pandemic, it was great to have expert instruction and feedback. I left with drills and techniques to incorporate into my training to keep me safe and strong!
When I started with Heidi Jones as my First Strong trainer, five months ago, I had very little mobility, flexibility or strength as a result of a terrible accident years ago. I was never able to re-attain consistent movement until I began with Heidi. She embraced my many challenges; she concentrated on my body by concentrating on safe technique, my limitations and the persistence of doable additions to our bi-weekly progress on getting me moving and adding strength.
Heidi has led me to move in a manner that I didn’t think I would ever be able to move again. I had resided to the pain, the extra weight that I have carried and my unsteady gate, as my post-accident fate. However, after the strength training work, I was able to get off the floor without assist for the first time in 6 years! The gate to my walking completely changed as First Strong techniques and curriculum led me to take a leg with significant neuropathy, that I felt like I was dragging along to one that I can now use to lead me going up steps and balance my movement all day long.
My body has changed completely. First Strong, Heidi Jones, and the confidence I’ve been led to have with my body, as a direct result of a collaborative efforts has been significant and impactful.
Like most distance runners, I have had my share of injuries. I have gone to the “best”chiros, massage therapists, ART and strength and mobility experts. None of them fixed my recurring hip issues that were misdiagnosed as piriformis syndrome.
Jose showed me quickly that I had a hip impaction problem due to QL muscle tightness, weak glutes and poor hip and thoracic mobility.
In a few months of FMS remedial exercises and kettle bells, my hip pain is gone.
Jose teaches his clients to fix themselves by
addressing strength and mobility deficiencies with focused daily exercises. No more symptom treating and passive treatments. No magic, just consistent hard work!
Jose, a few words to say thank you. Indeed thank you for helping me with eliminating the continuous and debilitating back pain, hip and knee issues. I never thought I could stand straight again. In the last 7 months, your guidance has made a huge difference in my gaining mobility, strength and confidence. Your training, a very gradual and scientific set of exercises have been beneficial. I feel 10 years younger and am proud to stand tall to my 6’2” at 63 years old. Thanks for your amazing guidance! Avalon’s Rehab to Performance
I love working with Heidi. She’s concerned about safety first and is very attentive to form. She does a great job of explaining routines and is very encouraging. I highly recommend her!
Jose, a few words to say thank you. Indeed thank you for helping me with eliminating the continuous and debilitating back pain, hip and knee issues. I never thought I could stand straight again. In the last 7 months, your guidance has made a huge difference in my gaining mobility, strength and confidence. Your training, a very gradual and scientific set of exercises have been beneficial. I feel 10 years younger and am proud to stand tall to my 6’2” at 63 years old. Thanks for your amazing guidance!
Best Node JS instructor!
A year ago, I came in to Jose with an injured back and knee and mobility problems. Today I feel 10 years younger and stronger than ever. Last week I played basketball for the first time in 2 years, I was surprised how dominant I was and my endurance was through the roof. The experience inspired me to become a strong first instructor. A goal I am currently working on with Jose. If you trust the process and do the work, magical things will happen
I have been a student of Colin’s since 2017 and have trained with him in person, with one to one online training and group zoom classes. The depth of knowledge that he is willing to share is only matched by the enthusiasm that he brings to his teaching. I had previously played with kettlebells and mobility work but thanks to Colin’s coaching and guidance I am now a very confident kettlebell user and I have pushed strength boundaries I would not have been able to do by myself. The training environment and atmosphere is the best I’ve been involved in. No matter your goal, Colin will help you achieve it and more.
I have only been training under Louka’s guidance for a month, but it has been an invaluable experience. Going from “self taught” kettlebelling to online coaching with Louka allowed me to get clear constructive feedback on my form, breathing and purpose for each practice session. His coaching has allowed me to see huge jumps in strength in such a limited amount of time. Highly recommended.
I started training under Claire’s guidance for the SFB after sustaining a few niggling injuries that ‘professional therapists’ of different kinds were unable to help. Claire’s eye for detail, patience, knowledge and ability to think outside of the box have clearly been helping me to better my training in all areas. I have no qualms in highly recommending Claire to anyone who values their strength or fitness.
I have been training with Claire for over 2 months now and in that time she has vastly improved my technique and therefore reduced my injury rate and I am in less pain as a result.
She is very knowledgeable and passionate about what she teaches and would recommend her strongly to all levels of ability.
Thank you Claire I will keep practicing!
I started training with Daniel 2 years ago, and since then I have improved my strength massively. I have completed many challenges set by my coach Daniel, such as 10,000 swings in 30 days, 30 minutes quick and the dead, press 20kg and swing 32kg.
He also prepared me for the fitness assessment to get into the Fire Service and I am now a FireFighter for the past 6 months.
None of this would be possible without the knowledge and help from Daniel, even when it gets hard! 🙂
Really helped me improve my form and gain strength, the efficiency in having a tailored workout program for your needs is astounding! And Daniel is to be thanked for all of that work!
Really helped me improve my form and gain strength, the efficiency in having a tailored workout program for your needs is astounding! And Daniel is to be thanked for all of that work!
I reached out to Colin when I was looking for virtual support with my Kettlebell training. Colin welcomed me in immediately and I have since had some personal instruction and advice from Colin, which has improved my form and swings and attended the Zoom group class which is friendly, good fun and pushes you as far as you want, which has helped me with technique and weight increase. I would totally recommend Colin’s coaching for both starting with Kettlebells and getting the basic’s right, through to an advanced programme coach, he has something for everyone!
Since I ve started to work with Daniel my style of workout changed significantly
I don’t feel any soreness after sessions and my strength is improving continuously .
He is one asset you’ll not want to miss if you’re aiming in changing your fitness level.
Gladly recommend you’re looking for a good workout from entry level to professionals.
Tim is a tremendous coach, his thorough and enthusiastic approach provides an ideal workout environment.
I personally have learnt so much from Tim about kettlebells, get ups and resistance training as he shares his personal journeys and knowledge.
Highly recommend!
5 stars!
My wife and I have been practicing with kettlebells on our own for six months when we realized it was time to call in a PT to give us advice on our form and future progression. Migiwa sensei’s instruction was clear and carefully calibrated to our personal needs, helping us to clean up our technique and take our training to the next level. We will continue to rely on her in future training sessions, and I recommend her without hesitation.
Fred has been helping me swing properly. And get up. Etc
Go see him. He is the real deal.
I am 57 years old and have dabbled in many different forms of exersice for many years. Since the start of COVID I decided to focus on stregthening my core. I thought I already had a strong core however Jose exposed what was probably life long weekness. After working with Jose for the last number of months he was able to teach me to slow down and teach me the value of time under tension and posture. I wish I had got this message when I was younger. I am having more fun now and look forward to each practise session. Thanks Jose
Brett was able to help me with a training goal that was two years in the making. I had been struggling with the 44KG kettlebell for a long while, despite strength gains in other lifts and with slightly lower weights. Brett was able to quickly and efficiently evaluate my ability, modify my approach, and had me easily pressing in 44KG in only five weeks time. For any students of strength who are looking to get over your current plateau, and highly recommend reaching out to Brett to help you reach your strength potential.
A very patient and motivated instructor, highly recommended. I took an online and I learnt quite a lot in the short time I had available. Recommended!
Do not go to Seattle without stopping by at FuelHouse. It is the second home that you did not know you had. Molly is love, strength, courage, and light and she shares that with everyone who goes through the FuelHouse doors. Thanks for fueling my fire.
I started working with Julio in early 2018. I’ve always been that kind of person who hated physics education classes at scholl and seen myself as very littled skilled for anything related with sport. Well, that as changed completely, to say the least. Julio evaluated my physical condition at the time, and started the practice with simple and structured exercices, perfectly addapted to what I could manage and to my objectives (keeping a healthier lifestyle and preventing arritmias due to workoload stress). Kettelbell made part of it and even the most complicated and technical movements were simplified and divided into parts, so that I could accomplished. Julio always explained the benefits from a movement/ muscles work perspective so that I could understand exactly the reasons for performing that exercise and work to improve.
After 3 years and a half I can say that I cannot live without training. I’ve been a mother in the meantime, and the pregnancy was super healthier contrarly to my first one (8 years ago). I could exercise with ketelbell up to 34 weeks of pregnancy, I had a very healthy deliver and I recover my weight in less than 3 months (started working out less than 2 month after birth), with no back pain at all. Today, I can say that I feel healthier and and stronger than before training with Julio. I recommend training with Julio to everyone that wishes to have a healthier lifestyle and to invest in themselves.
Thank you coach Yoana and your amazing Strongfirst coaching team. My son and I really enjoyed the training. One of the best seminars I’ve attended. All the instructors were engaging, knowledgeable, passionate and truly motivating.
Fabio is the most incredible Master Certified Instructor for me.
Not only he knows the talk, he walks the walk of strength everyday! He leads with example and always in the Best attitude for helping people and make the World a stronger place.
My Master and Friend, 10 of 10 Stars!
Warren is a great teacher!
He’s very knowledgeable and there’s a lot of variety to his classes. He also manages to strike a good balance of keeping things challenging but fun.
I did 10 classes with him over zoom to improve my kettlebell form. I had a minor injury from running but Warren was very mindful of this. He did a general health screening and would always check in about my injury but would also know when to push me which I really appreciated.
Each class we would work on technique for the first part and then do a workout applying the exercises I had learned. We covered Kettlebell Swings, Cleans, Presses, Turkish Getups, Rows and Snatches as well as some body weight exercises.
He also helped me create a clear goal for myself in training, which was to work on my deep squat and improve strength. My squat is a lot deeper now and I went from using a 16kg to 20kg.
I would highly recommend him!
I was having issues with double and single arm swings, TGU, and clean & presses and with my lower back problem I needed coaching to ensure I was completing them with proper technique to prevent any further injuries. Tim was able to give me really specific expert advice with my form to ensure I could complete these movements properly. Tim has been a great instructor and his encouraging and approachable coaching has been a pleasure to work with. Will definitely be working with him further in the future to continue to perfect form on these movements and eventually tackle the snatch.
Sam is an amazing teacher he is knowledgable and fun to work with. He got me addicted to the kettlebell and taught me some life changing lessons about strength.
Pawel is an extraordinary trainer and great human being. He is deeply involved in student’s growth and focused on reaching goals. Pawel has been giving support and valuable advice.
Working with Pawel has been a pleasure and it has helped me to achieve great results.
I recommend Pawel highly.
I have never had a better instructor with so much passion and encouragement all with teaching the best techniques and the results stand for themselves.
I began working with Wendy at age 63. I was always athletic but I’m now in the best shape of my life. Now in my 5th year of private and group classes, my strength and stamina has exploded. I’ve lost inches and gained muscle, all part of Wendy’s programming personalized for me. Do the work, you’ll see the results.
Jean-François was my assistant during my SFG1 certification. He’s a very serious, conscientious and attentive instructor who masters the standards of the big six skills. As regards his human qualities, he’s very benevolent, patient and enthusiast. I sincerely recommend him.
I have been training with Jazz for more than a year now. In the beginning I was a little unsure of how it would work out – in terms of doing sessions online (over video) as in person training was not possible due to Covid. However, Jazz carefully broke down each exercise into individual movements, starting right from the basics so that I could learn proper form. We started with lighter kettlebells and have since graduated to heavier ones. I find him to be very patient and diligent in his approach. It has helped me learn proper form for a number of key exercises including swings, Turkish get-up, squats and press. He is also able to translate exercises into real world situations which is often very helpful. If you’re starting up on Strongfirst and need an online or in-person coach, I would highly recommend him.
I got in touch with Claire a few months back during lockdown. Ive always liked Kettlebells but realised I didn’t really know what I was doing. I believe she has transformed the way I move and think about strength! Im 39 & never felt more “all over strong”. The fine details definitely matter. Thanks Claire
I met Sven for a one-to-one training session in Stuttgart.
He had a detailed look on my kettlebell technique and gave easy to understand feedback from different perspectives on how i can improve .
Sven is a great teacher with strong motivation – I will meet him again!
Hugo is an exceptional coach and lovely person. His knowledge of and dedication to kettlebell and strength training are exceptional. He helped coach me to my SFG2 as an assistant on the certification weekend. I would highly recommend him to anyone, from beginner to advanced, who wants to swing bells like a badass!
Inspiring physio / coach for any age, background and fitness levels.
Would recommend Geoff for anyone committed to becoming fitter and stronger.
Geoff takes a no-nonsense pragmatic approach to training and is clearly passionate about training with kettlebells. His friendly approach and ego-free training environment make starting training fun and easy, his broad knowledge of training and physiotherapy are a massive asset for anyone who wants to get strong fit and stay injury free.
Having been working consistent with Geoff for over 6 months, there is no doubt he has helped me recover from injury, improve all round sport and leisure performance.
Geoff is an excellent practitioner both as a Physio and Coach. Would only send people to him up in the Sunshine Coast!
Malou is one of the most dedicated trainers I have ever met. Her focus and passion on the kettlebell technique and her patience is endless when passing her knowledge and teaching her skills! Thank you for all your time you spent with me!
Raoul give me the opportunity to prepare my SFG instructor Lvl1. I come from France and I prepared it since 6 months. At the last month, he brought me new tips to prepare my breath and focused on my technics.
Thanks for all your dedication about your students. Take care bro.
I’ve been working with Niek for a couple of months and I really appreciate the flexibility of the schedule and training. There is no cookie-cutter training plans, you get a personalised program tailored to your personal goals, availability and free time. I am always able to change things up if life happens and still be able to have some physical training done. Oh and you only need minimal equipment that you already have or nothing at all if you don’t want to commit to a home gym yet.
I first picked up the kettlebell at the beginning of this year as I didn’t want to rush back into the gym with the current climate. At first, I didn’t believe I needed coaching as I’ve had few years of training with free weights so I felt confident that I could teach myself watching videos online. Although progress came fast early on, my progress soon became stagnant and I felt my movements were inconsistent and inefficient. In wanting to make further progress, I decided to train under Ericka and it was one of the best decisions and investments I’ve made in my life.
Ericka is very knowledgeable and passionate in what she does, and fully dedicated to helping her students reach their potential and meet their individual goals. She does an excellent job at breaking down each movement in detail and explaining them in ways that are easy to understand. She carefully plans and designs her classes with a purpose, from the beginning to the end and from session to session. She puts heavy emphasis on building a solid foundation and teaching proper technique to help students become stronger and avoid any potential injuries. Getting a great workout is a byproduct of these sessions focused on skills training.
In few short months, I’ve seen great improvements in my technique, strength and mobility and I’m excited to see what’s more to come!
I’ve been training with Kenny since 2018. I used to be a professional athlete in triathlon. Kenny has really helped me to improve my core strength in a sustainable fashion. Love the training as it’s super versatile and I’ve built an unmatched high degree of trust in his methods – which is sometimes even more important, especially if you’re a professional athlete. So without a doubt, whether you just want to get off your couch or to the next Olympic Games, Kenny is the right coach for you!
I wasn’t convinced of the value I could get from on-line zoom sessions, but Louka transformed my swing. Great coach, explains things very simply. I am getting so much more out of my workouts now. 5 stars.
I have been training with Aaron since January 2021, initially via Zoom and more recently face to face. But Aaron supported my efforts in a variaty of other ways: sending detailed explanotory videos, designing custom workout programmes for training goals, reviewing videos I sent to him for posture. My confidence and performance with kettlebells has improved dramatically and I already feel positive repercussions in other sports and activities like running and dinghy sailing. Highly recommended.
I started to work with Kenneth in December 2020. I contacted him because of I wanted to learn the correct double kettlebell jerk technique.
After our first online coaching session he showed me that we have to work on my basics first. We started with swings and TGUs, dialed in the cleans and presses and are now approaching the snatches. I am so happy with my progress and I realized I never really mastered my basics. After working on my swings form I can generate much more power and feel very confident doing them.
It‘s now 5 months since we started to work together. We did several online sessions and I can send him videos if I need a form check. He also programed my training program during this time.
My results are amazing: My form on my swings, get ups and cleans improved. I can feel how much more power I can generate. I am stronger and I can say that my endurance improved as well (I lost about 3 pounds of fat during this time). Working as a Police officer (mainly patrols and anti drug missions) I need to be in a good shape, I sometimes need to be fast but I also have to be strong and endure. Kenneth helped me to improve on all those qualities and I look forward for further improvement. When I finally have an acceptable snatch form, we can advance to the single and double kettlebell jerks. I learned from Kenneth that I have to enjoy the process and that all the goals will be reached automatically without forcing or stressing too much. So I am not in a hurry anymore.
I can recommend Kenneth for beginners and for advanced trainees. Get your forms checked and enjoy the process!
Kenneth has been my training coach for almost three years. Under his supervision, I have been able to increase my performance enormously. Strength, endurance and general fitness have all increased in the same way! And even my mobility has improved in the whole training program. And best of all, all of this without causing overuse or injury. This is achieved because Kenneth always emphasizes correct technique, coaching me and explaining why it’s important!
A properly reasoned, professional, varied training program!
Especially now in the current Corona pandemic, all this comes in beneficial to me. Because the training continues online. That’s great!
I thank Kenneth for the extraordinary commitment and say: Please keep it up!
I’m a 69+ senior who has experienced multiple falls and injuries. With the recommendation of my son I looked into StrongFirst certified instructors and was drawn to Dan Cenidoza’s program as he has deep experience working with seniors. I’ve had 2 personal training sessions with Dan and am impressed with his interest in my goals – resilience and stamina – and careful technique. And as a retired nurse, I’m always interested in the ‘why’ of doing something. Dan’s explanations are clear. Focusing on the whole body and how the body functions in daily life is so different from focus on body parts or muscle groups. Already I feel a difference. I’ve found my trainer!
Had the pleasure of working with Sven and had him look over my technique.
Improved a lot with just the smallest details.
He has a very deep knowledge of the Kettlebell and knows exactly what to look for.
He’s also very kind and has a great sense of humor which made the whole experience awesome.
It was the first time, but certainly not the last time working with him.
It was an honor to meet you, sir!
He is one of the best online coach. His programs are well-structured and he is very informative.
I highly recommend coach Pierre for every level students, who is interested in learning hard-style kettlebell practicing or advance level athletes, who seeks for a competent coach for strength and mobility training. Or anyone who has a specific goals like Beast Tamer/ Iron Maiden challenge, SFG1/2, SFGB, and SFL prep course.
Pierre will help you to reach your goals, whatever from where you start. He’s passionate about coaching and easy going. Every details compt and he knows it. Don’t look further.
I engaged Dan as a personal trainer a few months into the pandemic with the goal of staying in shape and getting stronger because I was unable to do BJJ due to the pandemic. Dan was extremely accommodating and attentive to my goals.
We did our first sessions virtually, which worked very well. Dan was extremely effective communicating technique virtually. He effectively fixed my swing through the virtual session, which allowed me to avoid an almost inevitable back injury.
As the sessions progressed, we began working in person. Dan’s gym is a great environment and the in person sessions were great.
I recently was able to return to BJJ and I felt far stronger on the mat than when I left.
If you need a trainer to help you get stronger and teach you the proper way to lift, I cannot imagine a better person than Dan.
Jaime Rae is the best trainer I’ve ever worked with. After a long history of injuries, Jaime has really helped me reprogram my kettlebell training by focusing on form and efficiency throughout my workouts. I’m now able to work with proper form and get greater results!
I made two great decisions in 2021.
1. Investing in a set of kettlebells
2. Signing up with Jasbinder (a.k.a. Strength Coach Jazz)
Although I had weight-trained in the past(primarily barbell training), I had tried never kettlebells before.
Having read up on the StrongFirst system and Pavel’s books, I knew this was something I wanted to explore with a certified instructor. But I was a bit apprehensive about being coached online. I spoke with a couple of instructors and felt an immediate sense of comfort with Jazz. But before I started my first session the first thing I needed was a set of bells. Even before I had committed to taking any classes, Jazz went out of his way to make sure I had a variety of options for sourcing my bells even though we lived in very different parts of the country and this was something he didn’t need to do. I initially thought I might sign up for a few classes and then if things worked out, I might extend it to a month at the most. After 4 continuous months with Jazz, I’m sharing my experiences.
PROS
• During the initial weeks, he provided care and attention to technique helping me understand how the moves worked in great detail. He would get me to send him practice videos on some days so he could address any weak points that cropped up when I was not being actively coached.
• Each session was scheduled for 60 minutes each. But he ALWAYS took extra time usually 20-30 minutes to make sure that I was getting the fundamentals right.
• He’s a terrific motivator. I’ve lost count of the number of times I thought I was toast during a session. But he would figure out a way to motivate me and by the end of each class I came away with a sense of accomplishment. As someone who manages teams remotely, I know how challenging this can be.
• He was extremely accommodating with changes in my schedule. I had started a new job was adjusting to a new team and working hours. Some days I wasn’t able to complete an assigned practice. Other days I skipped sessions altogether. Not once did he make me feel guilty, instead he would find new ways to energize and invigorate me.
• He taught me the value of being present and focused during each session.
• He is easy to talk to and get along with.
• When he felt I had reached a certain level of proficiency and was good enough to practice on my own – he suggested I do just that. Even though it would mean that I wouldn’t be paying him for future sessions. He even offered to continue to share tips and advice although I was no longer a paying client.
• I am just getting started on my kettlebell journey and I know I will come back to Jazz in a few months when I’m ready to get to hit that next level of proficiency.
CONS
• Jazz and I were based in different parts of the country, more than 1800 kilometers apart. If he’s so good on Zoom, I can only imagine how great a coach he’d be in person.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re doing kettlebell training for the first time, you seriously need to consider a Strong First certified trainer. I’m sure there are a bunch of good trainers out there, but I would strongly vouch for Jazz and I intend to go back to him in the future.
Bells Tip: Folks in India finding good quality bells in the correct weight is not easy. There are a bunch of option out there of varying prices, sizes and quality. If you’re struggling to find quality bells in the right weight and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg shipping them from abroad, then best place to get them is https://www.sanguinesports.com/. I spent days researching and speaking with different manufacturers and was not at all happy with the options on offer. When I finally stumbled upon Sanguine them (thanks to Jazz’s help) I initially balked at the pricing. They were expensive, the second most expensive Indian option (after the USI competition bells). I bit the bullet, and frankly I’m glad I did. They’re excellent quality, had the best customer service and shipped with zero hassle. This is not mean to be a promotion on Sanguine. You can get your bells from anywhere. But I had a tough time sourcing the 24KG and 32KG options specifically and they were the only manufacturer (besides USI competition bells) that even offered these.
I’ve worked with Marc for some time. He’s committed to his craft, driven, funny, and structured. I know others who have worked with him an all agree he’s the best in the business and he’s a wonderful human being.
Peter is a wealth of knowledge, the kettlebell journey is an exciting, stimulating one that, as far as I can tell, will never really end!
Peter makes fundamentals easy to understand, and each goal or standard I reach just makes me look further for the next one. Onward!
Great trainer and incredable person. He helps to test and overcome your limits
I’ve been a client of Marc’s for 7 months or so. I contacted him in order to prepare for SFGI. From the beginning, Marc has been an excellent coach. His knowledge of the training process and skill with kettlebells are readily apparent. He provides instruction and feedback to the learner in a very accessible way, offering the right cues to foster the right changes. Additionally, he makes himself available to the client via multiple media, whether in person, virtual or text message. He demonstrates an obvious concern for the client’s success and this is a major reason for my confidence as a SFGI candidate. I highly recommend Marc.
If you are looking for a gym that feels like a family this is the one. Dan and his wife Jess really care about their clients.
Jess finds time in her busy day (five kids, which she homeschools). To do a FB live workout 3x/ a week. Her form is perfect. I have learned a lot by watching her example. It’s doable for anyone, at any level, as you can adjust it to your level based on your kettlebell weight and amount of reps. She challenges you to do your best.
It’s not only a great workout but highly entertaining as she may run off screen any momement when a bug intervenes, a child may skate by or show you slime, there’s a rooster, wind chimes…
Having completed the StrongFirst Bodyweight Certification with Karen last November, I wanted to set my eyes on SFL next as well as the daunting Beast Tamer/Iron Maiden challenge but felt I could use a coach on this. Having completed it herself, she already inspired confidence in her abilities as a result of how friendly and down to earth she was while cultivating a fun learning environment and minimizing the stress over the Pass/Fail nature of the certification.
Several weeks into her program, I’ve seen exponential increases in my Strength I am very happy with! A few weeks out from SFL, I have not only achieved the level of strength I’ll be testing out for, but surpassed it on all lifts. The Beast Tamer, which as of January seemed miles away, now seems just a few yards further until the finish line!
She has my utmost confidence as a fellow coach/teacher and whether you’re taking a cert with her or considering individual training to meet a specific goal, you’ll be in very knowledgeable and capable hands!
Sidenote – I wish in hindsight I had taken SFB before SFGII, could have saved myself from some of the headache of the 1/2 Bodyweight Military Press with the pushing principles taught at SFB
I worked with Devin remotely during the pandemic to polish my kettlebell swings and turkish getups for the Simple/Sinister Program. She was really helpful seeing my weaknesses even through zoom! She even gave me homework (didnt see that coming but wow it was helpful). I didnt want to go higher than the 35 pound bell I had, but she gave me the confidence in our few months together to order a 24kg and I feel solid with it for swings and turkish getups. I highly suggest learning kettlebell skills from Devin if you want to stay safe, have fun, and get stronger!
I have the pleasure to work with Loïs on both sides of the sports-spectrum : As a high level athlete as well as a fellow strength and conditioning coach.
As a martial artist, for the last 13 years Loïs has been my strength and conditioning coach.
His technical eye to detail, and incredible overall knowledge have led me to win multiple national championships.
Loïs has a great and almost immediate understanding of your body’s capacities at any given time, and which road to take to get you to a superior level.
With a “less is more” approach, he has made me grow stronger, faster, and leaner in a very short time.
He is a tough but true-to-his-word coach. He won’t cuddle you into lifting your barbell or swing your kettlebell but he will teach you how to do it as perfect as possible, individualising your needs.
Loïs will get you to attain your goals, and go beyond.
As a strength and conditioning coach myself, I’m lucky to work with Loïs training Nice’s professional volleyball team.
Very experienced in the field of both sports and sport-science, his enormous generosity and enthusiasm in sharing his findings and ideas means that in whatever way you may work with this guy, it will make you a better student/coach/athlete/person.
I am so thankful to Dan and the other instructors at Baltimore Kettlebell Club for training me. Their guidance, knowledge, patience, and encouragement during individual training and small group sessions has pushed me to surpass my goals. If you desire to condition your physique and strive to work up a good sweat, BKC offers the perfect comfortable and motivating environment to workout!
Working with Jim was an outstanding experience. He is a dedicated professional with deep knowledge of fitness and strength training. Even more impressive is Jim’s ability as an instructor – he has the rare ability to breakdown and clearly explain the technique behind different movements. I had essentially no understanding of how to properly work with kettlebells prior to training with Jim. Now I am very comfortable with them – I have no fear of injury and my strength has significantly increased. I can not speak highly enough of Jim’s training.
As a Jiu-Jitsu competitor I need to do strength and conditionning training. Matthieu introduced me to Kettlebell training, taught me the basics perfecly. He created great programmes for me and helped me along the way since day 1. He is always listening to what i need and showing me new super interesting stuff. Honestly he is one of the best coaches I ever had in my life!
Yann is an outstanding human beiing as well as a great coach. He is a quiet professional who share StrongFirst methodology and exercises with kindness and precision.
Dan is a kind and knowledgable coach. He makes sure I am moving safely and offers assistance when needed. He is a wealth of knowledge and answers any questions I have. I truly enjoy a small group setting and look forward to coming to class.
I recently had the good fortune to have two sessions with John . I was interested in correct barbell lifting techniques as well as fine tuning my kettlebell lifts. John’s expertise was just what I was searching for and needed. As an older lifter (72), there are perhaps some precautions that may not be necessary for a younger person, but John very quickly assessed my current status and we worked together from that point. I came away with a treasure trove of good information, technique and tips than have greatly improved not only my skillset, but also my safety. John’s rates were very reasonable and my ROI on these sessions was superb! I highly recommend John if you are looking for Strong First approved instruction!
I started working remotely with Aaron at the beginning of 2021 (during lockdown) to sort out my kettlebell swings. I got that, and so much more! Aaron has a fantastic way of focusing on the most important / impactful things first and was brilliant at encouraging me and pointing out where I was making progress. As we were working remotely he encouraged me to take lots of videos and would make videos of what to work on in response, so I could see everything in action. This proved to be a very effective way of coaching and I came to really enjoy the near daily feedback, plus I now have a substantial archive to refer back to at any point. Not only did Aaron get my swings and get-ups to a very high standard, he took care of all of the programming and left me with a programme for the following several weeks after the coaching finished. In addition to the daily feedback we had a weekly coaching call on zoom. I agonised about whether or not to spend the money on coaching (not having loads to spare with 2 kids and a mortgage) but I can honestly say it was amongst the best money I have ever spent. I really can’t speak highly enough of Aaron as a coach and if you are reading this in order to help make your mind up, I would encourage you to reach out to him to talk things through, he is very approachable. I could not be happier with the progress I have made with Aaron’s coaching and I am sure you will feel the same if you give him a go.
I met Coach Mark when he approached me while I was training for a spartan event year 2019, and we don’t know each other at the time. He caught me trying to bring up a 28kg kettlebell from the ground using a squat position to train myself in carrying an atlas ball. God knows I am struggling SOOO HARD thought it was the death of me!!
He started to teach me techniques on how to bring it up without straining my back, but of course, you don’t get lucky the first time. He then instructed me to carry a lighter bell at 22kg and gave me routines to strengthen my body to prepare for the 50kg atlas ball. Six weeks later, I was able to carry the atlas ball. Yayyy!
For Mark, being a coach doesn’t mean you have to be on personal training with him or be in his class. He will share his knowledge, skills and strategies without hesitation. His greatest strength is his passion to empower people not just physically but mentally and emotionally.
Louka is an expert in the field of strength and mobility. Working with him online is clear and constructive. He assessed my form in the ketelbell main moves and gave me the ques to improve and fix my errors in my technique. Highly recommend
I have had the pleasure of interviewing Hector in person a couple of times. I have also had a brief “instruction”/ explanation of how to do the DSW for my podcast, which is based on getting out of your comfort zone. Hector was extremely illustrative and informative, in how to approach, set-up, and perform the exercise to benefit my safety, fitness, and strength. Hector also has a number of impact videos designed to help individuals find, strength through not only exercise, but mental, financial, and spiritual strength. It is a pleasure to know, and learn from Hector.
I’ve been attending Aaron’s classes for a few years now and have recently started PT sessions to build my Kettlebell skills and strength. Aaron is an excellent trainer who clearly knows his stuff and is great to work with. He takes the time to explain how to get the posture and movement exactly right and pitches sessions at just the right level. I’ve been particularly impressed by how he goes the extra mile. During lockdown Aaron made sure our Kettlebell classes continued by sending videos so we could train at home and after my PT sessions, he follows up with videos and tips. I can’t recommend highly enough.
The Best of all??
Is it too much to say Sheila has changed my life? I was referred to her through my chiropractor as I suffered recurrent back injuries due to a weak core. I was feeling like an old lady and I was only 50! Through Sheila’s patient and safe approach, I have gained strength and muscle mass and haven’t suffered a back injury for the past six years. I’m strong, healthy, and confident in my movement patterns now and I plan on remaining that way. I do kettlebell workouts with Sheila three days a week and her enthusiasm for teaching and learning is still 100%. Thank you Sheila!
I have been training with Sheila for a number of years. She is a very special trainer who is very intuitive and caring. She truly takes into account my needs and has carefully brought me back from an injury that took me out of the kettlebell game for a while to a point where I can do all of the lifts again safely and properly. There have also been a couple times I have turned up to (Zoom) training with a sore neck and back and she has modified the session completely on the fly to accommodate which has saved me some Chiropractor visits and taught me how to treat myself when these pains come up.
My weekly sessions with Sheila are a highlight of my week, full of lifting and laughing so I cannot recommend her enough!
Sheila Hamilton is awesome — an extremely knowlegeable trainer for strength and for all-round fitness. She’s very personable and client-oriented, and has a loyal following. For me, her expertise has been a life-saver. After several serious and painful disc-related incidents, I heard about her ‘backstrong’ classes, and started working with her (online, during COVID). Sheila completely understood my physical limitations and potentials, and has nurtured my fitness safely, so that after a few months I’m much stronger and less vulnerable to back problems. Based on a StrongFirst model, she has put me on a long-term course of strength and fitness, and I recommend her highly.
For your blog.
Initially, we connected through a broken ankle injury that
I had but via your recovery process I learned more than I expected.
You always bring an abundance of energy and genuine excitement to every session – wait…to every movement (Lock It OUT).
Your knowledge of the human body movement, physical (and mental) rehabilitation, strength program planning for all ages and abilities, and willingness to always explore new ideas make work outs so enjoyable.
I want to put in your programs because you put the effort for my overall health.
Keep pushing my limits Sheila.
#kettlebellsswing#turkishgetup#don’tbabyme#strongertogether
Arianna is a force of Nature, able to withstand all the adversities that life has put in front of her.
She herself is the best example she can give as a teacher.
With his rude candor, he is able to lead you through the Force to your limits … and beyond.
I started training with Cody as a way to stay active during quarantine, one of his unique talents is his ability to convey targeted instructions, with the kettlebell swing being simple yet precise, this is an important skill for a trainer to have and with mastering the swing. After a few weeks of Cody’s instruction I gained strength and precision while learning new skills. Honest, encouraging and knowledgeable and a master of his art! Without a doubt highly recommended!!!
Excellent coach. Very knowledgeable and passionate.
Louka and his Kettlebell Club team have been instrumental in helping me recover from a bad case of peroneal tendinitis.
Part of my prescribed rehabilitation was to rebuild the strength in my leg.
Fortunately for me, I found Louka and his team. Over the past year, I have not only rebuilt the strength in my leg. I have improved my overall strength in ways I never thought possible. I am a particularly enjoying the simple low rep plans that Louka provides. With a very small selection of KB, I have been able to keep progressing working out at home.
Passionate and knowledgeable coach. I highly recommend.
A great trainer, supportive and knowledgeable. Helped me get started with Kettlebells in a couple of sessions.
I have known Arianna Zaccagnini for 4 years and she led me to achieve the sfg1 certification with passion and professionalism. She has a unique charisma and her extensive training makes her a perfect guide in the world of Kettlebell and Body weight. Equipped with a unique strength, her skills are truly impressive … in short, the perfect strength instructor !!!
Lois is a man who bears his strength the way he displays his knowledge, with humbleness.
Though he is as precise as it gets regarding the StrongFirst curriculum, his cross-disciplinary approach and wealth of experience allows him to find creative and deviously effective solutions.
As a coach his method is principle based and tailored to suit his vision that numbers and technical aspects are the means and not the end. Which is the betterment of his students, as athletes and humans.
Beeing coached by him made me a better athlete as well as a better coach.
A not always so quiet professionnal,
A true renaissance man and coach extraordinaire,
A friend.
I am a massage therapist that works on elite level athletes. I understand the importance of strength, form and technique for athletes. I’m a competitive swimmer in United States Masters Swimming (USMS). Because of gum and pool closures due to the pandemic I last motivation for some lofty goals in the record books. I bought some kettle bells at John’s recommendation and went to his facility for some tips on proper form since I’d never used kettlebells before! I’ve worked with Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists in the past and John’s instruction was fantastic! He guided me into proper form and because of his passion for helping people get stronger the right way, my motivation to break some records (at age 52) returned in full force!
Thank you John!
Phil Reget
I have been training kettlebells with Nandor for five months, and have appreciated his highly dedicated, tailored, and professional approach to teaching.
What originally attracted me to Nandor’s profile was his broad experience in martial arts as well as strength and fitness. This has proved itself in the richness of knowledge he brings to what he teaches. It isn’t ‘just’ fitness: he will show you how to use what you learn in order to achieve your goals, but also to draw on your own experience and learning style so as to learn better and progress more quickly.
Nandor is generous with his knowledge. He doesn’t hold back – he gives you everything you need to know to accelerate your own learning and sill development. At the same time, he is always keen to learn and grow. In my own experience, this makes for a great coach.
I highly recommend Nandor to anyone who wishes to learn kettlebells and develop their strength and fitness – whatever level they may be at currently, and whatever their goals.
I started kettlebells with zero knowledge. From my own experience of many years in traditional martial arts, I appreciated the importance of a good teacher and coach – something you can never get from videos. I’m glad I invested in learning from Nandor – it’s made the learning process safer and more effective (instead of getting injuries and picking up bad habits that are hard to fix). Five months on, I’m still learning, but feel I have made incredible progress. I had never done weigh training before, and I now feel significantly stronger – more than I have ever before.
I will add that Nandor can also effectively teach via online classes, so you can learn from any location. I recommended him to a friend of mine based in Asia, who found the experience perfect, and I understand that Nandor is very used to the online medium of teaching.
I’ve been training with John for two months, and he’s already reshaped the way I think about fitness and strength. He’s taken the time to really understand where I’m at and to address the things that make me unique to create a custom program. We’re laying the foundation for strength, and I’m already seeing the results in how I feel and carry myself throughout the day. Thanks John!
I met Mark near the first of December, 2020. I first started working with kettlebells in the first quarter of 2020, and began the Simple and Sinister program around August or September. I think it was October when I started phasing in one or two sets with the 32k one-handed swing that problems arose. It started with some mild tightness in my lower right back. At first it was minor. Then it developed into soreness that wouldn’t go away. I started to worry about damage, so I stopped, while doing as much self analysis and research as I could. I received a lot of tips on the StrongFirst forum, and watched as many coaching videos as I could find. Several times I thought I had found the problem, but nothing I did differently would help. The moment I started swinging again, the soreness would return.
I’ve never had any professional coaching in my life. But I figured if I wanted to continue using kettlebells, I might as well take the plunge. I knew I wanted a coach with plenty of experience, and preferably who had attained StrongFirst Elite. Mark had offered some useful comments on my requests for help in the StrongFirst forums, so I messaged him and we set up a four-week plan.
I noticed a major difference in my back within the first two sessions. Mark helped me stop the major technique problems in my swing, and then helped me start building better movement patterns. I felt like I had got my money’s worth in the first week. From my previous years of training, I was fairly strong in some areas, but had some significant gaps. Mark quickly identified my specific strengths and weaknesses, and wrote me programs that filled the gaps effectively. By the end of that four-week period, I was doing 100 one-handed swings with a 36k (and feeling solid while doing it), and get-ups with a 32k.
Even without my lower back issues, there’s no way I would have progressed that quickly on my own. A major reason for my improvement was fixing my technique, but I suspect it was Mark’s customized programing that was the major engine of my progression.
Although my back issues were pretty much fixed within the four weeks, I didn’t want to stall my progress. So, Mark and I worked out a 12-week plan. That’s where I’m at now. Currently, my goal is to achieve StrongFirst’s Simple standard. I’ve completed the Get-up standard (10 32k getups in 10 minutes) multiple times, and am almost ready on the swing standard (100 32k one-handed swings in 5 minutes). I’m hoping to achieve Simple in the next few weeks.
My experience with Mark has been stellar. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t wear his knowledge on his sleeve. Nothing flashy, no big stories or attempts to impress. Just solid, personable coaching, insightful corrections, astute answers to my many questions, and programming that delivers—the kind of coaching skill that manifests in real results. Based on my experience so far, I would highly recommend Mark to anyone.
John Odden has helped me achieve big dreams I never would have imagined possible had we not met. In addition to this, the fitness and lifestyle goals I was able to accomplish under his guidance simply happened as a natural course his coaching (think obtaining optimal weight loss as an ancillary consequence rather than the goal itself).
One of the other great blessings of working with John is seeing the beneficial spillover of the physical training into other aspects of life.
I recommend him fully and in the highest regard.
I met Colin back in 2016 at my first StrongFirst certification (SFGI), he was an assistant there. I must say he is an excellent coach and very nice person. I love his sense of humor. In 2017 I asked him for help with my preparation for SFB. He led me through the training and kept my nerves in line when testing so I successfully passed my SFB. I dont know how he does it but he knows what to say or what to do when somebody get stuck. I can highly recommend him to everyone. And although I have not seen him for long time now I know he is there because he is not only my brother in strength he is my good friend and I respect him as a coach and of course as a great person too.
By the way he was born in very good year. Only good people were born in that year. :-):-)
I’ve been knowing her for 4 years, before my SFG 1 Certification. We had some lessons together and I could appreciate her addiction to quality and strenght. She is very skilled and effective in her job, also nice and awesome to train with her. She is also an excellent trainer and leader. Good Luck Arianna
I was lucky enough to have had Arianna as a teacher, she prepared me for SFG2 SFL. Great professionalism and great preparation both as a teacher and as a trainer ….. I’m glad I had it with COACH ….
I started performing the lifts outlined in Pavel Tsatsouline’s books and knew I couldn’t digest all the intricacies on my own. Tim Shuman has a keen eye for detail and guided me through the lifts. I was exited to work on my bent press with him and get the insight I needed to perform the lifts safely. If I am back in Florida, I would definitely seek Mr. Shuman out again because he is an excellent coach.
Dario is a true student of strength. he is a trained instructor, always looking for the knowledge of the correct movement. Dario is strong … he has a big heart, always ready to help you and guide you … if you need an excellent instructor to guide you and prepare you best, Dario Corteselli is the person you are looking for!
Professional instructor
His knowledge and know-how excels
Motivating and always present for every problem
Matt is a great coach and teacher! I came to him as a beginner with a very unfocused approach to strength training. After only a few sessions he refined my technique and instilled a goal oriented mindset that allowed me to progress much further than I could on my own.
Jim is a very good instructor, He did a personalized course so I can start simple a sinister.
He gave me good tips to perform each exercices with a good form.
I stongly recommend him if u need to get introduced into the kettlebell world
John is very knowledgeable, organized and accessible. He is extremely athlete-focused and tailors exercises and programs to me specifically. We are all at different places and John meets us at our level. It’s not one size fits all on line programming- my program is for my specific needs and goals: great coaching.
Arianna is a tornado, both for her involving behaviour and for her deep knowledge.
Besides she represents a humble and helpful team leader.
She is always showing the best technique in any skill due to her athletic background.
No doubt, Arianna is an added value in our italian team.
Matt is an amazing trainer, he takes time to carefully coordinate exercise programs that are tailored to my fitness level and goals. He spends time with me observing my form and giving me corrections as needed to ensure my safety while training. I am getting stronger and feeling more confident during my workout sessions as well in my everyday life. I highly recommend Matt as a personal trainer as he is positive, upbeat and truly cares about his clients and it really shows.
I have been training under John for many years now. His knowledge and technical know-how WILL help you reach your goals. It will also keep you from burning out or injuring yourself. As a coach myself, I know the importance of having a coach to help you stay focused and plan your work accordingly.
Kristina is the best instructor ever, who doesn’t waste time and energy for looking excuse. I love her hard trainings. Big thanks to her big support, because she is doing for us her best.
I have been training online with John for a little over a year now and I can’t sing his praises enough. My big issues were my knees. I didn’t think I’d ever get them functional without pain again and John showed me some simple movements that basically built me back up from the ground up and now I am functioning like a Real Athlete again! I always look forward to his programming and he really is the best Coach I’ve ever had.
I had a very good experience in learning the Kettlebell basics from Strength Coach Jazz. His stress on correct technique and clear instructions were very helpful to my progress.
I’ve been training with John since July 2020 and have already noticed a big difference in my ability to move through life stronger and with less pain. Having been an athlete most of my life, my strength and fitness (even while having scoliosis) typically allowed me to do all of the things I love. I never experienced weakness or pain with things like mountain biking, yard work, moving furniture, etc. but as I approached my mid-40’s these things started getting harder. This really motivated me to rebuild my foundation and core using strength training. John has knowledge beyond what I expected and the StrongFirst philosophy plus John’s focus on movement patterns and how it affects your body as a whole really resonates with me. I’m much stronger and my back feels better today than it did just 7 months ago. Thank you John!
Amazing leadership skills and knowledge, great team atmosphere for group workout and one on one. I tired the fighters kettlebell workout program and it is amazing, it has improve my strength and speed for my fights and sparing. I strongly recommend them.
a very dedicated person. sport, right mindset, constantly work.
Stefano is a great and extremely professional trainer! He always knows how to motivate me even when the will to train is lacking completely. He has helped me a lot in my fitness journey, achieving my goals, especially when it comes to strength training.
Andrea has been an integral mentor throughout my “upbringing” as a StrongFirst instructor. She has consistently challenged me to be better as a student, business owner, and instructor. Andrea generously invited me to shadow at her facility while I was just getting on my feet as a full time fitness studio owner and has continued to reach out and offer advice and ideas to help me grow in all areas. Whether its a quick phone call, text or offer to meet in person, she is always willing to help as long as you step up and give her your absolute best. The phrase “anything worth doing, is worth doing well” is a fitting mantra for her. I have also had the opportunity to assist at workshops/certifications on several occasions and I have seen her tirelessly go for days straight without losing a beat to offer the best possible learning experience for her students. She has gone above and beyond countless times for me and other instructors while continuing to grow and learn as a perpetual student herself. Thank you Andrea!
I had Kettlebell training with Aaron before Xmas 2020. I was a few months into simple and sinister and needed someone to look at and improve my technique. Aaron was brilliant at dissecting where I was at and correcting my form. In 2 sessions 2.5hrs he thought me the Swing 2h and 1h, the clean and the getup including extensive notes. I kept seeing on the strongfirst forum to invest in a certified trainer and i completely agree as i think i would have walked away from the kettlebell without proper instruction. I would highly recommend using Aaron either in person our online via Zoom or Skype, etc.
I have known Kristýna for more than 20 years. I have been training at Rodeosport since the beginning and foundation of the sports centre. I already experienced with her several waves of popular training and especially “I really hate the classic lifting of dumbbells”. But I like Kettlebell since the beginning of my practice. Thank you, Kristina, that you found it for Rodeosport. Exercising with Kettlebells helps me forget about daily problems and I really trying every exercise to squeeze the best out of me. After each exercise, I sometimes have more energy than before, but the next day it’s worse :-(. Sometimes we wonder how such a pretty girl can lift such a weight ;-). That’s probably why guys don’t want to compete with her too often :-). She could a little bit improve her music playlist during lessons, but we can excuse this to her. She’s a great trainer with lots of ideas and energy.
Good job Kristyna and thank you, all the best.
I am a naturally thin 60+woman. Thin does not necessarily mean strong! Brett is helping me become a much stronger me. He knows just when to push me to the next level. I always look forward to my weekly session. Brett is AWESOME !!!
I found Ivan’s details through this StrongFirst forum, having enjoyed many of Pavel’s books and YouTube clips, but wary of messing something up or overdoing things after over 20 years of back problems.
It hasn’t been an easy year to get together with him, with gyms periodically closed in HK due to Covid restrictions since I first contacted him in April 2020, but I have learned a lot in the sessions we’ve had, and he has been a real help in getting me started.
He introduced me to things I’ve found very helpful, like using light clubs to loosen up in a warmup (which in turn led me to explore heavier clubs), as well as taking me through many of the essential movements (like the goblet squat). He has also pushed me and given me the confidence to do swings with heavier kettlebells than I was thinking of given my caution over previous back issues, and the whole experience has been very positive.
I’m now exercising at home much more than before and, while I’m still early in this process, feel stronger than in years. This is what people can expect from kettlebells and heavy clubs, but Ivan has been an important part of getting me started.
I would be happy to recommend Ivan and will be keen to do more with him once gyms reopen.
I took the Strongfirst kettlebell 8 hour course with Kevin a few months back. Very professional in his approach and attention to detail, while being personable and creating a comfortable environment. Can’t wait for when the time comes for me to sign up for the body weight course.
I have been working with Ian Hülke for about 3 months, and my life has gained a focus, momentum and clarity that I had always been seeking. Being a novice in my physical training, I had some hesitations about working in this manner. Once I met Ian, I was sold. Ian took the time to get to know me, and created a tailor-made program that is perfectly fit for my body. He provides video demonstrations of each exercise, along with thorough weekly consultations to ensure my comfort and success. I have become stronger than I’ve ever been with him as my guide to health and wellness. He is indeed an expert, with remarkable competency and vast knowledge. Most importantly, Ian has shown me the true joy that comes from the process. He has supported and encouraged every milestone I’ve reached, and has given me the tools to be mindful and present throughout my journey. I recommend him without reservation.
One of the most distinguishing features of Augusto as a Coach is his holistic approach and genuine interest. I train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai here and there and have had quite a few coaches. It’s striking how different the experience is. Augusto not only formally evaluates readiness and mobility, but also goal sets and adjusts as needed based on performance, injury, etc. He also considers health, nutrition, and even mental health. And he’s particularly brilliant and talented- and the king of memes too! It has been truly impactful experience for me and I’d recommend him to anyone.
Brett is professional, knowledgeable, and a great fitness coach. He has coached me in programs and private training and always helps me achieve my goals. If you are looking to get in shape or train for a specific goal, Brett can help you.
Claire has been an outstanding coach for me since starting to work with her around 6 months ago. Having experienced lots of PT’s in lots of sports and having completed a PT qualification myself I am often blown away by Claire’s level of understanding and teaching. She is the first person that has taught me what a hinge, squat and great movement should look like! After years of poor movement habits and a lack of understanding lead me to injuries, I am grateful I found Claire when I did and I am looking forward to continuing to learn from her in the years to come.
I am a 70 year old physician. I have been training with Brett for almost 5 years now. He introduced me to the KB. I am the strongest I have ever been. I am slowly work towards a 2X body weight deadlift and putting a 24 kg bell over head, among other goals. Brett is a very knowledgeable strength professional. He is an integral part of my ‘anti-aging’ program. I highly recommend him and the gym.
I just started with Brett a few months ago. I had just gotten done with some severe health issues. I needed to get my strength back and to become even stronger. He is working on that with me and I know eventually I will get there with Brett’s help. His positive attitude is what you want along with a trainer who has an extensive knowledge to help you achieve your goal.
After struggling with the Soju & Tuba press program I reached out to the StrongFirst community. Joey reached out to me in person, and since he’s the one behind the program I figured I schedule a class with him. The sheer amount of technique, details, and drills shared with me in a 45 minute call is priceless, and I already pressed a lot better at the end of the call than I ever have. He was very professional, yet did not shy away from throwing in a little humor here and there. Really enjoyed this class, and will return to Joey in the future, that I’m sure of.
I have been working out with Tom since summer of 2020 and truly feel like he has built me up to where I need to be. He does an outstanding job of making sure that the workout is within your means and pays close attention to the form to prevent bad habits or injuries. All these years, I felt like I haven’t had a trainer that has given this much attention to my workouts, which is important in properly reaching your goals. You can tell that kettlebell workouts are a true passion of his and very knowledgeable on the various workouts and fitness in general. I have never felt as strong and fit as I do now and will only continue to progress.
I can’t thank Claire enough for all her guidance and help .
After going to the doctors and being told I will need a knee surgery ,planta fascia in both feet ,flat foot ,and arthritis all in one day and sent home with lots of pills and lots of doctors appointments at the age 48 and a coach myself I was not going to give up as I can’t walk more than 10 min and found Claire as ive also been very interested in the StrongFirst courses.
I thought this was my last attempt before the doctors wheeled me away ?
Claire is super professional and with a wealth of knowledge .I just wanted to get strong and maybe a bit of mobility on the way to help me ,However Claire no1 is that your healthy first ,being a coach and a lover of most sports Kitesufer ,freediver, cycling ,boxer and a ex Crossfit coach and competitor Claire pointed out I maybe over training and have excess inflammation ? i was ready to try anything .
With claires detailed programming and super coaching eye and nutrition advice within 2 weeks I found my self walking with no pain ? within 2 months my arch in my foot has come back I feel like I have new feet ,no inflammation in my joints, im stronger ,my swings and knowledge of moving correctly is coming along ?ooh and ive dropped 3 kilos ,,no tablets no doctors needed ,⭐️ and booking sSFG1 this year …Thankyou for my feet ⭐️?
I went into the new year feeling awesome and getting better everyday .
This is all done via zoom meetings
im now walking 8k a day ?
When I stared going to Functional Body I did not know anything about working out or even where to start. Coach Kerry took the time to not only teach me proper technique but also how to make subtle lifestyles changes for long term growth. Coach is firm but fair. She will hold you accountable for your success but yet you will not feel judged, makes you feel very comfortable. I have more energy and have noticed body changes. In just a couple weeks you will see/feel your confidence increase. If you are ready to make a real change and investment in your personal and mental health I highly recommend Functional Body. I promise you.. you will not regret it!!!
Passionate, humble, great teacher, great
man.
Stefano represents the principles of the Strongfirst school in his work and life.
He taught me a lot and gave me so many possibilities.
Power to you Stefano
Anyone like me who has had the pleasure and the good fortune to meet Stefano Massa along their path knows that, in addition to being a person available and always at the service of others, he is a great athlete and professional. He is able to convey his passion with extreme ease, making anyone who wants to approach the world of fitness fall in love.
Absolutely prepared in the field of strength and training in all its forms.
A guide for all lovers of psychophysical well-being.
Stefano Massa is the most authentic expression of strength and who better than him could be the Strongfirst team leader. He is a very good person, he listens a lot (qualities that few have), he gets involved and is always ready to learn and teach you something even if you don’t want to. He is a person who gives you a lot on a professional level, but above all from a human point of view. A great Coach, a great professional.
I’m lucky to have been able to train with the professional Stefano Massa for a year, and thanks to him I was able to learn the Strongfirst training principles in a simple way and I have increased my strength significantly and in a safe way.
I will never stop thanking him. Stefano, as well as teaching me the true meaning of the word strength, gave it to me. He stands out for his methodology, and his attention to detail has fueled my passion for training with the ketlebell … now I can’t do without him! a wonderful person with a huge heart.
I am a Children’s Yoga Instructor and personally have implemented Jose’s stretching, posture, and exercises to improve my overall training, awareness of movements and functional mobility which has sprinkled over into how I teach my classes. Most importantly, he helped our son (who was at the time playing competitive soccer) physically and emotionally train which sparked an interest, dedication and overall commitment to strength training that motivates and inspires others. His athletic ability and performance was not only improved upon but enhanced. As a family, we all learned and received from Jose what we consider to be a lifelong gift of health, wellness and performance. Jose will expect nothing less than your best from you and in the end, you will be forever grateful.
A great Trainer!! He knows how to transmit passion and knowledge in a unique way! He gives you always the right enthusiasm to do this job! Sìmply the best!!
Stefano is one of the most talented, intuitive, and masterful instructors in the entire Strong First organization. It is a pleasure and an honor to study with him. Thank you so much Stefano!
Great man, Great Coach, a guide that taught me so much, will always be grateful to him. The best!
Dario is a kind and skillful instructor. I am so grateful for the contribution he has made to my life and to my fitness. Thank you Dario, I really appreciate your work!
My husband and I started going to Kerry just before Covid hit. We both had back surgery (several years apart from each other) and had a lot of correcting to do. Kerry not only took the time to figure out what we needed specifically but helped us help each other in the process. She takes the time and works with you until you (and her)feel 100% confident that your doing each move correctly. Kerry is without a doubt a great motivator, challenger, spirit lifter, teacher and trainer but must of all a wonderful person and friend. We are truly blessed to have found such an amazing coach!❤
Stefano is a passionate professional.
He is the man who has spread the Strongfirst principles through the whole Southern Italy since 2010.
All of us owe him much as a Team Leader.
Coach Will is superior if every way! In the 2 1/2 years I have been a student of his, I am stronger, more agile, and more confident. I am a 79 y.o. retired physician, life long fitness devotee, and runner, and have worked with many coaches over the years-Will is definitely the best!!. He emphasizes movement, strength, nutrition and so much more–especially safety. His classes are fun yet seriously focuses on the workout at hand. If you want to get stronger, Will will get you there!!
Grace first gave me some feedback on the Strongforst Facebook page. We then did several private lessons via zoom and her attention to detail and positive encouragement helped me make fast improvements with my swing! Her knowledge of kettlebell training is excellent and her ability to relay information so you understand it even remotely make it simple to learn from her. Thank you Grace!
Ren Collier
B.S. Health Science
NASM-CPT
NASM-PES
TFW Level 1 Coach
Ben is amazing at staying in tune with where your mind and body on a day to day while working towards an ultimate goal. For me, it was the TSC. Ben adjusted on the fly to our Covid imposed 14 day quarantine and a tweaked back a couple weeks after that. The end result was that, at the age of 40, I broke PRs.
I personally know Alcides. He’s the real deal. Highly technical and well liked by all. Solid character.
Jessica’s facebook workouts have made it easy for me to workout at least 3 times per week. There are times I just can’t make the afternoon kettle bell classes at the gym or on zoom. So, I just watch one of Jessica’s recorded facebook workouts and do it when it’s convenient for me! Her workouts are always challenging and varied. She kicks butt! Thank you Jessica!
Ian is a star.
Jessica is an amazing trainer! She worked with me and my wife who was 6 months pregnant at the time. She taught my wife so many movements that were safe to do during her pregnancy as well as things to focus on post-delivery. We learned so much from working with her and since then my wife and I have more than doubled the weight of our kettlebells. I highly recommend Jessica for people of all ages. 5 stars!
Jessica’s live workouts are great! The pace is easy to keep up with. Her instruction before each set is on point and knowledgeable. There’s always one or two special guest appearances that make her workouts extremely entertaining.
Liz has been instrumental in my training over the past couple years. We’ve been able to work through several different injuries/limitations while still seeing progress. Her knowledge, adaptability, enthusiasm, and support have been paramount to my success and she always meets you where you’re at while encouraging hard work and improvement. I’ve also broken several PRs working with her 🙂 12/10 would recommend!
The best instructor I’ve ever met. Professional, pasient, very talented. I recommend!!!
I have been working with Christian as my coach and trainer for more than a year now. He has done exactly what I needed a coach to do… understand my strengths and weaknesses and push me beyond them. He has an excellent understanding of technique and purpose and knows how to break down a complex sequence into basic functional parts, and provide a comprehensive workout. The method in his process is obvious – he’s building routines and sequences that take me up a level, then up another level. Christian is great in that he always gives me the option of going harder and pushing further – but also gives me the confidence to do so.
He’s always supportive, respectful and encouraging, making me want to reach the goals he’s set for me. It’s a true partnership. And he’s flexible in how we schedule our time. I’m happy that I’ve got the work flexibility to train with him 3 times a week, and we always figure it out! Even if I am traveling for work.
He’s an awesome guide on my fitness journey!! One of the best trainers I’ve ever worked with!
Years Ago, Mark Started me out with my journey in the field of fitness, He was the one that introduced me to much vaunted kettlebell. Through the years I have entered multiple fitness and martial arts competitions and mark was one of the coaches that helped me achieve the levels of fitness to be able to do the things that I want and love. From the gym to the wilderness of the mountain trails of the Philippines the carryover of the kettlebell has helped me alot. As a person he is very PROFESSIONAL coach always looking forward and breaking down the science of things. Highly recommended to help increase strength, work capacity and endurance. So if you are looking for a good professional coach to help your fitness journey, beginner or advance just give him a message.
I am the type who likes sports and activities that is physically draining and damaging but his teachings was able to make me somewhat bulletproof and here I am still alive and kickin doing the crazy stuff I have always loved to do
I read Simple and Sinister around about the start of the year and began training with the programme mentioned in the book but quickly began to realise that my form and technique could really do with some attention by someone who knows what they’re doing. I came across Claire on Instagram and signed up for a few of her zoom workshops on swings and the get up during the first lockdown and have been regularly working with her ever since through zoom training sessions.
She is an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced coach and teacher with the ability to diagnose and correct technique issues extremely effectively as well as being great to get on with and has quite literally changed my whole approach to training and nutrition. Before training with Claire I used to be going around in circles, constantly disappointed by my progress and never seemingly getting anywhere with building my strength and body composition. That’s changed dramatically this year. I’m far stronger with more muscle and better cardiovascular fitness as well as keeping lean. I couldn’t be more grateful for her expertise, guidance and no nonsense coaching that I am constantly learning from and I could not recommended her highly enough!
After many years of not exercising and getting numerous injuries from my aging body I decided it was time to get proactive. I started training with Liz this spring via FaceTime and used the very basics of what I owned in my home including one kettle bell and a few light weights plus some resistant bands. Liz worked very slowly and carefully to get my tired old body back to the strength I once had without causing any injuries. She is very knowledgeable on form, specific exercises for your needs, how to push but not kill you, how to have fun and also give you much encouragement. She keeps telling me I’m stronger than I realize and she’s right. I feel better now than I have in years. I highly recommend Liz to help you with your training needs.
Aaron is a fantastic trainer – both in a class situation and on a one-to-one. He puts a lot of thought into every session and takes real care in knowing his client. I told him three very specific issues I had and he went to great lengths to make sure each were specifically addressed in our sessions whilst also giving me an excellent all around workout. He really wants his clients to leave knowing more than when they arrived and being able to progress on their own time as well as in the sessions. Despite his vast wealth of knowledge, particularly when it comes to kettlebells, he is always expanding his own knowledge and is constantly pushing himself and his clients to learn and improve. He breaks every move down into easily understandable bite size chunks and explains why they work. Whether a new-comer or a seasoned gym-goer, you really could not ask for a better trainer. I cannot recommend highly enough.
Love Aaron’s classes and training method. Aaron clearly explains the movements and correct technique which helps you get the best from your workout and development. Each class Aaron plans is with passion and to a very high standard, always giving alternatives. Personally after each of Aaron’s classes I always feel like I have challenged my body to the max and worked every muscle! I highly recommend Aaron as a trainer. Keep up the great work Aaron ??
Raúl has designed my program focusing on scaffolding strength of my core muscles, movements and precision so that i can work with confidence and away from any injuries. I arrived to his studio with a weakened back due to a lumbar hernia, constant back and leg pain, and after a few sessions i could already feel the difference. Raul is empathetic, kind and firm. Best coach i’ve worked with.
My name is Edgardo. I reside in Mexico City. Training with Raul has been incredible. His workout are both fun and effective. I have learnt with him that is not about how much weight you can lift or how many reps you do but rather concentrating on the technique and the movement. I have better myself in my mobility and resistance under his coaching. I strongly recommend Raul for anybody who wants to improve physical condition or take it to the limit.
Raúl Baca has worked with me for over 1 year now, and I couldn’t recommend a better trainer in Mexico City. He is encouraging, patient and above all knowledgeable and safe. He’s top notch, and I’d highly recommend his expertise. Without his help, I don’t think I would have developed any desire to exercise, much less sustained it.
Raúl is a very consistent, dedicated coach, he has tailored my training according to my flexibility and strength, increasing the efforts and training intensity according to my advance, when the Covid contingency started Raúl focused my training to loose weight, I have almost lost 20 kg, around 40 pounds in the last 6 months, with a great, funny and challenging training that doesn’t drain my energy to keep up to the demands of my day to day job, without pain, and excellent motivation coming from Raúl.
I have trained with Aaron for 2 years, primarily for strength and circuit training at a leading gym in London. My fitness background is in endurance sports and having previously competed at a world championship level, have worked with some great coaches and have high expectations. In short, I rate Aaron as the best general fitness and technical strength coach I have trained with.
You can feel very confident that Aaron will plan your sessions in great detail to ensure you get the full benefit from your time and he is continually seeking new knowledge. As a trainer, he is very supportive and motivating while remaining relaxed and personable. He is very generous in making time available for post session technique work or to provide general advice. His technical knowledge is nothing short of impressive.
Great instructor. Aaron always manages to come with new challenging programmes mixing both conditioning and strength.
Aaron is a great instructor. I’ve really enjoyed his kettle bell classes over the last 18 months and have made great progress.
He is a great communicator and breaks down the moves into simple steps – and he even appreciates that his left side might be different to that of the audience. Amazing!
The kettlebell program that Aaron developed for lockdown perfectly sums up his training style and professional skills. The 4 weeks of videos are well-planned, clearly described, and challenging. Aaron focuses on form and always indicates that programs can be modified to suit individual ability.
Louka was an assistant instructor at a recent SFG cert I attended, but would have been well qualified to teach the whole course himself. He is direct and detailed in describing technique, without over-cueing., and he is surgical in his corrections. It was a pleasure and an honour to have him there for the weekend.
I rang RealFit just over a month ago looking for someone to show me how to throw some kettlebells around. The training, guidance and support Fred has introduced to me is far more then I could have expected. Fred’s level of knowledge and experience of the human body and how it suppose to move is something I have not been exposed to before and my mind body and spirit are grateful for the service RealFit and Fred provide. The fitness industry are lacking gyms like RealFit and professionals like Fred. If you have a body and want to get the best out of it I highly recommend Fred and the team at RealFit.
Aaron is by far the best instructor I have ever met and I feel very lucky to be training with him. I had a surgery and several other injuries and he always knew which alternatives to suggest to make me stronger in a short time. He is not just very knowledgeable and technical but also makes training plans which are never repetitive or boring. I would strongly recommend training with him and learning the art of kettlebells from him.
Aaron is hands-down one of the best instructors/trainers I’ve ever come across in my 10+ years training. He’s one of the few instructors who manages to get the most out of both people who are new to ‘fitness’ and experienced athletes. Aaron is clearly very experienced, knowledgeable and talented (his form is GOALS), but he’s also exceptionally skilled at instructing clients, either in a group setting or 1:1. I’ve watched him with his PT clients and you’d struggle to find anyone that focused on their client in a 1:1 session. He’s passionate, driven, and demonstrates that he’s continuously educating himself in the field. Such a top guy, and a huge asset to Third Space (and wherever life takes him!) – could not possibly recommend him more!
Aaron really knows his stuff, always comes up with a variety of challenging classes at the gym and is always tries to help with technique.
Over lockdown 2, he devised a 16 full body workouts with only 1 kettlebell needed, with videos and instructional commentary ??
Aaron is the most patient and proficient trainer I’ve met. I wasn’t very confident or knew much about exercise or weight training, but Aaron takes the time to explain and model concepts and the foundations with passion and clarity. He has improved my confidence in training, especially with kettlebells, and I love working out now – as he has taught me the cues and movements to thrive. I wish all trainers were as clear and diligent as Aaron, who is always ready to support people to be their best selves, no matter their starting point. Thank you Aaron, you’re one in a million!
I have trained with several instructors in the past and I have never enjoyed strength training as much as I did with Aaron. Not only is he deeply passionate and experienced with kettlebell workout, he has extensive knowledge in other forms of training. Thanks to Aaron’s pointers, I managed to break my personal best record in running. Unlike a usual trainer, Aaron is more like a friend, that is excellent at coaching. He pays attention to details, and would proactively correct my form and provide alternatives when I had injuries. I do not think 5 stars rating justifies Aaron’s level of expertise, I would rate him above that if I could!
Aaron is an excellent trainer, really passionate about his craft, and makes the effort to create a friendly training environment for students. Since starting kettlebell training with him 2 months ago, I’ve seen significant progress in my strength, endurance, and technique. I couldn’t recommend him enough.
Aaron has really helped me on my fitness journey. He has given me loads of advise along the way. He has ample of expertises and Experience!
Fantastic instructor. Aaron put a huge amount of effort in to a tailored workout plan during the November lockdown. His instructions were always clear and thoroughly explained and he put a lot of thought in to making the workouts varied, fun and tough! Aaron was also readily available to answer any questions and did some extra videos to explain different techniques. Made a huge difference for me during the lockdown.
I’ve trained with Aaron at third space and more recently followed his kettlebell programme during lockdown and I’ve really enjoyed it. Very thorough instructions and programming, sending extra video explainers when necessary for the more complex moves. Highly recommend!
Aaron is annoyingly good at what he does. He’ll devise you a workout that leaves you nowhere to hide – but explains it simply and clearly. This means you can get your head round the moves, but not hurt yourself trying to look like the pro he is. My clothes still just about fit during lockdown, due to his kettlebell witchcraft.
Aaron is the absolute best in the business for strength training and improving fitness and endurance. Even in group classes, his instruction is bespoke for each individual and has a firm focus on ensuring technique and skills are correct, for safety and maximum benefit, as well as encouraging you to your full potential. Most of all, you will see results with Aaron, due to his deep knowledge of this field and how to combine exercises appropriately to help you reach your goals. Moreover, he is incredibly friendly, has utmost integrity and seems to make punishing workouts fun and fulfilling. There’s a reason his classes are always have a long waiting list and he’s your first, second and third top choice if you want to get to your goals, safely and as fast as possible. Couldn’t recommend highly enough
Aaron is always really positive and gives great demos and instructions. He got me through lockdown 2.0! Thanks Aaron!
i am his nephew so tell him i want to work out again i have been working out
Julien is a great instructor! He was really helpful in addressing my technique, he’s really easy to learn from and has a great understanding of the Kettlebell.
I’ve known Al for over a year and half now since I first met him at a Strongfirst one day skills course. I’ve dabbled with kettlebells for over 10 years but my progress since the course has been amazing. Al has been a huge part of that. I contacted him after I decided to pursue my SFG1 qualification. He’s a humble and easy going trainer who’s tips and cues I’ve taken on board and then practiced on my own at home. The result has been passing all my skills on the last SFG1 certification and just missing out on the snatch test. I am confident of passing the test before the video deadline. I’m proud to recommend Al as my kettlebell mentor and I’m looking forward to my next session with him.
Reached out Aaron to prepare for my (eventual) SFG certification. We managed to cover a range of skills (Deadlift, Cleans, Presses). He explained them all very clearly. His cues were on point, to correct and improve any faults I was making. He’s a very good instructor and would reach out to him again in the future.
The knowledge and support I have received from Thiemo has been exceptional. Through Thiemo I have become extremely strong over time in terms of barbell, kettlebell and bodyweight training. His own experience, his expertise in programming and coaching all enabled me to perform at the highest possible level in competitions. Thiemo has also made it possible for me to successfully complete the Iron Maiden challenge and be the first StrongFirst Iron Maiden in Germany. Thank YOU for always coaching me to reach my goals!
I sought out Dan earlier this summer in the midst of COVID and smoke in the Santa Cruz area which made it difficult to ride with road cycling friends. I had heard from an avid biker that kettlebells could provide needed conditioning. I had some skepticism that quad and core strength could be increasing by throwing a little heavy ball around, but Dan has helped me become a believer. I am frankly amazed how good I feel after a kettlebell workout. The cardio was a bonus,,I’m a tough 64 year old woman and those things really get my heart pumping! Dan is thorough, tough when needed, precise, kind and encouraging. A real pro. Important to note, I consider his studio and practice COVID safe, and during our individual sessions we have no problems wearing masks and using sanitizer! If you have any inkling about trying out Kettleballs, give Dan a ring.
Diane is incredible! She has been my trainer for over a year and introduced me to kettlebells (love at first site). I am a busy mom with a demanding career and Diane has provided me with short but effective workouts that I can do at home with a handful of kettlebells and a mat. Diane is a compassionate badass. She understands that I am spread thin and works with what I have. At 44 I am stronger than I’ve ever been and Diane’s support has been the key. I am so grateful to have her in my life and only wish I had met her sooner.
I was a bit skeptical with my decision to take virtual kettlebell lessons, but given the current environment (COVID-19), decided to give them a try. It was clear after the first lesson that my concerns were unwarranted. Nagi proved to be an excellent teacher with a keen eye, who could spot errors in my swing over our Zoom sessions. I originally had planned for the single lesson, but after a number of lessons, we are still at it.
I was looking through this website for a coach near me and was lucky enough to find Megan. Have had 2 sessions of 1-2-1 training and both were brilliant. Covered plenty on the basics, she gave me loads of excellent coaching and tips and help sorting out my own programming. And both sessions were really enjoyable. She’s a brilliant coach and a lovely person, highly recommended.
Malou’s attention to detail, posture and passion for KB makes her an excellent trainer. Malou made me a training plan that I still use, and continue to see results with. She’s patient, knowledgeable, i just wish i had more time to train by her side. I could not recommend her more. You will not be disappointed.
Passion, benevolence, pedagogy are 3 words that perfectly characterize Nic.
I had the chance to participate in 2 sessions in small groups with him and the progression was immediate thanks to his advice and his expert eye: in just a few months I went from a 12 kilos to the simple objective, I am delighted and I continue on the path of strength!
Malou and I met during our time working together as scuba instructors. During our free time, Malou started teaching me some workouts with kettlebells. Having never used them before I was thoroughly impressed with her teaching methods. She is very patient, methodical and can help adjust the workout for someone with past injuries that restrict some movements. Would highly recommend her!
Santo has great skills, he pays attention to details and he is also a very good Coach.
Thanks to him, I discover StrongFirst.
I learn a lot with him and I look forward practicing again with Santo because we are Students of Strength !!
Guillaume is a Personal Trainer that is humble, perfectionist and caring with his students.
He pays attention with details and he is always available for his students.
He is a quiet professional.
Guillaume est un Coach humble, bienveillant et perfectionniste.
Il est attentif aux détails et toujours disponible pour aider ses élèves.
Pour faire simple, c’est un professionnel discret.
I highly recommend working Tateki to an athlete of any level.
I’m AMAZED at how well Tateki could coach over Zoom, I hope to work with him in person one day. He is clearly a world-class athlete who loves everything about the human body and its potential for performance: his enthusiasm is motivating and his knowledge is inspiring. He is energetic yet calm, knowledgable but humble, a professional fighter with a gentle touch.
I thought I was getting quite strong with kettlebells and was on track to reach the Simple Standard in a month or two. Given my athletic history I was getting a bit cocky. When I showed him my swing and getup, he immediately found issues that would have likely lead to injuries: I still am stunned he could see small details over zoom. He has given me homework and pages of notes I wrote down after our first session.
Lastly, Tateki has also clearly invested in his space and equipment to be maximally effective over zoom. His eye to detail extends beyond the kettlebells, and I definitely appreciated that.
Tateki is a great instructor who can convey the principles very well through explanations, demos and feedback. He also ties the KB work into martial arts, other exercises and core biomechanic principles in a way that makes everything make so much more sense. It’s highly helpful and also very enjoyable to work with Tataki.
I met Malou as a coach through the CF and then she transmitted me her passion for KB.
She is really rigourous about technic of training and full of communicatif energy and motivation ! Always having News challenge for her students ( and for her :))!
Malou has an incredible passion and attention to detail for the technical aspects of kettlebell training. Perhaps more important is her inner resolve. I’ve never met somebody so determined and mentally strong. Her incredible recovery after breaking every bone in her body is a testament to that strength. Malou isn’t strong. She’s stronger.
Malou was the most patient instructor i have ever had!
Doing it correctly and safely was always the no1 priority.
I felt such an achievement when i learnt new skills with her because i really knew i was doing it properly.
I feel so grateful so have had the opportunity to not only learn from Malou but now be able to call her my friend.
My name is Svetlana.
I am working in Jordan at a diving center. That’s where I met Malou. I was lucky to work with Malou, in addition to diving, she had the opportunity to introduce me to other sports as kettlebel. She picked a special program for me to train , so I’m was absolutely new to this sport. I have to say that this kind of sport is unique for me which needs lots of approach, patience, strengths and time. But this is fun and I really had amazing experience. In one word for me she is a professional in her field. I’m glad I had that opportunity.
I hope to see you soon and continue our training.
Malou is a highly professional and knowledgeable trainer. She really takes the time to explain the rationale behind the KB movements and makes training a really enjoyable process.
I have learned a lot from training with her.
Malou is an excellent instructor. She is patient and knowledgeable. I have met many various instructors from other sports who teach the TGU, and you think you’re learning it correctly from them. Well when Malou taught me, I realised all these people had taught me was bad technique. Thanks to Malou I’ve learnt to keep my shoulder engaged and can now perform a TGU that is nearly half as good as hers!
Working with Amanda has been a game changer. I’m just a regular middle-aged woman who has always worked out. This year I decided to get serious about a life long goal- to do 2 pull ups unassisted. Amanda has provided me with a structured plan that includes strength, mobility, neurology, breath work and rest. I’m still on my journey but I’ve PR’d my press and snatch, cleaned up my form, and have dropped my comfortable running pace by about 1 min per mile. Amanda is energetic, organized, knowledgeable, and fun. She’s found a way to do all of this during a pandemic! I also find her incredibly believable that with the right technique and training, my goal is possible. Teaching me how to activate my lats, finding creative ways to practice a pull up when I don’t have much equipment, time, or space. She challenges me and celebrates each victory along the way. I’d recommend her to anyone who is looking to work smarter, not harder, on reaching their fitness and strength goals.
Excellent coach:
1) Extremely knowledgeable and highly motivated in terms of keeping up to date with the most effective training methods;
2) Great teacher- really good at explaining technique so that students can build strong foundations and develop safely;
3) Very supportive – takes time in between sessions to provide feedback on form and provide advice which means his students are learning outside of scheduled training sessions too.
I had the good fortune to spend 3 days with Jessica when she earned her SFG1 Certification. Aside from her high level of competency with a kettlebell, I found her to be a kind, caring, thoughtful and humble person who sincerely enjoys helping others find their way to new levels of skill and/or health, and who, as a busy mom, can easily relate to folks struggling to squeeze in training time.
I could not recommend Colin enough, the remote training during lockdown was worth every penny. I’ve found his advice an invaluable investment, which even after we have finished our training is still paying off.
Before I found Colin I had been struggling with a strength programme, not sure of where I was going wrong. I have limited time for training and want to spend it as effectively as possible. When I asked Colin for help he quickly identified the areas I needed to address, probing into several areas of my mobility (lack there of) and technique, providing me with specific drills to correct both of these. This allowed me to continue with the programme I’d set out on better able to complete the movements, with far greater skill and confidence. He’s got a clear and easy to understand way of explaining things, as well as a huge repertoire of visual demonstrations. He would frequently check up on my progress and I was surprised by how thorough the whole package was. Although our training is finished for now, I’ll definitely go back to him for help with projects in the future.
Aaron trained me recently and it was a pleasure working with him. He was very patient and understanding, and answered any concerns and questions I had- he is a very good communicator. Additionally, he provided tips and support afterwards via email and asked me to send him videos of my training so that he could monitor me until the next session. Aaron is a great trainer!
Amanda is amazing!! I cannot say enough good about her. She is constantly positive and encouraging while being realistic about goals and never feels just like she’s just blowing smoke. I don’t know how she does it. I’ve been training with her for less than a year and added 8 kg to my press, 8 kg to my snatch and 6 to my Turkish get up. And I started working with her to get stronger at running! I look forward to my training sessions all week because I know I’m going to have fun, I’m going to learn something and I’m going to sweat. Seriously, Amanda is the best!!!!
Kateřina is a great trainer with human approach suitable for every kind of people who want to improve skills in fighting, be stronger or just feeling healthier. I started training with Kateřina as a total beginner couple years ago with Krav maga but her complex knowledge of body strength showed me other ways such as Kettlebell training especially. She also helped me with food diet and now improving my kickboxing techniques.
I will be celebrating 2 years in December with Jake as a trainer! He is awesome! Very knowledgeable, encouraging and patient. He pushes me to do my best know matter the mood I’m in.
I attended the StrongFirst Foundations workshop on the 6th of September at Source Gym in Omagh. The course was excellent. We covered breathing techniques, Planks, Deadlifts, Kettlebell Swings and Press Ups. The foundations of the techniques for each exercise / movement were covered in really good detail. I found it helpful that John broke each technique into stages and then built each stage into the full movement for the exercise he was teaching. This enabled me to learn each stage and follow it properly.
The whole course was fun, engaging and very informative. I had a fantastic day learning and getting involved on the course. I really enjoyed myself.
An easy going but extremely knowledgeable instructor. Really enjoyed his teaching style.
I have been working out with Ian as my personal trainer for over a year now. He has been consistently positive and professional, making me feel very comfortable working with him. The experience has allowed me to see how quickly I can make progress. With him, I have learned about my limits as well as when I can push myself. Ian has been very good about adjusting workouts to meet my needs, including when I need to slow down. His online workouts very conveniently fit it in with everything else I have going on. He has been flexible and accommodating, which I desperately need when it comes to exercise.
When I decided to take my Kettlebell training seriously, one person came to mind. I’ve been a silent follower of Ian for years so I decided to reach out. He’s proven to be a beneficial asset to my training and motivation. He provides structure and knowledge in a way that is easy to understand. His experience in Kettlebells speaks for itself. After just a few months of training I’m seeing real strength gains as well as weight loss. Ian’s workout plans provide a mix of challenge and engagement that creates a sense of accomplishment after each workout session. I look forward to continuing this journey with Ian at Physical Culture.
Michal has very good teaching skills and also he is a nice person. His classes are interesting to attend and he always gives some good advice. He is a great instructor and I highly recommend him.
Pavol is great instructor and nice person. I have learned a lot about strength from Pavol and I always enjoy attending his classes. He is always calm and never hesitates to help. I highly recommend him as an instructor.
Christian has always been patient and encouraging working with me, helping me to push myself beyond what I thought would be possible. Since starting working with him, I have improved my strength and endurance significantly. Throughout multiple rough spots in my life, he has helped me stay focused and on track with my health and fitness. I can now confidently say I am in the best shape I have been in my life and look forward to continuing that trend in the future with Christian’s help.
Nagi has helped my technique so much! She was incredibly accommodating during a time where it is difficult to get into a gym, and set up a video session that I was able to do from my home. She took the time to patiently help me with my technique and I’m still feeling the benefits of it. Sign up for her online sessions and you won’t be disappointed!!
Excellent advice and coaching, without Dr Wall’s assistance I would not be on the road to strength.
Thanks for the great support in Stuttgart. Greetings from Erfurt !!!!
I can only say that my one-on-one KB training session with Owen was absolutely awesome!
The instruction that I received was clear, easy to understand and apply, great cues on how to get a feel for what he was asking me to do differently. I feel that I am now equipped with an abundance of input to make my training at home so much more successful and useful – not only when it comes to gaining more strength, but also for my health. To me, this consultation with Owen was more valuable than what I could have gotten from a visit with a health professional – his knowledge about strength, correct movement patterns and how to apply those in real-life-situations is already helping me to reduce the wear and tear on my body while doing physical labor jobs.
So, I cannot recommend Owen enough and the moment I can make it happen, I will be back for more!
Thiemo is by far one of the best trainer and with a huge amount of knowledge. He helped me a lot on my way to different huge personal goals and certifications.
Whenever there was a problem at my side, he knew how to fix it. You receive a very direct but so usefull feedback of him, it´s pure gold to have him as a trainer for several years and I´m looking forward to more years.
Over the past 6 years of training I have worked with Mike on several different occasions and I am currently working with him again. Mike has a technical knowledge and manner in which he can relay often complex movements in way which make sense and inform me of how to execute these movements in a safe way. He has always tempered his approach to my training to reflect my stage of proficiency or any limitations I have had with regards to strength or mobility. If you are thinking about a strength training leader , I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mike as a equally great trainer at Hardstyle Method.
When I met Tim 18 months ago I had no knowledge or experience with kettlebells and strength training. I was impressed at the extent of his knowledge, but most importantly his ability to break complex concepts down simply in order to make them accessible and easy to understand.
Choosing to begin training with Tim has been one of the best decisions of my life. He has an outstanding ability to tailor each session to get the most out of you, allowing you to lean just over your edge and achieve more than you believed you were capable of. Furthermore, his holistic approach to wellness encompasses more than just strength training. With his guidance I have made significant improvements on both my physical health and mental wellbeing. His ability to lead a brotherhood of like-minded individuals towards a collective sense of purpose is world class.
I could not recommend training with Tim more highly.
Mike Humphreys is not only and amazing trainer but an amazing person also. Mike has been assisting me in my solo training sessions in the gym helping me prepare for SFG1 in November. His ability to analyse, breakdown and fine tune my movements have been the key to my progression the last 2 months. His wealth of knowledge of all facets of strength training and strongfirst are at the highest level. His jovial attitude make it a joy to be in his presence and around the gym aspiring to get better..
Thankyou for all your help Mike.
Jozef is the great coach and teacher to start your strengths journey with, to reach the goals you would never dream off before, even to overcome bad days and lazy days. Jozef has a strong analytical mind and can explain very well. He is patient yet he knows how to motivate you. He is detail oriented with great technique but the most of it, he is a friend always ready to help you. And that makes him a person you want to meet on your way to your better and stronger self.
Mike is an amazing instructor with incredible attention to detail, Mike has a very good ability to relay complex movements and exercise concepts in a easily digestible format for people at all skill levels.
Mike takes a lot of pride in his work and always brings the best out in people whilst in the gym, I would highly recommend Mike as a great choice for a personal trainer!
Michael’s knowledge of strength nutrition and mobility is of the highest level. He has the ability of knowing how to get the most out of you In any session.
Michael’s qualifications speak volumes about the level of understanding he has when it come to teaching students the correct way to train.
I would highly recommend anyone looking for a personal trainer to get in contact. You will not regret it.
I have only been in Tim’s gym for 18 months. What I have been able achieve in this short period time is a testament to the culture he has built in his gym.
Tim’s attention to detail brings on quick learning with a great safety and cultural aspect.
If you want to learn the movements safely and are willing to put in. Tim’s gym is the place to be and you can’t go wrong with Tim as your instructor.
Mike is an outstanding instructor with a high level of knowledge in all aspects of training.
His explanation of complex movements makes learning easy. I have also found Mike to have a keen eye in keeping movements functionally strong and safe.
I should know, I came to him in pretty poor condition with a baggage list of spinal issues that I wouldn’t put my worst enemy through. It’s now been 18 months and I just completed my first snatch test.
I would not hesitate in recommending Mike as an Instructor.
I have been training under Tim Almond for 4+ years, my first interview consisted of Tim seeking understanding of my level of fitness, what my goals in strength were and Tim then took the time to explain he would provide me with the tools to walk into any conventional gym and be confident exercising safely with correct technique. Years later, I am still training with Tim and would not even think of entering a conventional gym.
Tim leads from the front and demonstrates what hard work and dedication to the craft will achieve.
You do not get a chance to give up on yourself, Tim provides a community for likeminded people to have fun whilst pushing yourself to achieve your personal goals.
My goal is 24kg military press and world record kettle bell swings. For me to achieve these goals, Tim has provided tailored programs and checks in on my progress and provides assistant work to help me achieve these goals.
I have attended many courses and certifications which Tim has facilitated; breathing workshops, introduction to Kettlebells, deadlift courses, mobility courses, SFG1, SFG2 and many more. I learnt a lot about myself, how my body moves and Tim’s knowledge and passion is what makes these courses powerful.
I have recently asked Tim to train my daughter who just turned 9, within 8 weeks she can perform a TGU, 2H Swing, KB Deadlift. In her words “favourite day is Thursday, definitely come here, Tim explains and shows me how to do the movement and I have fun!”
I was searching for a different approach to fitness and training which included variety, strength progression and accountability. Tim’s introduction to StrongFirst based training ticked all those boxes and allowed me to cater my fitness journey to my specific goals whilst developing the many nuances to the core movements of kettlebell training. This was 6 years ago and I have as much passion for my training as the years have progressed. The Hardstyle gym is state of the art and with best equipment to deliver on Tim’s commitment to strength training. Just as important to me as the training is the great community of guys that train at Hardstyle which make it a highlight of my week.
I’ve suffered from health issues for over ten years. After overcoming my illness I turned to Tim to help me get physically functional again. Currently I’m in the best physical shape I’ve ever been in.
Tim is able to deconstruct, explain and demonstrate movements in a simple and straight forward manner which has allowed me to rapidly improve in my technique and strength.
His training methods are innovative and holistic, pursuing not only strength and technical excellence but also mobility, recovery and the creation of the right mental scaffolding needed to reach the highest levels of your training journey.
Highly recommended, one of the best trainers in Australia
I have recently been training with Brenda but have attended many of her spin classes in the past and already knew what a great coach she was. I am 63 and I had a hip replacement last year and am currently waiting on the other hip being done, (postponed due to covid). Having been reasonably fit before, I really needed to build up my confidence and work on making my hips as strong as they can be to aid recovery from surgery and eventually regain some of my fitness. When Brenda recommended kettlebells I wasn’t sure how I would manage but with her consistent attention to safety and precise technique I have been “unlearning ” bad habits and gaining new skills. The result has been that I feel better mentally and physically. Brenda has helped me learn more about the body than I thought there was to know and she know s so much! We have fun and videoing my attempts to carry out exercises has helped me when she’s not there. I know that when I finally have my hip op I’ll be going in better prepared and have a quicker recovery thanks to Brenda. I know ,too, that Brenda will help when I’m ready to return to kettlebells.
This man literally changed my life for better. He helped me to build strength foundation and showed how to train in sustainable manner. Great coach and friend.
Michal has exceptional coaching skills, he od very clear, supportive and motivational. He always looks for new ways how to help his students and always puts his own ego aside.
I’ve been training with Tim for a number of years and find him to be extremely knowledgeable and you can always trust him to notice any flaws in your form and correct them. Tim’s always enthusiastic and his programming (and knowledge) is world class. Tim knows how to motivate and get the best out of everyone.
I wouldn’t train anywhere else.
I first met Tim over two years ago and it was him that started me off on my experience of Kettlebells and learning about strength- and what an experience it has been so far.
One memory that stands out for me is from the SFG 1 certification weekend when Tim lead the final group workout- his ability to instruct, encourage and inspire has stuck in my mind- That was a big moment for me as it helped me realise my limits were not in fact my limits and I still had more to give; I was able, after two years of training do it without flaring up old injuries. I am now a proud to call myself a Certified SFG Level 1 Instructor.
On a different note, as a physio and someone who has dedicated himself to ongoing learning and mastery of human movement and using it to help others with their injuries and movement efficiency, I know I am in the best place in Perth to continue my education of Kettlebell training and strength principles which I can apply to myself and my work.
Tim’s knowledge and attention to detail is second to none and it is a real privilege to continue to learn from him and the other experienced instructors and members of the Hardstyle Method gym.
I’ve been training with Tim for some months – when Tim initially asked me what my goals were, I answered with a “..taking my training to the next level”… oh boy! I had no idea what the next level would start to become.. In these short months I have gone from knowing nothing about kettlebells to becoming addicted to the theory, practice, results and everything else that goes with the Strongfirst way. Tim has shown me time and time again just how deep his knowledge goes (world class and I suspect we haven’t even scratched the surface!) and how that knowledge can lay foundations to achieving my very specific goals.
I am looking forward to what strength milestones I can achieve in the future under Tims coaching.
Oh and that lingering back stiffness that was persistent throughout the last five years. It’s gone.
I have been training under Tim for over 2 years now. The experience and ability to explain information at all ability levels is impressive. He know how to push everyone at the gym to get the most out of themselves. Over the 2 years he has changed the way I look at what strength is and what training is about. I would training with Tim for anyone of at any level of their fitness journey.
I have been following/training with Tim for 3 years now and have completed my SFG I and attempted SFG II.
His attention to detail, knowledge and coaching ability is second to none and keep me coming back to the gym. As someone who has previously trained and played in an elite Athlete setting I can confirm that the level of training and coaching quality pales in comparison to what you get when you train with Tim.
I can not recommend him enough and would encourage anyone interested in becoming better to train with him.
When you first meet Tim you very quickly understand this guy knows his stuff and has a very strong passion for StrongFirst and kettle bell training. The knowledge he passes onto his student is priceless. If you have ever wanted to learn StrongFirst I recommend making an appointment with Tim. The community that Has been created at hardstyle is fantastic. Do your self a favour and book a consult with Tim.
I started strength training with Beth February 2020. In fact she trains both my mom and I. She has this ability to create an enjoyable, informative space while providing customized coaching to each of us. I’ve learned so much about my body’s abilities and have redefined what healthy means to me all because of Beth! Kettle bells has also been a fun journey, it provides a great opportunity to really develop strength, focus and skill and not get bored!
I’ve been training with Tim for 2 years and in that time he has changed my understanding of strength and movement, Tim leads by example and always strives for perfection. I would recommend training with Tim for anyone at any level, his knowledge and grasp of the strong first system and exercise systems in general is second to none.
Best personal trainer!! Always in a good mood, sympathetic and motivating.
Through Thiemo Nass, the sport became a pure passion.
Thank you so much for the valuable and instructive training sessions.
I attended the Strong First Foundation Workshop in SourceGym in Omagh.
We covered breathing techniques, Deadlifts, Kettlebells, Mobility, Push Ups and even talked a little about TSC.
John’s teaching was fantastic, he really broke everything down into simple to follow steps, which will really help improve my workouts. The whole day flew by, with plenty of craic to go with it.
I really can’t recommend John’s workshops enough, they will help you further understand how muscle groups work and even help you understand how tiny movements can give you that extra push in your workout.
I look forward to more workshops of John’s and hopefully be able to expand my knowledge once again.
I attended a Strong First Foundation Workshop on 6th September in@SourceGym Omagh.
It covered mobility, breathing techniques, Kettlebell movements, Deadlifts, Plank and Push ups(with a little segue into pull ups).
John is an excellent coach, who is dedicated to the Strong First code. We were taught to a very high standard, with clear instructions, in a friendly relaxed manner.
The whole day was informative and also full of craic.
I highly recommend John and will definitely be attending more workshops given by him.
I have over 15 years training history and was in predicament at the start of lockdown with no access to a gym and 2 Kettlebells I managed to purchase before the stores closed. Colin designed a series of programs with the scarce equipment I had, that are fun, varied, progressive and have yielded significant conditioning and strength gains, improved my mobility, all whilst losing fat and building muscle. I had never worked with Kettlebells before or a trainer remotely, I am now a convert to both and evangelise Kettlebells to friends and colleagues. Colin’s program design and his setup for delivering training remotely is very well organised and professional. Colin is very knowledgeable in all areas, from nutrition to building strength, he’s the best trainer I have worked with and wouldn’t hesitate recommending him.
Kevin taught me all I know about kettlebells and really drilled into me what true strength training looked like. He pushed me everyday to lift stronger while also ensuring I had proper technique and form. After joining Kevin’s swim squad I saw so much improvement and prepared me to continue my athletic career in college.
Andrea is detail oriented and she always looks for perfection in technique. She is patient and always willing to help. She is a great instructor and I highly recommend her.
Andrea is passionate teacher gifted with watchful eye for technical details. Want to move better, get into shape and improve your health? Then get trained by this great coach 🙂
Jozef is very knowledgeable and great instructor. He is very patient and he is willing to help anytime. If you want to learn a lot about strength and technique and to get stronger in a safe way I highly recommend Jozef as an instructor.
Betsy is an experienced, patient, confident, competent and thorough instructor.
She prepared me for both my Level 1 and 2 kettlebell certifications and is constantly available with firm and compassionate coaching.
Her experience is obvious as she coaches – she has a keen eye and so many helpful drills in her toolbelt.
She is relentless in the pursuit of your success. She is not phased by a students’ struggles and she makes learning technique fun.
Whether you’re preparing for your Level 2 kettlebell certification, deciding to use kettlebells for fat loss, or recovering from surgery, you can trust Betsy Collie to take care of your health and your goals.
I cannot thank her enough for how she has trained me.
I’d reached a rut in my training when I contacted Claire. I run a Martial Arts school, and until recently I competed at National and World level. After following a couple of different kettlebell ‘plans’ during the initial phase of lock down, I realised I needed a coach.
My zoom sessions with Claire were friendly and no nonsense. She was able to connect my experience in my Martial Arts training and instructing, with Strong First Kettlebell training, and give me the tools to build from there.
Over the course of 6 weeks Claire built knowledge and technique in my training, with a simple and effective plan that I continue to progress with, several weeks later.
In addition to the training, Claire gave simple to follow Nutritional advice. My shape has improved, as has my strength and mobility.
As a coach myself, I highly recommend Claire.
I have recently become involved with Tim Almond over the last two months after having moved home and now being fortunate enough to now living 5 minutes away from the Hardstyle Method. What can I say, this man needs no introduction, he is a true master of his craft and his knowledge and wisdom of all things kettlebell and strength is second to none. His detailed analysis and breakdowns of various techniques such as the swing and snatch have helped me immensely on my strength journey and his focus on the technical aspects of the kettlebell I benefit from greatly after every session. Tim has instilled the confidence in myself to attempt my SFG1 certification in a few months and for that I am great ful and never thought possible before I started training with him. Not only do I consider this man my mentor but due to his care factor and care of his students now consider him like a brother. Thanks Tim
Tim’s attention to detail and knowledge are some of the best in the world. His ability to teach and explain to all levels makes him a great teacher.
He understands movement and the human body. Allowing him to help you move better and with more purpose.
I have done multiple StrongFirst workshops and certifications. Tim’s ability to always be sharpening his teaching skills and develop better ways to bring across what he knows is amazing.
Strenuous physical activity all but ceased for me 18 months ago, at the age of 33, with the diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis; an arthritis type auto-immune disease typified by inflammation of the lower back, pelvis and hips. My days would begin awakening in agony and having to roll from bed onto the floor, up into a crawl, then eventually onto my feet as I managed to get some movement into my joints. I’d proceed to grit my teeth and fight through my shift at work with the assistance of NSAIDS and painkillers.
Fortunately, I was eventually diagnosed and put on monthly injections of a modern biologic which reigned in the worst of the inflammation and associated pain (these injections are the difference between me walking or needing a wheelchair in my 50’s). What the medicines, physiotherapy, podiatry, acupuncture etc couldn’t help me with was the remnant chronic fatigue, insomnia and constant limp from crippling plantar fasciitis. I was told further improvements would only come via rest and cortisone injections.
I was aware of StrongFirst as someone who’d read ETK and swung the odd bell before my body twisted up on me. I found Tim had a gym not far from where I live via the website and contacted him to see if he had any ideas that could help get me moving again and hopefully back to work.
I write this after 6 weeks of twice weekly sessions with Tim and the crew at Hardstyle Method. My limp is all but gone, the custom orthopaedic insoles I was told I’d need for the rest of my life are in the bin along with the referral for cortisone injections. I sleep like the dead and have getups for breakfast. This morning at home I military pressed a 24kg kettlebell 50 times with each hand.
I have Tim to thank for the new lease on life that I now have. His knowledge and enthusiasm for strength and health have pushed me towards my own strength and health. I might even avoid that desk job after all.
Nagi is an excellent instructor. My wife and I both recently started exercising with kettlebells and wanted to be sure our form was correct. COVID and convenience had us looking for local instructors willing to hold online sessions, which led us to Nagi.
Nagi is incredibly flexible and extremely motivating to learn from. Her explanations and demonstrations of the movements are very clear and easy to understand, despite the limitation of online video (and in both English and Japanese!). After just our first 1 hour session, swings feel so much better! Looking forward to continuing our training!
A committed and insightful coach who understands your limitations, strengths and trains to achieve the goals you set. Fun person to train with!
Have completed 6 sessions with Coach Mathy. I found him on this site and reached out to him directly. My objective has been to get my form right with specifically the KB swings and TGU’s. With recurring issues with my back I wanted to make sure I have the right person to guide me through this process. Not only has he helped me strengthen my back but has guided me to meet my objectives. He’s a great guy and I highly recommend him.
How do you sum up 8 years of a relationship in a few paragraphs? I will attempt it here:
I first met Coach Mark back in 2012 through a common friend. At that time I had already tried a few different trainers / different gyms. I also have been educating myself on strength training / muscle growth principles. I reached an epiphany when my (trainer then) insisted on having me go through sets and sets of bicep curls and leg curls, but couldn’t teach me how to deadlift. We tried, but the whole arrangement felt awkward. The trainer looked great physically but I could see has was not confident. And so another search began…
I went to this very rock-and-roll powerlifting gym where Coach Mark was stationed and finally met him. The first test I think was if I could do a strict bar pull-up. And at that point I could not do a single pull-up! Lol. Under Coach’s tough love no BS training (which has been mentioned here in the testimonials). What follows would be a string of first milestones (my first pull-up, pull-ups, deadlift, barbell squat, truck tire flips, etc). And eventually I would be introduced to the kettlebells and the movements which would be the main tool I would be training in for the next years. The weights of the bells would increase and I would move on from the beginner bells to certification category bells.
The confidence I gained from training would also carry over to other aspects. Milestones in work like promotions, certifications, client commendations would just appear. And overall I gained a brighter and sunnier outlook in life 🙂 If I was a musician this is akin to winning Grammy awards left and right.
Aside from purely strength training, Coach Mark would always make it a point that I understood the principles themselves and how these are interconnected. Just like life there would be setbacks and there have been many instances where I am not in a right mental space. And then training would adjust, and it would help me navigate these as well.
There is a sweet spot between envelope pushing and care/wellness, and he has placed himself there in the goldilocks spot there adjusting as necessary in the center. In summary of all those years, Coach Mark is the closest to a martial arts mentor/sensei I have ever met. I am glad to have met and continue training with him. And I highly recommend him to both beginners and advanced / athletes as I’m sure you will learn and also enjoy training with him 🙂
I’m from the US but moved to the Philippines for school and work in 2016. Coach Mark helped me find quality kettlebells to buy in Metro Manila (20kg, 16kg, and 8kg). We started training in-person in 2017. He’s very good at articulating proper technique. In 2020, I moved back to the US. I’m so grateful that Coach Mark offers online coaching/ programming. We have a 12 hour time difference but he’s very accommodating and flexible. We train on kbs, barbell, and bodyweight. If you’re looking for someone who is knowledgable in all three (plus more) I would highly recommend training with Coach Mark!
In early 2016, I was getting bored to tears of exercise machines and looking for something different. At my age (mid 60’s back then) I did not want to get into something that might get me hurt. Although tempted by CrossFit, it seemed too competitive, which inevitably leads to injury. I read about Peter and kettle bell workouts in Healthy Living, and have never looked back. As mentioned in earlier reviews, his knowledge of exercise, nutrition, and the human body is unsurpassed. He addresses all aspects of athleticism, and creates workouts designed to increase strength, endurance, mobility and flexibility, but also adds fun and unusual regimens to keep it fresh and interesting (e.g. Indian clubs, Kali sticks, mace, drag rope.) I was diagnosed in April of last year with Parkinson’s Disease and found that Peter’s varied workouts address all of the movement difficulties associated with the disease.
I hope to be working out with Peter and his steady group of students for many years to come.
My friend and I didn’t really have a plan anymore with our training, we were working out regularly, but it was like empty training. So in January we talked about hiring an online trainer. We both followed Ericka and a few other bell boss women on Instagram, but Ericka stood out with us. She was the same age, she worked hard and we loved her style. Ericka was the best decision we could have made for ourselves. We have been training with her now for 8 months, and it’s been awesome. We put in the work and we see the results, she gets us.
Had a very useful session with Aaron. We managed to cover a range of skills, from basic to complex, and Aaron explained them all very well. He’s a very good instructor and very keen on ensuring sessions are tailored to what you need.
Coach Mark is a unique trainer with unique sessions ,
Pushing each other , every session is surprisingly different ; No session is similar to the previous one …
So keeps you eager to know how its going to be different ,
Always using scientific concepts & protocols during trainings ,
Focusing on details for proper forms ,
Trying his best to avoid injuries since it delays progress ,
its my pleasure to train with Mark as a coach & as a friend .
We met Peter seven years ago when I was told by my son’s physical therapist that the best thing we could do was to find a good personal trainer. My son had special needs following two brain surgeries and now has ataxia. It was important to find a trainer that would be able to deal with Brian’s balance issues but still give him the core and cross body mixed exercises that he would need.
We were absolutely delighted with Peter’s ability to not only quickly come up with creative ways to help Brian improve but his compassion and caring as well. Peter never puts a person in hurtful situations. He is extremely knowledgeable in the human body. He can find those minute muscles that were holding up any progress that you had before because they weren’t getting worked.
I have worked with a fair amount of trainers over the years and now physical therapists too. What makes Peter different than all of them is that he not only can think outside the box to get results. When he tells you how to do something, he not only tells you how to do it correctly (and guides you through it), but tells you what and how you should be feeling doing so, so that you know fully that you are on the right path. He is patiently with you every step of the way.
Brian loves martial arts as well and Peter has found inventive ways to get the most out of Brian’s performance issues while keeping Brian very happy doing so, incorporating martial arts (and the meanings of the movements) into Brian’s workouts.
Peter has taken Brian from using a walker to being independent without one. Within one year, Peter gave Brian the ability to walk without a walker at his high school graduation. That was six years ago. Now Brian is an extremely strong individual who always looks forward to working with Peter.
Thank you Peter for all of your help, kindness, caring and dedication! We are very grateful to have you in our lives.
I was able to do an online lesson which was very helpful during the coronavirus pandemic. During the lesson I received lots of valuable feedback that helped me greatly improve my form and skill with the kettlebell. When I have some time I will be requesting more lessons.
In the beginning of 2018 I contacted Alan to take me through every thing I needed to know to pass level 1 SFG. Al, as we know him, is committed and passionate about Strongfirst and kettlebells. He has been a tremendous teacher and support, he is extremely thorough and has a great eye for detail.
I couldn’t recommend Al enough. Thank you Al.
Pavol is the definition of quiet professional.
Want to get stronger, healthier, better conditioned ? Pavol got your back.
Also Pavol is one of the few people who can teach you the proper Bent Press technique.
Excellent day on the deadlift and kettelbell foundation day with John couldn’t recommend it enough
I have been attending Kettlebell classes with James for the last two years and has now become one of my staple workouts. He is technically brilliant, explains the moves exceptionally well and continues to remind everyone of the correct techniques which is crucial when lifting or swinging a heavy Kettlebell. Classes are challenging, but James keeps them varied and has shown how amazingly versatile a Kettlebell can be, so much so that I now own two myself.
James is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about what he does which rubs-off to everyone he trains, I myself have become fitter, stronger and healthier and look forward to many more years of Kettlebell classes with James.
I first started training with Peter for my up and coming wedding, I had no real future plans to continue. I quickly learned Peters coaching style was so diverse and different then anything I had tried before! I was hooked right away! And so began my journey to a healthier me! Peter help me through both of my pregnancies all the way up to my delivery, and right after I was surprisingly able to get back to workouts within a week. I couldn’t believe how strong I was and how good I felt right after giving birth!
I highly recommend Peter! He is a well rounded coach, with something to offer everyone. It’s been 9 years of training with Peter, and I am so grateful for the gift he has helped me gain! I am a stronger, healthier version of me because of him! thank you Peter!!
With a focus on technique delivered through clear and concise instructions, James kettlebell classes are hugely enjoyable whilst being invigorating and challenging at the same time. His classes, which cover the core KB disciplines, are varied, interesting and he gives time to each individual as required to ensure each movement is carried out correctly and safely.
I have learnt so much from James in a relatively short period of time, his passion, patience, support and motivation is second to none. I am now doing things with a KB I would never have dreamt was possible and that is all down to James and his excellent coaching skills. I would have no hesitation in recommending James to anyone that is thinking of taking up KB’s to improve their core strength and mobility.
I had the pleasure of participating in a Strongfirst workshop with John Kenny on the 8th August 2020. It was a 1-day work shop that went over the basic kettlebell movements Deadlift, Swing, body weight plank, push-ups and breathing techniques, which are extremely important to develop stability.
I highly recommend taking one of these workshops with John if you have any interest in kettlebells at all, not only will you get taught to an extremely high standard by a very knowledgeable coach but you will also get great banter and an amazing lunch which John provided.
I did StrongFirst Foundations Workshop with John. This was really good introduction to StrongFirst philosophy, John is a great teacher. Looking forward for next events.
John gave a very engaging and comprehensive introduction into the SF ethos and practice at the recent day-long foundations workshop.
Would highly recommend and I’ll be back for more!
Excellent, clear and comprehensive instruction by John on the Strong First Essentials course
I have been training with Kat for many years and strongly recommend her as a trainer. She is very careful with form and I have had very few injuries over the years. Those I did have (all through my own fault), Kat has worked carefully with me to not aggravate and recover from quickly. She also keeps things interesting and varied. Definitely a keeper for the long term, cannot recommend highly enough!
I have worked with Peter for almost nine years. He has helped me gain strength, flexibility, mobility, balance and confidence. The quarantine disrupted our fitness schedule, but Peter stayed in touch and found a way to teach via Zoom using his knowledge as a master instructor and his understanding of the individuals in our class. It was a lifeline in so many ways. Reach out to Peter. He will know what to do help you reach your goals.
When I turned 60 I set a goal to find an exercise I liked (had never exercised a day in my life). I bounced around for a year, trying different trainers & classes five days/week. Luckily I heard about Peter & have been training with him for nine years, 3-4 days/week. I love that every workout is different, so definitely keeps my interest. Peter is incredibly kind, patient and encouraging. Without a doubt, he is the most knowledgeable in southern Oregon about the body & movement. He constantly corrects & stresses the importance of form and technique. As a 70 year old grandmother, I am stronger than I have ever been in my life! Peter has definitely improved my quality of life. Added bonus is I am amazed how often I get complimented on my muscular arms.
Before I started training with Kat I asked people who I knew had trained with her, about their experience. Every single one said Kat is awesome. My experience? Awesome ? as well.
I am a personal trainer and Pilates teacher well versed in strength and movement, but I’ve never felt better or been stronger after working with Annie. The kettlebell skills I’ve learned as her student have helped me personally and with my own clients. I would recommend her to any one who has wanted to try kettlebell training but heard they ‘aren’t safe’ because she does such a great job coaching form, movement and confidence in utilizing the weight. 12/10 – BOOK WITH ANNIE!
Just attended my SFGL2 with Ryan this weekend and was really impressed by not only his knowledge, but his enthusiasm for teaching.
I first came to Peter wanting to get into better shape for backpacking and my upcoming wedding. He was very thorough and patient, taking time to explain each movement as well as how it would increase my stability and strength.
Our sessions together were efficient and filled with variety. I left each time feeling confident to do the routines on my own for the remainder of the week. He was great at checking in on my progress and updating my routine as needed, all while keeping my personal goals in mind.
I continued working with Peter through my two subsequent pregnancies and was in the best shape of my life at 8 months pregnant! We focused on stability and core strength to prevent injury and aid in labor. Feeling strong and stable while pregnant was amazing.
I highly recommend Peter Wolf. Whatever your goals, he will help you reach them. Thank you Peter!!
I came to Colin to do a FMS before I started to train properly with kettlebells. He’s great fun and goes above and beyond to answer any questions. Would highly recommend him to anyone looking for help with physical training (and wanting to have a laugh at the same time).
I am a member of the RCMP and more specifically I work as part of the Emergency Response Team here in Ottawa. I’ve worked with Jose now for approximately 4 or 5 months. Recently I was part of a prolonged call which had us in the bush tracking and searching for a fugitive over 5 days. The bush was predominantly uphill and often was dense and thick brush. My entire 10 years with ERT and I’ve never felt so good in the bush. Usually my hip flexors were fatigued within 500meters. Stepping over logs and scrambling was literally a recipe for fatigue and soreness. Usually I’d end up exhausted and mentally spent.
I have to say the work he had me doing paid off in spades. I felt so good powering up through the terrain. Not to say it wasn’t hard but the difference my glutes and hams provided was incredible. I’d like to see the entire team working with him. Great work Jose!
Top StrongFirst Instructor in Poland! Her knowledge is huge and she knows how to coach a student to achieve his/her goals. She is strong and kind. Great example of StrongFirst values. If you have opportunity to work with her you should definitely do it!
When I first started working with kettlebells on my own I quickly realized I’d need help in tuning my form, and integrating a program with my long distance running, from someone that knows how to do such things. Alison has helped with all that, and more. She has a keen eye for isolating movement problems, providing the right corrective exercises, and comes up with very effective cues to trigger the right movement in the moment. She helped me with a program that fits with my existing running goals, and maintaining an overall balance in training and life. Most importantly I’ve gotten stronger and fitter with her instruction while remaining injury free. I look forward to every session with Alison, and highly recommend her coaching.
Pavol is very nice person to train with. Quiet professional. Big man with big instructor skills!
Andrea is passionate instructor with great attention to detail. Students love her and it is always pleasure to work alongside her. If you want to be really taught in skills of strength and movement then she is the right person to go to.
Shortly after becoming SFG I certified in 2015 I read an article on the SF blog Tim wrote on taming the Beast. I was no where near taming the Beast the the program made sense logically and I’m a learn by doing kinda guy so I hopped on it. While I didn’t tame the Beast (yet) the program DID take me to a DBL 44k Front Squat, DBL 36k Military Press (for 2 at 160 lbs.) and a 36k pull-up.
I continued to follow Tim on instagram and couldn’t help but be impressed. In 2019 I started tracking my tonnage from a few posts I’d seem him post on instagram. His instagram posts alone helped me vastly improve my snatch strength and conditioning.
Present day (July 2020) I’ve found an even greater passion for the strength, power, endurance, and efficiency snatching gives me. Naturally when you find someone who can do a 40k snatch test in under 4 minutes it grabs your attention. While I haven’t personally worked with Tim (little tough from NY to Australia), his instagram posts and willingness to openly share his knowledge has been and incredible resource.
If you want to not only get stronger, but pursue MASTERY of a skill (specifically the snatch in my case), I couldn’t think of a better guy to learn from.
Thanks Mate!
Totally someone I would love to train under!
I had a private kettlebell session with Nic – focused, good instructor and a very nice guy. I learned more about kettlebell technique in 2 hours than in 5 years of CrossFit. Will definitely come back!
Aaron is an excellent instructor who cares personally about success of his students. Tailoring every session to your abilities he breaks complex movements down into smaller drills that are just right for you. He is also very approachable and always happy to help. Will definitely continue working with him!
I found John to be an brilliant instructor. He gave very clear and easy to understand instructions with good reasoning. I found the workshop to be very relaxed and extremely informative. I would highly recommend John as a trainer.
Good foundations support growth.
John clearly commits to his students and shares his knowledge and skill in a safe and strategic manner.
Well worth attending and I look for to more of John’s workshops.
Had a great session with Aaron. Nice guy, professional and a master at his craft. He’s a great teacher and can help you quickly overcome any issue you may have. Cannot recommend him highly enough.
Highly recommend johns classes. I found he really helped me understand the basics as I’m only new to weightlifting
John is very knowledgeable in his field. Easily communicates the fundamentals and drills during the course. Very relaxed and comfortable environment , which made the course very enjoyable
Just did a StrongFirst Foundations workshop in Dublin with John. Really informative and I can’t wait to put everything into practice!
Just attended my first StrongFirst workshop and it was a very informative day, with lots to take away and put into practice.
Look forward to other days
I train with Mark and I appreciate his deep knowledge and sincere integrity.
He has ability to meet you and communicate effectively and productively. Training with him is challenging.
Mark has knowledge and experience and a passion for Kettlbell and specially the heavy kettlebell .
His understanding in general has helped to propel him into being a credible force and expert in the world of kelttlebell.
We are lucky to have mark in our region.
Good Day, my name is Oscar Madrid, I from Orizaba Veracruz Mexico and I so interested on kb courses, if you could share me some contact please in order to talk about certification and more .
I attended an online kettlebell swing workshop run by Claire.
I really enjoyed the workshop. Claire was able, even after watching just a few swings, to give each of us precise feedback to immediately improve with, which made a remote workshop feel very hands-on and personal.
She had a trove of evocative and entertaining cues and explanations, so there was a fun vibe even while we were working hard. I look forward to the next one!
I took part in Claire’s online kettlebell swing workshop and thought it was great, I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot in the session and Claire gave great advice about correcting my swing technique and also how to breathe correctly when swinging a kettlebell. Thank you Claire and I look forward to attending your sessions in the future.
I first met Tim in November 2019 during my SFG1 in Perth.
Professionally I’ve work in Musculoskeletal rehab, manual therapy(Myotherapist) and as a strength coach currently based at Absolute MMA Melbourne. I have been lucky to work with Olympic and world champions from track sprinting, powerlifting & Brazilian JiuJitsu and their coaches. Tim is among the best, he is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable coaches I have worked with.
Since the SFG he has offered guidance and programming advice in my training, but also in aiding in programming advice for Running kettlebell classes within the MMA gym that I run. Thank you for being a great leader Tim, looking forward to attending your courses in future.
Grace is an amazing instructor who helped me be in the place I am today, starting off I had no gym experience but Grace stepped up and showed me the way. I am now an EMT/ Firefighter who thoroughly enjoys working out especially with a kettlebell! Grace is an amazing coach in multiple ways but what really stuck out to me was her ability to constantly motivate or connect with anyone she was caching during a class!
Grace is awesome! I have been fortunate to have her as a coach for the past few years and have learned so much. Grace encouraged me to train for the TSC last year, probably something I wouldn’t have volunteered to do on my own, and I am so glad I did! She was with me every step of the way- training with me, encouraging me, and making sure my form and technique were spot on. Grace has the ability to bring out the best in her students, no matter what level they are and I consider myself lucky to have her as my coach.
I have had Grace for an instructor for over a year. When I started I had no experience with kettlebell and very little weight lifting training. Grace was very helpful when I was a new student and was willing to give extra help as I was learning proper technique. As I’ve continued with training Grace has helped me improve and meet my goals. Grace is a wonderful instructor and makes me look forward to working out every week!
I’ m very new to kettle-bells and steel mace and Tom’s instruction helped me feel more safe and confident with my training.
I’ve worked with Claire over the last three years, our first formal meeting was the SFG 1, Oct 2016, where she led my team as the senior instructor, subsequently at the SFL one day course summer 2017 and certification in Nov 2017 and most recently SFG1 recertification Oct 2018.
I have worked informally and one to one throughout this period and have Claire as my current and future goal development coach
From the very first coaching session to date, Claire has an uncanny ability to spot the the leakage points in any of the technical movements championed by the Strongfirst standards.
Not only does she identify these points she systematically identifies a route to maximum effective improvement and strength gain, whilst remaining technically solid.
Most recently we have worked online with great effect in a style that suits my learning where we review my progress online one to one, set goals and a timeline, I feedback every practise session and Claire points to areas of focus and improvement .
I have plenty mileage on the clock with several significant injuries and heavy wear and tear, through two decades of military, personal and instructor training . Claire has navigated successfully all of this with true understanding and professionalism, and has my complete trust .
Claire is my coach and go to when things are not working and as an ongoing set of eyes that I can be confident in, to give honest and candid feedback to maximum impact and effect.
If you are serious about developing your technical strength and conditioning with longevity, you’ve found the answer.
Tom is incredibly methodical and organized in how he introduces kettlebell novices to the equipment. He empowers through clear communication, explaining how to modify exercises both for those just learning and concentrating on form/ safety and those who need a challenge for strength building within the reality of fewer options of equipment and space. He makes his classes high yield, yet always approachable. Tom shows through example that strength is a practice and there is always room to improve and grow.
Tim is very passionate about his Bells and it shows through his eagerness to share his vast and entertaining knowledge.
I went into this course with a sound understanding of Kettlebell’s and was pleasantly surprised to find that I’d only scratched the surface.
Tim has excited a sense to go explore further what I’d previously thought of Kettlebells, Health & Fitness.
Megan – “the glorious” – is talented, wise (beyond her years), funny and beautiful, both in physique and presence. She has re-ignited my wish to become fitter and I always feel improved in body and mind after a session with her. She rightly deserves her new title – “the glorious.” In great admiration and gratitude.
Rose
I highly recommend the Kettlebell workshop with Tim. He is very easy to listen to and demonstrates each move as he explains it. The workshop is very hands on and engaging for everyone. Tim is professional and encouraging to all students who attend.
An extremely knowledgeable man. If I kept doing it alone and didn’t come to see Tim and learn how to do kettlebell moves with proper technique I don’t think I would have ever progressed. I feel confident I can bigger, stronger and happier without injuring myself! Plus he’s a great bloke! Thanks heaps Tim.
Excellent knowledge and accommodating with all levels. I’d highly recommend for anyone to to train with Tim.
Tim provided a truly sophisticated and focused overview of the basic kettlebell movements. I have covered off a number of weaknesses and gained a great deal of confidence in just one day. I can’t wait to apply this in the weeks to come.
Tim’s course far exceeded expectations. His insights into health & fitness were motivational and informative, and his kettlebell knowledge was impressive. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and I couldn’t recommend his course enough.
Tim Almond is able to articulate his knowledge in a comprehensive and intuitive way that accelerated our learning on the kettlebell workshop at The Mill. We left knowing a lot more and able to practice with confidence what we had learnt.
Thanks Tim for you professionalism and commitment to our health and well being.
I started working with SIlvia in August of last year. I had this faded idea of myself as an ex athlete who at 47 years old had somehow become an immobile balloon at 125.7 kg could barely do two proper pushups. My girlfriend was sick of it, and worried about my health. See had seen me dealing with lyme, and was worried about my obesity and general health, so she bought me an initial couple sessions as a gift.
During these 10 months SIlvia curated my exercise routine, putting technical strength training and mobility at the core of training. To say that this style of training and Silvia’s guidance through it was revelatory is a bit of an understatement. Gone were the traditional options of training from my youth that demanded soreness and meatheaded approach to fitness.
Silvia’s feedback was highly technical, based on developing skill. It is highly personal based on her recognizing how and when to push, recover, flow, and her careful attention to my physical and motivational state. It is both rigorous and generous. It extended to nutrition, sleep and the development of habits that changed my behavior toward my own physicality. It has been a transformative experience. I am fitter and healthier now that I have been in a decade, more mobile, have lost 30 kg, put on muscle and gained flexibility. You can see it in my face:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/mjJvdV77urYXhE1B8 vs https://photos.app.goo.gl/hiHxB5XG5gCkrg228
thanks SIlvia!
I am working with Kevin to learn basic kettlebell movements and highly recommend him as a personal trainer. He is very fun to work with, passionate about what he does, knowledgeable, and meticulous with his training. I left my session confident I could perform the exercises well and he gave me a routine to follow. I plan to use Kevin for all my kettlebell training and recommend him for others people interested in physical fitness.
In a few short weeks, Debbie has improved my life dramatically. I have small children and want to be able to play with them, but a few weeks ago I couldn’t even lie flat on my back in the floor and lay my head down flat! I thought my neck was messed up permanently from my desk job. However, in just two weeks I can lay my head down flat with no problems! That’s just one example of the benefit I’ve seen so far. My kids certainly approve!
She also corrected several issues with my swing and getup form that made an immediate difference in my ability to perform the exercises more efficiently and powerfully (and safely).
If you’re going to work with kettlebells, you really should see an SFG. And if you are in her area, I highly recommend Debbie! Super friendly, flexible, and knowledgeable. Trust me, it’s worth it.
I have watched Kevin put together fitness regimens for my spouse, who developed an avid interest in through hiking, but lacked the knowledge he needed to train. He is thoughtful and has a personal approach to fit his clients’ needs. Would highly recommend anyone interested in moving forward in overall well-being to reach out to Kevin.
I was looking for something minimalistic (gear-wise), something that would improve my mobility and strength but also challenge me from a technique point of view (was a bit bored with just shifting weights). I discovered kettlebells and Kat. I was a little dubious about online sessions so tried a couple of local PTs first but was underwhelmed so started with Kat via Skype.
So glad I did – Kat is a great trainer, has a deep understanding of kettlebells and is very positive and encouraging. I really like the tailored programs and progressions and the emphasis on technique and form (she has a great eye for what is not optimal). Four months in and I have done the Simple & Sinister benchmark and now working on the Snatch Test (my favourite though is still TGU).
I am loving kettlebell training – both doing it and how energised I feel afterwards – and would highly recommend Kat as a trainer if you want to discover for yourself how amazing kettlebells are.
I chose to train with Kat for the following reasons: 1) I liked that kettlebell training can be done anywhere and all you need are kettlebells. 2) Kettlebell training is about gaining strength and mastering skills before moving onto the next level. 3) Kat gives us the reasons why for example tightening abs and butt when standing protects your back. 4) you learn to do cool things like TGU.
The results I’ve achieved are: 1) I’ve competed in a kettlebell Sports comp doing long cycle 2) I’ve completed bench marks 3) I have gained strength, gained flexibility 4) are more toned.
I like training with Kat because 1) Kat is knowledgeable, teachers correct technique. 2) Kat is funny, personable and relates well to all types of people. 3) I love having the sessions available online, it makes exercising so much easier.
If you are dedicated and put the time in you will see results.
StrongFirst Elite : Finally what you see/read is what you get!
I have first met Claire on a full day KB course in London. Claire delved into such granular details of what normally is considered basic Kb moves, that from day one separated her from the rest instructors out there.
Why I train with Claire?
– If you want to become the best version of yourself, you need to learn from the best. Especially if that best is part of a network of the best.
– If you want to build a house that withstands adversity, you need to get the foundation right. Claire corrects and modifies my movements, giving me endless instructions on how to better myself in all aspects of the discipline. +Always surprising me how this can be efficiently achieved in ONLINE mode, supporting injury free training
– If you want to win, you need to plan for the win. Claire delivers a protocol to follow. It is challenging, it is fun and it makes me better every week. So I follow again, trusting 100% and sparing myself “what shall i do today/next week?” dilemma.
=> i get the “WHAT”, the “HOW” and its “CUSTOM made” for my goals
Bonus: no BS, which is rare these days
Last December, I met Pavel in the StrongFirst SFB user course in Taiwan. He is an excellent lecturer and has shared many useful information, tips and techniques with us. He always encourages us during practice and the test. Thanks for all his advice, knowledge and guidance.
I’ve been training at Avalon Performance Therapy for over a year and specifically with Jose for the last 3 months, and I have noticed a significant improvement in my running (an unintended consequence of kettlebell training). I enjoy running up hills now, as my glutes seem to power me up with ease. In addition to this, and most notably, I have a butt for the first time in my life!
As an active person who is also a recovered conditioning workout addict who was experiencing injury after injury, I can honestly say that since I have been working with Jose, I have experienced no pain (or injury) as a result of my training and that has also translated into the other active areas of my life. Given this, I have complete confidence when he pushes me a little harder.
I’ve been training with Claire via remote coaching since the new year, and have seen an incredible improvement. Over the last few years i’ve felt like i’ve been spinning my wheels with my training, with the deadlift in particular a source of frustration and ongoing niggles. Claire took me back to basics to work on my movement patterns and i now feel stronger, more flexible and more mobile than i have in a long time. It’s amazing how much she can diagnose through a video call, and the cues she gives me to focus on in between sessions really help. The workouts are also changed frequently enough so i’m never bored. I couldn’t recommend Claire highly enough.
John is an amazing instructor with one focused objective, help you improve. He focuses on proper form and technique and creates workouts according to your skill level and ability.
I have seen much growth under his instruction. Having an instructor like John show you how to properly perform exercises then watch and correct your form has been invaluable and has saved me from a lot of injury.
Claire is an amazing coach , everytime I spend time with her I am in awe of her knowledge and appreciative of her support. We are currently working on online sessions due to lockdown , and even after the first session Claire gave me some advice which instantly resolved a long term back issue. Due to her ongoing advice, my mobility and endurance for MMA/ Ju Jitsu has increased greatly, to the point where my training partners are constantly asking me what strength/conditioning program I’m following. I can’t recommend Claire enough , and always look forward to the next opportunity to train with her.
I have been training with Henri for about 2 years. Besides that Henri is a very open and likeable guy, he knows what he is talking about when it comes to kettlebell training. He is tirelessly pointing out the (sometimes) smallest adjustments you could make, so the exercise is more effective. And he has a nice way of motivating you. On top of this, his gym is conveniently small, so there is no distraction from getting fitter and stronger. I highly recommend Henri.
Coach Martin helped me in a lot during this lockdown period. His kettlebell program made me stronger in just a span of 4 weeks. I notice that my physical strength and endurance improves in every session we have. What I like most about Coach Martin is that he makes the program fun which gives me an overall positive feeling. He is very generous and will share every technique to help you become a stronger version of yourself. Highly recommended! Do not hesitate to contact him.
I have had the privilege of training with Claire recently and it is something I hope to continue to do! The level of detail she delivers, coupled with her clear explanations and great personality make her a joy to have as a coach. There is no nonsense with her (as you would expect from a StrongFirst coach). She has absolutely improved my technique and started me off on a great path for my strength training!
I approached coach Martin with the goal of losing weight and after 4 weeks of working with him I did not only lose weight, I also feel better everyday and move better now as compared to before I started. He really not only focuses on your goals but also keeps in mind the other factors relating to movement, this really helped me in my fitness journey because all of my training is being customised to my body and my needs in order for me to reach the next level. Overall im very satisfied to have him as my coach and my friend, I feel very well taken care off and my goals are being achieved.
Martin helped me get through my quarantine. He was very professional and gave well thought of programs, they were challenging and were tailor fit to my fitness level. I am more eager now to continue the next phase of the program as I have seen the results first hand. Definitely will recommend him!
Good instructor, professional and fun. Lessons are detailed to help guide anyone to achieve their physical fitness goals. Its good to know there are now 2 Professional SFG certified instructors in the Philippines capable of delivering the professionalism that the group is known for.
Recommended for beginners, intermediate and advance lessons.
Claire has been my coach since we first met at my very first SFG1 in 2014 and is my go to for honing my skills to maintain standards. Her knowledge is incredible and she has a great way of adapting how she’s expresses something to ensure you understand what is being asked of you and why. She is not only teaching you to move better but she’s also ensuring you understand the reasoning behind it, so every session you learn more about your own body and movement. I became a better coach by being coached by Claire.
I recommend Claire to everyone, experienced or beginner, you will learn an awful lot from this lady.
Thanks Claire!
I have been training with Ben for over 5 years now and cannot recommend him highly enough!
I have found he has a genuine interest in improving all aspects of his trainee’s strength, well being, and health.
A keen, knowledgeable, focused, and attentive Coach, who strives to learn more and hone his craft, so he can improve the lives of others, all done with a smile and a fantastically dry wit.
Reneta has been fantastic giving me instruction on the Simple and Sinister program. Her ability to spot and correct errors has really helped me to understand and develop the skills needed to progress through the techniques. Always cheerful, and superb at demonstrating proper form. Highly recommended.
I’ve been training with Ben for almost 18 months now and I can honestly say that he is the best Coach I’ve ever worked with. His approach is structured, clear and always with safety and challenge at the forefront of his mind.
I have always lifted weights throughout my life but often without a comprehensive plan. As a result, I’ve plateau’d and found little enjoyment in it. Ben has completely revolutionised this by introducing me to new and exciting workouts that test me on a regular basis. His focus on the technique of the movement means that you make rapid development and he constantly reassesses and looks for improvement.
I would recommend Ben as a coach for whatever your goals are. He is genuinely a hugely motivational and inspirational guy with a tonne of knowledge that he is always keen to share.
Mike is so helpful, kind and knowledgeable.
Brett is so helpful, kind and knowledgeable.
Claire’s depth of knowledge and skilful ability to help me to improve my technique and efficiency is outstanding. I have been attending her workshops and love her friendly and accessible style. I appreciate how precisely she models and teaches moving our bodies in the most effective way to maximise strength and power. So much learning! I am feeling a massive improvement already thanks to her guidance and feedback. Thank you Claire!
I am one of Guys friends that was recommended to Ben last September.
Previously I have concentrated on Running as my only fitness outlet ( having never considered weights or a PT )
My main motivation was to review , supplement and explore .
The whole experience has been a revelation .
Ben is supremely knowledgeable, supportive and enthusiastic about ‘ your journey ‘ .
Sessions are always challenging, informative and Fun . But perhaps Bens overarching Teaching style is the stand out for me .I guess you would find many of the other qualities in a professional Instructor that I have mentioned . However,
Bens observation , review and discussion and ability to explain physicality and movement/ skills is really fantastic. for me this has made all the difference .
I recommend Ben to anyone wanting to explore physical fitness, learn new skills and be challenged.
Mark B
I had never lifted weights before I met Ben. He is such a positive instructor and training with him not only increased my strength and fitness but improved my mood and self esteem.
I trusted Ben to keep me safe from injury and to push me when he knew I could do more.
I started training with Ben when I was 54 years old and would urge other people not to feel afraid to try weight training. Ben will work with you , your confidence will grow and you will be so pleased with your achievements.
I am so proud that I can now lift and swing kettlebells and have even managed to do a pull up, something I have always wanted to achieve.
Ben has been coaching me for a number of years now and I can honestly say his coaching has had a huge impact on my every day experiences and approach to life in general.
The techniques I have learnt from Ben are ingrained in me and are now a natural force of habit such as;
I breath better, I lift better, I move better, my confidence has improved with both my training and in how I feel.
I highly recommend Ben for any type of training as his diligent approach has rehabilitated me from having a severe bad back condition to where I am now!
Thanks to Ben I’m now back to loving life completing numerous personal challanges as well as obstacle runs, hiking with my partner and dogs, climbing, scuba diving and trying to get the most out of life.
Thanks Ben !!!
I have worked with Ben for over four years and have found his approach perfect for me. The right balance between mobility and strength and strong focus on good form.
Ben is a great coach and inspires confidence
I have been training with Ben since 2017. He is a diligent, considerate and articulate coach. Knows exactly when to encourage, when to keep quiet and when to switch things up. He helped me achieve Simple. He has adapted well to the changes in training that 2020 presents and whilst nothing 100% replaces in person training, he offers the same approach online. I have introduced him to two of my friends and almost a year later they are still working with him. Highly recommended for everything StrongFirst and beyond.
Ben has been my personal trainer for over 2 years and I can highly recommend him. His approach is very motivating and it has been so encouraging to see my strength increase over that time.
Claire is an excellent coach and I would highly recommend her. I have been working with her for 3 months now and I’ve found my strength, technique and mobility has improved immensely. She is brilliant at identifying areas for improvement and providing a holistic approach.
Mike has an incredible ability to diagnose and dial in form. Several times, I’ve been at Charleston Kettlebell Club and something in my swing or lift isn’t quite right. I wasn’t necessarily going to hurt myself, but I was doing something to make things unnecessarily harder or limit my performance. Mike could quickly pinpoint my issue and instantly improve my lift. He does this with quick wit and a casual personality that is just fun. Mike has built a great environment at Charleston Kettlebell Club.
Brett is a strength coach, but his approach is people first. He takes time to understand what motivates his client and develops programs that help them reach their goals, improve their strengths and mobility, and address areas that “are not yet as strong”. He challenges you, but will not break you.
My husband and I have been working with Brett for several years as personal training clients. We are not “gym regulars”, as we have equipment at home, so we’re certainly not his primary clientele. That said, we have never felt less-than when working with Brett. He is incredibly responsive, has a steel trap memory, and genuinely cares that we are strong and healthy. His enthusiasm and confidence in us makes us want to put in the work, even when we aren’t with him. On top of all of that, he’s fun – we’ve never had a session with Brett where we didn’t leave having laughed and enjoyed ourselves.
Brett is an incredible strength coach. He is able to get right to the root of someones movement issue and build from the ground up. The depth and breadth of his knowledge is super impressive and I always come away with something new I’ve learned, or something new I can dial in. He is adaptable and creative in his movement, strength, and motivational solutions.
I could not recommend him more.
As someone who is new to Kettlebells I was hesitant to give it a go since I have lower back issues. Brett has been a brilliant instructor who really understands form more than most. Because of his gentle nature (trainers that shout are exhausting!) and incredible knowledge, I am looking and feeling better than ever.
I had never tried Kettlebells before and Mike was a warm and welcoming trainer from day one. He is an amazing instructor and knows the body better than most people I know. As someone with lower back issues, I was hesitant to try Kettlebells but with his guidance and focus on form, I am in better shape than ever and zero back pain!
Over the last 20 + years, I’ve self taught myself bodybuilding, powerlifting, Olympic lifts, and some Kettlebells. I believed I knew plenty, and my answer to gains was more weight, more volume. I started breaking down with chronic pain in the left side of my neck, shoulder, and mid back. My right knee hurt, and the acute pain in my right hip made it painful to tie my shoes, and was causing me to limp. My wife, daughter, and many colleagues recommended Jose.
I started working with Jose weekly in January, 2020. It has been humbling, but incredible. I started with learning proper breathing, movement patterns, and how to properly engage the right muscles. I have progressed to double kettlebell training in 5 months, PAIN FREE!
Beyond how I feel physically, I’ve never been more motivated to train. Instead of dreading the crushing workout that’s going to immobilize me for 2-3 days, I’m excited to train and see what’s next.
Jose is worth his weight in gold. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to be a better version of themselves. He’s an absolute professional and teaches how to optimize every movement and every single repetition.
Mike will make you feel right at home in the gym for a fun kettlebell workout mixed in with body weights or barbell. I’ve never seen a guy make pull-ups look easier. Not just a great coach but a great guy. He’ll help you realize your fitness goals.
Brett is an amazing coach passionate about getting people to reach their fitness goals. Not just a great coach but a great guy.
Strength Nation Miami is an exceptional training facility with an expert staff to match. Not only is the staff affable and highly professional, but they are experienced in a multitude of training methods. My trainer Julio, helped me over 30 days to hit my goal of losing 10lbs and correct a lot of my movements through functional and plyometric training methods. I would absolutely recommend Strength Nation Miami.
Justyna is an excellent Strong First instructor and a great person. She’s been an inspiration to me and many of her other students and she is one of the reasons why we get up and get going. Her energy, enthusiasm, and loveliness has created a gym that is safe, encouraging, and supportive. Her knowledge and experiences have made her a great coach that guides us to bring the best out of ourselves. When I was going through challenging times, training with Justyna has always remained one positive and sane thing in my life.
Funkční Trénink is Justyna’s baby – the gym reflects an atmosphere of friendship and support. Justyna has created a community of women from all walks of life that are here for each other. She’s done an amazing job at enabling many of us to transform our lives in more ways than is obvious 🙂
Brett Bracken helped me get to Spartan! #Aroo!! I have now completed 7 races, I have placed in the top three of my age group 4 out of 7 times. I have the strength, fortitude and ability largely because of my training with Brett -he taught me grip strength, form and core skills that have helped me excel in the Spartan challenges. I cannot say enough positive things about Brett and his abilities as a trainer and strength coach.
I found Charlston kettlebell club by accident shortly after moving to the Charleston area. I wasn’t able to attend classes regularly so I signed up for once a week on Saturdays. when you take a class with Mike, you get a history, an anatomical reason and a functional application for the movements.
Coming from the world of bodyweight, barbells and dumbbells… Kettlebells was foreign to me but I always wanted to learn. Brett has been a part of my growth in the kettlebell. And now it is becoming my major form of exercise other than bodyweight.
Amazing instructor. Great friend! StrongFirst has the best folks! Keep it up.
He knows what he’s doing. Great instruction and an incredibly nice person. 5 Stars all around!
I found Charlston kettlebell club by accident shortly after moving to the Charleston area. I wasn’t able to attend classes regularly so I signed up for once a week on Saturdays. I really enjoy the workouts I get with Brett. Especially on the cues he gives me regularly.
Coming from the world of bodyweight, barbells and dumbbells… Kettlebells was foreign to me but I always wanted to learn. Brett has been a part of my growth in the kettlebell. And now it is becoming my major form of exercise other than bodyweight.
Blake clearly has plenty of knowledge and experience but what really sets him apart for me is that he’s a great teacher. Training with him feels like getting a two for one deal. Not only do you get a great workout, but you get information about why he’s having you do those specific things and how they relate to your personal goals. He’s super easy to work with, and he knows when and how to push you to help you succeed. I can’t recommend him enough!
I took part in Claires online swing and get-up workshop and found it very useful and gained ALOT from
The experience. Overall really good and will be looking to do more in the future.
I have attended two of Claire’s online kettlebell workshops and learned a lot about technique and strength. Claire is a great teacher and I will be attending more in the future. Thank you Claire.
Brian is an excellent coach. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to train with such an understanding, enthusiastic and talented coach.
I started working (all remotely since day 1) with Claire in Feb 2020. We work by way of regular video call teaching sessions with me working through her programming in between (akin to school lessons and homework). Up until this I was trying different methods mostly weights and HIIT training 3-4 times per week (including some PT).It was the usual cycle of working long hours at a desk, juggling two kids under 3 with my wife and then trying to beast myself like I was 20 again in the weight room, ending up frustrated each time I tweaked something or realised I couldn’t move the way I used to as I have some injury mileage on the clock.
Working (all remotely) with Claire has been revolutionary as we work around my family and work with our online sessions. My only reservation at the start was that my “homework” sessions during the week weren’t making me shattered and that maybe I was not working “hard” enough. However, given Claire’s experience and quals I decided to trust the process and coaching. From Claire I have learnt that chastising myself with HIIT / Metcons into a sweaty mess each session is not a prerequisite for significant results and I now find myself much stronger, lighter by 5.5kg (a by-product but not a focus), much more skilled with a KB, generally less tired with more energy and enjoying training, but most importantly to me I am starting to move properly again without pain (long injury history) after years of trying and ultimately going in circles. I highly recommend getting some coaching from Claire if you can as her teaching is game changing for sustainable progress.
Having taken my first class with Ericka just yesterday, I woke up this morning feeling like $1,000,000! Ericka had the right combination of instruction and engagement to challenge and sweat! If you have kettlebells at home and are looking to dust them off, I highly recommend taking 45 min out of your day to work with Ericka. She will correct your form, work your muscles and you both will smile in a pool of sweat when its all over!
I was coached by Clare for a number of years before I moved away from the area and have always considered her coaching to be excellent. While I have maintained a reasonable level of fitness and lifting strength since then, I felt I needed to revisit the basics to check technique etc, particularly during this lockdown time of making the best of our ‘home’ gyms, and booked on to an online zoom coaching session specifically on the Turkish Get Up. There were 6 of us in the session – Clare introduced us all at the beginning and we all explained our personal reasons for attending. The class was really well structured- the movement was broken down into each element- demonstrated by Clare and followed up by us practising and Clare watching us individually on the screen and giving us advice/feedback on body position etc and checking our confidence before moving on to the next part. I came away from the session with a renewed confidence on the Turkish Get Up to be able to continue training at home. I would thoroughly recommend booking on to an online session such as this. Even when lockdown is over, and we all go back to training in gyms etc, there is much to be said for online technology and the place it can/will hold in achieving our fitness goals and I look forward to pursuing this option in the future. Thank you Clare
Kerry is a. Patient and knowledgeable instructor. She is extremely encouraging and detail oriented. It’s good stuff!
I have had the pleasure of working with Ellie for over 2 years now. When I started with Ellie I was total beginner after not training for 25 year, now I have the confidence to train in a group class and on my own. Ellie has taught me how to lift weights and get stronger in all the lifts . Ellie has not only trained me how to use kettlebells but she also inspired me to go further and last year I qualified as a SFG1 StrongFirst instructor. Even now Ellie is still my personal trainer I love working with her she keeps me on track and motivated and she just has so much energy you can’t help but want to train,I still have so much to learn from Ellie and look forward to all our training session.
I’ve recently completed some online coaching with Claire and can highly recommend. Up until this point I had been self taught and felt that I was at a reasonable standard, however, Claire was able to provide several significant corrections that have really sharpened my skillls. I already feel that I am able to perform much closer to SF standards and I would have not been able to achieve this alone without this coaching despite hours of reading and watching videos. I will continue to practice and no doubt sign up for more coaching sessions in the future. Thanks Claire
Blake is a great teacher! I think regardless of prior experience, heavy weights can be intimidating, Blake focuses on making sure you unlearn any prior poor technique and relearn the fundamentals so that you dont get ahead of yourself and end up injuring something for no reason. I definitely noticed a significant strength increase with his routine! His classes always have a great energy and are motivating!
Moving with the times, I took part in a Kettlebell Workshop with Claire via ZOOM! The class was adapted brilliantly. I could clearly see Claire and her demonstrations and she was able to tutor everyone well. It was great to go through technique and build up to deadstop swings and full swings. The workshop was limited to 6 people allowing Claire to give each person the attention they needed. By the end I felt that I had learnt a great deal, The workshop was a great balance between learning/correcting technique and getting hands on with the kettlebell. An ideal class for beginners and those wanting to brush up on technique in order to progress.
Alan has taught me For about 7 years. He is very experienced and knowledgeable. He keeps his lesson effective, engaging and fun. I able to stay focus in classes. I can’t thank him enough for all the help that he give me, in taking my training to the next level. I will definitely recommend him as a coach/trainer to any body !
I had a great coaching session with Nic. He was able to match the level of his teaching to my level of understanding. He is full of passion for training with kettlebells and other methods. We had fun, I learned a lot and I improved my heaviest TGU from 24kg to 32kg thanks to his encouragement and technique cues!
I fully recommend training with him!
Blake is a great trainer. He worked with me to develop a program I could do with equipment I have at home (not much) and was geared toward my goals of getting stronger and staying in shape. Over the course of the first month, my max reps of pushups and pullups both increased by more than 50 percent! Blake also coached me on ways to improve my technical proficiency in my movements and worked with my feedback to adjust the program. Thanks so much, Blake!
I was looking to pick up kick-boxing/Muay Thai, and engaged Nandor based on the profile posted in the gym. It was a great learning experience as Nandor adapted what he taught each lesson to my abilities; I felt that my movements were becoming more natural with each lesson, and there was always something new to learn. Nandor’s familiarity with multiple forms of martial arts also makes for interesting discussions on martial arts concepts in general.
Later, I asked Nandor to train me to build strength using kettlebells. He taught me how to train safely with kettlebells, and how to maximise my strength effectively. In a relatively short time, I was pressing heavier kettlebells and doing more repetitions, probably due to better technique.
I would definitely have continued training with Nandor if I didn’t have to move out of London.
Barna is a wonderful coach. He treats his clients as individuals, and trains them accordingly. He skilfully creates solutions specific to their circumstances, rather than try a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
The guidance and advice that Barna has given me has always been insightful and high quality.
Jamie is an incredibly knowledgeable strength coach who puts his clients and the community of the gym at the forefront of his work. Joining his gym and training with Jamie has changed the way I view movement and has given me more confidence in my own capabilities. When I moved out of town, he was still committed to my success as an athlete and continued to write my programs. After one year of training (and 18 months after hip surgery), I’m stronger than ever and only a few months away from being an Iron Maiden!
I’ve always enjoyed working out in a fun group setting and I found this with Jamie and What is a Movement. There are some knowledgeable trainers out there however they’re not good teachers. This is one great characteristic that Jamie has. He’s articulate, patient, and makes his classes fun. The gym has clients of all ages and skill level and flexible class times. Highly recommend this gym.
I have had the pleasure of training with Jamie for the last year and I would have never felt comfortable picking up heavy bells or moving up in weight without his consistent training, encouragement, and insights. He instills passion, confidence, and motivation through his teaching that enables you to feel strong no matter what level you’re at. He has created a community of warriors that truly want to see one another succeed their personal goals. I am grateful to have found Jamie as a coach and the What is Movement community.
Jamie is, by far, the best coach that I’ve ever worked with. He has everything you’d want in a coach: 1) an amazing understanding of strength training, 2) excellent technique, 3) patience and clarity to guide you to mastery, and 4) an innate talent to motivate people which, in many ways, is his most valuable gift of all. Jamie, thank you for what you do.
My wife and I have been with Coach Jamie for Five years and i’m 62 years old and if not for Jamie getting me more mobile and in better shape with less pain it has been great.Can not say enough about his dedication to all his clients no matter what ability level anyone is at to start.Everyone starts from day one and just a little bit better everyday one class at a time.Thanks Coach Jamie Enriquez
I sought out Coach Mark back in 2016. I found him through here, the strongfirst website. I was unconditioned and atrophied, recovering from a fully torn ACL
that I didn’t get surgery for. I wanted to learn swings and TGUs. Reading the 4-hour body (ferriss), I was convinced that TGUs could aid in correcting my left-right asymmetries, and that swings are very potent in building “perfect posteriors”. “Simple and sinister” married the two movements into a program, which further increased my desire to learn both.
I wanted to learn from someone who was 1. ) Good at these movements, and 2.) have also successfully led others to learn these. A quick glance at his blog and Instagram page shows that he was equally proficient in performing, and instructing these movements.
The only problem was, to reach him, I’d need to make a 3-4 hour pilgrimage to his gym (eclipse at the time), which I eventually did, twice a week. The rest is history.
Since then, we have done much more than swings and get-ups, including:
– How to feel good, and engage my vestibular system (Original Strength)
– Advanced single and double kettlebell techniques (e.g. double snatch)
– Advanced kettlebell complexes
– The three Powerlifts (Squat, Bench, and Deadlift)
– Worked up to a 44kg TGU (from 8kg initially)
– Worked up to a double 36kg kettlebell press (starting from 16kg)
With his guidance I am now able to deadlift 500lbs, squat 400+ lbs, and bench almost 300lbs. All of which I started from zero.
But I think the most important thing was that he showed me what a good and effective physical practice looks like. Consistency over intensity. Prioritizing safety, and technique integrity over everything else.
Coach Mark has soul in the game, and I could not have picked a better coach to start with.
P.S. he’s also very knowledgeable with sneakers, and Dragonball (among other things) which makes him extra fun to talk with
If I had to define Raúl Baca in three words, it would be patience, empathy and professionalism, the qualities required to perform as an excellent coach.
Edgar is one of the best fitness coaches I’ve ever met. He’s got everything you are looking for; patience, technique and perseverance. When you are done and you feel like you can’t possibly keep going he motivates you to just do it and you’re done. I met Edgar over a year ago at EN.NAT and he’s been a key player in my development into kettlebells and understanding technique and methods of practice to get to a stronger level. Edgar was there pushing me on to military press the 24 kg kettlebell and rooted me on to achieve this personal goal; it was simply the best. My ultimate goal is to train for the Iron Maiden and Edgar will be surely be a pilar to my future success in StrongFirst. I would highly recommend Edgar to anyone in the Mexico City area that is looking to challenge themselves via kettlebells!
Jose is a very proficient technical coach. He’s also highly organized and attentive.
I hired Jose to prepare me for the SFG 1 snatch test which I had previously tried and failed to prepare for on my own. I am a coach myself and thought that with my experience and expertise I could program and prep for the test without asking for help. This was a rookie mistake and something I would have never advised anyone else to do. I was confident that I could this without help and boy was I wrong. I wasn’t fully prepared for the SFG 1 Certification weekend and it showed. I failed the final snatch test and vowed to go back and do it again, but this time more intelligently.
I started training with Jose and last Friday I passed the snatch test.
Jose simplified the things that I was making complicated for myself. Training was hard but always doable and he got me to where I wanted to be. He took a lot of the stress off of me so that I could just focus on training and recovery. I completely trusted his skill and knowledge as a coach and he never let me down.
Cris is a really good trainer. He keeps preparing and updating his high skills and capacities, because his most important features as human being are modesty and confidence. He made us learn many techniques and important tips related to the influence and intervention of mind in our training and physical state.
We highly recommended Cris, his expertise make us strong.
With Benoit I have been learning many things in my sporting journey, including how to train with kettlebells, and in particular swings, Turkish get up, and clean and press.
The attention to details is top notch and this allowed me to get my technique right, while never ever getting injured.
What I like the most about his training is:
– how he always fine tunes his teaching and the sets to be fully aligned with your objectives, your main sport, your recovery level, your body type and your overall level of fitness among other things.
– how efficient the training is: you do get stronger.
In other words, with Benoit you have access to the type of fitness training that is usually only for the pros and the happy few. Highly recommended!
Hi
I decided to join Benoit for a coaching online.
At that moment I had big difficulties to improve my level in tennis.
I had a pretty good endurance but my speed, strength
and explosiveness was too low.
It’s going to be nearly one month that we started a training plan.
He showed me different methods :
-on breathing to ameliorate recovery on short efforts
– kettlebell strongfirst to increase explosivity and strength
He was always present when I had questions and could adapt the training depending on my evolution.
I was happily surprise to see improvements in short times,
I had tried before others methods but not that much effective and it was costing a lot of time also.
Instead, Benoit’s proposal was effective with less time to spend in the week.
I highly recommend you to take at least a meeting and even try few weeks.
You will feel better, stronger and able to keep your principal activity too in your lifetime.
Orian Torre
I’ve been attending James’ kettlebell classes for the past 6 months and always look forward to them. As well as being a great workout, James always focuses on the technical side of things. Everything is explained and broken down making each exercise safe and strong.
A highly recommended trainer!
With Benoit I have been learning many things in my sporting journey, including how to train with kettlebells, and in particular swings, Turkish get up, and clean and press.
The attention to details is top notch and this allowed me to get my technique right, while never ever getting injured.
What I like the most about his training is:
– how he always fine tunes his teaching and the sets to be fully aligned with your objectives, your main sport, your recovery level, your body type and your overall level of fitness among other things.
– how efficient the training is: you do get stronger.
In other words, with Benoit you have access to the type of fitness training that is usually only for the pros and the happy few. Highly recommended!
I have been training with Al for the last few years and is an awesome teacher. He’s always enthusiastic, even when we’re training at 6am in a freezing gym! His knowledge and training is second to none. With Al’s constant focus on form and technique, I have seen steady gains and progress from when I started and I cannot believe how much he has helped me to refine and rebuild my swing technique.
He always finds ways to keep our training sessions fresh and interesting, while still hitting the staple basics.
I would recommend Al wholeheartedly – just make sure that I can still book him for a session!
I have started Kettlebell less than a year ago and Al is an exceptional trainer ever since. There are visible improvements just after a couple of sessions, both in strength, endurance and posture. He knows well about postures, exercises, how to do and teach them right, nevertheless he is extremely patient. He is always in a good spirit and focus on the class. I can’t recommend him enough.
I wouldn’t train Kettlebells with anyone else other than Pavel himself. Al is a superb instructor. Whether you’re looking for kettles to compliment another sport or want to get into functional strength, Alan is your man. He’s passionate about training and has a way of teaching you the technical aspects behind why you do what you do, and physical techniques, that really stick. Can’t recommend you training with Alan enough. The only downside is that you’ll be kicking yourself for not starting sooner.
Alan is one of the most professional and knowledgable teachers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Alan not only improved my physical health but my mental health as well. He has a wide of knowledge, not only has he helped me in my kettlebell and lifting goals he’s supported my partner in their boxing journey by improving their strength.
I suffer from anxiety and PTSD and I am not great in a lot of situations, but with Alan being so professional and approachable I’ve always felt at ease, safe and motivated during our sessions.
Thank you very much Alan!
I have trained with Al for a few years now. His passion and knowledge is exceptional, and this shows when he’s teaching. Safety is always paramount. Killer sessions always guaranteed but so is the smile on your face when you leave Al’s classes. He’s taught me so much and I look forward to learning more. Thanks Big Al!
I’ve been training with Al for a few years now, and he’s very consistently a great coach who will go above and beyond to ensure that all of his students are doing well.
I have been training with Alan for the past 7 years. My training generally varies but I have consistently kept Alan’s kettlebell tuition as part of my core routine as I have found it has given me the best returns in both strength and endurance. Alan’s knowledge and passion for his discipline is as comprehensive as it is inspiring. Whatever level you are at with your training, Alan will help you progress to the next level – guaranteed.
Alan is the best kettlebell teacher I’ve ever met. He makes sure every move you do with the bells is the correct technique as it’s so important your moving correctly and safe. He pushes you to do your best at all times. Really recommend train with al, you will deffo see results in strength and fitness!!!
Blake Nelson is the real deal. He’s dedicated, knowledgeable, and easy going.
Blake takes his work seriously. He’s developed a sophisticated system of assessments and programs that allow him to cater to a trainee of any level, as well as allowing them to see their progress in concrete terms.
I’d recommend Blake to anyone looking to improve their strength and conditioning. His approach really lets you know what’s working and what’s not. Since that will be different for everyone, that’s a valuable thing.
I started training with Jim when I moved back home to Rhode Island from Dallas. I have always led an active lifestyle with other weightlifting and fitness programs. However—thanks to Jim’s deep commitment to both the art and science of coaching, I am stronger, fitter, less injury-prone than ever before. I am also way more consistent! Jim will customize a program based on your personal fitness goals and offer adjustments and feedback along the way. He has led me through an intermediate kettlebells workshop, an “on ramp” program, and a “reload” barbell program. Prior to working with Jim I had several ankle limitations that prevented me from reaching my full potential with back squats. After using the foot and ankle mobility drills and barbell program that Jim crafted for me, my form has drastically improved. I highly recommend working with Jim because of his precise coaching techniques, wide-ranging knowledge of fitness programming, and genuine commitment to helping his clients lead a vital and healthy lifestyle.
I have known Raúl since 5 years ago, even before StrongFirst was “a thing” in the fitness circles. Since then, he stroke me as a very energetic, focused, knowledgeable and trustworthy coach. I have had the chance to see him grow professionally, and achieving significant milestones such as:
– Being the first SFB certified instructor in México
– Being the first SFG II certified instructor in LATAM
– Being the first SF Elite certified instructor in LATAM
Previous points are evidence of his dedication and knowledge.
Also, he has being totally instrumental and critical in the growth of the StrongFirst brand in LATAM. He tirelessly works in helping StrongFirst grow, by organizing all the logistics of a number of user courses, certifications, seminars, all for free.
Raúl represents without a doubt all the principles of StrongFirst, and I cannot recommend him enough, both professionally and as a remarkable human being.
Being training one-on-one with him I can certify that there is no better coach than him in LATAM.
Benoit is teaching me the Kettlebell swing along with other exercices for specific tennis training . He is very available and sensible on what and how you do it . You can send him videos of your training or ask any questions he will reply soon with much attention . As a very alert and watchful listener, he can personalize your training and schedule for your own gears and needs , adapts and updates the exercices for better and most of results . I m very happy to have him as a coatch and feel this is going to be a big step in my progression. Thanks Benoit ‘
I’ve been Raul’s alumni for just a year, but in this time he changed mi life.
I came at 57 years old, in bad shape and very low energy, he evaluated me and kindly but firmly has taken me from there to recover health and strength in months.
I noticed he has a extraordinary empathy to each student/individual that makes him a remarkable coach mentally as well as physically.
I’ve got nothing but amazing things to say about Coach Raul Baca. Honestly I’ve never ever considered myself a “strong” person and I’ve always seen people training with weights and admired the strength they had. Once I got to Raul’s gym EN.NAT in the first lesson with Raul he told me I had natural strength in my arms and it was hard for me to believe at first but in less than 6 months I went from training with a 10 kg kettle bell to a 20 kg one! I can military press 24 kgs with the time and dedication that Raul has given me and believed in me. The amount of technique that Raul shows you makes you able to train from home over time and not hurt yourself. I would highly recommend Raul to anyone in the Mexico City area that is looking to get stronger via kettle bells.
Raúl is a professional and dedicated coach, that planned your routine according to your capabilities, actual mobility, strenght and even your personality. He’s a very open minded and creative person and uses all his skills and knowledge to help his students to reach their goals. He’s always studying and preparing himself to give his best for their students. I highly recommend him as a personal coach.
I have wanted to learn kettlebell for years and i just did not want to learn from anybody but from someone who could really coach me, correct me constantly just to be sure i am doing any mistakes.
I was lucky to be able to fit in Benoit schedules as he’s training high level professionals and i was more lucky to find someone down to earth and not into the superficial aspect of strength. Over the years I have crossed path with other instructors and some are just about performance and ego. Benoit is not like that, he just want you to go beyond what you can do, but at your own pace. He cares about your safety before your progression which is an extremly important point.
I took several lessons with him before the quarantine forced me to stop and i’ve enjoyed any of them. He even led me one of his kettlebel so i din’t have to buy that small weight one. During our lessons he was always looking at a way to correct my mistakes, looking for specific exercices to unlock my shoulders and my body.
If you’re interrested in really developping your body and your potential, train with him. He knowns his stuff and he listen to you and what you care and that’s something !
Andżelika is synonymous of passion and knowledge about strength training and coaching. It doesn’t matter if you want to improve your strength, flexibility learn martial arts or just be fit! Andżelika will help you 😉
Training with Raúl and his team has been a inspiring experience because I could change and make stronger my body, my mind and my soul.
The obsession of a good technique, the constant search of more effective routines, and also the community that I get when training, makes discipline and constancy the way to take my body to new goals and live my life in wellness.
I only have gratefulness to Raul for create a space for renovation, because it doesn’t matter where you start or how many times you start, the important thing is where you want to go or what else you can do for your body and health, Raul is the perfect coach to discover it.
Raul is simply the best fitness coach I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He has a complete understanding of physiognomy and technique plus a great understanding of the process that every person has to go so the training never gets overwhelming or simple. Raul is as great human being as he is a trainer.
Cristiano has really interesting training routines, both challenging and creative. He has a way of motivating you and is careful with his students, giving personal feedback on how to improve or how not to push the limits too much. He explains really well even the technicalities of the muscles, a thing that I didn’t meet a lot with other trainers, so I totally trust him and his professionalism, he is definitely an expert and I would recommend him to all my friends that want to get serious with their body training and become stronger & healthier.
I have been training with Cristiano for the last three years and the evidence of his skills, which also span different disciplines, are my results. I have been training for many years and I have had great coaches on my way but Cristiano represents the excellence above all in consideration of the results obtained which have never focused on one single aspect but which have always taken into account the right balance between all the most important elements from pure strength to mobility passing through endurance and cardio. Thanks to his obsessive explanations of every single movement, which are always followed by a practical demonstration that allows you to view and memorize the diverse movements, I have acquired the technique of a series of movements privileging the quality of the execution. His capacity to understand your weak point and work on it in a customized training schedule is second to none. In few words, he is the best coach ever!
Some personal trainers give you drills while some count your reps. Aaron, on the other hand, will work to understand you; your body; health; needs and ability, to then teach you how your body works; how to improve and what you need to get to the next level, ingraining the tools that would lead to permanent habits and build the foundations for a healthier, fitter life.
I have worked with a number of sport coaches and fitness trainers for a number of years and Aaron is without of question one of the best trainer/coaches I have worked with
John is excellent teacher and extremly dedicated to the Strong First code and community.
I have been training with Cristiano about a year now and he is the best! In his training he considers all of your abilities as well as limitations to improve your skills! He makes sure you’re training the right way and always keeps it interesting with different workouts.
I was fortunate enough to have Billy as my trainer for 2 years. He helped me “return to sport” from not one, not two, but three labral repairs. He knew my goals and helped me get stronger, physically and mentally. I appreciate his knowledge, attention to detail, ability to cue in understandable terms, and ability to connect with others. He’s the real deal!
Billy is an excellent trainer and a very professional and personal person. His zest for learning never ends. He takes it personal to make sure that you can succeed and reach your goals. He also helped me through my injury with modifications from the scheduled workouts. I highly recommend Billy as a trainer!
I have worked with Brett on and off for the last 15-18 years. Brett is amazing. his knowledge is phenomenal. he is great to work with. he knows his stuff. whether you’ve been exercising for weeks or years, he can analyze your form and help improve your training. he is my go-to guy when it comes to physical training. he will not disappoint. Brett trained me to work with kettlebells without hurting myself. he worked with my father and my father’s professional boxers, helping the pro boxers achieve peak form. if you’ve reached a plateau in your training, or want to learn how to train without hurting yourself, Brett is the man.
I train with Katerina for 5 years now. We started in Arena with Krav Maga and over the time transitioned into strength exercising (weightlifting) to a Gym.
She works excellently with people, and her knowledge of physiology and fitness is all but unmatched.
Katerina can cover wide range of demands. Simply working for gains or fitness but also help certain injury rehabilitations, developed fitness plans, and designed individual workout regimens and advice on diet plans.
Katerina’s interpersonal skills, her fitness knowledge and abilities, and her diligent work ethic are making her great trainer. She truly cares about her clients, and she has the skills to develop plans that will truly help. I highly recommend her.
Billy is an absolute beast! I can’t say enough about this guy, not only will he help you reach your max potential, he will make sure you are safe and healthy once you get there. 5 stars is not enough, so I might write another 3 reviews!
I had the pleasure of working out with Billy in Iowa through pregnancy. He truly meets you where you are at and wants to see you reach your full potential. Highly recommend.
Billy is an excellent trainer! He has a kind, gentle way. He is extremely focused on ensuring all moves are done with proper form, to help his clients avoid injury. He also is great at suggesting modifications for injuries & differing skill levels. I would recommend Billy as a trainer any time, anywhere!! Also a wonderful person!!
Jason was my PT for the best part of 12 months at a gym. In this time I found Jason to be very knowledgeable in training, recovery and injury management.
Jason was always very polite, welcoming and motivational.
He pushed me to reach my goals and then to reset and go for the next set of goals.
I would highly recommend Jason to anyone looking to set and achieve any fitness related goals
You will not be disappointed
Brilliant teacher who is very approachable. Classes are tough, enjoyable and you learn a lot. Highly recommend.
Attended the Strongfirst Foundations Course with John last month and found the course content very practical and comorehensive. Credit to John for this as his delivery of the material was very relaxed and engaging. Highly recommend training with John.
I’ve been training with Aaron for some time now and find him to be one of the best trainers around, I’m from a sports medical background for work and rate very highly Aaron’s ability to both engage, encourage and train people in a way that is effective and safe.
He has always gone over and above when working with any recovery from injury as well as how he generally trains people.
He is professional and obviously loves what he does and that makes a great combination for an excellent trainer.
As a former D1 athlete, it was hard for me to find movement that allowed me to still feel like an athlete, but also avoid the injuries I did like in my playing days.
What I love about Jeff is that in working with him, he’s helped me still feel like an athlete, and realize I don’t have to beat my body to the ground in order to be “good” or “enough”.
I love working with him, and how he’s helped me not only look and move the way I want to, but create a relationship with movement for this new chapter of my life that still keeps me feeling strong, and proud.
Having spent years in the fitness industry punishing my body through movement, Jeff is the first person who’s helped me not only establish an empowered, and healthy relationship with movement—but one I find fun.
Jeff makes movement powerful, efficient and enjoyable for MY life and my body.
He doesn’t try and fit his way into my life, he meets me where I’m at, every time.
Granville was one of the assistant coaches at my level 1 SFG. We seemed to hit it off at the team dinner, stayed in touch, and I ended up hiring him to do coach me for the SFL the following year. I smashed all of the standards, and pulled my first 500lb deadlift which was just shy of triple bodyweight. Not only is Granville freakishly strong, he is a great human being. He loves to smile, and you can really tell how much joy coaching brings him. I highly recommend him!
As a fellow SFG in Western Canada, I’ve known Owen for a few years now and I look up to him very much. He is the epitome of a quiet professional. He is incredibly humble, despite being freakishly strong. I hired him for online coaching last year and had a great experience, he was tremendously through, communicated well, and I got great results. I particularly enjoy assisting alongside him, as a coach I learn a lot from his calm, minimalist, and effective cueing. I plan on hiring him again, and can’t recommend him enough.
I was lucky enough to be one of Lane’s guinea pigs when he started training for his SFG1. He was always an advocate for proper technique and by following his lead, I became comfortable with kettlebells and lifting heavy. More than that though, I became much stronger much quicker than I was anticipating and was actually having fun doing my workouts. Lane uses cues I understand and is the first person I recommend when a friend tells me they want to get strong and feel better.
I never workout for past 38 years. I hate workout and any body movement. I started training with hyunjin Choi and now i am totally different person. I like my body and this is my best self. In my belief Hyunjin is the best instructor in Korea! I really really thank her for teaching me. She is the best!!! Come to powerzone HJ!
I first met Jase at the strong first course in November 2019 he came up to me and introduced himself and had a chat I was so nervous but I felt better after a chat I thought to myself what a nice guy I didn’t pass all my technique it was the TGU that I needed to pass that’s when I started working with Jase. I found Jase to be a very passionate trainer and determined to get me the pass that I had worked so hard. so a Big Thank you to you Jase for your help and patients so much appreciated
Deb Tink
In my opinion Flavio is an excellent professional, a very serious and authoritative person but at the same time very helpfull, openminded and intuitive.
He has a very strong passion in the world of strenght and,even if he hates being considered a motivator, he transfered his passion to me….not only passion but also brought out my determinaton and tenacity.
Known four years ago in a gym as many as a room assistant, I then attended his courses and he began, under his supervision, to approach the use of the barbell and the practice of the Kettlebell, up to today as a remote trainer. to my SFG1 certificate.
I am satisfied with the results that I am achieving thanks to him
More than happy to have chosen it as personal
Peter has proved to be the most knowledgeable and effective trainer for maintaining mind-body wellness of any instructor with whom I have had the great fortune to practice.
I have been working with Katerina for a long time prior to the “korona crisis” and she has improved my fighting technique and my body strength! She has always been there when I need to acquire a skill for movie or when I needed to get in shape! In nutshell she is enthusiastic, energetic, talented and has a lot of knowledge as far as martial arts, strength training and diet goes! I have nothing but great things to say about her and her approach to training!
Eric is the man. He’s definitely helped me explore different variations to help my snatches look effortless. His attention to detail is on point and the information he provides is very digestible to attain. I’m a trainer myself, so having him train me was game changer.
Most trainers talk a good game but have a one-size-fits all approach. Coach Eric is the opposite. He understands and knows how to work around injury, and he seriously helped me build my skills.
Christian has been paramount in getting me into fitness and changing my lifestyle. I was intimidated to start a fitness program and Christian welcomed me with understanding, care, and professionalism. He takes the time to listen to your goals and creates challenging yet fun workouts to get you where you want to go. I’m so thankful for all of Christian’s time over the past year and the patience he’s shown while working with me. I wouldn’t be where I am (35+ lbs down!) without him. This man deserves a medal or three!
Helped me increase my hollow hang from 12 seconds to 20 seconds without even meeting in person. Also answers any other of my fitness related questions. Overall super genuine and friendly. Would definitely book some personal training sessions if I lived closer.
I have benefitted greatly from Os. He has a deep understanding of multiple training modalities (kettlebell, bodyweight, barbell,etc) and his application of various drills from the world of Z Health are always on point. Along with improving my skills and my understanding of those skills, he is a pleasure to train with. I can not recommend Os enough.
As a chiropractor, I thought I knew enough about Kettle bell training and bio mechanics to be effectively training without risk of injury. Jim was able to break down my form and made me aware of several problems I had in my mechanics which I was totally unaware of. Breaking old habits and incorporating new movement patterns was challenging, but by the end of this course I could feel better ease of the movement with less aberrant strain in certain area. This overall reduced my potential risk of injury and improved functional performance. I would highly recommend Jim Sullivan’s class even if you think you have your Kettle bell routines down.
Ive trained with Aaron for a number of years now before he became strong first certified, this has just added a new dimension to his knowledge as an instructor.
He is patient and always judges peoples abilities well and pushes where possible.
I enjoy training with him as i know he will challenge me and his advice and coaching on Kettlebell training has been a step up from anyone else I’ve seen. I would recommend Aaron as an instructor to anyone of any level!
After playing a bit with kettlebells in the gym and ruining my back, Nandor kindly approached me and corrected my form. His kindness, professionalism, and hard-work ethics are what draw me to work with him full-time.
After two months I lost 7 kg while getting stronger and stronger. Some of the results I gained in two moths:
– Get-ups: started – 14 kg get-ups shaking, now:24 stable and with great form.
– Press: have bad shoulders so was really anxious about it. started – 12 kg with shoulder pain, now: 24 with good form and the pains are gone!!!
He is the right instructor for you if you are looking for hard work, good form and longevity. No bullshit approach, no fancy stuff, mobility and strength are some of his expertise. I highly recommend him and wish I met him before!
Having experienced an injury and illness that kept me away from the gym for a couple of years, I lost a lot of strength and I was feeling disillusioned. In just a few months working with Blake I went from discouragement to enthusiasm about my strength gains. Blake is always able to adjust to my energy levels and quirks from my injury so I never feel it’s too much or too little, and comes up with creative solutions for different issues that come up. I walk out of every session feeling better and stronger than when I arrived.
I have been training with Aaron for at least three years and I can confidently say each of the sessions are hugely rewarding. Aeron is immensely knowledgeable on training techniques, push and motivates me throughout the sessions so that I can make the most out of it. His instructions are clear and precise which is crucial in strengthening exercises and avoiding injuries. With Aaron, you will see results. Highly recommended!
Equipped with specialist knowledge of kettlebell training, Aaron has extensive experience in fitness field. I have been training with Aaron for over three years and have always trusted his guidance as a trainer. My biggest fear is getting injuries from working out. Aaron consistently ensures that I have the correct posture while working at my limits. As an individual, Aaron is very professional and encouraging. He can make a challenging workout really fun. I enjoy training with him. Highly highly recommend Aaron!
I have had a number of trainers and Aaron is up there with the best. He has a knack for explaining and demonstrating exercises in a way that just makes things very clear. He pays attention to you and is honest with his feedback, complimenting when warranted and providing constructive feedback when needed. He also reflects on the session, sending helpful videos and ideas. His own form is something we can all aspire to – he makes everything look effortless. A worthwhile investment for sure!
Manh is an incredible coach. As a movement pro myself I choose to train with him. His light hearted but really challenging style is perfect for helping me reach my goals. He scales everything for every body in his classes. To me, this is the mark of a seasoned strength coach.
I have worked with Manh for 10 yrs. He is precise and enthusiastic. I have never been injured during his lessons and he prepares me for safe movements in the real world.
Jim was able to really break apart the movements and find the smallest thing to adjust to get you into your best form. I highly recommend taking his Kettlebell training if you are serious about Kettlebells. I felt with the smallest adjustment, I have made the biggest improvements thanks to that training!
Jim and Chelsie F@*#ing Rock!
Manh is knowledgable, kind, fun and hardworking. Never the same workout twice and tailors the workout to your bodies quirks and needs. Softly challenging you to do more than you thought possible.
I have been an athlete and a self taught student of fitness and biomechanics for 40 yrs. I decided to practice kettlebells with the instruction of Manh one Saturday morning. I learned more from him in one hour than I had in in the past decade.
Manh is an amazing trainer and I always enjoy going to his classes. Manh has made me feel much stronger and he is very good at personalizing training for each individual. Manh is also very easy to talk to and is always in a good mood. I would definitely recommend him for everyone!
Mahn has a wealth of knowledge of functional fitness that he shares at each workout. He has helped me to improve my strength and flexibility and does so in way that is completely enjoyable! His personal instruction is whole body transforming, continually changing and challenging which keeps me motivated and looking forward to working out with him.
Manh changed my life! I have never felt better or stronger. I have been with Manh now consistently for 2 1/2 years and will continue until I can’t move! He is the best!!!
I have worked with Manh for the last two years. I have greatly benefitted from his organized and focused workouts, and always feel great when the class is over. Manh focuses on the needs of each class member, and is able to adjust the program for any particular issue a client is managing. Manh has a great personality, and always has new topics to discuss during the class. I highly recommend Kettle Bell, and encourage you to visit Manh.
Manh is a great trainer! I recommend his classes!
I have been working with Manh since 2014 and he is the best functional movement specialist around. He is a wealth of knowledge and information and an all around amazing guy as well!
I give Pavel Macek 6 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
He is by far one of the finest instructors I have met. Not only is he an expert on what he teaches, but he is also a fine gentleman, friend and colleague. Take a course with him, follow his work, listen to his videos. You will get educated and inspired!
Hi Jose,
Just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all the exercises that you’ve given me to do. I have continued with these on and off. It’s interesting to see all the guest speakers at the Running Room talking a bit about everything you’ve told me. You have the big picture. I’ve always known you were amazing but I just wanted to share that I recognize what a great athletic therapist and osteopath you are. Thanks for everything. ?
Jim is a true professional! He will help you to perfect your form and learn how to get stronger in healthy, smart, efficient way. Thank you for your insight and sharing your knowledge… I’m feeling race ready!
Blake coached me for my 1st TSC and did a hell of a job. Completely surpassed my expectations of how I would perform. Then afterwards I came to him with some fitness goals and he guided me to being able to push all my strength numbers up. I appreciate his transparent approach on how to train, his thoughtful explanations of movements, and the mindset he puts you in every workout.
I highly recommend training with Jim. He’ll teach you the right way to perform several exercises and make sure you get the most out of it.
I’ve been a Tactical officer for over 12 years and have accumulated many injuries over time that slowly started to affect my quality of life and my work (lower back pain, hips and knee pain / surgery). Since I’ve started working with Jose 7 month ago, my lower back, hips and knee pain have completely disappear. I have achieved personal best in many area and I’m stronger than I ever been before. I would highly recommend Jose to anyone who is serious about becoming a better, healthier and stronger version of themselves. He is an awesome coach, a great mentor and a phenomenal knowledgeable teacher.
Paul really got me back in shape again after a few years of little or no training. He is a great coach that is fun to work with. He has a great way of teaching the various kettlebell techniques and gets how to explain (and keep explaining) the moves so they become intuitive and natural.
Highly recommend working with Paul
I did a set of group personal training sessions with Blake and despite the fact that my fitness level was very different from the rest of the group, he did a great job of keeping me engaged and adjusting the program to match everyone’s needs at the same time. He also pushed me when I needed it but recognized when to hold me back. As a result I achieved a new deadlift PR in an astonishingly short time. Really a great instructor. He knows his stuff and can work in a wide variety of modalities and methods.
If you take your training seriously, want results that have been out of reach and want to stay bullet-proof, I highly recommend that you train and learn with Jim Sullivan. At 59 I am stronger, leaner and have better endurance than ever and I am injury free!
Not enough nice things to say about Steven Melton! He has helped me, through his class as well as monitoring my food intake through MFP, lose over 20 pounds in 4 months! Through clean eating and kettlebells 2 days (minimum) weekly, I have reached my goal weight! Steven is very thorough in his classes, meeting each person where they are but encouraging them to challenge themselves each session- the classes are 30 min, and I leave class feeling like I have exhausted all muscle groups! I tried exercise and ‘dieting’ on my own for 2.5 years before working with Steven with no results- I could never repay him for the patience he has shown me- and the knowledge he has shared with me. He has made eating right second nature, and has made working out something I look forward to! He is truly helping people every single class he instructs with his good energy, motivation and focus on each person in his class.
Michal is knowledgeable coach with high qualifications. If you want to move better, become stronger and healthier don’t hesitate and contact him.
Eric was really great to work with. He made learning KB’s easy and I quickly learned how to do a proper KB swing. Would highly recommend!
Went to learn the proper form for the kettlebell swing, thinking it might help with lower back pain (which I’ve had for 15+ years)
Rachel suggested exercises for the swing and to target back pain directly. It was helpful to such an extent I don’t want to set an unfair expectation for others. I would have been happy to get half of the pain relief in twice as long. Still working on the swing.
Takes her work seriously & knows her stuff. Risk & rewards overwhelmingly favor giving it a try.
Though I have been strength training consistently for years, I only discovered Celeste and Aspire a few months ago when I was searching to expand my training with kettlebells. Celeste and her classes are FANTASTIC! Aspire is a hidden gem in the mass of gyms, fitness centers, Crossfit boxes and specialized studios that is now Boulder. Celeste’s programming is both systematic and varied so it all stays effective AND fun and interesting. Celeste herself a beast in nymph’s clothing–both aspirational and super encouraging and supportive. Her instruction is excellent and she has a gift for meeting each of us “where we are at” without making anyone feel out of place or left behind. She makes the StrongFirst principles and philosophy accessible to all. I feel blessed to have found this place.
Though I have been strength training consistently for years, Blake is the first coach I with whom I have worked consistently face-to-face, and my first exposure to StrongFirst-style training. I found Blake because I was looking to develop my strength and skills with kettlebells; I am extremely satisfied with our work together. Blake is super knowledgeable without being overbearing or overwhelming with all that he knows. If I need or want help with something, he always offers something useful. Yet he also leaves enough space for people to figure things out in their own ways. He has had excellent suggestions and modifications to accommodate an injury from which I have been healing ever since I started with him. His programming is systematic, sensible, thoughtful and effective. I look forward to all the workouts and am always excited about what’s next. I especially appreciate the simplicity of his programming and the laser focus on fundamental patterns of movement and movement under load–so many opportunities to hone in on the infinitely-perfectible details.
It’s important to have a good trainer to learn proper technique and keep motivated, especially if you’re learning for the first time. Do it right the first time, don’t build bad habits. I started training with Jun 3 years ago, since then I managed to maintain my exercise habits. I have seen rapid improvement in strength and overall health. He really enjoys what he does, is easy going, accommodating, and cares about clients. I highly recommend.
I was a complete novice when it came to weightlifting last year (2019). Blake has been a great instructor for me. He is very friendly and encouraging. His guidance has helped me progress in both my strength and my technique. I highly recommend him as an instructor!
His coaching put my Simple and Sinister to another level in almost no time. Looking forward to try One-handed pushups.
Extremely professional, supportive and passionate about what he does. His knowledge and natural enthusiasm helped me to push myself to work harder, to improve and build confidence as well as muscle.
I am really impressed with his expertise and his careful guidance.
I could not recommend Aaron enough .
Having trained as a CHEK lifestyle and Exercise coach, I am very particular about who I work with. After spending about 5 minutes with Jose, I knew he was who I was looking for. In only 6 months of work I am almost entirely pain free. My badly torn right shoulder feels strong and stable and my hips are finally moving the way they are meant too. Jose is a gifted coach and an incredible person. I would recommend Jose to anybody who wants to reach their potential and take ownership of their health.
We began working with Blake on the recommendation of a physical therapist, who said that my twelve year old son, who broke his wrist last fall (and had PT to regain strength in it), would benefit from core strength training. Blake has been great so far. He has an excellent manner with children and seems very knowledgable, not just about physiology, but about the the body and brain connection.
I’ve done the TSC twice with Blake. When I was gasping for air after barely missing completing the snatch test, I watched him crush it! He’s the guy who taught me how to do the bent press and someone I still talk shop with. He’s a great trainer who really knows his stuff. Anyone who wants to get into working with kettlebells or just get strong should definitely seek out Blake’s guidance.
Blake is a highly professional, experienced, and skilled fitness trainer.
He’s also very personable and easy to work with.
I recommend him to anyone looking to improve their health and fitness.
My partner and I shared a pt with Stephen on swing and get up technique. Stephen’s communication before the pt was very clear and prompt and he was punctual . He delivered his instructions clearly and sought to find numerous ways to explain what he wanted us to do . He spent a lot of time ensuring our technique met his expectations and we felt confident with his instructions. We both learned a considerable amount from the pt which has been a huge benefit to our training. We found Stephen to be professional, personable, respectful and knowledgeable and also generous with his time . We would have no hesitation recommending him to anyone looking to improve their kettlebell training.
I recently started attending Stevens kettlebells class and absolutely love it! He has made me feel very welcome in the class . He also spent a lot of time teaching me correct technique. He is a great instructor and a great person. I love how he truly cares for each member of class . He definitely motivates me to want to push myself. I can’t say enough good things about this kind man.
Steven is a top notch instructor and mentor. I have numerous medical issues and he has patiently got me stronger and physically looking better. I can say that after working with him for about six months I can now wear high heels again-which I haven’t don’t for over 3 years due to my weak leg muscles. Steven has changed my outlook on life!
Extremely knowledgable, confidence inspiring as a coach and made a big effort to give pointers before the session and provide comprehensive follow-up, I can’t recommend training with Aaron enough. A hugely positive experience.
Great teacher.
Fine gentleman.
Enough said!
I took SFG level 1 with Jose in November 2019 and it was a great pleasure to work with him. He gave insightful cues and helped me to really understand complex movements in order to improve my own learning and coaching technique. He is also someone I frequently go to with questions. I consider him a mentor. I recommend him highly.
I found Brett’s gym when searching for a kettlebell gym online. From day 1 he listened and understood exactly what I was looking to do and tailored each workout to my specific needs. I also have a minor hip injury(my fault) and 2 doctors could not really figure it out, but Brett studied my movements and figured out at least how to work the area. He sent me home with his own stretch band and special movements that help relieve the pain. You can tell he cares and that makes all the difference. I highly recommend Brett Bracken!!
Great teacher and nice person as well. Very humble. Highly recommended.
I have suffered from back injuries for the last 8 years. When I showed up in Jose’s office 6 months ago I was in acute distress and could barely walk due to my back being in spasm. Through his rehabilitative work that led up to my strength conditioning I have never felt better. I have recently achieved a personal best on my dead lift! Jose’s blended approach has been instrumental in my success. I recommend him to anyone who wants to live a healthier and stronger life.
Paweł is a trainer who will supervise
muscle tightening and also jokes during training. But seriously, he is a professional, a man with great substantive knowledge about strength training, body movement and breathing. He is able to motivate, control during exercises, correct errors and shows on his own example how it all works. When you need it, he is severe, but at the same time so nice that every training is a pleasure. Thanks to kettlebell training with Paweł I got rid of back pain almost completely (and I have serious problems with my spine, vertebral displacement
and sciatica), I strengthened my core muscles, I also feel better, more efficient, mobile and stronger every day and I lost weight. I recommend Trainer Paweł with all strength!
In a span of 11 months I had a hip replacement and quadruple bypass surgery which left my muscles weak and lacking flexibility. Kerry and I had known each other for several years prior and once I had fully recovered sought her help in regaining what I had lost. Her positivity is infectious and even though I was a naysayer at first after going through the evaluation. After performing the correctives she recommended I became positive when I saw improvements through strength training that she specifically orchestrated for me.
With her guidance and expertise I now dead lift kettle bells and am the most physically fit that I have been since high school.
Lisa is a wealth of knowledge and an inspiration. She is obsessed with form and has a way of coaching to a variety of abilities. I grow and learn with each class I take with Lisa. Highly recommend growing your practice with Lisa as your instructor!
I have taken Lisa’s kettlebell classes for almost 3 years now -I keep coming back because I love her personality, her teaching style, her workouts and her supplemental explanations of movement of our bodies. She individualizes when need be and always adds excitement and encouragement to the workouts. Im equally impressed that she comes prepared and emails us with prep or follow up support. I can tell the difference in my overall physique and I never don’t want to go to class. She’s great!
Lisa is an outstanding instructor. Lisa always emphasizes safety and correct posture. Her enthusiasm for the sport
is contagious and she keeps the classes upbeat and fun.
Due the heavy physical burden of my job as a tactical officer, I have had constant back and hip pain for the last 7 years. I have now been working with Jose for the last 4 months and have never felt stronger and more functional. My hip and back pain have diasappeared and I am now functionally stronger. I feel transformed and can’t thank Jose enough. Anyone serious about becoming a better/stronger human needs to see Jose. Great coach and better person.
I met Pavel at the first resilient formation, in Paris.
He is a great and enthusiast coach who will share all his knowledge with you.
He is a man of learning, so I have no doubt that next time I will follow a formation with him (and I will, fore sure), again I will learn a lot of useful things for my training and for my physical health.
Alexey is a mine of knowledge and a great coach. Patient, attentive to details, and perfectionist, he will do everything in his power to allow you to make progress and to make you stronger… and he will make you better and stronger !
Lisa is a great instructor and I’d strongly recommend her to anyone. She clearly knows a lot about strength training and is willing to answer any questions. Lisa encourages students to push their limits, but always safely and using the proper techniques. She also has a ready sense of humor and makes class fun!
Been with Pavel twice: StronFirst Bodyweight Certification and StrongFirst Resilient.
An inspirational coach and with a good sense of humor.
Hope to see you soon!
I’ve been training with him for a few months. His way of teaching and taking you to achieve your goals is second to none. I am very grateful that in a few months I completely changed my perspective towards exercise, of leading a healthy life and of including training in my daily routine. His patience and dedication to us, his students, is admirable. Güendulain lives and transmits his philosophy in everything he does.
I really enjoy taking Lisa’s class. She is quite knowledgeable, and is careful to make sure her students use correct form in order to avoid injuries. She is also very nice! She makes everyone feel welcome, and offers lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement. I feel fortunate to have her as my instructor.
Lisa is an outstanding kettlebells instructor! Her teaching style is inclusive and supportive to the individual. I have gained so much strength AND knowledge about kettlebells in the six months I have been training with her. I will continue to take her classes!
Lisa is an amazing instructor! Always watching that you are using the correct form so you won’t injure yourself. She single handily made me love strength training with kettle bells! She is so positive and inspiring! You get a tremendous workout in her class but have a fun time achieving it! I have lost over 20 pounds but more importantly have strength in my daily life. She has shown me how important strength is to your everyday life! She is the best!
Lisa is an excellent kettlebell instructor. Besides focusing on proper form, she is a great encourager. Her class if fun but you get a great workout in a short amount of time. She’s an inspirational teacher.
Carlos is an excellent coach, he manages his sessions very well, checks that people are doing the practice with good form and uses all the tools learned from the strongfirst methodology to obtain the best results.
I love how Lisa’s classes are both fun and a great workout! She has helped me gain strength to improve my running. I always look forward to my Wednesday, lunch-break kettle bells class 🙂
Lisa is a fantastic instructor. She designs amazing workouts and does a great job supporting her students. Always focused on great form, she has helped me improve my kettlebell practice immensely.
What can I say about Charlie!!!! I’m soooo thankful with him. I’ve been working out for half a year, and I’ve seen the changes. I’m more fit, stronger, achieving every goal I’d set from the begging and beyond, and getting into others that I didn’t imagine I could even think about them. Incredible the way he encourage you to keep on going, further and also teaching the discipline that you have to get in order to get the results you want, with that gentle and human touch.
Never the less that he is a remarkable human being with that special touch he has and patience to explain the do’s and the doesn’t, with a perfect technique; I can get to improve with every single day of trainning.
In my personal experience, I can’t go regularly to the same gym, ‘cuz of my work (lifestyle), so he had to prepare and teach me the correct way to performed the exercises, and practice everyday, I can tell you that even people at my work and the gyms I visit all over the country they’ve seen my remarkable change.
So I just want to say Thank you for your effort, patience and the professionalism you project in every single session you give.
Lisa has been amazing to work with. I just got the OK from PT to start working out and Lisa has been extremely accommodating while pushing me in a very positive and safe manner. I haven’t worked out in 20 years and love going to her classes. Thank you Lisa!
Lisa is an absolute kettlebell guru. Her classes have helped me get so much healthier- mentally and physically. Not only have I lost 30 lbs and gained lean muscle and strength since starting her class, my confidence in myself has increased both with bells and with life situations. I am now pursuing a personal training and nutrition certification myself. As I have told Lisa, I want to be like her when I “grow up” (I’m 31!). Her classes are safe, challenging, fun and she keeps the atmosphere so friendly and accepting. She doesn’t just teach the “how” but the “why” behind every move and technique. She represents Strong First with such brilliance every time she engages with her various fitness circles – she is a huge asset to the team and brand! I am so blessed to have such an amazing trainer and person in my life!
Lisa is one of the best exercise instructors I have ever had. She is positive, motivating, focused on the individual, but also able to lead a large class extremely well. Her instruction keeps me coming back to her classes again and again. Very knowledgeable.
I would simply like to write that I am truly pleased to have been able to meet a man like Pavel MACEK who in addition to being an exceptional coach in the development of strength, he is also a man of extreme kindness always ready to share his knowledge and to advance his neighbor, so I would end by saying thank you for welcoming me so kindly during our certification in PRAGUE. Your brother of the strength
Bati
I am currently in the midst of prepping for my SFG I certification and wanted to have an expert review my technique to make sure I was up to standards as well as to help prepare me for the snatch test. I will start by saying wow, I wish I would have reached out to Tim several months earlier, that would have saved me many unnecessary aches/pains/torn calluses and self-programming errors. He provided me with several cues that really did give me that much sought after “ah ha!” moment. Because of my time working with Tim I am going into my SFG I weekend much more confident.
Alexey became naturally the coach, I would say even more my Mentor who guides me through his various teachings on the road to strength. If you want to progress in this field and discover all the different facets related to the force it is essential to go through its teaching. real discreet professional there is no less one of the biggest if it is not the biggest. To finish I would say thank you Alexey for everything
Power to you
After listening to an interview with Pavel Tsatsouline I visited the StrongFirst website and searched for a nearby certified instructor. I contacted SFG II Instructor Steven Lewter and scheduled a series of training sessions at his StrongFirst accredited gym Chattahoochee Strength & Fitness. I found Steven to be an extremely knowledgeable and patient teacher. Beginning with the basic moves he emphasized correct form that builds strength while minimizing the chance of injury. I’m glad I invested the time and effort to learn kettlebell fundamentals from a StrongFirst Certified Instructor and I recommend that anyone in the Atlanta area interested in kettlebells contact Steven and get started.
Prior to working with Ross, I was afraid to load my spine due to a previous back injury that inhibited me from playing collegiate basketball. My physician told me at 18 years old that loading my spine would compromise it, so I stopped deadlifting and squatting due to fear of re-injury. Ross told me he could help me when I was in Idaho for the summer, and although I was nervous, he gave me the confidence to try.
Working with Ross was so empowering because he showed me how to get stronger without compromising my spine or increasing my fear of these movements. What makes him different from other coaches is his extensive background across multiple domains, all aiming to improve performance. His knowledge allows him to fix faulty movement patterns and build from the foundation prior to loading. He knows how to personalize training plans and give the perfect cue that allowed me to really feel the proper movement pattern. He is a FANTASTIC coach, and I wish I could train with him more regularly. I truly trust his expertise and enjoy his sense of humor! I would highly recommended training with Ross, especially if you have any injury concerns because he will put you at ease. No matter what your age or skill level is, Ross will get you where you want to be!
Carlos is both an exceptional coach and a human being, working with him has been one of the greatest experiences of my sporting life. Coming from a career in long distance training, Charlie helped me reshape my entire body composition into a lean, mean strength machine. I hope to keep working with him for the time to come as I’m sure he is one of the greatest coaches of the kettlebell sport.
Ross has been my strength coach and athletic trainer for the past three years. I credit him for teaching proper technique and prescribing appropriate training to prevent injury. I partnered with Ross in the Fall of 2018 and Spring of 2019 as I coached high school cross country and track and field teams. Ross served as our AT and S&C coach. He deserves much credit for our girls’ runner-up finish at the XC State meet and for the multiple individual successes experienced throughout the Track and Field season. Ross is a great teacher who can wisely draw from his abundance of knowledge and experience. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with an outstanding and effective professional who is an expert in his field.
I started training with Kerry a few months ago after having hip surgery. She was very thorough in her evaluation of my strengths and current weaknesses. She formulated a regimen of workouts to target the areas that needed improvement. She asked what my goals were and set up a plan targeted to reach them. I am continuing to work with her to obtain these goals. I’m away for the winter but still connecting with Kerry via email as she continues to map out a plan with workouts for me to obtain to my goal.
Ross is an incredible teacher and a true guru when it comes to lifting technique and injury prevention! Before working with him, I had multiple strength deficiencies and nagging injuries that kept me from running consistently. After following his plan and learning proper technique, I was able to build strength and become a more efficient runner. These two areas helped me to train with little interruption—definitely instrumental in helping me to achieve several personal bests on the track.
Thanks Ross!
I started training one-on-one with Ross in the fall of 2017 and then
moved away. However, I haven’t stopped doing Kettlebells since! He introduced me to Kettlebells and I’ve been obsessed ever since. Amazing form and technique coach. He is also very knowledgeable when it comes to injuries and any sorts of aches and pains you might have. Plus he can “fix” them! Such a skilled person to have in your life.
Like the program simple & sinister, Pavel manages to give simple but yet very effective instructions. I really appreciate his help.
I started training with Ross two years ago when I began running post-collegiately. In college, I struggled with many back issues which had caused decreased mobility throughout my body. Now, two years later with Ross’ assistance, I have increased my overall mobility which has helped me become a better and healthier athlete. Ross has worked with a variety of populations and his knowledge extends past just strength training, as he has coached and worked as an athletic trainer at all levels. Ross is the best!
I have known Pavel for a long time. He is a great teacher, always ready to help and give the right advice.
Pavel helped me a lot with my Snatch test, especially when I was stuck in the process and had a hard time to move forward. I am very grateful for all his knowledge, advice and support. I can frankly say that I would have never passed my SFG 1 without his support.
All the best and power to you, Pavel!
Michal is not only a professional trainer who can clearly explain the proper technique, but is also a very nice guy, who can direct you properly to push your limits and keep you motivated all the time. He can properly set the right program, watch constantly progress and under his supervision the exercise is challenging and fun all the time.
I tried many forms of exercises in the past. From classic gym, training at home with body weight, to cardio. But after approximately 1 year of training with kettle-bells with clear and simple concept, I can say this was finally the right choice.
My colleague and friend Michal is very good instructor and a role model for others he teach. Overall great coaching skills and his nice personality makes him the right person for the job if you seek to move better, become stronger and healthier.
An enthusiastic young gentleman, always learning, practicing, teaching, and leading by example.
Kettlebell training was a new endeavor for me. Not only does Kerry take the time to show you what to do she is exceptionally knowledgeable about the why behind it and how each strength technique builds upon another. She is concise in her demonstration and is able to explain complex methods in easy to follow terms. I now have a strong foundation to build upon because of the techniques she has taught and reinforced with me. I am no longer intimidated to lift heavy or light as I have found enjoyment, results and fun from kettlebell training thanks to Kerry.
She has a positive motivating approach with a desire to help you reach your goals. I feel I take away something new from each training session and consistently improve upon my own skills due to her insights, approach and tools she has given me. Training with her has improved my overall health. The combination of her skills, personality and passion for her work are just a few of the reason I would recommend Kerry.
Eric was a great trainer. I only stopped using him when he moved to Los Angeles. He was attentive to what I wanted from my training and helped me get stronger.
John Odden and I have been colleagues for some years now collaborating as teachers and instructors both at his fantastic gym Empowered Strength and from afar working together on articles, programming, and training. John is an outstanding technical and strength coach and personal trainer, a superb colleague and collaborator, and a class act.
Wow, Tim is professional and insightful. If you ever end up in central Florida you need to spend an hour with Tim working on your kettlebell technique. Whether you’re learning a new move or perfecting your swing he can improve your skills. He is legit. You will learn several important things and have fun doing it.
Pavel has been a major part in changing my workouts, diets and lifestyle. I am firmly on track to meeting my goals. He has a wealth of knowlage and is happy to share it!
Thanks again.
Attention to detail and with the heart in the right place. Coach Martin will definitely not take shortcuts in teaching skills and techniques. His fiery passion for the craft also makes him a terrific motivator aside from already being an astute educator. Highly recommended!
Ross has essentially been my strength coach for 4+ years. The amount of knowledge and expertise he has is impressive. He is a very effective teacher. His wide range of experience in other avenues of sport and performance makes him one of the better physio professionals in the world. I highly recommend Ross if you have the opportunity to work with him.
With contagious energy and passion for mutual improvement, Coach Martin tailor fits your program to help you maximize your time and effort.
Effective, professional and reliable Strong First kettlebell instructor.
Rudolph Carvalho helped me (total newbie re kettlebell training) achieve my aim to learn the basic kettlebell exercises according to the Strong First methodology.
Ended up extending my stay in Saligao/Arpora – North Goa in order to continue refining techniques with him.
Rudolph is a true professional: 100% committed to the cause, efficient, reliable and honest.
Now have the comprehensive skills, knowledge and confidence to both effectively and safely build strength and fitness using kettlebells.
I highly recommend anyone serious about training with kettlebells (and other types of training) to get in touch with Rudolph Carvalho who is based in North Goa (near Arpora, Saligao and Calangute).
Michal is a good colleague of mine and truly great coach. You can’t go wrong with him!
Kerry is a trainer who shares her strength with you. She heard my story of how I injured my back and walked through general physical therapy, chiropractic care and hours upon hours of yoga to try and get strong again. Then she did what everything else failed to do and taught me how to help myself heal. She has given me the tools to better understand my body and answer those signals. Kerry strives for strength in body and mind.
I remeber thinking personal training was just going to be like everything else I had tried, or like a generic gym membership where I would get a little coaching and never make any real progress. Without Kerry, it might have been that for me. Now, I am able to move around pain free. Now, I understand my body more and I’m better equipped with knowledge on how to respond.
Kerry has helped me to see how I can motivate myself and get strong. The program she uses allows me to progress continually and achieve a tremendous amount satisfaction and strength.
I’m grateful that I have Kerry as my personal trainer to guide me through better movement in my daily life, reducing pains from head to toes and helping me realize how, I too, can achieve muscle strength I didn’t even realize I could!
She taught me how to exercise joyfully and safely and kept me going. It’s been three years since l met her. During that time she developed every day and it inspired me. She is both a teacher and a role model.
Let me tell you, If you exercise with her, that’s great luck.?
I’ve known Mira for several years. The past two years I had the privilege of working with as my KB coach. I learned so much from her. Her attention to detail and coaching, tough, yet caring, improved my skills and pushed me further than I thought I would go. As a physical therapist, I’ve also had the pleasure of working collegially to help shared clients return to their activities and training safely. I trust her with any of my patients and have recommended many to her and her gym.
HJ Choi taught me the joy of being strong both physically and mentally.
I was the kind of person who could rarely keep doing the same physical activities for more than a year. It was hard for me to overcome the hurdles from the ‘very real’ beginner to the next level.
She understands exactly the difficulties facing beginners like myself and teaches us systemically and efficiently to sustain a continuous workout without giving up(Yes! It’s been more than 2years since I have been working out at Powerzone HJ S&C!)
I love this place and the strong people I work out with. As I get stronger, I feel much happier and freer!
It has been three years since I worked out with Hyunjin. I was a person who had never touched a barbell(like a normal Korean woman), but now I can lift more than twice my weight. Those who learn from her, not just me, are exceeding their limits day by day.
Hyunjin shows me the goals that are within my reach, and leads to huge changes. I do not need to overwork myself and exercise hard to achieve my goal. All I do is come to the gym and trust her. Also, it all comes in a warm and amicable atmosphere.
If you want to be strong, especially if you are a woman, I strongly recommend her and this gym. You will see a lot of strong women and women who want to be strong, and exercising with them will completely change your life.
Best Teacher Ever
I’ve been training with her since 2018. I had severe wrist problems before I started exercise. But with her program my wrists got better and better.
I could remember I hardly did getup with 8kg at first. Her program is designed sophisticately and changed every week. All I can do is just follow her program regularly ( If I wanted do any hopeless challenges she wouln’t let me do it at all.) If you do, your strengths improve much better.
Recently I found myself could do getup with 24kg both side and one arm swing with 32kg both side. I’m shocked.
“I really could do this? REALLY?”
As well as that I could hope much higher aims. Before, I wanted to be alive(still I want) But now, I want to learn about exercise more and start to study for better performance.
I highly recommand her if you want to live better life. She probably willing to give it to you.
Hyunjin is a great athlete as well as instructor.
She leads and cares her students both physically and mentally.
She is constantly trying to build up her knowledge of training and develop teaching ability even though she is already an excellent teacher.
She has positive effects on the surroundings with her warm heart.
I admire her as my teacher and role model of training.
This IronMaiden changed my life. I’m 40 years old now, but stronger than ever. She teaches me not only how to be strong but also the spirit of Strongfirst. Her attitude, inspiration and sense of humour brought a whole new perspective to me and i feel that i’m developing in the right direction. Thanks her for this beautiful journey.
She is the greatest teacher I’ve ever met, and willing to help any student with warm heart, to share her experience and the wonderful journey to the strength with anyone by any chance.
I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher Hyunjin for living well.
Hyunjin has excellent teaching abilities. She has always been driven to develop her skills as a teacher.
Hyunjin has a wonderful rapport with students, especially beginner. Her ability to connect with her students and her talent at teaching simple movements, as well as more advanced skills, are both truly superior.
Hyunjin is the best teacher I’ve ever had. She is my hero.
Michael is such an amazing coach who teaches you not only to be strong, but to be confident and happy in your strength. When I came to Michael initially, I had little experience with Kettlebells, but knew that I wanted to go on to learn so much more. Michael taught me each movement in and out, allowing me to achieve much more than I ever thought with Kettlebells. My mental and physical health improved massively and it’s all thanks to Michael, a hugely experienced coach and great friend. He made me so much more confident in my training which allowed me to come into the gym and train on my own, a huge goal of mine. I can not recommend him enough. If you want to become stronger and “good at life” Michael is who you need!
Yann know kettlebell and StrongFirst.
very friendly and effective
Pro coach!
Thierry is a great coach, very effective and friendly.
Pro coach!
Serge is a very good coach in Paris.
Serge know kettlebell and StrongFirst methods.
Pro coach!
Pierre Martini is a great coach!
He help me a lot and he is very helpful and friendly!
Pro coach!
Alexey is one of the best teacher that you can find. You can learn everything about StrongFirst from him.
Best coach ever
Zack has been my strength coach for just over a year. Being a strength coach myself, I know the value of a great coach and I couldn’t be happier to have Zack as my coach. Over the past year, he has proven himself to be attentive, knowledgable and highly competent. With Zack’s help, I earned my SFB, earned Elite status, set state powerlifting records in my age/weight class in USAPL and earned a spot on the podium at USAPL Raw Nationals. What a year!! Thanks, Zack!!
Jean-Francois is a great man, great colleague, great instructor and great teacher. I am very thankful for his experiences, advices and help.
Kirk is a fantastic trainer! He really takes the time to make sure you’re doing moves correctly to avoid injury and maximize each move. His workouts are fun, tough, and dynamic.
Dan is an exceptional trainer and I am so thankful I found him. As he writes in his bio, he specializes in hardstyle kettlebell training and his level of expertise is remarkable. He’s able to safely breakdown movements, ensuring the best form, and avoiding unnecessary injuries. Dan’s expertise goes beyond kettlebells and it’s amazing to learn the correct form for back-squatting and more. In short, training with Dan will take you to another level, whether you are a beginner or an advanced student. Last, but not least – Dan has a great sense of humor, so the sessions are go by fast and before you know it – you are swinging kettlebells hardstyle:)
Listened to Pavel Tsatsouline on Joe Rogan at Christmas and thought wow he’s knowledgeable and I should start kettlebells to supplement my jiujitsu training. Searched for a Strengthfirst coach near me and found Megan. Had a two hour session with her and have left thinking wow she’s knowledgeable and I now understand enough to train swings and Turkish get ups safely and effectively. Great day, great coach and will be back.
Michael is such an enthusiastic coach, always motivated and passionate about helping people achieve their potential. He has always listened to my goals & concerns and has done his best to keep me going at times when I couldn’t make it into the gym. He is so individual – no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ approach. So approachable, knowledgeable and friendly. Very lucky to have found him as a coach. Would highly recommend!
Joe has been a skilled guide to helping me navigate the daunting task of finding an exercise routine that is anything but routine. His workouts keep things fresh so that your body is consistently challenged. But he also does a great job of working with you to incorporate exercises and stretches that help you reach your fitness goals.
I had problems with stiffness and pain in my joints, mostly in my shoulders. This struggle with pains and aches hindered my ability to do body weight exercises such as push ups and planks. Joe developed a personalized workout for me and his patience and attention to detail were invaluable. His instruction videos effectively demonstrated dynamic stretches and body weight exercises that helped my mobility and flexibility for my entire body: not just my shoulders. The results have been wonderful and thanks to Joe, I am able to do body weight workouts that I hadn’t been able to do in years.
Michael is an amazing coach. I find myself looking forward to the next training session, also his programs are amazing I never find myself bored I also find them enjoyable and excited to do the next day. I’ve been training with Michael for the past year and within that year I have achieved strength goals I would never have thought possible, lifting weights I never thought I would ever get at. Michael has a great understanding and knowledge on nutrition, listening to what you what to achieve and giving great advice on it! He is also so motivating even when your having an off day!
Michael is an amazing coach. He really cares about his clients being great at life not only physically but mentally too. I never knew how strong I was till Michael pushed beyond my comfort zone and the little voice in my head that tells me I cant do it. Michael’s positivity and motivation helps you to push past what you think are your limits and makes you super proud of yourself. I always leave the gym feeling strong and happy. The support he gives inside and outside the gym is amazing . He really is an incredible human being.
Louka is professional, thorough, humble and personable. Louka does an outstanding job of assessing where his clients are in their development, guiding them towards accomplishing their goals (and deciding what those goals should be), supporting them through the journey, and always with great communication skills. He is equally adept at teaching one-on-one as he is delivering group lessons. It is a always a pleasure to work with Louka
He teach me the first course of flexible steel and made me curious about kettlebell. He was very though full for everyone during that class.
Maybe one day i will try Strong first formation too
Michael is an amazing coach and a great friend. Over the past 3 years he has helped me so much in improving my physical strength and mobility. He is always really positive and encouraging when he is training with you. Each client’s health fitness and wellbeing is so important to him. I think that is really important when working with different people. I have improved so much in my bench press and kettlebell press with Michael’s support. I could not have achieved this without him. I really enjoy training with Michael because he always wants people to be the best they can be. “Making people strong and good at life.” That’s what he’s all about! Every training session he challenges you to be better and stronger than last time. I have improved and learned so much through working with Michael. I would recommend him highly to anyone looking to improve their health and fitness.
Michael duncan is an excellent coach because he becomes your friend and with that he builds so much trust with you and you build even more with him thanks to the people he coaches becsuse everyone is so nice and welcoming. When michael says ‘sir you can do this!’ You feel like you can do even more than that and i know this personally as ive trained with him for a year and hes given me the confidence to go to the gym and train rather than not and for that i ghank him and know hes an amazing coach and a great friend.
Makes you good a life!
I’ve been training with Michael for a couple of years now and we regularly assess my training programme, setting goals/targets to work towards. Michael provides continuous feedback and encouragement to push me out of my comfort zone while keeping sessions informative and challenging with a lot of laughter thrown in. I’m stronger now than I’ve ever been – both physically and mentally – and enjoying every minute of it!
My teacher, colleague, and great friend. Smart, hard working and enthusiastic gentleman who walks the talk. I can’t recommend his classes and courses enough!
With just a few lessons with Louka I was able to learn the principles of Strong First and apply them to my training. Being new to training when I first met him I was able to safely learn the kettlebell swing, the Turkish get-up and various bodyweight exercises. Although I can not attend his classes regularly I see him for private sessions to polish my technique and for program design. Louka is a great teacher.
I learned with Louka twice, including a one day course of the hardstyle kettlebell. Louka is very passionate and enthusiastic about what he is doing, his knowledge is impressive, and he knows how to apply positive impact on his students in a very effective way. His dedication and proficiency are always there for you.
Teaches what he preaches. Truly a passionate instructor.
-Strength has a greater purpose
Michael has been coaching my 16 year old son for over 1 year…..he has a great passion for people and self-improvement at beginner level through to advanced…he has great knowledge, skill and patience. Most importantly he is a great fella and role model…would highly recommend him as a coach for all ages…..genders…..abilities!!!!
This guy is the REAL DEAL.
Professional, reliable, knowledgeable and FUN.The skills he possesses are like GOLD to what I’ve been trying to achieve. I recommend Louka, He really knows his stuff!
I worked with Louka online. He has an amazing eye for where movement can be improved, and gave me some great strategies to improve my technique and focus my strength. I didn’t know what to expect working through video only, but Loukas skill, patience and kindness far exceeded my expectations. Louka is truly skilled.
Michael is an excellent coach and, more importantly, a really good person. Even though he tries to hide it on occasions, he cares deeply about the health, fitness and wellbeing of each of his clients and tailors the programme to individual needs and aspirations. His attention to detail is incredible. I have lost count of the number of times that we have spent tweaking my bench press and deadlift!! The progress that I have made over the last 18 months has surpassed my expectations – and we are still moving forward. All of that can be attributed to Michael. I would recommend him to anyone of any age and gender who is looking for self improvement.
Michael is really nice and has helped be get back walking after a spinal surgery that didn’t go to plan. I spent 4 months on a spinal injury unit. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today both physically and mentally if it wasn’t for Michael. He always keeps tags on me with both my exercises and my diet.
Michael is a great coach, with an abundance of knowledge and enthusiasm for all things strength related. He has helped me improve my snatching technique, deadlift form and general approach to fitness. I would definitely recommend Michael to anyone wanting a first class Strongfirst coach.
I’ve been training with Coach Mark Limbaga for a few months now. And he has been instrumental through my fitness journey. He breaks down the lessons in a way where beginners in the strength program like me can easily digest. Giving out tips to improve technique, and always on the look out for little details in order to help out his students.
I always look forward for the next lesson that he teaches.
Michael is an amazing coach.
He always motivated me and believes in me.
But the best thing about Michael is his ability to make you laugh and enjoy lifting very heavy weights!
He never gives up on me, even when I’m not in the gym! That goes to show that he consistently keeps on track of his clients in a very positive way.
It’s a pleasure to train with Michael. I feel very grateful that I have him on my side?
Jimmy is a truly gifted healer. He somehow knows exactly what to do to get your muscles and body back to their proper state and function. My two sons and I have all had to see him for serious muscular pain which he was able to cure in just one appointment. We are clients for life and are so thankful that we have had the opportunity to see him. Thank you Jimmy!
Luca is one of those guys who better represents our School.
He is a kind, quiet, attentive and polite professional.
The way he carries his strenght matters!
Hope to work with you as soon.
Dario is a great coach. We have worked together during certifications. He is a true Strong individual both physically and mentally.
it was a pleasure working with him!!!
Thiemo is the type of coach, that brings the best out of you. He walks the walk and knows a lot about his profession because he experienced all by himself!
A kind person, a great teacher and an athlete with YEARS of experience in the iron game! When Thiemo talks you better listen.
Sven is just great. Been working with him alongside during some Workshops and Certifications and it´s been an honor. He is smart, helpful and a kind person.
He knows exactly what to look for, to make you better and he always does it with a smile on his face!
Keep up the great work!
Coach, thank you for the teaching and guidance. Thanks to you I learned or improved techniques I struggled with for ages. Kettlebell is an excellent tool for both trainers and trainees. I also respected your kindness as well as your good manners.
Colin is one of the best coaches I’ve had in just about any area of my life. In our form session he managed to really lay down the foundation for a solid TGU and even correct my swing. His approach is extremely practical and focused – just like a kettlebell workout! The time I spent with him immensely improved my form and really has given me the solid knowledge I needed to move forward confidently in my practice. Can’t recommend him enough.
In October of this year I attended the SFL level 1, when we got there I was selected to be part of johns team, have not met him (or anyone) before he put us all straight at ease and was a brilliant teacher. He also shared a very heart warming and personal story which took real guts and showed a very honest vulnerability most are scared to show, he will always have my respect for that.
On the snatch test I only managed 81 reps meaning I had a lot of work to do in the next 90 days. John was in contact regularly to check in on my training and give me advice via programming. After 84 days I retook my test and comfortably hit the 100. This I am absolutely sure was only possible through johns support. I can not recommend him enough as a coach and team leader.
I have been training with John Odden for 2.5 years now. I can honestly say that I have never been stronger than I am today. I have been an athlete all my life; but this is the first time I have received such a high-level of coaching. His knowledge and experience is such that I was inspired to join the StrongFirst community as an instructor, this past year in 2019. Training with John has helped me to be strong and pain-free, and to be able to live and play as I enter my late 40s! It has truly been a life-changing experience!
Jason was my Team Leader during a recent SFG I certification weekend. Almost immediately after meeting him, it became clear that Jason was a wealth of knowledge, and genuinely wanted to see every student on his team succeed. With the help of his fantastic assistants, Jason provided a positive environment which allowed us to learn while having fun and getting the most out of the experience. I have no doubt that Jason is your guy if you want to make progress in your fitness endeavors.
I came to Kevin while preparing for the SFG I certification in October 2019. He quickly proved to be a dedicated and knowledgable coach who genuinely cared about helping me succeed. He was always available for advice on my training, and had me well prepared for the tough SFG weekend. When I struggled with the snatch test, he put a plan together which ultimately helped me pass and gain my certification. If I had it to do over again, the only thing I would change is seeking Kevin out earlier.
Most talented coach I’ve trained with. Not only is he technically proficient, he is also a real strength geek, who can articulate the principles of StrongFirst eloquently.
I also like the fact that Mark is patient, but that he does not coddle. His feedback is direct, no BS.
Frankly, the fitness space in the Philippines is full of hucksters and trainers who prefer quick bucks over helping people. But thank god there are people like Mark who know their shit.
StrongFirst, please consider Mark Limbaga for a leadership position!
I had the privilege of meeting Piers at an SFB event last year. He is a professional, friendly instructor. When he speaks it comes with real authority and I really enjoyed getting to know him and glean his training wisdom over the 2 day event. If you are anywhere near his facilities; do yourself a favor and go see him. Thanks for all you do Piers, it was a real pleasure getting to know you!
Kirk’s workouts are full of variety and challenges. He uses a lot of creativity in his classes, which make them different, and fun. You sometimes forget how hard you’re working! He is very thorough in explaining the proper form and techniques while always being supportive and encouraging. All the best qualities of a great trainer!
I took the StrongFirst Kettlebell Course led by Kevin and can firmly say that after almost 7 years in the fitness industry, this was the most amazing course I have taken. The technicality of KB’s can feel overwhelming but Kevin broke it down so well and made sure we all really got it. You feel supported from Kevin from the first moment you walk in the room and I am planning to take his class in Philly sometime soon!
Kevin lead a Kettle workshop that I was privileged to attend in the Chester County, PA area. He is one of the most knowledgeable and creditable trainers I have yet to learn from. He guided my colleagues and I through a training that was incredibly educational and exciting. If you are looking to grow in the fitness industry and or gain more knowledge on incorporating kettlebells into your training and or coaching, Kevin Dea is the guy!
I had the pleasure of attending a kettlebell workshop run by Kevin. He is a remarkable instructor! He is super personable and has great energy which helped make for a conducive learning environment for myself and my fellow coaching team. During our workshop Kevin was able to teach a variety of new movements and techniques in a relatively brief period of time, all while ensuring total comprehension and allowing open dialogue for questions and answers. I highly recommend Kevin as a Strong First instructor!
Had several sessions with Coach Martin already. He brings both the superb technical know how and focused personal approach one would expect from some of the best out there and more.
If I can only say one great thing about Coach Martin (though there are many), it is that, I feel safe exploring my limits when training with him because I am confident with his knowledge and his genuine concern for his students that I know I am in good hands.
Will definitely recommend!
Martin is a hands on, knowledgeable and friendly coach. He always affirms his clients and makes sure they feel their best. Most importantly, he is very passionate about what he does. He genuinely loves learning about his craft and sharing what he knows to others.
Very patient and understanding…
Dedicated to his craft, and to the basis of teaching.
Will definitely recommend
Coach Martin is passionate about his craft, very professional, approachable, and very willing to teach his students with regards to the technicalities of kettlebell training while pushing them not only to be stronger, but be better versions of themselves and have better outlook on their fitness journeys. Also, his own fitness story is a testament of how inspiring and motivating he is as a trainer.
Peter is hands down one of the best Coaches I’ve ever come across . In my opinion he’s one of the best Coaches I’ve come across .. He has a very high standard and that standard was past down to me through 2 years of training, and if it wasn’t for Peter and his coaching skills, expertise I wouldn’t have past my SFG 1..
Just like many others the passion for strength, knowledge and the pursuit in furthering is own skill as much as he pushes and encourages you to do your best .. and to never just settle ..
I don’t just see him as coach and mentor and a amazing bloke ..
If your in the area , give him a call .. you won’t be disappointed..
Thank you for your support over the last couple of years … lol ???
No more shinnie lights
Mark Limbaga, is an amazing inspirational coach, his knowledge and passion for his craft is next to none .. pound for pound he’s one of the strongest blokes I’ve seen . He’s pursuit in knowledge and strength and his equal passion to teach other’s is mind blowing .. He’s one of the most humble passionate coaches I’ve come across in the StrongFirst community.. He’s very genuine and happy to share his knowledge…
If you ever get a chance he’s definitely a coach to give a call ..
Pavel has been a long time teacher and mentor to me online.
I finally got to learn from him hands-in at the Taipei SFB in December 2019. To be given the privilege to assist him was an even bigger treat as I got to sharpen my bodyweight skills.
If you have the chance to learn from him in any form, grab the opportunity
Baptiste is an attentive instructor, who motivates you to go towards excellence. He infused me with the taste of effort and the surpassing of oneself. Thanks a lot.
I got to know Jean-François following open day 2019. Jean-François is a very passionate person about the strongfirst idea and he communicates his passion and all his knowledge. I was coached by him during the initiation day and I was delighted. Good luck for the future
A great coach, with whom the evolution is constant, he is also attentive to his students and very fastidious about the safety of movements. It gives me a taste for sport
Wonderful class, great teaching by George!
The methodology of the movements was excellent .
I recommend George to anyone that wants to know solid kettlebell technique.
George is a master at his craft . If you want to learn about kettlebells, he’s the guy to look for! Always passionate and willing to help you improve your technique and become better!
Kirk’s workouts are well-balanced; equal parts strength, agility, teamwork and fun! He’ll push you to challenge yourself, and you’ll gain strength and confidence while learning good form. Kirk is an excellent coach!
I recently attended the SFG where John was my team leader for the course. Throughout the course he was able to give me lots of useful tips to help me improve my technique.
I didn’t pass my snatch test on the day so needed to submit a video after, I was a little disappointed at the time but John help me see this as a opportunity to practise my snatch technique and get better.
While preparing I was struggling a bit while trying to work around an injury, John took the time to offer support recommend a couple programs which ultimately helped me pass my snatch test.
John is a great coach who clearly wants to help everyone succeed in their goals.
Oh this guy! He’s one of a kind. He has helped me get strong, believe in myself, keep me safe and has never doubted that I could do anything I’ve tried. His attention to the details helps lift your game to the next level. If you want someone on your side to help you reach your fitness goals, he’s your guy.
Kirk is the best! His passion for fitness and Strong First is contagious. I love going to his “kirk outs!”
I have worked out beside Kirk and with him as my trainer over the last 5 years. He has always been supportive of me and fellow gym members. He encourages me to keep pushing myself while also being aware of keeping movements safe. Kirk always has concern for providing fun, rewarding and efficient workouts. He provides a safe space to do the work that I am able to do that day.
Brent Morehouse has made my life better! I feel great, and I’m stronger than ever.
When I first started training with him five years ago, I had severe low back pain caused by rowing on a crew team.
I love to participate in sports, but I was worried I might end up one of those people who has a bad back and can’t move without pain, let alone participate in sports.
After carefully evaluating how I was moving. Brent helped me get rid of the pain with an individualized plan of corrective excercises and strength training. Since then my back pain has not returned, and I’ve competed in two new sports!
Steven’s kettlebell class has made huge
impact on my life. I have never been one to commit to any sort of fitness class and now I look forward to each class. I can feel the effects it has on my body each time I go and I am much more motivated to live a healthy lifestyle. I was concerned about my back before attending because I’ve had some trouble with it, but he teaches you how to safely handle each workout. I have not had any trouble from my back since I started. He leads an excellent class!
I don’t get to attend Stevens class as often as I would like due to conflicting work/class schedules but when I do, it’s a great workout! He is very motivational and always pushes you to do your best. Constructive criticism is crucial to avoid injury and Steven does just that! Thankful for his knowledge of kettlebells and willingness to teach others. Definitely one of a kind!
Even though I am just getting started with kettle bell I want to say that Steve is a great instructor! He is very patient & has great tips to achieve your goal. I look forward to every class I attend. If you want to get a good workout & have fun while doing it, Steve is your guy!
Brent is an awesome coach and teacher. He clearly knows a lot about his field and it is very evident in his instruction. When I first started training with him, I had back pain that had plagued me for years. After working with him, I’ve become much stronger and nearly pain-free. He’s been extremely helpful to me and I’m thankful to have worked with him.
I first saw Brent when I attended one of his group classes and he noticed that I was in pain and my body was twisted with one hip higher… He tailored my training plan to correct my instabilities. I have been with him for almost 5 years now and I am more balanced and flexible with much more endurance and strength and injury free! My running performance and overall athleticism has improved tremendously. I’m not sure that I would even have been able to still be running if not for Brent’s expertise.
Luca is amazing when it comes to coaching people. Never met a coach with more detailed knowledge of strength and physical health in general. Training with him made me feel much more stable and helped me get rid of my sporadic back pain when deadlifting.
Probably one of the best coaches in Germany when it comes to kettlebell and strength training. No matter what goal you have, he always has the right progression to get you to that new Personal Best. Helped me a lot overcoming my plateau in the bench press and worked wonders on my shoulder stability
Being regularly physically active, I was looking for a change to my routine and at 54 having never lifted a kettlebell in my life I thought I would give it a go. I couldn’t have done it correctly and safely without Brenda’s expertise. She has coached me for over a month, sharing her vast fitness knowledge, fine tuning my technique, growing my confidence and making training with kettlebells fun. She is patient, knowledgeable and a fabulous coach. I have looked forward to my kettlebells session with her each week where she continually challenges me. She is a fantastic coach and I would highly recommend her to anyone keen to pick up kettlebells for the first time or someone who is experienced but wants to push their training. I feel much more confident and stronger now thanks to Brenda.
Anna has been remotely coaching me on Simple and Sinister and SFG I protocols. She is knowledgeable, responds quickly to correspondence, and evaluates my form on uploaded videos. I highly recommend her and will continue to use her services.
I took my SFG1 recertification course in Prague with Pavel beggining of December 2019.
It was my first time meeting him in person and I learned a lot more thabks to him. He’s an outstanding instructor. The most important lesson I’ve learned around him is how beneficial it can be not to pass the test. At the first attempt at least. Because thanks to his coaching, support and advices, one can pass on the second attempt in a much safer and better way.
Thank you Pavel, it was an honor to practice with you.
In my quest to take control of my health, I had an opportunity to work with Brad. As a long time sufferer of back pain, I asked him to help me create a fitness plan that would strengthen my core and support my back. I needed something I could do without hurting myself and didn’t know where to begin. Brad taught me how to use Kettlebells to meet my goals. He brought me from the very basics to a successful workout. I learned a quality workout can be structured to fit my specific goals and lifestyle. Brad’s knowledge and experience are incredible.
I thought I was doing the movements correctly in my basement after a year of simple and sinister. After experiencing some low back pain I decided it might be good to dial things in with an experienced eye. Knowing Matt previously when I was in military, I knew he was my guy. From day one I’ve been amazed at how much I don’t know and how better I feel; it’s awesome really! I’ve always been intrigued with the Strongfirst protocols and methodologies, but sometimes it’s overwhelming. Matt not only shows me simple correctives, but also helps me understand exactly why I’m doing certain drills while broadening my own knowledge. I’ve been training with Matt for on and off a year and I’m very happy with my ‘gains’. He’s the first person I recommend to anyone wanting to get after it and train Hardstyle. Just the other day I was breathing though a straw in between sets and getting wrecked! The swings became my rest! If you’re looking for someone who is very knowledgeable, experienced and always professional, Matt is your guy! Thanks Matt! See you next week!
I began working with Thavy six months ago. I had shoulder surgery a year ago and was hesitant to lift anything over five pounds. Thavy worked with me to improve my technique and form, always making sure I was doing movements safely and correctly. Today I can easily lift a 53 pound kettle bell! My shoulder and overall strength has greatly improved. Thavy truly cares about her students. She thoughtfully provides feedback, checks on me to ensure I’m ok after workouts and provides educational information, whether it be articles or training videos. I know I will continue to get stronger with Thavy as my coach.
I had the privilege of training under Coach Rhodes for my StrongFirst kettlebell instructor cert. His skills and teaching ability are first rate, and his humor and all-around good nature made him a joy to train with.
I’d sign up for anything he teaches.
I have been Justýna’s student for three years and I’m quite certain that without her pushing me with her infectious enthusiasm, I would never accomplish the results I’m getting. She is full of ideas on technique improvement, overcoming roadblocks and finding new motivation. And she creates a great atmosphere at her gym, so you really feel like going even if you’re not at your best. Just seeing how incredibly strong she is makes you want to work that much harder.
I began working with Thavy about a year ago when I first attended her Functional Strength Class. I had a background in weightlifting and CrossFit, so I had some prior knowledge of how to move a kettle bell. From day one, Thavy worked with me to improve my technique and form, taking into account the parts of my body that were functionally limited from overuse and prior injury. Her extensive knowledge of exercise physiology combined with her experience and training in kettle bell and strength movements helped me to learn new skills as well as greatly improve the form and function of previously learned skills. Additionally, she truly cares about her students and their individual needs from day one. She provides educational articles and video training outside of class, as well as opportunities to gather socially as a community. Her heart for people and their personal fitness goals is expressed in all she does. Anyone who trains under her will come away with better form, technique, and strength.
Well done Flav, you worked hard to achieve this and deserve the accolade.
Whats next ? the Flagpole ?
I have really enjoyed working with Brad. He was easy to get a hold of to schedule a time to train, had good coaching to learn the fundamental movements of the lifts, and later gave good details and insights for fine tuning.
I started training with Logan to gain strength and learn kettlebells with proper form to avoid injury. I feel I am accomplishing that and so much more. Logan is such a down to earth and genuine trainer who makes you feel comfortable no matter your fitness level. He has taken me through the exercises step by step, ensuring proper form all the way and I now feel confident doing each one with no fear of injury. His passion and knowledge are immense, and he is always encouraging and pushing for the best out of you. His focus is always on your total health, never just on a single aspect like weight, which is so refreshing and appreciated. I have had trainers before but none of them compare to Logan. He is absolutely outstanding and I recommend him with absolutely no hesitation!
About five years ago I started to visit Justyna’s gym Functional training and I can honestly say that it was one of the best things that could have happened to me. Justyna is a great teacher who allways pays attention to the precise technique of performed exercises. She has been able to motivate me for great performances and was a fantastic support at several TSCs (Tacticall Strength Challenge), both as a coach and a friend. Justyna and her Functional training have undoubtedly changed my life – in terms of training and a lifestyle in general. Justyna is not only a great coach, but a person who has created a community of great people and friends. And I’m truly glad to be a part of it.
Jamie and his coaching enabled me to rediscover the athlete I thought was gone after being injured. His style of training restored my confidence in what my body was capable of achieving. Jamie leads by example. The safe, welcoming community that flourishes at What is Movement is due in no small part to the tone he and his clientele set
I have been training with Jamie for over a year. I have never been so committed to a training program and I attribute this commitment to Jamie. I am moved by his passion, knowledge, compassion, patience, insight, and humble confidence. I have learned so much about my body and how to use it in a safe and powerful way. Jamie continues to inspire me to learn and try things that I never thought possible.
I have been going to the gym for a long time…and had been just going through the motions….this was until I met Jamie….a knowledgeable dedicated instructor who gets 100% of my efforts every day….that’s because that’s what he gives me every day …all out effort ….the best trainer I have had the honor of knowing ….here’s to you Jamie!
Tim really is a go to trainer and kettlebell instructor for anyone in Western Sydney. Not only is he an expert in the field, but he lives what he teaches and is a real life example to any person looking to transform their life style or improve their athletic performance. Safe and knowledgeable instruction with relatable life lessons, he will teach you a lot.
Amy is amazing! She was one of the coaches at my Level 1 and I loved her approach right away. Now that I moved closer I always look forward to doing sessions with her. You can see how much she loves what she is doing! She takes what she is teaching and practising seriously, but she is very approachable at the same time, which makes working with her so enjoyable. She taught me a lot and is one of the reasons I fell in love with kettle bells. 🙂
You can see from Eileen’s many certifications and achievements that she knows her stuff. On top of that, she’s a great coach who’s very encouraging. I took a kettlebell basics class with Eileen and learned so much. If you get the opportunity to train with Eileen, please do so.
Betsy was not only an amazing team leader during my SFG 1 certification, she continued her coaching from a distance to help me achieve my certification! She provided cuing and drills that I was immediately able to incorporate into my training in order to improve my skills. Her programming is motivating, diverse, challenging, and fun! I look forward to each workout! I have not only seen significant improvements in my strength and skill development after just the first 4 week program but my running times have also significantly improved! Despite being across the country with 3 hours time difference, Betsy has been available to answer any questions I have had and to review technique via video. I highly recommend Betsy for kettlebell coaching and programming!
David is awesome to work with! All his workouts are super fun yet challenging.
Excellent instruction very easy to learn from positive feedback
I have had the pleasure of training with Brett for almost four years now. Under his tutelage, I have become stronger and more mobile than ever before. Brett is the most professional, knowledgeable, and passionate trainer I know.
The StrongFirst method has also taught me invaluable lessons about tenacity, grit, and perseverance. These traits are valuable both inside and outside the gym. For example, earlier this year I decided to run for Charleston City Council. These types of races are won and lost on hard work and hustle. My goal was to knock on 500 doors before Election Day. We finished the campaign in excess of 3,000. There where many days when I would have rather done a million different things, but I pushed through and kept my eye on the prize. That hard work payed off, and I won my race against the incumbent in a landslide!
I cannot speak highly enough about Brett, Mike, and everyone else at Charleston Kettlebell Club. Highly recommended!
I’ve met Claire at the SFL in Paris. I already followed on social media, at this point my diet was not on point and my training suffered for a lack of energy, body composition was ok but I felt something was missing. I asked her to help me to correct my nutrional intakes. 7 weeks later I ‘ve losted 2.5kg and the 2xBW SFL Deadlift strength was flying, no strength lost, no cravings. I do recomand Claire as a professional nutritional advice for any people who wants to get in shape, lose fat and kill theirperformance at the gym.
Pierre Martini SFG2 – SFL – BEAST TAMER
The kettlebell training is fantastic, with vast knowledge and attention to detail Vicki has help me go from strength to strength, I would highly recommend.
Thanks to Baptiste, I discovered a new version of myself. With simplicity and efficiency, he was able to guide me to the path of strength. He’s more than a coach, he’s a real mentor for me
Nandor is the instructor you want if your goal is to improve tactics and body strength without fancy stuff. Truly hard work and focusses on sustainable techniques to create long term results. He has a calm and professional attitude and personalises every training to your needs.
Thanks Nandor, I highly recommend you!
One of the “OGs” of the fitness profession, Lance has seen the trends come and go, and which principles stand the test of time. I would consider him the Qui-Gon Jinn of fitness.
Before I even met Sara I realized that she was one of the people giving me feedback on my form check videos when I was first training to be an SFG. We have since been on several certifications, and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen her without a smile on her face. Super humble and a delight to be around, if you want to strength train but are quite apprehensive, she would be to go-to coach.
I met Andrea at Kettlebility when they hosted the SFB. I was initially quite intimidated, having heard of her before, and indeed along with her immense knowledge and keen eye for movement, she enforced the highest of standards. I did eventually find out later that that she is very approachable, and quite fun to be around. I look forward to my next visit to Seattle.
Anne is, by far, one of the best strength and fitness coaches in Utah. Not only is she exceptionally knowledgeable of proper technique and methodology, she is a master of movement instruction. Anne is able to take complex exercises and break them down in terms understandable to anyone under her direction. She genuinely cares about her clients and their progress, as well as going the extra step to get to know them on a personal level. Anne’s classes are informative, effective, and unexpectedly fun. As someone who has trained under a host of coaches at various gyms throughout the state, I would highly recommend Anne Casstevens to anyone looking to get stronger, fitter, and smarter about their training.
Five years already with Functional training in Justyna´s gym… My first regular exercise and also fun with great ladies there including pushing personal limits much further. Go on!
Kettlebell course 2-11-19 Freo
The course was a game changer and Tim is an inspiring individual .
I’ll be sure to recommend Tim to my friends in the martial art industry ,
and I’d look forward to working with him in the future .
Sami Powers is a Kettlebell’er of technique and STRENGTH! She challenges you to think of the “why” of each movement and perfect its technique. Her classes are HARD but with that challenge comes so many gains!
As an outdoor professional I rely on my body to stay healthy and strong. Anne is my MVP. Her skills and experience help me thrive during 180+ days of skiing every year. I couldn’t keep up that pace without her.
I might be biased as Ben is my husband but Coach Ben is a favorite at our gym The Fitness Branch. His form is perfection and his classes and training are full of energy. If you’re looking to learn technique, Ben is your answer! If you’re looking to get stronger, Ben is your answer!
Without question, Ken Stewart is the very best trainer and nutrition specialist in the DMV area!!
You want results?! Go to him. It’s that simple.
Stop making excuses and start making changes in your health.
I have been going to FitStrong for about a year and a half, and I absolutely LOVE exercising now. I can not thank Jamie enough for the tireless effort he puts into every session. Before I started to go to FitStrong, I had no confidence, very little strength, and I couldn’t even run for two minutes without being exhausted. Now I am able to move without hurting myself, and I can lift things much heavier than I could have dreamed about. Jamie’s program is not only beneficial to your physical health, but he has also managed to help with my mental health as well. I actually get excited to workout, instead of thinking of it as a chore. No two sessions are the same, and he keeps it fun and challenging. Thank you Jamie!
I’ve been going to Jamie as a client for about 5 years now, and he has provided training to help improve my stamina, strength, endurance, and eating habits.
He keeps his programs interesting and fun, not keeping to the same plan every month.
Jamie will not push you beyond your abilities, only encourage you to try harder if you feel comfortable doing so, because of this, I have not had any exercise related injuries since training at FitStrong.
His work ethic is all professional and no ego.
I never stick to a sport for more than few weeks in past, so when I visited Justyna’s gym I thought it will be eventually the same- that my enthusiasm will fade away. I coudn’t be more wrong! Justyna is strong woman who knows how to teach and motivate her students. She pays the same attention to everyone- no matter how advanced the students are. I feel very safe pushing my limits under her guidance and I improve my skills every single training. Training in Justyna’s gym makes better not only my body, but definetely my life in general.
Jordan is an excellent trainer and coach, who cares about his students and takes pride in what he does. I have been in the Mobility and Functional training classes and learned so much about my physical abilities. He challenged me to look at working out from a different perspective to the point that I am applying what I am learning in outer aspects of my life.
I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Ron several times and recommend him very highly. Whether you’re new to exercise or have a high-mileage body, Ron will help you become stronger and better able to deal with whatever challenges life may bring you. He walks the walk, he talks the talk, he’s the real deal.
The most important point of this review is that Jordan is the best trainer ever! I am not comfortable in the gym at all and can’t go on my own….his classes in particular were what kept me on track. I love that he never denied that I felt out of my element there but continued to work with me as if I belonged. He is very focused. He always challenged me and pushed me a little bit further each time (without being a jerk about it if you know what I mean). He helped me to identify my goals and I didn’t even realize that I had any. This made it easier to understand my fitness journey. He is always happy to share his vast amount of knowledge and help each person to apply it to their own specific situation. This review doesn’t do justice to him…. I really can’t recommend him enough!
I contacted John to get more training and information on certification. He was very helpful and a great instructor. I learned a lot in the session. Happy to recommend and will go back for follow up.
Jordan has helped me with proper form and I have gained strength, mobility and a better understanding of functional movement which is important to me being in my sixties. He has so much knowledge, he wants people to succeed and he is passionate about what he does.If you have a weak side ,injury or are looking to get into better shape or feel better about yourself he will help to get you where you want to be.
Took some individual classes due to a lack of mobility. After going through these classes and continuing with what I learned, what an improvement. My everyday activities have improved as well as my mobility. He is knowledgeable and explains the how and why of every excercise. Well worth the time.
Thank you Jeremy for the help with my recert at StrongFirst Resilient! I truly appreciate your cues, drills and attention to detail! I’ll keep working at that bent press! Didnt know you were a SJSU guy, wish we had more time to talk. Thank you so much!
Best,
Matthew King
Felicia has been my trainer for over 2 years. Her beautiful attitude and passion is contagious. I simply love the way she designs my training programs. My strength, mobility, and flexibility have increased immensely. I went from doing a Turkish get-up with a Converse Tennis shoe to doing them with a 36kg(79lb) kettlebell. She designed a program to help me accomplish my goal of a 1 Arm 1 Leg push up. I have more strength, mobility, and flexibility at 49 than I had in my 20’s. At the end of the day if results matter to you Felicia is the trainer for you
Thavy is a great instructor. She explains the moves and gives feedback honestly. If there is any limitation in the movement, she gave corrective exercises. This has really helped me to understand the move and fix any problems. I have gained confidence in strength training all thanks to her. I look forward to improving myself and attend more of her classes to get more strong.
First day today with Joey going over technique for kettlebell swings was spot on. The way he transitioned it into sumo deadlifts literally changed my outlook at what I could accomplish in that realm. I had hit a plateau and wasn’t really open to being coached again. I’m so glad I went with him and that hour and twenty minutes really broke me; my ego that is and I’m thankful for it. He knows what he’s talking about and he knows how to teach it.
A man who practices what he preaches, it was under his guidance and coaching I was able to press the 48 kg bell and become a beast tamer. Definitely recommend him for anyone looking to get stronger and healthier.
George Paradissis loves his job and he excels at it. He delivers what he promises as he dedicates time and effort to each and every trainee.
Having George Paradissis as an instructor is an whole experience. Results speak for themselves. Thank you very much George for passing on the love for kettlebells and fitness.
best KETTLEBELL coach!!
Tim was my Team Leader for the SFG1 course and I consider myself incredibly fortunate for that to have been the case. I came into the SFG with having ten years of kettlebell training and coaching experience. While I knew I could always get better with my technique, the amount it improved under his guidance was more than I could have expected. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable but he’s equally as generous with his wisdom. Awesome coach and awesome person, seek him out whether you reside in Australia or for distance coaching, you’ll be glad you did.
One of the best instructors i’ve ever met in my hole career as an athlete and a coach.You can learn a lot just droping by his place called StrengthLab in Athens!!
I met George Paradissis as instructor to a certification kettlebell Workshop in Athens . He changed my hole theory about ketlebells and he saw me how to get stronger using in the right way his amazing ketlebells world!!! I was very lucky to meet and learn from him! Thank you!!!!
I attended a kettlebell seminar on snatches and the bent press with Pavel as the instructor.
It was a great experience, i learned a lot (including the kettlebell armbar which immediately fixed a painful shoulder issue I had for weeks before) and would 100% recommend the seminar.
Pavel presents great content in an entertaining way and you feel that it’s very important to him that you get something out of the event.
Thanks again 🙂
Kevin ran Kettlebell and Bodyweight courses I recently attended and did a fantastic job. As a result of his level of knowledge, experience, teaching ability, and positive attitude I learned more than I ever expected in 2 days. He is simply one of the best instructors I have ever worked with. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for fitness instruction!
I attended a StrongFirst 1 day Kettlebell course in New York of which Matt was one of the instructors. His teaching style, experience, and depth of knowledge helped make the course one of the best fitness courses I’ve attended. As a long-time fitness coach myself I can really appreciate when someone has the ability to demonstrate and communicate complex topics in an easy to understand and effective manner. Matt is simply an outstanding instructor.
Luca was my coach at the SFGI in Vicenza. he was a very quiet instructor who knew exactly what and how to do it and translated the whole thing in Italian, English or German if need be. I can only say thank you!
The man knows what he’s talking about.
Did the class 28/9/2019 at the Crossfit Alice Springs. Did not know what to expect before going in. Tim discussed the science and prove the science through demonstration and unique teachings. Highly recommend to people who loves the ins and outs of the basic fundamentals of fitness.
I have had the priviledge and benefit of working with Mira for over 6 years. During that time, I have known her as a mentor, coach, and fellow kettlebell workout collegue. She is an excellent kettlebell instuctor that is technical in her approach, fun, patient, and helps her clients become more proficient in their kettlebell skills. As a senior athlete (68 years old) and a Physical Therapist, I appreciate Mira’s attention to detail in keeping me safe while getting me stronger. I have zero hesitation in recommending Mira to anyone (regardless of age) seeking increased fitness and strength and wanting to enjoy that journey.
I first came to know who Steven was by watching his transformation on Facebook. His story is very inspiring! When Fitlife opened in January 2018 I joined. I had the opportunity to meet he and his wife Robin in Dawne Taylor’s kettlebell class. I told him he was my hero!! He soon began subbing some for Dawne. He always has a great workout planned. He knows how to get it done in 45 minutes!! He is always conscious of everyone’s skill level and ability. He makes sure form and technique are correct. He is great at pushing without force making his class enjoyable!! I am so glad God put he and Dawne in my path!!
RSAS
Extremely good day workshop. A lot has been learned and Pavel has very well explained why we do this in thies way. that often goes by the wayside. I am certainly not the last time with him.
I have only been attending classes for a month but thoroughly enjoy his class. He is very observant of everyone in the class to make sure they do every exercise correctly. He is a great motivator to keep going even when you think you can’t.
I’m so excited to be a part of Steven Melton’s KettleBell class. Prior to starting his class, I felt burned out on exercise. For the first time in several years, I’m excited to exercise! I had avoided group exercise because I felt that I couldn’t keep up with the class. Steven’s class has proven me wrong. I CAN do this! I’m motivated, and I look forward to going. I hate when I have to miss a class! I have had an increase in my energy levels and feel more rested at night. After a month of class, i feel healthier. I’m looking forward to seeing long term results!
Derek is an excellent instructor. He presents the information in a detailed and concise manner.
I highly recommend learning from him.
Jennifer lead at my Level II certification and presented the information in such a way that was easy to remember and concise. I highly recommend her as an instructor!
Eric is the man, excellent technical instruction, he is highly knowledgeable and really enjoyable to work with.
Felecia is simply a pleasure to be around. I’ve been training kettlebells with her for the last 18 months or so. Her dedication to her craft as an instructor is surpassed only by her dedication to her students. She is patient but persistent in helping me reach my personal goals.
I’ve trained mostly BJJ and boxing in the past, but Felecia has helped me improve my strength, stamina, and mobility by narrowing and focusing me on the movements that produce the most gain.
I have and will continue to recommend her, and the approach she takes, to all my friends who will listen.
I started training with Thavy two years ago. I knew nothing about kettlebells back then and, thanks to Thavy, I can now workout confidently with them on my own. Thavy really knows her stuff and I love that I learn something new every time I train with her. Her workouts are fun and effective. I’ve seen significant postitive changes in my body and avoided injury. She emphasizes safety and proper technique and has an amazing talent for seeing what needs to be corrected. I am grateful that I get to train with Thavy — her combination of enthusiasum, caring and expertise is a gift!
I prepared for my SFG 1 and took some private video lessons by Pavel, and also did my SFG 1 video recertification with him. Pavel is an absolutely passionate and knowledgeable Instructor. It seems like he is an encyclopaedia of teaching methods from a lot of other instructors. This plus his own knowledge combined makes him the perfect instructor to get help and advice from. Thanks Pavel
I have been training with Dario for six years and his presence in my life is really essential for my psycho-physical condition, because a good trainer is not just one who makes you build your muscles but one like Dario who makes you trust yourself because he is next to you and he never give up!
He managed to move a ten-year immobility to my ankles battered by soccer. Our sessions are always adapted to the situation, fun and never boring.
Technically competent and empathetic from a human point of view. He is a serious professional, reliable, prepared, polite and willing to identify the best training for the goals set.
Power, endurance, power-endurance, coordination, mobility, stability: all concepts before,to me, almost unknown that are now part of my daily bread
A man a guarantee!
Thank you Dario
Claire is an amazing instructor who has helped me over the years to pass my SFG1, SFG2 and SFL certifications. After completing and passing the certs, she has (and still does) put a lot of time in to working with me even further to improve the lifts I find more difficult to help me continue to get better. This includes her inviting me over to her gym for practise sessions, going through (mobility) drills and accessory lifts, plus watching videos I send and giving me first class tips on how to make each lift more solid. This has meant that not only have I become much stronger, I am also better able to teach my own students because of the knowledge Claire has passed on. If you’re training for any of your StrongFirst certifications, or if you’re purely wanting to get stronger/healthier/better at lifting, I highly recommend that you see Claire for some sessions.
Dario is a qualified and certified professional.
In an environment where it is easy to find those who improvise, he has the ability to stand out from the crowd and be appreciated for his ability to mix theory and practice
Dario manages to be friendly and make you feel at ease despite his professionalism, He is always available for advice and comfort during the training course.
Despite my inconstancy he is able to find the new stimulus that makes me get up and he supports me to continue to do my best. Ultimately a smart person
I have been kettlebell training with Betsy for 8 years. I had never lifted weights, but was trying to stave off osteoporosis and heard that weight bearing exercise was helpful. Kettlebell training with Betsy has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself! The training has made me so much stronger and has helped prevent injury in my other form of exercise – running. Having a strong core has enabled me to run injury free for years. I’m in the best shape of my life in my 50s and I owe a lot of that to Betsy. She focuses on making sure your form is correct so that you can get the most out of KB training and remain injury free. Her enthusiasm for kettlebell training is evident. She has a passion for what she does and wants her clients to understand the rationale behind her training. I was very apprehensive about starting a weight training program in my 40s, but Betsy made me feel that I could do it. She also helped me understand the positive impact the KB training would have on other areas of my life. I am so glad I took the chance on KB training and I would highly recommend Betsy as a knowledgeable, passionate, and encouraging instructor.
I met Yoana a few years ago in Mexico City and my life changed for ever. She is the kind of coach you always dream about, the one that inspires you and the one that helps you, full of knowledge and incredible humanity. I Will always be gratefull for everytime we have shared knowledge.
I went to John for help on my kettle bell form. In particular the swing and the TGU. After one session my form and technique has improved massively. I feel like I’m getting much more progress with the swing, and I’ve increased the weight of my TGU. The level of knowledge and instruction he has is unbelievable and I couldn’t recommend him enough
I was introduced to kettlebell training through Pavel’s work in 2009. Since then I’ve consistently trained with several instructors and run many professionally written programs.
I’ve been training with Felicia for over two years and she’s honestly the best strength coach I’ve ever had. Her knowledge of the fundamental principles of strength development is exceptional as is her expertise with both bodyweight and kettlebell training.
If you’re a novice to strength training then Felicia can quickly teach you how to do it very safely and effectively. And if you’ve got years of training experience, you’ll receive expertly crafted refinements to your technique and challenging strength programs to guide you to your next goal quickly and effectively.
The level of thoughtful motivation that he projects is unique for each member. My wife and I joined as a team to help motivate each other, but Bruce always has a way to keep us going when we run out of steam. We are always pushed to the limit like we have never felt before at other facilities. His “small gym” approach really makes sense now that I understand you don’t need 50000 sqft to make a great workout. Thanks Bruce!
Felicia is my trainer for kettlebell for last 2 years. Her enthusiasm, professionalism , dedication, attitude are outstanding. I am personally not exactly the gym person and I never thought I will be doing some exercises with weight involved, but Felicia made me to love our classes. I see so much progress and I always wait for a next class , and Felicia is the big part of this. She is a great instructor, even in the group setting she is always paying attention on everyone, she plans the exercises personalized for everyone. Her amazing smile makes the class shine. She loves what she does and she teaches you with love and with passion.
Kai is a consummate professional who knows his stuff. There’s a reason his clients remain with him for the long-haul (I’m talking decades!).
Felicia is an excellent instructor! She will teach you how to use a kettlebell safely and before you know it, your strength will start to increase! She changes the workouts up so that you never get bored. I highly recommend her for personal training sessions. She’s even trained my middle-school aged daughter!
Tom is stellar at communicating proper form. He is professional and makes fitness fun. I would recommend Tom to anyone looking to grow and challenge themselves. Tom will show you how it’s done.
She was able to pass on to me, with her professionalism, her passion for kettlebells and for this I will be grateful to her forever. thank you Natascia
Steven motivated me into what is now becoming a way of life. He not only started me out at a pace that was achievable in Kettlebell class but he also has been there to answer any questions I have along the way. Knowing Steven and watching him make his transformation over the past several years is motivation in itself. His classes are fun and challenging, making them something I look forward to each week. He’s professional with each person that steps foot in the class and always provides people with the knowledge and workouts to help them be successful.
I have been attending Steven’s classes for the last few weeks. Not only did he make me feel welcome from the moment I walked in the door, he took the time to talk me through and show me the proper form to do a modified version of the swings, as I was the only new student that day. He is so encouraging throughout the class, and has perfected being able to gently correct us when our form is lacking. Li am so thankful for Steven and his desire to share his knowledge with us.
Luca is not only an amazing instructor, but a wonderful person and someone I blindly trust.
I consider myself very fortunate to have him as a companion on my “StrongFirst Journey” and saw him grow and become an amazing individual.
Not only does he know his craft, he genuinely cares about the people he teaches guides on their journey to getting stronger, healthier and a better life in general.
I have been coached by as well as worked with Yoana. She was my team leader at my Kettlebell certification in 2010 where i learned the base of my kettlebell technique and went on to coach myself. She is aggressive and strict on teaching form which is what is needed to strength train correctly.
I have also attended 2 courses she ran, both were organized and i learned a lot.
She also helped me out a TON in preparing for the strong first body weight certification. I passed the strength test confidently and i couldn’t have done it without her guidance.
I worked with Jade this past spring/summer in preparation for my SFG L1, she did an incredible job of working with me to help fine-tune my techniques on the 6 tested movements as well as the biomechanical breathing. Jade is an excellent trainer and teacher, I came away knowing precicely what I needed to work on for the certification and walked into the weekend well prepared and ready to tackle whatever came my way.
I learned a tremendous amount from Jade, had fun working with her and am very thankful for her time, knowledge and patience as she helped me achieve my goal of SFG L1.
In my life path I have always trained, sport is my passion .. In recent years for various personal reasons I have set everything aside losing stimuli, control and management of my body and my will towards something essential for me .. So I decided to go back to the gym before I lost all the sacrifices made over the years, and from there began a NEW PATH for me when I met Dario Corteselli, beyond the great instructor he is really a nice person, besides teaching the training methodology that suits you , has a strong mental motivation, with his great technique and professionalism he has been able to get back into line stronger than before and with many new features that motivated me psychologically and physically. Today thanks to him I have the awareness that we have no limits except in our head and with a great coach like him you can get where you want! Thank you coach and friend
Isabelle has been a tremendous help in getting me started on my journey in kettlebell training. I was looking for someone to help me prepare for the Strong First level 1 KB certification.
What changes have you seen? I had mobility issues with my ankles, knees, and hips. Isabelle put me through a series of exercises that improved my range of motion and pain free movement. My biggest improvement was in my ability and confidence to perform kettlebell exercises.
What advice would you give to people just starting out? I would highly recommend working with her for kettlebell training and improving the you move.
I can’t say enough amazing things about Isabelle. She is knowledgeable, caring, fun, and provides coaching in digestible bits. She is dedicated to your success and safety, and programs specifically to your needs and goals. And did I mention that she is knowledgeable? I trust her with my body, and that is meaningful because I intend to continue to age gracefully, strongly, and with the most and best active mobility I can master. She’s also not your traditional trainer, she’s dedicated to continued learning and is informed of cutting edge science on the brain and it’s connection to performance. Sensible, strong, movement coaching. That’s what you’ll get with Isabelle. And she’ll also make you fall in love with kettlebells! (If you aren’t already).
Prentiss is an outstanding coach and educator. He helped me prepare for my SFG1 and SFG2 in a safe, thoughtful, patient, and thorough manner. His knowledge and experience run deep and he has been a fantastic leader and resource for me as I progress through my coaching career.
Yoana Teran is an absolutely incredible teacher of physical culture. There are a select few who have the gift of being able to teach with such precise competence, ease, & grace that they make other instructors look clumsy. Yoana is one of these special few. I’ve known Yoana for 9 years & she is an absolute master of her craft. She is a tiny powerhouse that is always full of energy. Always positive & encouraging. I’ve been involved with Fitness for 35 years & I have never met a better instructor or trainer than Yoana. If I could give her more than a 5 star rating, I would without hesitation.
I go to funfit on a Wednesday morning and occasionally kettlebells on the night . Peter’s classes are great fun , everyone is really friendly . Anybody can go , he helps you if you aren’t doing the exercise Wright you can go at your own pace . The classes help with my training for rugby to get me fitter and stronger ??♀️
Yoana Teran is the coach I have learned the most, in every way. His method of teaching is unique and very effective. The main tips I use with my students have been learned from Yoana. She is kind, charismatic, demanding, admirable ??
I recommend it 100%
Thanks for so much Yoana Teran
It is a pleasure to have met Yoana. She is an excellent instructor, has a lot of knowledge and her way of motivation is beyond words. I can go on and on about how great she is on what she does but I should say to see it for yourself. Highly recommend to sign up for any if he courses with her and you won’t regret it !
Anne is the all-around best gym coach I’ve ever had. She’s motivating (but not annoyingly in your face), super smart (all about that torso power), and creative in her workouts (keeps it fresh!). As a physical therapist, I send her patients that are graduating from PT because I know they are in knowledgeable hands with Anne and she will help them achieve all their fitness dreams. Just like she is helping me with mine!
She’s really devoted to her students; always willing to give advice and help you with whatever you need.
She helped me increase my strength!
I first met Yoana at a kettlebell certification, she stood out because she was snatching a 24kg kettlebell and she had her baby strapped to her!! I have seen her at other kettlebell certs as well and always learn a lot from her presentations, so many helpful, crucial details. When I started teaching Mace workshops I immediately had her as a guest. She and I even did a spot on Spanish language television together! She is a supreme leader and teacher, a real star in our world!
I have taken many classes from Yoana over the years. She is extremely knowledgeable, an excellent teacher, and super fun! Yoana knows how to push you to an appropriate level of challenge and attend to the finest details of proper form, ensuring optimal learning while maintaining physical safety. She is the quintessential trainer of trainers. Five stars for sure!
There are not enough words to express the impact Thavvy as my PT has for me.
To her I am not just a job – as she goes way above and beyond. Additionally, she pays attention to where the pain is and ensures that the threshold is not exceeded. Thanks for everything Thavvy.
I had the pleasure of attending Yoana’s Strongfirst 8 hr Kettlebell course August 2019. She tirelessly shared her enery, patience and wisdom. Her expertise and willingness to teach for other’s benefit and improvement is evident in her attitude and expression.
I also recommend Yoana’s classes offered at True Motion Human Performance in San Diego/North Park.
Thank you Yoana!
I’ve been praticing pro Track&Field for ten years.
Today I am a Master 100 and 200
meters’ runner. For the whole year 2019 I have worked with Dario Corteselli to improve my athletic condition.
Our sessions have been particularly focused on improving muscles and joints’ mobility. A must for speed and power athletes like me.
Furthermore , we have worked a lot with kettlebells, in my opinion Dario is specialized in that kind of functional training.
I have quickly benefitted from it and got positive results in the track.
I truly believe that reliability, professionalism and experience make him a top Coach.
After a long spell away from barbell & kettlebell work I wanted a personal trainer who specialised in these areas, could go back to basics of technique and would spot any bad habits I had picked up. I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer. Ellie’s great fun to train with and her knowledge is awesome, from warm up techniques to ergonomics and different lifting methods. My confidence in all the big lifts has returned and I’ve vastly improved on my kettlebell movements. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ellie’s excellent coaching to anyone.
Yoana was my Team Leader in Brazil and I have a chance to be your assistant on a Kettlebell certification in Mexico. In both situations was amazing been with her.
Yoana have an extreme knowledge and a great way to teach. Very attentive, she is always keeping an eye on the details. Can be a leg position or a right way to hold the handle. She’s a very strong woman in all meanings.
I recommend Yoana a thousand times!!!
As someone with a career background that involved a lot of intense physical activity, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals who were very serious about training and possessed a high level of physical ability. After leaving said career, I found myself training alone and unmotivated. Eventually, my own physical aptitude decreased greatly. After scoping out several gyms I found Tony and Industrial Strength. That was 2 years ago. I am now delighted to report my strength, endurance (both physically and mentally) and motor function have shot back up to a peak I didn’t think I’d ever see again. Tony is an exceptional Coach. He works incredibly hard on programming and has remarkable attention to detail. There have been training sessions when I have hit “the wall.” But Tony has the ability to push you through–safely–and help avoid training plateaus . Additionally, the camaraderie in the gym is second to none–something I greatly missed and am happy to have back. If you honestly want to get stronger, I recommend you go see this man.
I have taken two courses with Yoana as the lead instructor. I took the body weight course in Oakland and the kettlebell course in San Diego.
Yoana is the consummate professional. She arrives at the course completely prepared. Her high level of physical fitness and strength is apparent and is what you would expect from a Strong First senior instructor.
Yoana is extremely knowledgeable and capable to perform all the movements she is teaching. She is very personable and relates well to all the students regardless of their skill level or motivation for taking the course. She is very positive and encouraging throughout the course. She motivates the students to perform their best and develops their interest in the training and Strong First.
She is an excellent example of what a trainer should be. Her fun personality and her ability to bring out the best in people are some of her excellent skills. Her ability to complete every skill makes the students confident in her to properly train them.
I would seek out courses Yoana teaches so that I know I am getting the highest level of instruction.
Yoana it’s a terrific coach! She has a great way to deliver their theaching and always has a drill who helps a better understanding and a better performance. I take kettlebell, barbell and bodyweight courses with her, and the SFG I certification course, I learned a lot. I love her attitude!
Tony Gracia really impressed me with his professionalism, patience and friendliness.
Lots of eye-opening advice and “AHA!” moments. For example, “telescoping” my elbow throughout the Get-up to maintain the lockout made a remarkable difference!
I will definitely be revisiting him in the near future.
Very professional coach ! I have got lot of benefits to follow some personal training classes with Laurent.
I have been a student of Jake’s since September 2015. He is incredibly knowledgeable and a great instructor!
Professional and knowledgeable Instructor.
He takes care of his students at 360° and he is able to bring out attitudes they didn’t even know they could perform
For me, my experience with him has really been lifechancing .
I have hit overwhelming targets in my sport: I won the Italian Championship in Spartan Race.
Thank you Dario
Just a few personal training lessons with Dario and you can see results on your body…you can really appassionate at his lessons.
Dario is a strong motivator and a perfect trainer. He always strives for the best for those that he coaches.
His advices are always competent and scrupolous.
I’ve had the pleasure to workout with coach Dario Corteselli. He helped me a lot during my workouts and he made me understand how individual and group workouts are important. He’s really prepared. Thank you Dario.
I contacted Analisa a few months ago in order to get help to prepare for SFG1. What makes her unique is her attention to detail, professionalism, enthusiasm, humility, ability to use time efficiently and design efficient programs. Within minutes of my first training session, she was able to spot my leaks and gave me some homework to help plug those leaks. I have made more progress in terms of both strength and conditioning in the last 3 months following her programs compared to the previous year. My lower back is also much looser than before, so I feel better performing my daily tasks.
I was fortunate enough to be assigned Pavel for my SFG level 2 video re-certification. He was friendly and relaxed, which settled me before performing my level 2 skills. He gave me some excellent tips on how to improve each of my skills and offered some excellent advice on programming, all of which made complete sense to me.
I had been lucky enough to meet Pavel on previous occasions, and the video session reinforced what I already knew. He is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, with a huge desire to pass his knowledge on to others. He is a credit to Strong First.
Dario is both my brother and my personal coach…….absolutely he is better as coach……so take care…..choose wisely.
Dario is more than a simple personal trainer, he has great passion, great experience, great communication skills and he knows how to make every training session a real moment for personal growth.
Thank you Dario. You are the one
Dario is simply the best trainer i’ve ever known in my life.
Thank you for everything
I’ve not been knowning Dario Corteselli for a long time, but in a few months I’ve understood he is a trainer who loves what he does, and for this reason he is able to teach and transmit his love and passion for this sport to other people to the fullest.
Dario is above all a great motivator, a professionist in continuous growth, a growth that is immediately available to those who want to take advantage of his abilities.
I’ve been training with Dario for over two years now and I would never go back to work-out alone. Thanks to him my body shape has improved and my whole lifestyle has changed. His approach to the lesson is always calm and his way of explaining the exercise is clear. Thanks to him I’ve learned and started to appreciate the fundamentals of strong first. The love for his profession makes him stay updated with the kettle bells training and it’s shown every day when he teaches us the movements. His dedication and commitment to his work are commendable, along with his patience which help us clients to always feel at ease.
He is a great coach, both mental and physical!
Great coach and big motivator
Work with passion and with attention for details , following every single person with expertice and dedication.
Great strength experience with our personal Dario Corteselli
Thanks to Dario Corteselli I trust myself more. He’s a great coach and a really special guy. Hard work is not so hard with him because he pushes you to be the best version of you.
Thanks to Dario Corteselli I trust myself more. He’s a great coach and a really special guy. Hard work is not so hard with him because he pushes you to be the best version of you.
Achieving balance between mind, movements and breathing isn’t an easy task and getting along with this offers you the possibility of understand physical activity as a great tool to bring well-being to your life not only aesthetic. It was my experience with kettlebells assisted by Dario Corteselli; Understanding Fitness as an opportunity for personal growth.
Thanks Dario
I entrusted myself to Dario after shoulder surgery. I needed excercises and physical training for motory rehabilitation . Dario was very good with assessing and assegning a program that was rigorous but appropriate for the level needed to move on the healing path.
Dario cares tremendously about everyone he works with and he knows how to help eachone reach his potential.
His training but more importantly his approach builds confidence in his athlets to believe in their ability to reach new heights.
Thank you Dario!
Getting to know Dario and StrongFirst was the best way to understand what your body is able to do when you believe in yourself and when you have someone who is able to make your goals come true.
Thanks Dario
Start from the head because the will moves the world and a good coach stars from there.
When I met Dario, I immediately noticed a different approach in his training programs.
You can choose if you want to “rely “or you can choose to learn because you choose to do it to obtain great results!
my personal experience in knowing this new discipline, with Dario cortrselli was truly a very experienced coch and who knows how to transmit this discipline with passion and dedication, I have done different sports in my life, but no one has ever bewitched me to point of wanting to participate in a certification, such as the
sfg1, and thanks to Dario, I thank you for all this!
He’s a great coach, professional and prepared.
I had reached a complicated period in my life. I felt lost, I could no longer control my body. I had to prepare myself psychologically and physically for the challenges life would give me in the months following my mental breakdown. So I met Dario: first and foremost an exquisite, polite, correct person. Then he became a brother to me. Not only he did make me grow physically, he gave me the strength to get up again. The strength to understand that nobody can hinder or put limits, not even ourselves. Thank you.
A very quiet and expert professional. A kind person.
We did assistance at SFGI cert in Barcelona.
It was a pleasure to work with you.
I am so happy that I was able to attend the 10 week Kettlebell Workshop of Luca. I learned so much!
Luca is a very symathic person and very kind. Also, he really takes care that everyone in the group understands what she of he has to do and he corrects imediately persons in a very positive and appreciative way.
I highly recommend this workshop and generally Luca as an instructor.
Thank you so much, Luca!
I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Mira for 5 years. As a sports physical therapist it is important that I trust my patients and my own training to highly trained professionals. Mira has a unique ability to “meet the person where they are at” in regards to their physical abilities, no matter what level, and get them to their goals. I without a doubt trust her with my programming and the programming of my patients.
Incredibly resourceful and a stickler for safety, coach Mark’s passion for the improvement of himself and of others is very much contagious. He’s always hungry to learn more but never greedy to share the knowledge, which makes him a coach that you can easily trust indeed.
When I failed my SFG level 2 Re-certification, I was disappointed, but I knew some bad habits had crept in and I was anxious about passing. Claire was very reassuring and we arranged some video sessions soon after. Thanks to Claire, I was soon back on track. She very quickly helped me with my technique and gave me simple, yet effective mobility drills for homework. Very soon my mobility began to improve and my technique sharpened up. I am pleased to say I have now passed my recertification and I’m very grateful to Claire, who was encouraging, knowledgeable and showed a great attention to detail.
Joey is a terrific strength coach as well as an awesome guy to know and work with. He and I worked together while I was stationed in the Republic of Korea. He taught me basically everything I know about kettlebell training, and he provided some excellent coaching on core lifts and power lifts…especially the deadlift! Joey has deep knowledge of body mechanics and training techniques. I really look forward to working with him again!
Claire recently helped me improve my kettlebell technique using video calls. I was training for the SFG1 kettlebell instructor certification but was mainly self taught and had plenty of bad habits in to iron out. Claire is very easy to talk to but she has extremely high standards and she definitely leads by example. She can spot problems with technique at a glance and always has effective tips and advice to bring about rapid improvements step by step.
If you’re looking for a coach, you can’t do better than Claire and I recommend contacting her whether you are close enough to train with her in person or not.
I have been working out in some form for most of my adult life. I have tried a multitude of fitness and weight training programs over the past 25 years. I have worked with several personal trainers. Since it’s my personality to ultimately train too hard I usually end up injured in some way. That is until I met Chelsie. There are two things that set Chelsie apart from all other trainers that I’ve worked with. One is that she has this way of getting you to work hard but never so hard that you end up injured. She seems to have this innate intuition about what your limits are. She pushes you without pushing you over the edge. The second is that she also combines yoga into her training to help prevent injury (and she has some really amazing “healing hands” if you do tweak something). I love working with Chelsie because she’s always so proud of me – which makes me proud of me and makes me want to work harder. I don’t think that I even need to mention how uber qualified and knowledgeable she is because you can see that just by looking at the awesome shape she’s in. If you want to work with someone who inspires you, pushes you and respects and honors your limits all at the same time then you should give Chelsie a call. You’ll be happy that you did.
Gary and Reneta Music are fantastic instructors! Not only is kettlebell an excellent workout, they make the class so enjoyable that you truly look forward to their sessions. They are the consummate of professionalism and an excellent example of what you would expect from StrongFirst instructors.
Todd is another level of intelligence and athleticism. I learned so much from his SF Kettlebell workshop, and continue to refer to him for information and advice for myself and my clients ! If you have the chance, take the hands-on opportunity to learn from him.
On my first day of training with Mira, she surprised me with how much homework she had done for my specific case. I’m a former D-1 Rower, and had been spoiled by the high caliber coaching and facilities that come with that. I’ve also struggled with the lingering wear and tear from competitive rowing, and struggled with the perpetually high expectations I have for myself. I am willing to push my body to the very edge, but without the right guidance, I’ve been chronically injured as an adult. Mira related to my struggle, and provided a steadying hand to say “You can reach your goals, and we can get you there.”
In the last eight months of working out with her, she has delivered on her promise and then some. My body has changed from chronically injured to feeling strong, limber, and resilient. I’ve adopted her philosophies of quality over quantity and truly believe that her level of instruction is responsible for my improved health and durability.
What’s even more impressive about Mira is that she was able to coach my wife at the same time. She’s built a supportive community where both my wife and I feel welcome, encouraged, and challenged. We are very different types of athletes and NOW WE CAN WORK OUT TOGETHER! And we love it! It’s clear that Mira has a special talent as a coach and that she cares deeply about each of her athletes. I’m thankful to call her a coach, mentor, and friend.
Mira is an amazing coach! She is adamant about proper form to prevent injuries and to get the most out of each exercise and movement. Mira’s classes are always challenging and fun!
I’ve trained with Jen a few times and plan to do so again in the future. She’s a fantastic trainer with a gift for finding weaknesses and strengthening them.
Todd is am amazing instructor, I have taken his KB courses and they were highly instructional.
Todd is an outstanding strength coach. Very skilled at teaching and demonstrating KB movements. Equally talented in all areas of strength and conditioning
Piotr is very precise and helpful coach. Thanks to the trainings I believed in my abilities and trusted my body. Thank you Piotr for believing in myself!
Coach Carl Bonofiglio is committed to helping his students not just attain success, but also providing positive motivation to stay the course. Plus, training with him offers a double benefit: he generously shares his extensive knowledge of StrongFirst® body movement dynamics, and he is walking treasure trove of endless knowledge about body mechanics, which is carried over from his seasoned practice as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Because of this, I can highly recommend him as a personal trainer and coach to anyone who has the desire to become strong and fit.
Logan has changed my life for the positive. With his passion ensuring proper movement/mobility of the body all while doing it the safest manner to help my day to day life.
My goals where to become stronger and healthier all the while not putting myself at risk of injury. Before starting to work with Logan I had never worked out let alone heard of a kettlebell. I am going on 3 years as him being my trainer and my friend. I am stronger then I have ever been and my conditioning allows me to keep up with my 2 young boys.
If you are in Edmonton and area I would highly recommend Logan as a trainer.
Alex has been coaching me for 4 years now. I’m lucky to have this kind gentleman helping me with my strength, conditioning, and mobility.
With over 10 years of experience Alex still continues to seek out knowledge and share it passionately with his clients such as myself.
Thank you Alex for everything, I look forward to continue to work together!! This man is your guy!
I’ve been working with Alexei for over 4 years now and look forward to many more years of it. Alexei has helped me continue to grapple with people that are literally trying to dismantle my body.
Every grappler needs a mechanic and a S & C coach and Alexei is goes above and beyond when it comes to that. He’s made great programs for me that have gotten me to the competitive levels I dreamed of.
Thank you for keeping me strong, fast, and mobile.
James is an excellent instructor, coach and personal trainer. I always come away from my sessions with enhanced technical ability, and with pointers I apply to my practice with noticeable impact.
He’s able to assess, and to ascertain where my abilities can take me, as well as what I need to help me achieve my goals.
None of my self-learning and self-practice can provide the insights that an experienced and knowledgeable trainer like James gives through one to one feedback, corrections, and prompting to achieve more.
I recommend a visit to see him.
I have been training in person with Arryn as well as online with him and Holly for almost 2 months, preparing for my SFG I. In that time, I’ve already made great strength gains and improvements in my technique and conditioning. Arryn is an amazing teacher and coach. He has such a special way of breaking things down and is always very encouraging. I’m loving the programming as well…I never feel bored and I feel like I’m working on all the things that I need help with. Arryn is great about explaining why we are doing particular exercises, and it seems there is a good reason for each one. I already feel much more prepared for my cert weekend than I did two months ago!
I’ve been working with Arryn in a few different programs for the last 4 years and he really is a great coach. His instruction allows me to quickly grasp new concepts and learn advanced movements, because he breaks it down in way that is easy to understand and retain. He has a great feel for what I’m comfortable with and doesn’t have an issue pushing me if I’m holding myself back. I never would have thought online coaching could have been as effective as it has been since we started the newest program.
Holly and Arryn helped my friend pass her SFG I certification, and she recommended them to me. Unlike her, I don’t live anywhere near them, so you can see how I was skeptical of doing it completely through distance coaching when I first started. But I have been continuing to gain strength and solidify my training technique, the SFG I cert is definitely within reach for me. Arryn is smart and patient, and teaches that building strength requires patience.
Ray is very professional and also a good friend, always taking care of every trainning detail.
I am triathlete and he did some research to offer the best training plan for me, after few classes I felt stronger and faster.
I have just recently entered my late 30s and a few years removed from my wife giving birth to our first child. Before this life changing event, I would have considered myself in decent to good shape – I went to the gym about 3 days a week and experienced little to no restrictions in my day to day movements or random muscle/joint aches.
After 4 years of relative neglect, basic day to day movement has become more difficult and random muscle aches have become much more prevalent. Because of this I have made the conscious effort over the last year to try and kick start my workout regimen by working with a personal trainer. This path led me down the usual suspects of course – turning to the more mainstream gyms and unfortunately I could not find any that seemed willing to work with me on the goals that I wanted to achieve. to increase strength, flexibility and mobility – instead the first question was universally “How much weight would you like to lose?”
If you live in the Edmonton area and are also feeling tired of the “same ol” workout routine and want to achieve meaningful results like increased mobility, flexibility, strength and decreased pain, you would be hard pressed to find a better person to provide that path than Logan.
I have worked with numerous personal trainers in my life and I have never worked with a more genuine, passionate and engaging person. He immediately made me feel comfortable with my fitness level and excited about the almost immediate gains I was making as we worked through the few sessions we had and I now look forward to practicing these new movements daily as the ongoing challenge to mastering them is an incredibly fun and challenging experience.
Anyone who is looking to increase strength, mobility, flexibility, overall fitness level or even to add some new movements to their grind would greatly benefit from working with Logan. I cannot say enough good things.
Fantastic and a committed coach .
Brendan is the best personal trainer I have ever come across.
He is a happy chap, a caring friend and a knowledgeable person.
I recommend him to all people who want a responsible kind teacher
Year &half that I have been training with Mr Nandor and I am so pleased and extremely happy with my body !!! He is such a respectful and honest person. I totally appreciate his efforts to keep me going on with my program . Always motivating and supporting me . Thank you so much.
I have been training with Thavy for nearly 3 years. One year ago, my training had to take a back seat when I had a major neurosurgery. After physical therapy, Thavy was my safe place to return to fitness! She is skilled at teaching different fitness levels at the same time; she helps me know when to push and when to hold back. She helps me understand how my muscles work together, so suddenly exercises that were difficult or would hurt my back, I can perform safely. Overall, my muscles are stronger, my neck, shoulders and back hurt less, and my functional movement foundation gives me the skills to enjoy other activities (rock climbing, tag with my kids, etc.) .
Peter might be the oldest instructor with Strong First but he’s the best! He makes fitness fun at our weekly Fundamental Fitness Session and welcomes all ages and abilities.
I have attended Peters outdoor fitness sessions (bootcamp) now for over 4 years. Every session is set up to cater for all levels of ability (I’m age 66) and changed each week to prevent repetition and keep it interesting along with Peter’s sense of humour and enthusiasm. Peter’s knowledge on most fitness/health related topics seems almost endless and I value his advice.
Mark is the ultimate coach’s coach! He successfully distance coached me during my training to attain my SFL certification and, thanks to his amazing expertise in programming, I passed! Even though we live on opposite ends of the country Mark knew precisely when to ease me back and when to push me forward during my training, simply through watching the videos I sent of my training sessions and candid discussions of each session. He is a seasoned and very wise strength coach which is very evident in his excellent programming skills and eye for detail in human mechanics.
I highly recommend Mark as a coach to help anyone attain their StrongFirst skills and /or certifications. Simply the best!!
Absolutely top notch instructor. Derek is not just extremely knowledgeable across the spectrum of StrongFirst training modalities, he is also very personable and more than willing to share his knowledge and experience. I just completed the All Terrain Conditioning course and Derek was fantastic, one of the best instructors I have ever worked with.
I’ve been training with Thavy for about a year now. Before I started with her, I did not have any experience/knowledge in strength training, only from watching DVDs at home. Thavy is very patient and extremely knowledgeable, she explains techniques to me in words that I would actually understand. I used to get sciatic pain on my lower right back/hip area & after just a couple of months of training with Thavy, I no longer have issues. I cannot recommend Thavy enough, she is one of the best out there!
After over one year of physical therapy to recover from a sports injury and a car accident, I was referred to physical strengthening class, which is where I met Thavy. At the beginning I was a bit worried about worsening my condition and whether or not I could keep up with other class members that had been there longer. It was a very pleasant surprise to see a wide variety of students ranging from teenagers to seniors, all working at different paces and to see how Thavy accommodates the exercises to meet everyone’s needs, while keeping them challenged and motivated.
In the few months I have been in the class I have noticed a lot of improvement in my day to day activities and my energy levels. I have regained strength and confidence on my sports, and to this date I have not aggravated any of my prior injuries.
I believe Thavy’s kettle bells class is a great resource for anyone recovering from injuries and definitely a great work out. Her attention to details and ensuring that everyone is making progress while maintaining a safe environment is key. She also keeps everyone informed via emails on any new developments in the functional strength space via emails, videos, and articles.
Thavy’s classes are impressive in several ways. First, they are very organized. She designs them so that 12 class members accomplish a lot in an hour. Second, she is careful. She stresses correct movement. She demonstrates correct lifting, posture, and movement, and then watches each class member working through a routine. She gives helpful guidance to ensure that each person adopts the correct posture and avoids stances that would cause injury.
In June this year I had my annual physical. My physician told me that my ratio of muscle to body fat had improved since I had last been seen in the prior year. That is, I have more muscle. I believe that Thavy’s class is the reason for that improvement. Additionally, her focus on good posture and careful lifting has helped my mood and posture. I sit for long periods of time typing at my computer. Because of her classes, I sit with an upright spine, and I know how to breathe correctly. I also am able to carry my 22-pound dog up and down several flights of stairs, something I had difficulty doing prior to her class.
Thavy is an excellent exercise instructor because she is knowledgeable, conscientious, and caring. I look forward to working with her in class.
Tim Almond is an exceptional trainer!
You cannot go wrong in seeking out Tim as a trainer, coach and mentor.
Tim has developed a remarkable depth of expertise and mastery of Physical Culture, coupled with an uncanny ability to transmit his teachings to you.
Possessing rare insight, with an exceptionally broad depth of knowledge and understanding, Tim’s ability to guide your journey of personal growth and development is truely awe inspiring!
Prior to training with Thavy, I had no experience with kettle bells or functional movements in general. She has been an invaluable instructor and has helped me achieve goals I didn’t even consider as a possibility. She devised strategies to stabilize and strengthen joint issues that I had and motivated me to keep going. Speaking as someone who was underweight beforehand, training with Thavy has put me at a healthy weight. If anyone wants to get started and is worried that they might not be ready, Thavy is the right trainer for you.
I have worked with Tavy Mills for a long time, and it has given my lifelong skills so even if I don’t go to the gym I can still work out correctly and safely at home. Her training has corrected my hyper mobility and made it manageable. Working with Tavy has given me the confidence I need to continue to reach for my goals. I no longer experience back pain thanks to Tavy. She is very skilled in all methods of learning, and can find a way that works for anyone. Not only is she very good at describing and demonstrating a new exercise she also takes the time to explain why each movement is important. She has a very strong work ethic and is extremely reliable. I would recommend her to anyone include my friends and family members.
I first found out about Hector through the StrongFirst website forum. I quickly found out why he is such a big deal. Hector is all about quality content. He has one of most thorough and quality filled blogs and YouTube pages that I have come across. I have used a couple of his programs and have found them to be very beneficial and well thought out. I have a lot of training experience and can tell that Hector is very analytical by how he writes his programs. His Kettlebell Workout Snacks ebook is pure gold with plans from beginner to advanced. Hector is quick to respond to emails and is very focused on his primary goals of helping people, especially men, in exceeding in every aspect of their lives.
Being healthy, having enough energy to get through the day, and losing weight has always been a concern of mine especially after having knee surgery. I knew I needed to do something but what?
I recall reading an article about kettlebells. The author mentioned how it can help with overall strength, flexibility, balance, your core, and burning fat. These benefits were exactly what I wanted. That is when I actively began looking for a trainer whose primary focus was kettlebells.
I met Jason Giles and prior to our first training session we discussed my goals and any medical concerns. I explained how I had knee surgery because I tore my meniscus and rebuilding the strength and flexibility is slow going. I informed him that I am tired most of the time and that is not acceptable because I have two young boys that depend on me. I also said to Jason I would love to lose weight.
I began training with Coach Jason once a week privately 8 months ago. It was difficult at first but with the determination to change my health I continued. Jason is and has been very supportive of my goals and I trust his training programs. He is a trainer who believes that training/exercising with quality and integrity is more important than quantity. It is this approach to exercising that has helped me achieved another goal of mine and that was participating in my very first StrongFirst Tactical Strength Challenge back in May. I never thought I would be able to do it if it wasn’t for Coach Jason’s guidance, training, and his belief in me.
This past week I was surprised that I was able to perform a double kettlebell front squat. I have not been able to squat since my knee surgery, and that was 8 years ago, so that was an awesome achievement for me. One that I never thought would be possible again.
Taking that first step in making a kettlebell change towards a healthier lifestyle was one of the best things I have done. My family has noticed that I lost weight, am healthier, stronger, and definitely less tired. I am living proof to my husband and two beautiful sons that it is never too late to exercise and make a positive lifestyle change.
Coach Jason has changed my life for the healthier and I can honestly say I am lucky to be training with him. His passion, dedication and knowledge makes it all worthwhile. I now have new goals for myself and I cannot wait to get started.
Steven is one of the most intelligent and patient trainers I have ever met. After suffering a significant L5/S1 injury, Steven patiently worked around the mental and physical blocks and helped me conquer the very lift that injured me. I own my own Rehab Pilates studio and I can gladly say I am 100% pain free and stronger than ever. I am building not just strength but STABILITY….a brick by brick foundation that produces true strength and control in full range of motion. His multiple disciplines weave together to produce movement that HEALS and BUILDS. He is literally one of the best in the business. HIGHLY recommend. I will be driving over 45minutes to see him soon!
I had a great and valuable fitness experience with Raj sir, when he was trainer in Saket Sports complex , He is honest and excellent knowledge of his work, I have a lot of respect to him and it will remain forever…I want to see him at great height of his profession…all the best … love you sir
Steven is a consummate professional. He is incredibly knowledgeable about almost every modality from Olympic weightlifting to kettlebells to nutrition to cross fit. He understands the value of these different modalities and helps you to reach your goals. He also knows how to hold you accountable in a low key way that doesn’t feel pushy. I am a certified kettlebell trainer, but I don’t have near the knowledge that Steven has about so many different modalities. As such, I asked Steven to teach my son to feel comfortable in a gym and to teach him to be capable with a few simple routines so that he can train himself when he goes off to college. My son walked away with an understanding that you don’t have to kill yourself to get a good workout. You can actually build strength and endurance with a few basic moves. And, when he goes off to college, he will be able to go into his gym and know how to deadlift and squat without hurting himself. I highly recommend Steven for his professionalism and his approach.
I have been training with Nandor for a couple of years now and it was one of the best decisions I have ever taken! I’m passionate about fitness but have been doing the classic workout routine of training 1 muscle part per day until Nandor introduced me to Kettlebells! My strength increased like never before along with my knowledge about fitness. Nandor has also trained me in Thai boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and I can pretty much train with people that have a decent level in Martial arts! Thank you Nandor!
During my service with the ROK Army, I was lucky enough to work in the same duty station as Joey Yang. With Joey’s instruction, my technique on the big 3 barbell movements was improved and I was also taught the kettlebell swing and get-ups. He’s always happy to lend a helping hand. The cues/instruction he uses are easy to understand, but never dumbed down. It was a blast training with him!
Nandor is an extremely knowledgable and professional instructor. Best PT I’ve had. He fine tunes and gives regular feedback when it’s needed, extending and supporting where necessary. His technical knowledge is outstanding!
Not to sound too dramatic but training with Stephen has literally changed my life. Previously I hated exercise with a passion where as now I can’t wait to get to the gym to lift or swing something heavy! I am stronger and fitter than I ever thought I could possibly be and there is (secretly) something very satisfying about being able to lift heavier than some of the men in the gym – lol. Stephen works me incredibly hard in our sessions but I am constantly getting the results so I completely trust in him and in the process. Stephen is constantly studying and learning new things so the training never gets boring as there is always something new to learn or try.
I would and do recommend Stephen to anyone.
Reneta and her husband Gary are outstanding instructors and very friendly. I am self taught with Pavel’s old books and CD’s. They identified and fixed several things I have been doing wrong in the get up, swing and deadlift. All in 1 hour. I feel I received more than my money’s worth.
Stevens style is warm and personable. He challenges you to achieve your fitness goals with a balanced approach both pushing you to succeed, yet patient with the process.
I’ve just recently joined Kettlebell class several weeks ago. I LOVE Steven’s class the best! He is very motivating and encouraging. I really enjoy how he mixes up the workout routines. He makes it fun! I can tell he loves what he does for sure!
Once you’ve seen Tim go about his business at Box 33, you can’t help not want to be part of the community.
I was drawn to StrongFirst after taking other kettlebell instructor courses that were absolutely shocking – certifying trainers that were clearly not technically proficient enough to coach the movements.
Which is why I take any opportunity to learn from Tim – his commitment and discipline towards his training and teaching are second to none, glad to have an instructor of that caliber on Western Australia to learn from.
Mira is an excellent coach. As a former educator (both academic and fitness) and an avid fitness class enthusiast with a dance background, I have much exposure to various teaching and learning styles across several disciplines. For me, Mira provides a beautiful combination of instruction, support, and motivation. My training sessions with Mira are safe, fun, and yield noticeable results.
I came to Mira with a simple goal of wanting to get stronger, but not change much in size. I also had joint pain and mobility issues to consider. Lastly, while I already knew how to do the basic kettlebell exercises, I suspected I was missing some of the nuances because I kept having pain; I was right! Mira has taught me how to do things correctly for my specific body challenges. Progress-wise, she has tailored an ever-evolving program for me that has resulted in marked strength gains and desirable physique changes without any undesirable consequences–and I only train with her once a week. Best of all, my joints no longer hurt.
Now, I am much more confident with kettlebell technique and able to do things that were scary to me six months ago (e.g. bottoms-up Turkish get-ups). I attribute the results to Mira’s keen observation and assessment skills coupled with effective communication about what I need to do (and sometimes not do) to succeed. I look forward to seeing what I’ll be able to do after another six months!
A straightforward instructor, I liked how he would correct my form everytime I did training with him. Hes a pretty cool and funny guy, made sessions more interesting. He’s very knowledgeable in barbells and kettlebells. I was able to break my own personal record because of his mentorship. Definitely would want to train with him again.
Right now I never met Hector in person. But it feels like he is closer to me than any personal trainer before. His programs and courses are some of the best you can get. His explanations are second to none and of great knowledge and detail. Pure gold! Also he is a very nice guy who is always willing to help with a problem and answers his mails very quickly. I´m jealous of the people who can work with him directly.
Go, Team GUT. 😉
Thavy is extremely knowledgeable and encouraging, and very easy to work with. I was brand new to kettlebells when I first worked with Thavy, and she helped me learn the techniques to get me comfortable with them almost immediately. She works with all levels and will help you reach your personal goals. I highly recommend Thavy!
Thavy is awesome! She is knowledgeable, encouraging, and great at teaching kettlebell movements in a way that’s easy to understand. Thavy’s passion and excitement for kettlebell workouts is contagious – through a series of private lessons she helped me get back into working out with kettlebells and learn new skills. I would highly(!) recommend her as an instructor to anyone – from beginners to more advanced students.
Joey, provides an amazing service to the United States and ROK Soldiers that train in military gyms in South Korea. These Soldiers often receive little to no instruction or coaching and are ill equipped to fully utilize the equipment they have at their disposal. Joey is one of the few people who has devoted his free time towards ensuring that the Soldiers can reach their full potential and get the most out of the equipment. He is extremely proficient in both deadlifting stances, sumo and conventional. Excellent with Kettle bell presses and developing squat and benchpress training techniques that truly benefit his clients. I highly recommend taking advantage of his knowledge and experience.
Since training with Stephen my whole attitude to fitness has changed, previously I just wanted to be skinny now I want to be strong!!! Stephen has pushed me to levels I never thought I could achieve and he have given me a total love for kettlebells. He is constantly developing his own skills and as a result his technical knowledge is amazing so when he pushes you to next level you know you can trust he knows that you are capable. Always great fun to be around although he doesn’t let you away with anything!!
I was introduced to Coach Hector’s approach to Kettlebells via his Kettlebell Workout Snacks ebook. Steady work at his Atos 1.0 for 4 months really helped me a lot in building a strength foundation for bjj, together with SFG Gab Rosales’ guidance. Was glad to have been part of his Ronin Phase 1. His approach to strength is straightforward and he provides immediate feedback and suggestions. Grateful to him for all he has helped me with especially with strength for bjj.
Stephen is constantly learning and pushing himself making him a coach you can trust. He knows what he’s talking about and there’s no bulls**t!
Whether you’re new to fitness or you’re looking for a new challenge check Stephen out (@Adapt_strength) and before long you’ll be stronger, fitter and more confident than you thought possible. And you’ll have a bit of craic along the way!
Stephen won’t tell you what you want to hear, he tells you what you need to hear. He knows his stuff and he will take you further than you think you can go.
Anne takes training to a whole new level. She’s passionate about what she does and it shows. Her programming is thoughtful, intentional and most of all – effective. She listens to and takes the time to get to know everyone she coaches allowing her to customize her programming to the individuals ability level.
Anne stays up to date on all things StrongFirst, she attends, assists at and teaches lots of workshops, certs, courses and hosts events like the TSC.
To top it all off, Anne’s just delightful to be around. She’s totally down to earth. She’s authentic, passionate, hilarious and kind. She’s as real as they come!
I contacted Tim when preparing for my first StrongFirst certification and I am so glad that I did! Tim is extremely knowledgeable and has been a fantastic mentor on my StrongFirst journey. He also has a holistic approach which resonates with me because sometimes I need to be forced to consider that factors outside of my physical training might be affecting my progress. Tim does this with graciousness and a thoughtful approach. When I suffer a lapse in self confidence or my progress stalls, Tim knows how to coach me through it so that I can keep on improving. I was using kettlebells before I started working with Tim but my technique and performance has improved immensely under Tim’s guidance. I would not be the athlete or the coach that I am today without the mentorship I have received from Tim. I look forward to continuing to work with Tim and am ever grateful to be a part of the StrongFirst Australia community.
I have to admit I was very nervous to begin training with Mira! She is such an accomplished and knowledgeable athlete and I felt that as a trainer myself I should have had more ability or knowledge in the modality of the kettlebell. However, I did not, and I hired Mira to develop a training plan and to help me prepare for the strong first level 1 certification. Mira is an extremely intuitive coach and she sensed my nervousness from the start. She was relaxed when I needed someone to be relaxed, and firm and challenged me when I needed that. In our first session she gave me great coaching tips that helped in each skill I was working on for the cert, but most importantly she reminded me to be confident. I appreciate that she set some guidelines and initial goals for how we would go about preparing for the certification as these goals set the stage for me to truly learn instead of get caught up in the “passing of the snatch test.” I trained with Mira in person once or twice per month leading up to the Strong First Level 1 and she provided me with monthly programs (week by week) to progressively increase my strength and prepare for the certification. She was attentive to my questions, watched and gave feedback to my videos, and was always patient with my sometimes dramatic tendencies. I am thrilled that the training I did with Mira resulted in passing the Level 1 StrongFirst certification on my first try. I think I even had a minute remaining on the snatch test! I followed her training program exactly and it paid off! Most of all throughout the journey she reminded me to remain calm and to be confident in my abilities. While I trained for a kettlebell cert, I learned lessons from Mira that will last a lifetime! Thanks Mira!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Hector. His commitment to his students is incredible, and his knowledge is unparalleled. I feel very fortunate that I met Hector, and I hope that others will have the same opportunity.
I worked with Hector during a stressful time for me (I was between jobs and just moved into a new home) and a difficult time for him (getting ready for a liver donation surgery; he offered a huge chunk of his liver for a family member, how brave is that?), and he managed this situation with power, skill, grace and courage.
He is truely one of the best ( of coaches, men, husbands, fathers) out there, and his coaching & communication skills are second to none. Thanks to him, I actually started talking a BJJ class, too. Here I am after a while, having laid the foundation with Hector, almost 40 pounds lighter and much, much stronger and able to behave like a man.
COACH OF COACHES / Mother of Dragons: Ericka Darst
Are you a strength coach? Do you want to learn how to use kettlebells optimally without getting hurt or your clients hurt? Go to the Coach of Coaches.
Coach Erika Darst is the Mother of Dragons in the Twin Cities. She has trained some of the best kettlebell instructors in town. Why is she different? The Devil is in the Details.
I have been teaching kettlebells as an RKC for three years, I have been using weights for 30 years. I needed to get re-certified every few years, so my time was up and chose to go the Strong First route. I knew it would be super challenging to pass. I met with Coach Ericka and I had SO much to learn still.
All of my lifts have gone up. I trained with her and I was so prepared for my Strong First certification in Chicago. I have trained with other trainers for certs, and not gotten half of what Erika has taught me.
The SFG cert weekend was outstanding, I passed all of my tests despite the high failure rate for this certification (30 percent failure rate). Every time I drive to her studio I think about how lucky I am that I met her at another certification three years ago where I FAILED several of my tests in front of her. NOT THIS TIME. I passed them all thanks to Coach Ericka Darst! Thank you for making me a better kettlebell instructor, for the fitness and techniques to pass Strong First SFG. You are GOLD!
As a proud foundation member of Tim’s Box 33, I’d still be there if we hadn’t retired 300 kms away! Tim has an exceptional knowledge of exercise physiology, coupled with an inimitable ability to communicate. You’ll discover that your limits are much higher than you thought. Tim makes it fun, you will get stronger, move better, maybe lose some weight and you’ll want to keep coming back for more.
Stephen is a great Coach. He takes no prisoners and pushes you further than you think you can go. His ‘nobody cares, work
Harder’ approach is inspiring!
I met Jason at my first Tactical Strength Challenge in fall 2018. I wanted to improve for the next one and knew I needed a coach. After talking with him about strength and movement. I hired him as my coach for this one. One of my main goals was to hit 500lb in the deadlift. My previous best was 415lb. As time went on he laid a plan for me. At first I thought the plan was a lot. I expressed my concerns about it and he listened to what i had to say and made some modification. To me this is a sign of a good coach. When we got together he observed my form and told me where I could improve. I took his advice and also did the plan. on May 4th 2019 I was able to lift 500lb with no belt. I was very happy and proud of this. I would recommend Jason to anyone looking to get stronger and participate in the Tactical Strength Challenge.
Mira’s outstanding coaching helped redefine strength on my own terms.
Since starting at Industrial Strength in 2017, Mira has exhibited her dedication to safely improving my weightlifting technique. This dedication started during our onboarding movement screening and continues to be demonstrated whenever I’m working with her. She knows the ebb and flow that a lower back injury can bring, and respects days that I need to rest (or take time away from the gym for my mental health). Similarly, she sets attainable goals and intuits when to push me in the same direction.
Strength has many forms and Mira has taught me how it shows up in my life. At the end of the day, she understands that I’m human, that my life does not revolve around the gym, and that my goals are greater than setting a new personal record. Strength involves knowing when to respect your body and the messages it communicates.
My name is Tony TC Coleman and I am a professional Drummer who was with BB KING for 30 years and I have been to 98 countries playing my Drums. Until I met Sunny no one has been able to inspire and motivate me to stay healthy and exercise. She has gotten me focused and aware of everything I eat and drink to stay on course. Not only is she an amazing Baddass of a trainer but she is also what I would call one of my family and a great friend. . She is a great motivator and a great observer of what will be the best way for me to reach my goal. Thanks so much Sunny because of you I’m living a much healthier life. Ain’t gonna be no turning back from the things you have taught me.
Mira is truly a fantastic coach! She is knowledgeable, attentive, and detail-oriented in her craft of coaching clients; she exudes professionalism, positivity, and focus that inspires both confidence and a desire to meet her with the same energy. I’ve had various trainers over the last 15 years, but Mira elevates the role to coach and mentor. I feel so lucky to be able to train under her watchful eye and according to her personalized programming. She trains her students with long-term success in mind, so they can reach goals with safety and health, and prevent injury.
Mira consistently checks-in and tailors the movements and program to her student. She analyzes my movements diligently and shows up with new tweaks to substantially improve my techniques. She can do this because she is highly skilled at articulating and explaining what she notices, why it’s important, and how to optimize it. If it’s not an easy fix, she invents creative adjustments to try or cues to use until my form is corrected. I’ve learned SO much since I started working with Mira and hope to continue training with her for a long time to come!
Ultimately, Mira has introduced me to the proper techniques of olympic weightlifting and as a female myself I’ve particularly LOVED training under such a strong, competent, and knowledgeable female coach and accomplished weightlifter. She is a wonderful role model who practices everything she teaches. She truly motivates me, and if I could I would train with Mira every day!
When I started training with Hector, I never swung a kettlebell and became aware of my physical weakness immediately. Hector has always taken the time to demonstrate strength in his training with explanations of how to do it the right way and why.
Don’t underestimate the knowledge and dedication to a lifestyle of strong body and mind Hector demonstrates! He has always taken his time to asses your progress, get to know you and make himself available to answer all your questions while offering personal encouragement.
I’m stronger today then I’ve ever been in my life!
I’ve never looked forward to working out as much as I do now.
Thanks Hector!
I have been a Box33 member for almost 6 years now and have been fortunate enough to have had Tim Almond as a Personal Trainer and also attended a few StrongFirst certifications and workshops run by Tim. His attention to detail and his knowledge and passion leaves no stone unturned and this has allowed me/my body to perform at my own PB. I just love getting more out of life because of this. Very highly recommended.
Tim is an extremely knowledgeable coach and is able to convey complex ideas in a simple, practical manner with a logical progression.
Tim has a holistic approach to coaching and is able to accommodate those who are in pain with little or no training experience and those with a long training history.
Tim is hands down one of the best kettlebell instructors in the country and I would highly recommend him for any training endeavour.
Tim introduced me to kettlebells and the change it has made for me both physically and mentally has been massive.
Coming from a background as an elite athlete I was pretty certain about my fitness and strength being elite but quickly found out in reality I was a novice.
I have learnt and continue to learn so much from training with Tim.
I would recommend Tim to anyone who wants to advance and better themselves.
I’ve been training with Nandor for a few months now and having plateaued for ages before (probably years) I’ve started to make some real improvements. All the kettlebell work has helped me get significantly stronger already and it’s paying off in gaining muscular weight too. Nandor has a great approach, pushing me the right amount so I can make consistent progress.
Tim is a passionate, knowledgeable and inspiring trainer who will take you to the next level and beyond.
Mira’s training has been the key to recovering my strength and confidence. I was daunted by the challenge to come back after a series of injuries and surgeries. Mira’s knowledge of form and technique and her masterful approach to teaching puts me at ease. I can set aside anxiety and focus on bringing my full effort to our sessions. Mira is able to observe exactly what adjustments I need to make, and to communicate and demonstrate just how to make those changes. She also knows the right moments to challenge and push clients to grow and meet their potential. Every day we work together Mira brings a warmth, humor, and optimism to our sessions. I can’t imagine a stronger or better trainer and instructor.
Physical fitness has been a constant for the majority of my life. Once I discovered Strong First I knew I had to seek out a knowledgeable instructor, I found that in Jason. After our initial training session and the Functional Movement Screening I came to the realization that I had some deficiencies. Jason’s feedback and teaching methodology helped instill strong habits as he assists me preparing to pass SFG I. He has the ability to break down each movement into simple steps that allow you to see what you are doing wrong and how to correct them. His knowledge and expertise on strength and movement have resonated with me and I look forward to continue working with him.
Coach Hec aka StrongAsHec, the moniker itself tells whatever you need to know to get you interested or consider him as your trainer whether online or your personally visit him which is one of my bucket list. Honestly, I didn’t start my basics with him, it was with Coach Louka to be specific, what he did to me as a student and now as an SFG Official Instructor is the simplicity of the knowledge about the concept of StrongFirst, specifically on your own you’ll figure out what you need to do in order for you to discover the proper way and the beautiful “gift” a kettlebell can give to a person. There’s so much to say how great of a coach he is, just study and understand and you’ll see what I mean. I’m a Filipino from a third world country, being a witness of his magnificent contributions some people in our country try to abuse his freebie programs and confuse his teachings, so for those who are reading this, go straight to hec it might need some time for him to respond but at least you will be satisfied.
Being in an occupation that requires a certain level of fitness and strength, the principles of strong first immediately appealed to me. After seeking Jason out and receiving his instruction I realized how detailed kettlebell training truly is. His teaching methodology and instructor feedback are exceptional. As soon as our first training session had ended I felt confident in my ability to correct any deficiencies that he pointed out as well as become stronger in the process. Jason is a lifelong student of strength and I recommend him to anyone looking to become stronger.
I had the opportunity to act as an Assistant under Hector at my first time assisting at the StrongFirst SFG1. I learned so much from him that weekend; I am truly thankful that I got to know him.
Hector is an extremely knowledgeable StrongFirst coach. He has all the qualities that make a great coach and leader:
1. He has an amazing eye for coaching and helping students nail the proper technique.
2. He lives his values, demonstrating perfect technique and insane strength in his own training.
3. He genuinely cares about his students and their progression, not only in strength and fitness, but as overall better human beings.
Hector is one of my role models – just a top quality person! He is a leader among men and women and I sincerely hope to get to work with him again soon.
– Cat
Very knowledgeable. Great instruction. Can’t wait to schedule another appointment with him.
I’ve been training with Mira, the owner of Industrial Strength, for approximately a year now. I started going on the recommendation of my excellent physical therapist to continue my recovery from a severe back injury. I really like the vibe at her gym, which is comfortable and welcoming, and that the priority is overall strength and function and health over appearances. Mira is focused and passionate and dedicated. She is prepared, skilled, knowledgeable, smart, thoughtful, insightful, and articulate. She is supportive, encouraging, patient, and understanding, yet always pushes me and challenges me. She’s super serious but fun. She’s also very professional and responsive. I am stronger than I’ve ever been thanks to Mira and IS.
A true coach who values the relationship! Pr ‘d my TSC deadlift and crushed simple with his programs!
Having recently moved to Portland, OR, I was looking for a great coach after having worked with another great Strong First coach, Tom Liang, in NYC for many years. He connected me with Holly & I couldn’t be happier! She does a great job of meeting you where you are in your training plan and pushing you towards your goals. Technical form and remaining injury-free are important to me and they are on the top of her list of “to-do’s” as well. I highly recommend her.
Hector’s programs are the real deal. Helped me prepare for the SFG certification.
My job sent me to Corpus for 6 months and Hector and Hardstyle welcomed me with open arms and taught me a skill and developed a passion in me that I will use the rest of my life. When I went back home to Houston I bought some KB’s and have been using his programs and facebook groups to continue to train and get stronger. Great gym, great programs, and great people!
I have had the great pleasure of working with Hector through his courses and being a guinea pig for several of his training procedures. I can say with certianty that his approaches are startling effective! I have gotten stronger with every one of his programs and if you take his course his emails are indispensable. he brought my double military press from 2x28kg for 1 to 2x32kg for 1 and gave me the endurance to get 102 snatches in 5min with 24kg.
Wanna get strong? Get strong as Hec!
I have had the great pleasure of working with Hector through his courses and being a guinea pig for several of his training procedures. I can say with certianty that His approachs are startling effective! I have gotten stronger with every one of his programs and if you take his course his emails are indispensable. he brought my double military press from 2x28kg for 1 to 2x32kg for 1 and gave me the endurance to get 102 snatches in 5min with 24kg.
Wanna get strong? Get strong as Hec!
Coach Hector and his programs truly embodies the core principles of Strongfirst. I used several of his programs already like; ATOS 1.0 & 2.0, Plan 801a, 803a & 803b, Snatch 240 (for my SFG1 prep 2 years ago) Snatch 601, SP001, Swing Strong!, Plan701a and 701B and just recently Deadlift260a and Snatch384 for my TSC. We at the Gravity Chamber are big fan of his approach to strength training and correct programming in achieving strength goals that clearly transfer to real life applications
Mira has been absolutely instrumental in getting this nearly 50-something back into shape. Her knowledge of strength training and nutrition have made a huge difference. Under her supervision I lost 35 lbs of fat while gaining 5 lbs of muscle and taught me why my body responded like it did so I could apply that knowledge myself in the future. Also, her knowledge of strength training technique and ability to communicate it has been key in avoiding the all to common injuries that occur when form isn’t good. I highly recommend her as a trainer.
Tony is an exceptional trainer with an acute attention to detail, form & injury prevention. His classes are motivating, balanced & pretty much guaranteed to help you get stronger in body & mind. I’m also super impressed with the culture of camaraderie, professionalism, & fun Tony & Mira have created at the gym. As someone who came in a year ago without a lot of strength to start, I was concerned about feeling intimidated or not being able to keep up (or worse getting injured!). I’m thrilled to say none of that has been the case & I totally credit Tony for the wonderful classes, care & attention he gives to this fantastic training program. And now I’m stronger to boot! Wow!
R.T. is such an amazing, inspirational, supportive, and just a great guy! I have been so fortunate to have him as my coach for several years. He really pays attention to your technique and gives you the critique in such positive manner. His instruction and coaching are spot on! I trust him completely. He will spot a tiny thing and give me advice anytime I need it. That one tiny thing amounts to an amazing Personal Best for me every time. Need a good coach, look no further, ya found him!
I met Andrea at my SFG Level 1 certification course.
I passed all my skills tests at the cert, but ended up having to do a video re-test on the snatch test. While I was not originally assigned Andrea as my team leader at the certification, she was kind enough to step in to oversee my video re-rest due to some scheduling issues with my team leader. This proved to be a huge benefit for me, as Andrea’s coaching is fantastic. When I resubmitted my snatch-test video, I was dealing with some mobility issues in my left shoulder relating to a previous injury from my youth, and Andrea recommended a drill to do with my existing mobility work, and it made a massive difference. That combined with a few coaching tips, and I was able to greatly improve my snatch form.
Andrea is thoughtful, patient, and above all, a fantastic coach. She was supportive along the way, both at the certification weekend as well as the video re-test process. She is genuinely passionate about helping clients, and coaches, become the best human being they can. Can’t wait to get up to Kettlebility for a session!
I’ve been following several of Héctor ‘s programnes for more than a year. It amazes me how simple and efficient they are. All the videos and tips he provides you with for free are always so useful!!!
He’s always there to help.!
Hector Gutierrez Jr. is the real deal. He is a great trainer, great friend, great father, great husband, and a great servant of God. Hector helped me achieve my goal in May of 2018 by improving my time in Corpus Christi’s Beach 2 Bay Full Marathon, not the relay, the whole 26.2 miles by myself. Conditions are brutal in this race with the high humidity and scorching heat. Through Hector’s guidance on the kettlebell, I beat my time from the previous year. As matter of fact, all my times improved in the 5K, 10K, and half marathon. I am a stronger runner now because of Hector Gutierrez Jr. I’m now training for the 2019 B2Bay Full Marathon and I know I will beat 2018’s time. The program I’m using for this race is Hector’s Kettlebell Workout Snacks and body weight exercises he taught me. Hector is an inspiration to me and to the people he serves. This man is an angel on Earth.
He is the absolute best coach along with coach Jake. His programs not only made me stronger in body but also mind. I am so lucky to be training at his gym every day (more like 5-6 days a week ?).
Awesome instructor and friend, I did a class with him and the amount of information I received was incredible. Highly recommend choosing him for your kettlebell training
Hector’s Double Kettlebell Manifesto is an outstanding ebook. If you follow the programmes as written they will not fail to deliver. Plus: They’re huge fun. So what more could you ask for?! Highly recommended!
Great coach and even greater teacher. Always patient and respectfull with students and willing to share training knowledge. Under his guidance i have become stronger and learned to move better.
GEORGE PARADISSIS,is an excellent teacher!!!!I had the best seminar lessons with him in Kettlebells!With friendly spirit,appetite for work,humor and his excellent knowledge gave to me and the rest of the team,a perfect kettlebell experience!!!!!!
Coach Mark was very helpful when I attended the KB course in Quezon City.
He has a very positive vibe and was always accommodating with any questions.
Being a part of Mira’s KB classes has improved my strength greatly. After straining my back some 3+ years ago and taking advice from my PT’s at Advance Sport and Spine, I began taking strength training at Mira’s Gym. She continued to help me through my recovery so that I am now stronger than I believe I have ever been. Mira inspires everyone she teaches and I would recommend anyone looking to improve their physical goals to stop by and take classes from her.
Laurent is an outstanding professional who teaches his passion with passion. A pedagogue and an observer, he will identify your gaps and blockages to bring you “the little trick” that will allow you to progress. Accessible and pleasant, he will make you forget the burning of your hands ?
Laurent est un professionnel hors pair qui enseigne sa passion avec passion. Très pédagogue et observateur, il saura repérer vos lacunes et vos blocages pour vous apporter “le petit truc” qui vous permettra de progresser. Accessible et agréable, il vous fera oublier la brûlure de vos mains 😉
Mira has mastered strength training and coaching. She has done this while overcoming the challenges of injuries and coaching others to overcome those challenges. I have been trained by Mira and practiced kettlebells with her in classes she has coached. She has taught me about movement, programming and strength and makes it fun. I was able to achieve SFG I certification, 40 kg TGU and 36kg press with the help of her coaching and instruction. Mira has trained people with many different skill levels. Mira has a thorough understanding of programming and building skills. Students are in good hands with Mira as their coach! Mira has a big heart for her students and the community.
I cannot say enough great things about training with Mira – her acute attention to detail & form, infectious positivity, ever the professional she is inspiring, encouraging, & challenges me to be my best, strongest self in body & mind. In short, she is the jam!
There are so many wonderful qualities that I could mention in this review, qualities you’d want in a coach while on the path to making your whole-self stronger: professionalism, knowledge of craft, awareness of setting and achieving personal goals , sincere kindness, being an attentive listener; Mira has all these traits in spades.
But there is one characteristic which has always so particularly impressed me. Mira’s humility.
You’d never know all the medals Mira has won by the nature of her modesty. I lost 85 lbs in a year, I also recovered from a ruptured bicep. It was a daunting journey to say the least. Even as a competing athlete, Mira is a consistent example that it is betterment, not perfection, which we should strive for. Lifestyle, not vanity. Mira was then and is still today a crucial part in my continuing success.
It is my very good fortune and humble honor to call her coach.
Mira is the best instructor I’ve ever worked with. I’ve been training with her for five years, and every year she ensures I always push myself above and beyond in a focused effort to achieve my goals. Her wealth of experience and knowledge and her unrivaled technique put Mira far above any other instructor in the field. If you are fortunate enough to train with her, I highly recommend you do so.
Coach Mark Limbaga is one the best coaches I have met. He is very knowledgeable in his field of expertise and you can really see in him how passionate he is in teaching other coaches about his craft and in coaching other individuals. I just attended a kettlebell workshop/training recently wherein he is one the mentors and it is really great experience. I aspire to be a coach like him and I’m very thankful that I’ve met him and be able to attend his kettlebell workshops. Looking forward to more workshops in the future!
Coach Mark is a very good coach, he knows a lot about what he teaches. As a starting coach in the strength and conditioning field, I look up to coach Mark in terms of how he delivers himself to different people without compromising being professional and at the same time teaches exercise in a detailed manner. I am looking forward to more interactions with coach Mark so I can get better at this field.
I’ve just recently gotten into kettlebell training and it’s been an awesome experience having coach mark as a mentor and teacher. Looking forward to more seminars and workshops under his tutelage!
Coach Mark is an amazing coach. As a young strength and conditioning coach, I look for other coaches who can help me get better at my craft. I am thankful to have met Coach Mark because I saw in him what it means to be a real coach. He is very knowledgeable and very generous when it comes to information. He does not coach someone by just instructing, he leads. The first time I met him I saw how passionate he is at helping people get better. He wants to help other coaches as well regardless of where they come from. That’s the kind of coach that I want to be.
I took StrongFirst Bodyweight with Karen and it is by far one of the most necessary certifications for anyone looking to get strong. She broke down complex principles in a way that made it easy to grasp and comprehend and I’ve personally seen major improvements in my own strength and mobility. The best part is that the principles she teaches in this course transcend just bodyweight training. Regardless of the modality whether it be barbell, kettlebell, or anything else, the skills learned in SFB will drastically improve your performance or that of your clients. This was a must for anyone, beginner to advanced, looking to get stronger!
Karen Smith’s REFiNE program has been amazing. The results seem almost like magic. The mix of bodyweight and kettlebells in one program has been incredibly enjoyable and productive. Anyone who gets to attend one of her seminars or courses should consider themselves very privileged.
David is a true master of his craft and has set up a really special gym space. I love the people and the environment in the small group classes. The classes are very effective and educational, as David spends individual time with each person to address your personal goals and work around your injuries. He’s given me a new understanding of what movement and fitness can and should be, and as an ex-D1 athlete having to face that I can’t workout like I used to, David has been imperative in giving me the tools and movement patterns to be strong mentally and physically in this new chapter.
Excellent experience at the SFG 1 Cert in Rosemont IL.
Stefany is an excellent coach:
She’s very knowledgeable, patient and courteous.
I attended a one day Kettlebell workshop with Claire prior to Strong First Level 1, which gave me important tips to work on before the 3 day course.
On the StrongFirst course Claire gave lots of great information on how to do things professionally and watched over us giving small coaching tips, that can make a massive difference. Claire has been very helpful when I have contacted her for advice and information. If you want to get better with Kettlebells train with the best.
Cheers Claire.
I have been training with Holly and Arryn since October of 2018. My experience has been nothing short of awesome. I had it set in my head that I wanted the SFB Certification but had no idea where to start and I knew I needed some guidance. Luckily for me, these two had just gone live with their online coaching platform. I couldn’t ask for more in my coaches than these two provide. They are patient when I have a million questions. Even more so when I have an injury or if I am being gun shy because of one. They have an extensive knowledge of all modalities that StrongFirst offers and are willing to have fun with you along the way. They take pride in how they teach, provide valuable feedback and cues that make a difference in your performance, and are your personal cheerleaders always. I am truly grateful for Holly & Arryn on my strength journey and I am excited for what’s to come!
Claire has been coaching me for about 9 months now. In that time I’ve lost another 20lbs (having already lost 15 before finding her, BMI has gone from 27 to 21) and my body composition has changed totally having lost fat and gained muscle. The strength I’ve gained has changed my life: my getup has gone from 16kg to 22kg, I can now do chinups and yesterday I did my first ever pullup.
Claire is all about sensible programming and perfect technique and she has clearly dedicated her life to learning about strength and health. I love that I can ask her about any topic and she’ll be overflowing with information on it – I always come away with a list of articles, videos and books to go and look up. This works for me because rather than just blindly following what she says (which, to be honest, I’d probably happily do anyway!) instead I’m also becoming more educated at the same time.
Thanks, Claire!
I have been training with Holly and Arryn since October of 2018. My experience has been nothing short of awesome. I had it set in my head that I wanted the SFB Certification but had no idea where to start and I knew I needed some guidance. Luckily for me, these two had just gone live with their online coaching platform. I couldn’t ask for more in my coaches than these two provide. They are patient when I have a million questions. Even more so when I have an injury or if I am being gun shy because of one. They have an extensive knowledge of all modalities that StrongFirst offers and are willing to have fun with you along the way. They take pride in how they teach, provide valuable feedback and cues that make a difference in your performance, and are your personal cheerleaders always. I am truly grateful for Holly & Arryn on my strength journey and I am excited for what’s to come!
My wife and I have been working out with David for nearly a decade. He is absolutely the BEST there is. He knows how to push you just the right amount, never too much. , He makes training fun, and varied enough you never get bored. I used to hate working out in the gym, but no more, given David’s method. And he’s done a great job of building a community with his classes that feels great. Thank you, David!
I’ve been working with Holly on my nutrition and exercise during a very difficult time in my life. Holly has been incredibly patient and kind – helping me work through my struggles.
David has made a big difference in how I feel and move. I am grateful for his help.
I recently received my SFG1 in March of 2019, and may I say what a great Feeling! This is Due to the excellent coaching of Arryn and Holly online and in person. They were able to see where I was at in my kettlebell technique. Then get me to where I needed to be to pass my SFG1 the first time thru. They have built confidence with in me, and I can’t wait to work with them on my SFG2.
I recently received my SFG1 in March of 2019, and may I say what a great Feeling! This is Due to the excellent coaching of Holly and Arryn online and in person. They were able to see where I was at in my kettlebell technique. Then get me to where I needed to be to pass my SFG1 the first time thru. They have built confidence with in me, and I can’t wait to work with them on my SFG2.
I am not a current or aspiring StrongFirst instructor, just someone who wants to increase my strength and maintain it as I age. I have been working with Holly for two years, and I couldn’t recommend her more. Her focus is on technique and working with the individual needs of each student. She understands both my strengths and weaknesses, so her workouts are exactly what I need. And her enthusiasm is infectious, which makes working with her so much fun.
I worked with Holly and Arryn Grogan on the 1/3 BW military press to complete my SFG2 certification. In just 6.5 weeks from my first online training session they worked their magic and I passed! Their model is simple yet effective. They make constant communication, specific feedback, and accountability fun. Holly and Arryn have pushed me to train with more load than I ever thought I could, and have surprised me with what I can accomplish. I have seriously developed as a student of strength through their guidance. I highly recommend training with these special individuals – what you will achieve might shock you! Thanks!
I worked with Arryn and Holly Myers on the 1/3 BW military press to complete my SFG2 certification. In just 6.5 weeks from my first online training session they worked their magic and I passed! Their model is simple yet effective. They make constant communication, specific feedback, and accountability fun. Holly and Arryn have pushed me to train with more load than I ever thought I could, and have surprised me with what I can accomplish. I have seriously developed as a student of strength through their guidance. I highly recommend training with these special individuals – what you will achieve might shock you! Thanks!
I bet Holly while we were both working out of Industrial Strength Gym, and from the first moment that she stepped into the room and “did her thing” I knew that I had never seen someone more technically sound than her when it came to her craft! She is strong as all hell, emphasizes the importance of form over anything, and is a byproduct of consistency and her training methods. Holly and Arryn together have created an unbeatable team – I couldn’t have better things to say about them as both coaches and people. I’m crazy lucky to have them as coaches!
I first met Arryn when we had both been working out of Industrial Strength Gym. During his time there it was easy for me to see not only his fun attitude while working with clients, but also his discipline and ability to constantly learn. So many coaches seem to get stuck in their “own” ways, but Arryn is always looking for how he himself can improve, get better, and then teach what he has learned to his students. Once I learned of his online coaching with Holly I ran to them for help and will continue to return to them over and over again. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!
I primarily trained with Holly Myers for my SFG1 in February 2019 which allowed me the opportunity to work with Arryn a few times in that process. Arryn not only brings a thorough understanding of movement, kettlebells, and StrongFirst technique, but he provides easy to understand feedback and a fun, positive environment as well! Right away, you can tell how much Arryn cares about teaching strength and how he works with people and I’ve encouraged other trainers to seek him out for their own StrongFirst cert prep!
I started working with Holly in September 2018 to prep for my SFG1 in February 2019 and I continue to train with Holly today both in person and some online training. The technique, strength, and skills I’ve gained since have been invaluable and I went into my SFG1 weekend feeling confident and fully prepared – not only did I pass it but I received several compliments from the assistants and instructors! Holly’s approach to training combines her knowledge and appreciation for movement quality with humility and fun. I feel so fortunate to be able to train with Holly for future StrongFirst certs and strength tests!
I worked with Arryn for over 2 years on kettlebell and barbell training, primarily in the context of small group classes. Arryn has the unique ability to tailor his instruction to the individual so that each trainee received the specific instruction appropriate for them. I also have a tendency to geek out on technique and like to ask pretty specific questions. I really appreciated Arryn’s willingness, and ability, to geek out with me on really minor technique points. If you want to get strong, and learn solid technique, as well as the “why” behind the technique, you can’t go wrong with Arryn. Last, but not least, Arryn is just really fun to train with.
It is rare to find someone who has the passion and at the same time the calmness of character required to lead in any endeavor, such as kettlebell practice. George is this sort of person.
Tenacious and patient enough to listen me bombing him with all sorts of questions during a precertification kettlebell seminar, he carefully dissected the various exercises and via practical demonstration solidified the required principles in order to practice on my own.
Highly recommend him for venturing into the world of kettlebell practice!
I worked with Holly after finding her and Arryn online through their amazing Instagram page ( @liftwithhollyandarryn). I was, what I considered, an avid kettlebeller but when I saw their form and technique I knew I was nowhere close to where I should be, so I contacted them. Being in Canada and them in the US and never doing any online training I was a bit hesitant, but once we started a personalized program I knew it was a perfect fit! They really helped me hone my technique and coached me through video review and video calls. Their personalities and eagerness to share their knowledge was awesome and I highly recommend them as coaches for anyone looking to sharpen their skills or just to learn the Strongfirst method.
I worked with Arryn after finding him and Holly online through their amazing Instagram page ( @liftwithhollyandarryn). I was, what I considered, an avid kettlebeller but when I saw their form and technique I knew I was nowhere close to where I should be, so I contacted them. Being in Canada and them in the US and never doing any online training I was a bit hesitant, but once we started a personalized program I knew it was a perfect fit! They really helped me hone my technique and coached me through video review and video calls. Their personalities and eagerness to share their knowledge was awesome and I highly recommend them as coaches for anyone looking to sharpen their skills or just to learn the Strongfirst method.
I’ve been working with Holly and Arryn for 5 months – present doing a combo of in home and online training. I’m not a health Instructor or gym rat but struggled getting my body back after pregnancy. This has been the best investment I have made for my health and my family! I can not recommend them or the program enough. They even come in my home while my twins are taking a nap! Now, who else can say their trainer has that kind of passion?
I’ve been working with Arryn and Holly Myers for two months via online coaching. I can’t say enough how effective their programming and coaching has been. The progress has been measurable and I love their style – very positive, technical, and lots of great feedback. So excited to see what’s next!!!!
I’ve been working with Holly for 2 months via online training to prepare for SFGII. I am absolutely floored by the progress I’ve made in such a short amount of time. The coaching cues and positivity have kept me so motivated, I have yet to miss a workout! I feel strong and empowered every time. I’m super grateful for the focus and look forward to continuing to progress with Holly!
I started seeing Claire about two and a half years ago when I had so many niggles from running that I couldn’t carry on without help. I had also picked up an injury from self taught Kettlebells so I wanted help with that as well.
From the first session I could tell I had made the right choice. Claire looked at the body as a whole and worked out why I had constant tight and pulled calfs and looked at my Kettlebell form and stripped it down and rebuilt it. She explains what is happening and why so I’m constantly learning. Within a week I was running pain free!
The Kettlebell routines Claire gives me isn’t to complex but works, as I’m now running faster aged adjusted than I did twelve years ago!
Claire has a wealth of knowledge and is always off around the world learning the latest in the fitness world and passes that expertise on.
I now feel fitter and stronger than I have in ten years and that’s down to intelligent training from Claire, so if you want to be pain free, move better, lift smarter and feel great I can’t recommender enough.
Jason will hold you accountable to your goals and will help however he can to get you fit. I’ve been training with him for over a year he has been nothing but professional. I’d recommend him to people of all fitness levels.
Colin’s classes are always fun and varied.
Jason is the best trainer I’ve ever had!
Joe is very knowledgeable. With his help iv lost almost 20lbs in about a month and a half. It’s is not magic, follow his instruction and put in the effort and you WILL see results. I feel much stronger, more athletic, and many of my minor aches and pains have gone away. His workouts are very dynamic and hit the entire body. Joe is a good guy who’s easy to to talk to and be around, but when it’s time to work, he will push you to your limit. He will not disappoint
I cant recommend Claire enough.
Claire has helped me on many levels
She has given me advice for improving my kettle bells techniques and barbell techniques which has lead to stronger lifts.
On top of this Claire has helped me with nutritional advice. My diet was affecting many aspects of my life such as skin problems and digestion. With Claire’s advice and knowledge I have seen a great overall improvement with my health
Matt Aldous is an approachable, down-to-earth, extremely competent instructor that has provided me with many coaching tips and technical corrections for which I am most grateful. He has a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point communication style, and I believe that as an instructor he is someone that has the capacity to see beyond the symptom of bad technique, make the necessary corrections at the root cause, which in turn results in the desired improvement. I wholeheartedly recommend him as an instructor.
I have know Colin for over a decade now, and been both his student and occasionally a peer(ish). He brings his both his passion and diligence to every class and client. His knowledge in his field is exceptional whilst his ability to bring this information in a manner which is uncluttered or full of jargon and easily understandable to everyone there. While he has a gruff exterior his is very approachable with a great sense of humour and always will to lend a hand if ask. He always goes the extra mile to every student and keeps abreast of all those his feels responsible. It is always an honour to work with him.
Colin is an excellent instructor. He is very knowledgeable, approachable and happy to take time to explain things in detail or give extra help
I have been a student of Anne’s for 4 years and knew that when she opened her own gym I had to follow her there. She is thoughtful with her programming and truly cares about good, quality movement and not just eeking out ugly reps (as we see in so many “crossfit” style gyms). She makes necessary modifications for all fitness and skill levels and will customize training for specific personal goals. I am at my strongest at 38 years old and will continue to improve my fitness level due to Anne’s impeccable coaching. Personable, kind, funny, approachable and a true gem in the fitness industry. Highly recommended!
I’ve been training with John for almost 4yrs now. John demonstrates and talks you through every exercise so you not only know how to do it, you know why you’re doing it.
He keeps training fun & interesting & makes training with kettlebells so enjoyable i even bought my own kettlebells for using at home.
Colin’s classes are well structured, fun and challenging for all age groups and body types, you certainly want to come back for more and you feel the difference after a few weeks, I would highly recommend colin to anyone who needs more exercise in their lives and are looking for a friendly, motivating environment in which to get fitter or leaner
Colin is a highly professional instructor and because of his wealth of experience he can always find a way to relate the material to anyone regardless of ability in a fun and enjoyable way.
As a sufferer of arthritis and a complete novice at kettlebells Colin is very patient and ensured I focused on good technique to limit any possibility of pain or injury.
Colin’s wealth of knowledge and passion for personal training and fitness education has enabled me to become stronger, more flexible and fitter. His encouragement when using kettlebells has given me belief in my lifting/strength ability and he has had me lifting/using kettlebell weights I would have never attempted. Colin’s attention to detail makes me feel safe from injury and I look forward to attending his class.
Colin has helped me become the strongest I’ve felt by training with him. He encourages you and is very knowledgeable in what he does. I hope to continue working with Colin and learning even more from him in the future!
I have been training with Ella for 3 years and I would definitely recommend her. She is encouraging, adaptable and supportive. I leave every session smiling and feeling that I have worked hard and am making definite progress towards my fitness goals.
Anne is an amazing instructor. I always feel like her programming is well thought out and exactly what my body needs. There is depth of quality about her coaching that she is able to convey in simple straight forward ques. I have followed her from two other gyms until finally landing at a gym she owns. I would recommend, her coaching to anyone at any level hands down.
Nicci Modolo is an brilliant instructor with insights and industry experience far beyond her years. It is a pleasure to watch her coach, and from my own perspective she has often provided cues and insights to improve my technique, performance, and confidence. She is an excellent communicator and relates to her clients no matter their age or range of experience.
My experience with kettlebell training under Coach Ray exceeded my expectations.
After buying the book simple & sinister and training on my own at home. I decided it would behoove me to seek out personal instruction from a strong first certified trainer. This led me to Coach Ray and I can wholeheartedly recommend his Coaching to anyone else in that situation.
Even though I felt that my form was competent, Coach Ray was able to identify deficiencies in my swing and Turkish get-ups and skillfully coached me through corrective measures. As a combat infantry veteran and a Jiu-Jitsu athlete I am constantly battling injuries. This is what led me to the simple and sinister program in the first place. Having a book and youtube videos is great but nothing beats one on one coaching from a skilled coach such as coach Ray.
Mr Summers is one of the best pioneers in the fitness community. He truly puts his heart and soul into everyone who is willing to learn and goes out of his way to help people who need it. He has helped my friends and I with reaching our fitness goals, which ended up steering our lives in a positive direction unimaginable without his help. Mr Summers is a true inspiration for me and I’d encourage anyone who has the chance to train under him to take the opportunity, especially high school students who are at a very vulnerable stage in their lives and could use a great mentor who practices what he preaches. Great coach, and most importantly a very good person. The world would be a much better place with people like this. Once again, I’d encourage anyone who gets an opportunity to train under Mr Summers to take it and absorb some of his knowledge.
This man has changed my life .I will be forever grateful everything Mr summers has done for me. If it was not for him i wouldn’t be where i am today all the deep conversation we have had about talking life where i want to be who i want to become. I will be graduating June 2019 to be a certified athletic massage therapist it was a Hard process but always had mr summers in the back of my mind pushing me and making me a stronger person physically and mentally . All the years of training kettle bells under this man has made me the man i am today. Very strict but worth every minute Again thank you Mr summers!! all the love in the world TEAM SUMMERS!!!
I was lucky enough to met and have George as instructor to a pre certification kettlebell seminar to Athens .
His deep knowledge and skills but the most important his ability to share and teach the fondamental kettlebell technics made this seminar an amazing experience .
Excellent professional who can inspire and blow in your heart and mind the StrongFirst spirit!
With Ella’s running plan, I have cut 1:30 minutes off my Parkrun PB in 7 weeks. Amazing!
Ella is a great instructor. She’s knowledgeable, professional and is very thorough. She’s also really nice! I would thoroughly recommend her.
Ella’s enthusiasm for kettlebell, strength training and fitness in general is highly contagious!
Her clear & achievable instructions, as well as her support, have lead me to lift & swing weights I never would have dreamed of on my own with noticeable physical results. I leave her PT sessions feeling like I could take on the world!
I can’t think of a better way to start my week, then my regular small group session, with Ella. Exercise, chat, progress, fitness, all with laughter and a good buzz.
George taught me how to use and practice with the Kettlebells correctly. He is very caring , super knowledgeable and effective. An excellent teacher!
George Paradissis is an amazing teacher with unbelievable learning transmissibility, i am thankful that have lernt kettelbelt secrets from him and how to use it right. Excellent professional !
Ella is a consummate professional – her care and attention to posture and individual capabilities from start to finish of a work out means I have been able to move to heavier weights with total confidence – and I am thrilled at the resulting personal sense of achievement. Superstar instructor.
James’s dedication, patience and passion for what he does makes his training and kettlebell classes really stand out. The particular focus on learning technique enables you to feel safe and gain the confidence you need to really push yourself at your own pace. All in all a great trainer for anyone from complete beginner to the more experienced!
Piers is the calm in the storm that is health and fitness. Piers is a genuine human being that takes a simple and pragmatic approach to getting you stronger and guiding you on your fitness goal journey. Above all else Piers listens and takes the time to understand you.
Ray is an excellent and extremely high quality coach. I appreciate Ray’s attention to detail and excellence. There isn’t a class that I attend at the Shop in which Ray coaches where I don’t receive some extra tip in my training and form. Being an “older” member of the gym, I need particular care in injury prevention and Ray always looks after me. I also appreciate how Ray himself is always personally striving for excellence in his own life and fitness goals. He’s an inspiring and attentive coach!
Ray is an outstanding coach, role model and teacher. I’ve had the pleasure of being a member of his CrossFit group workouts during the past year. As a masters 55+ athlete/learner/client, I’ve felt nothing but respect and support from Ray along my journey to the highest levels of strength I’ve had in my lifetime. It’s clear to me that Ray is truly a lifelong learner – he studies and shares what he learns and knows about strength. To watch him work himself is inspirational. And if you’re looking for a coach who will kindly and respectfully make sure you, too, are inspired to achieve higher levels, you’ll find Ray to be among the best.
I have been learning Kettlebell’s with James for 3 years now and always look forward to his classes!
James has a huge amount of knowledge to pass on and his classes are technical, but he breaks the elements of the move I to sections to make them easy to remember.
The classes are hard work but always fun, he is encouraging, supportive and a great coach!
I am always appreciative of Rays coaching and guidance. He approaches each of his clients with care and understanding. He always is following up with me and asking me what my goals are, this not only helps me think through what I need to be focusing on but also what ways he can direct his coaching to better suit my needs. If you need a coach who listens to your needs but also pushes you to do better in all areas of your athletic endeavors I would highly recommend Ray!
I had done kettlebells previously with other trainers and thought I had them mastered… until I met John!!
John strips it right back to the basic movements and teaches you techniques to ensure you are using your whole body to power through with those movements efficiently.
John’s passion for kettlebells was evident from day 1 in his class and I knew I had to get onboard with some 1-2-1 training to see what it was all about. I can honestly say I wouldn’t train with anyone else now.
Not only do you get a full on killer workout, he also throws in some life coaching chats and giggles along the way.
The guy is a hero.
James focuses on kettlebell technique and safety, but also makes the classes varied and interesting. We look forward to his classes each week – we all work hard but they are also fun. James is a great trainer, we enjoy all the classes of his we attend.
James introduced me to the world of Kettlebells in 2014, and they are now an integral part of my weekly routine.
His classes are focused on technique whilst being both fun & challenging, and no two sessions are ever the same. Even with a dozen people in a class, James will always find time to focus on each individual’s form & he is never short of an encouraging word.
I would recommend James to anyone who was seeking to improve their strength & mobility in a safe & supportive environment.
I really like training with Amber in small group and team training! She is very knowledgeable and I’m seeing overall gains in strength by training with her at First Capital Gym!
Ryan is a great trainer. His approach is perfect for me, challenging but sensible, which helps me stay consistent! I’m definitely getting stronger and feel like I’ve found a home at First Capital Gym in York, PA!
Eric has been a terrific instructor and coach for me. While I have been a certified personal trainer for years, I specifically sought out Eric’s knowledge and expertise in kettlebell training to enhance my own fitness regimen. He has also been instrumental in helping me improve my mobility training, which has helped me get better at my jujitsu game.
I’ve been training with John for 4yrs now and have to say that he has extensive knowledge, expertise and passion for nutrition and training.
At the beginning of each kettlebell session, John would break down and demonstrate the fundamental movements used for each exercise. Some of the exercises I do during training range from single/double handed swings, squats, clean, press, snatch and get ups. John will constantly monitor my movement/technique, giving me advice along the way, so I could make corrections as required.
By using kettlebells in my training, it has enabled me to develop my core stability, increase my strength & endurance and mobility.
Many thanks John for all your help over the last few years.
I have been working with John for over 2 years now, originally to lose some weight but with Johns guidance and support I love my strength training. Always look forward to my deadlifts and kettlebell training. Has been a complete change in my lifestyle since I started training with John.
Andrea is a great instructor with deep knowledge of human body and training methods. He is so focused in his approach and so methodical that he will guide you to unbelievable strength levels or whatever your goal is. They say, “Never trust a trainer who doesn’t train himself”. Well, Andrea is a true student of strength. Continuously developing and expanding his knowledge and skills. But also a great person, polite, gentle, pleasant. I couldn’t recommend him more!!!
I first worked with John over 4 years ago after having my first child. Through his down to earth approach and consistently going above & beyond to help his clients, I have learned so much and progressed in my strength journey. Initially I was pretty apprehensive for a ‘kettlebell’ rookie like myself, but with John’s coaching and motivation my confidence and my strength have grown. Not sure I will make an Iron Maiden but who knows with John’s knowledge and ability to encourage people to challenge themselves……
I began training with John in January 2017 when I was recovering from surgery having suffered a serious rota cuff injury in 2015. I had physio and recovery for 2 years and instructed by doctors not to exceed weights of 10 kgs.
With Johns I was doing one on one personal training three times a week. With somewhat simple and very controlled exercises I have achieved goals way beyond my expectations.
I now can complete multiple sets of 10 pull-ups and regularly deadlift 115 kgs (5sets of 5)
Having taken all the nutrition and lifestyle advise offered by John, I now weigh 78 kgs, feel healthy and happy and at 65 years of age I don’t think that’s too bad at all.
Geat dedicated trainer the real deal.
I was first introduced to Eric when he was coaching Muay Thai and I couldn’t speak more highly of him as a coach, trainer, and overall person. I transitioned from going to Eric strictly for Muay Thai into also using his knowledge and expertise to improve my strength and conditioning. He always made difficult things fun to learn, ie kettlebells, has always been meticulous with detail, is patient, safety oriented, stresses mental toughness, and of course personable.
Piers has built a strong, supportive community at QKB, which is built around his philosophy that “training should build you up.” He really is a student of strength, and has solutions for any problem, whether you’re a beginner or have been training for years. He has a gift for finding simple, memorable cues that help movements make sense. I highly recommend him, wherever you are in your training journey.
I met him personally at a seminar on Kettebells in Athens. Ultimately the most important thing even from your love of exercise is your coach. George has a gift in method and understanding. If you can trust you can succeed. I hope to see you soon and practice for SFG1!
John is a loving soul who pretends he’s a hardass. He is very convincing. This extends to us having absolute confidence in him. Sessions are hard and rewarding and we laugh a lot, which is important. He is absolutely on top of his game
In just 6 short months I have developed a passion for kettle bell training that has given me huge improvements in strength, fitness and mobility. I have James to thank for this 100%.
I attend 2 or 3 group kettle bell classes a week with James. The classes are always fun, varied and interesting. James keeps focus on technique and safety which has given me the confidence to train with kettle bells on my own as often as possible.
James clearly has an extensive knowledge of kettle bell training and I am thoroughly enjoying learning as much as I can from him!
James has supported my training for many years now, including introducing me to using kettlebells. He carefully trained me in a range of exercises, both in personal training sessions and in group classes. He is extremely attentive to developing excellent technique and good form which helps me to feel safe and avoid injury. I must say, by bringing kettlebells into my training James has really helped me to step up my overall fitness and especially my core strength. James is incredibly supportive and always positive. He constantly adjusts training to suit my capabilities, motivation and training goals as they change over time. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.
Brilliant trainer Very encouraging Attention to detail is second to none which means we all know how to use kettlebells properly and can train safely
George Paradissis is a very pleasant person with great will to teach you to use right his passion, which is of course the kettlebells. Excellent professional !
I have been attending James’ kettlebell classes at Unique Results for the past 3 years. As with everything James teaches, the focus is always on technique first and foremost. Whilst every class hones the core moves of swing, squat and press, James will introduce training programs and ‘mini challenges’ to keep the classes interesting and to share his continually increasing knowledge. My love for kettlebells is completely down to James’ teaching style, expertise and enthusiasm.
I was the child that faked her ‘get out of PE’ notes at school. And now I chose to exercise! And I enjoy it.
I believe this is very much down to James’ coaching and specifically his coaching of Kettlebells. He provides safe, invigorating, fun kettle bell sessions.
He is a stickler for technique and breaks down each move into simple to follow steps that build to challenging routines that make his clients goals a reality.
On January 1st 2017 and 2018, a group of us led by James swung our Kettle Bell 2017 and then 2018times in one session after completely the 10,000 swing challenge in December. If this is not evidence of a motivational trainer, I’m not sure what is.
Eric is an excellent trainer and mentor. His vast knowledge of the human body and how to train it correctly is superb. His education along with his passion for nutrition and physical health shines through in what he does. Eric is patient, professional, and a true asset to all level of fitness enthusiasts. San Diego misses him dearly!
Megan has definitely changed my life. I’ve been training with her for nearly a year and it has revolutionised my view on fitness and ultimately my view on myself. By setting goals every few weeks, she keeps training fresh and interesting. Always explaining things in ways that make you really think about what you’re doing, and she always has an answer for any question- no matter how stupid it may seem. She is an absolutely fantastic trainer and I wouldn’t hesistate to recommend her to anyone- whether it be injury recovery, general fitness or training for a specific goal. She is fantastic.
Rachel is dedicated, passionate and so educated. She doesn’t just stick to the “trendy” workouts or what gets people sweating, she does what makes people’s lives easier. She helps people move – she helped me get rid of my migraines and be able to touch my toes. The skills she has taught me mean that I can go to the gym and I’m engaging the right muscles so I don’t injure myself. It’s not just about a workout, it’s about living without pain.
I met Kim years ago first like student and then like a kettlebell coach in my facility. She moved to Roma now and she left a big hole here. A lot of “knowledge in a pocket”. A patient and detail-oriented coach. Lessons always interesting and great a motivator. Absolutely recommended. Thumb up!
A deep well of knowledge and skill meets a kind, big heart! Those are qualities that I look for in a teacher and coach. Rachel has a unique blend of all of those. My journey with Coach Rachel began 2 years ago after a chronic injury that I’ve had for 6 years. The transformation has been amazing!
Thank you!!!!!
Two words. Positive. And motivational. The words you want from a coach who can push you beyond your limit(s). And who can keep you motivated (with a smile) throughout the process.
Piers Kwan exemplifies all that I believe is essential as a StrongFirst Team Leader. He nurtures a community of like minded people at Queensland Kettlebells, seeking to move well and get stronger, through a variety of methods. Beyond that he continues to lead, motivate, and develop those (both within and external to the QKB gym) that regard him as both a coach and a mentor.
I’ve been working with Hans for at least the last 2 years. In that time I’ve had major strides with my form and strength. Working out with Hans is actually fun, in part because his coaching has made me so much stronger. He has helped me perfect my form so that I am safe and effective with him and on my own. He’s has pushed me to challenge myself, while respecting my limits. I can’t recommend him enough!
Jade has impacted me in more ways than just being a fitness instructor. She motivated me to pursue strength training in my early forties. After she introduced me to the kettle bells, I was hooked.
I began to enjoy my workouts because she made me believe that I could be strong, fit and enjoy the journey regardless of starting late. Her pleasant demeanor and positivity has made all the difference in my approach to fitness. Jade has set the bar high for other instructors.
I’ve trained with Nandor for almost 3 years. I started training after taking a year off due to an injury but I was 4 months away from my wedding and needed help fast. This turned into training for my honeymoon 3 months later, which later became training because it was a part of my lifestyle.
Nandor offered various programs for my goals and eventually helped me train through my first pregnancy. He’s an amazing coach and now a good friend. Our new goal… losing the baby weight. I’m sure he will have a great program for me.
I’ve trained with many trainers over the years but none that have consistently motivated me and adapted to my lifestyle the way Nandor has. I’ve set what I thought were impossible goals and we’ve reached them together.
As a firefighter, Jeremy as a professional mindset. He quickly knew how to find my strengths and improved my weaknesses. Far from each other, I send to him my training videos to get corrections. Jeremy has established a personal program to help me reach my goals. He gaves me quick and intense workouts to match with my busy lifestyle!
Jérémy is definitely a dedicated and benevolent coach who will satisfy you no matter the difficulties. He will motivate you in your quest. Thanks to Jeremy’s advices, you will be a skilful athlete and will increase your potential!
I 100% recommend him!
In Colin you will find a wealth of knowledge that is hard to come by combined with the analytical mind of an engineer. He’s been a guiding force towards many parts of my physical training, from post-surgery rehab over the changing of body composition to sports-specific performance improvements. I’m very much looking forward to keep working with him!
I just finished the one day kettlebell course in Alexandria, Va. and Thavy worked as my coach throughout the day. She was very friendly, encouraging and full of knowledge. I know her observations and input of my technique throughout the day made an improvement then and there and will continue to guide my training and help me to get me stronger and meet my training goals. I believe she is an excellent example of what a Strong First instructor is and would not hesitate to seek out here advice in the future.
Great instructor, very high energy and full of knowledge. I would not hesitate to train with him again.
Excellent instructor with the ability to explain concepts and principles in a way that can be easily understood by all. She is very personable, and makes training fun! If you have the opportunity to practice and learn from her, do not hesitate, you will not be disappointed.
I have tried several Fitness plans over the years and the workout programs at Underground Fitness Revolution have had the best results for me. I love that you get there, workout hard and you are done in an hour. Clients are SO supportive and make it a positive atmosphere with NO intimidation!! Nate will adjust your workout for your personal issues if needed and work with you to reach your goals. I highly recommend Underground Fitness Revolution.
I just attended the one day KB class in Alexsndria, VA.
Jen was the first person to speak to me as I walked in the door. The excellent experience began there and continued throughout the event.
She is inspiring and “pound for pound” the strongest woman I’ve ever met.
I would recommend her to anyone as a trainer. Her skills combined with Strongfirst techniques would be without comparison.
I was recommended by Daniel for my back pain and I found that Piers gives you the space to learn and grow at the pace you’re comfortable with. This creates a unique training environment focused on long term benefits and community. I’ve become much stronger than expected, feel less back pain on a daily basis and feel happier for being apart of the awesome group of people who also train there.
Piers is a great team leader and mentor who displays a genuine interest in seeing his clients move well and be strong, without bias or judgement. Not only does he facilitate a great community gym with quality instructors, he also leads a great community of supportive like-minded people who want to move better and feel strong – without ego or bias.
Highly insightful, intuitive and all round great coach. Piers has a great depth of knowledge, highly recommend to anyone wanting a practical approach to long term, sustainable strength training. As a practitioner I have no hesitencies referring patients to him.
Piers is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with. His knowledge of movement and his passion to help people are second to none. In the past he has helped me work around injuries so that my training didnt suffer. On top everything else he is an awesome dude.
Piers is an excellent person who is very passionate and knowledgeable. He has helped me and countless others so much. His passion and commitment shows everyday and acts like a magnet, causing his clients to turn up day after day, creating a community that does more than training together.
Nate’s workouts are great ! My flexibility and strength have increased tremendously.
Steven is a fantastic instructor. His professional knowledge of the appropriate technique is clearly evident. His unique ability to encourage, motivate, construct, and push us to the next level is truly a gift! We are abundantly blessed to have Steven in our community to promote health and wellness through his personal story, and his ongoing efforts to encourage others.
I have attended kettle bells for a few weeks now and Steven is a excellent instructor! He is very attentive to everyone in the class to be sure we are lifting correctly and learning! You can see his passion for teaching others come through in every class. Great instructor.
I’ve been doing kettlebells for a couple months now and Steve is such an awesome instructor! He pushes you to do your best and is encouraging along the way. He is always attentive to everyone in class and helps correct your form to ensure proper technique to avoid injury. He makes kettlebells fun and I look forward to class each week.
I had loved getting back into the “swing” of kettlebells. Steven takes the time to encourage and push you. He stayed extra for me the other week so that I could swing the big bell. I can tell that I’m getting stronger with each class.
Steven is by far an amazing instructor!! Really feel like he pushes me to my potential! Makes the Techniques easy to understand for anyone.
Andrei is an exceptionally skilled and talented kettlebell trainer. I spent a little over a year with him and was impressed by his emphasis on technique. He absolutely required that I master the basic skills before advancing to the next level. I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone interested in kettlebell training regardless of fitness level.
Last week I did my video recert for SFG 1, Pavel was in charge for me and the whole proces. I was surprised with his level of profesionalisam, passion, and the level of knowledge he delivered during the 1.5 hour of recertification. Amazing. It was a huge experience and honor to work with Pavel and I hope I will have a chance to work with him live. All the best to all SFG family arround the globe.
Ive been training with Cristiano for the last 3 or 4 years and after been trained with many different people he is the one that has brought what i needed for my body. A part of having tremendous knowledge of body movement skills and many different techniques , he also connect with the people and know exactly what they need and when ! Each person has there weak point and he helps to develop this part using and preparing a long term scheduled training where you see long last results and creates a deep conscience of your own body and its possibility ! Cristiano is one of a kind of trainer and having the chance to train with him is a gift !
Kylie is a fantastic coach – so smart. She sees movement remarkably well and can pinpoint issues quickly. She tailors her feedback and programming to the individual for great results. She’s also kind, serious, fun, tough and supportive! She’s a professional – a skilled trainer, and I recommend her highly!
Kylie is a sensational personal trainer, workout partner and all around motivational coach. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She is tough, fun, creative, amusing, authentic, versatile and capable of kicking my butt more intensely than anyone I have ever worked out with. Kylie cares deeply about her clients and their goals and becomes personally invested in your success. She takes time to meet with you before setting up a training program to help you achieve your goals and is able to tweak a workout to your goals, body style, etc, as well as offer great advice on nutrition. Kylie is patient, kind and highly motivating and with an awesome Australian accent, is a pleasure to listen to, chat with and be yelled at! I look forward to every workout and have recommended her to others. Kylie is a total 5-star!
For the past 7 years, Nate and UFR have been a great encouragement for my life. Is fun, intense, and challenging. I love it!
He is the perfect instructor. Explains everything analytically and has a real passion for strength! I totally suggest him!
Kylie has been a pillar of support for me training for the SFG 1. In addition to her insight into technique flaws, she went above and beyond as a mentor. I appreciate her combination of mental training to complement the physical training, and it has been so useful to me both with kettlebells and in life.
Kylie is a GREAT trainer; she cares deeply about the needs of her clients and applies her training to the specific individual. There is nothing rote about Kylie’s approach but rather her training is tailored to the goals of each person. She’s extremely fit, funny, vivacious and supportive. You will LOVE having Kylie work with you.
I had the pleasure of attending Analisa’s kettlebell course. She is an incredible instructor! We had just the right mix of fun and work. Analisa is warm and funny which made the class all the better. Your strength skills will suffer if you make the poor life choice to miss her training!
I did my Cert with Andrea in 2018. She was approachable, consistent and very knowledgable. Working with her brought a lot of wisdom and energy back to my training
I was lucky enough to find Dustin fairly soon after he moved to Tulsa. I was looking for a trainer certified with Strongfirst and he had just happened to move here. Dustin is a great coach with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. I am a physical therapist and his sessions have helped me develop new exercises for my patients as well as for myself. I was really missing kettlebells after moving here from Ca, but he has helped me get right back into it and has been an amazing motivator!
Without having previous exposure to weight or kettlebell training, I knew I wanted a professional to guide me through this journey. I wanted to educate myself about strength training for a positive lifelong change. Brian is a fantastic coach educating me about foundational movements and progressing at a pace comfortable for me. What is most motivating is Brian “practices what he preaches” without being intimidating. I see myself training with Brian indefinitely.
I had the chance to meet Jérémy during a seminar organized in Nantes.
He is a passionate coach and pedagogue who knows how to share his knowledge.
I recommend him without hesitation.
J’ai eu la chance de rencontrer Jérémy lors d’un séminaire organisé sur Nantes.
C’est un coach passionné et pédagogue qui saura vous transmettre ses connaissances.
Je vous le recommande sans hésitation.
Claire is an amazing coach and person! Before meeting her I had never picked up a kettlebell, now I have them in my house! I’ve learned so much about strength training from her!
I met Betsy four years ago at her gym Rapid Results Fitness. During the year I was a member of RRF my kettlebell skills improved immensely thanks to her fantastic instruction and I got into the best shape of my life.
In 2018 I decided to pursue the SFG I certification. Even though I had relocated from Durham, Betsy agreed to assist me in preparing. I would not have passed the cert if not for her invaluable insight and instruction. Her passion, knowledge and recommendations kept me focused, motivated and improving. I’m so grateful for all of the assistance she provided. If you have the chance to work with Betsy privately, at her gym, RRF or through an StrongFirst seminar – I highly recommend it!
Where do I begin? Eileen is a wonderful teacher. She inspires through example, precise teaching, encouragement and humor. She is a keen observer of each student and offers helpful suggestions for improving body awareness that leads to safer and more effective movement. I love and appreciate the group atmosphere which is also very supportive and helpful. At 72 and two years of working with Eileen, I have never felt stronger and more confident in my skin. I highly endorse Eileen and Just Kettebells to anyone of any age and level of ability. You’ll be amazed at what your body can do with the right support.
I tried Ericka’s kettlebell class on a whim several years ago, and have been hooked ever since. Ericka’s creative training plans make every class exciting and challenging. Her attention to each individuals’ needs never wavers: just this morning Ericka helped me fine tune my goblet squat and I was able to find strength and ability I didn’t know I had. Ericka provides support, challenge, respect and a terrific sense of humor (oh and the best music!) – a combo that makes it easy to wake up at the crack of dawn several times a week to get my kettlebells fix! I compete in canine agility, and the work I do in my EDK Training classes has translated to faster sprints, more endurance and improved footwork on course. Heartfelt thanks to Ericka for all of your hard work and support! I am so fortunate to be able to train with you and my fellow EDK friends.
I can say when I came to Nate five and a half years ago, I was almost 150lbs, and a tight size 12 pants. Menopause did a number on my body. Now I’m a comfortable 8, and I have been for the past four years. You can’t find a better or more effective place to reach your goals. I don’t have to think about anything, Nate tells me what to do and it works. Imagine attaining your fitness and weight loss goals attending only three sessions a week. Try it and you’ll never exercise anywhere else!!!
I know Pavel from a lot of years and when I knowed that Pavel was thynking about teaching a new course I thought: “I have to do it”!!
I taked part in the first inaugural StrongFirst Resilient event last we in Vicenza (Italy). The course and the content was very interesting e Pavel was perfect into every aspect, I learned a loto of new important things.
See you soon Pavel
I am going to be 63 this year and I train at UFR. I love this place! It is better than a family — everyone gives positive encouragement. I am stronger, have better balance, and improved range of motion. I can carry sacks of mulch and compost in my garden, which I built suing cement blocks. I run up and down stairs with my granddaughters. I will keep moving as long as I can — and my coach, Nate, makes sure I move correctly. Come join us. You will never regret it.
Pavel is a very precise, knowledgeable and personable instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed learning from him at the very first StrongFirst Resilient Workshop in Vicenza, Italy.
I started with Nate’s Metabolic at home work outs which were great for my schedule at that time. I joined the gym about a year ago and I have not felt this strong and healthy in years! Nate’s gym provides a fun, small group atmosphere and he brings a ton of energy and knowledge to the work outs. It’s amazing how he can keep his eyes on everyone to ensure proper form! He is also careful and aware of different fitness levels. The support he provides (physical and nutritional) is great for those needing it and new to this level of training. I’ve never felt intimidated, he makes the new members feel very welcome and the experienced ones like family! If you are wanting a change and willing to work for it, do it!
After lightly “badgering” me for several years to workout with her, my good friend Lisa finally succeeded, but ONLY after I saw her one day and in shock I said, “what happened to your body”???
She always looked fit but something was very different. She was so lean, and I could see more muscle tone, especially in her arms. When she laughed and said no, she hasn’t been sick, she had heard of a new gym in Alachua that was promoting a 3-week trial special, so she gave it a try, was hooked, quit the other gym she’d been going to for several years, and that’s how I heard of Underground Fitness Revolution.
August 8th, 2012 I went with Lisa as a guest for a free workout. My life, as I knew it, was drastically changed after that workout. I had no idea exercise could be fun. Prior to joining UFR, I belonged to a gym since 1988, but I stopped going as I wasn’t motivated nor did I get much help when I did go.
I immediately signed up for the next training phase, and this August I’ll be starting my 8th year at “UFR.”
I’ve never, ever stayed with anything this long. As long as I’m alive and able, this is my go-to haven. When I started, I was 40 pounds heavier and NEVER felt intimidated or ashamed. We are all there for the same basic reason.
Now the reasons I love UFR:
Number one, Coach Nate.
I’ve always wanted a personal one-on-one fitness coach but too expensive. At UFR that’s exactly what you get but in a group setting. There’s no more than 10 people at a time in each class so Nate is right there making sure your form is correct and you’re performing at your peak. You will never be forced to do anything you’re not comfortable doing.
Nate is very knowledgeable about weights, kettlebells, nutrition, adamant on performing all exercises correctly, super funny, family-oriented, and makes his gym fun to come to.
He just opened a new, pretty, shiny, clean gym, and you’ll never smell anything but clean. The workouts are different each 4-week phase and are customized by Nate.
Everyone does the same exercise but use the weight Nate recommends.
Nate’s focus is strength, number one.
The variety is what makes the workouts fun, and you get results.
My life revolves around my workout schedule.
I am stronger, healthier, have more endurance, energy, and I’m basically a happier person.
I highly recommend UFR, but you have to do the work. Nothing is easy, and the workouts that Nate painstaking puts together, will guarantee results, I promise.
As long as you, DO WHAT NATE SAYS, you’ll be a happy camper. I am. Just do it!!
I am probably Nate’s Oldest client for almost 7 years now. I love the people who train alongside me.
Young and older, we all have the same goals..to be healthy, strong and balanced and of course to keep extra weight off.
Nate plans the workouts for us, we all do the same things just using different weight based on our own strengths. He stays with us giving good “form“ advice. If you need nutrition advice he can give it!!
If you can up, walk a straight line and pick something up off the floor, you can do this.
Whatever your issues are..maybe you are just lonely, come and try Working It Out!
I started working out in October 2018 at Underground Fitness Revolution with Nate.
It has worked better for me then any gym or diets I have tried in the past.
Nate will work with YOU on what is good for YOUR body with training.
Everyone at Underground Fitness is very supportive and no judging you.
I’m real pleased with the decision I have made to join Nate at Underground Fitness!!! Thank you Nate!!
I’ve been a member for 9 years and LOVE IT!
I take the noon class as a stress reliever from work, and that way nothing comes up at the end of the day.
Nate the owner/coach is extremely knowledgeable, and he will help you with anything. However, it’s up YOU to follow the advice to get the results!!
I currently struggle with back issues, and Nate helps modify the workouts so I can still participate without causing further pain/injury.
The members are great, and we all support each other regardless of our strength / endurance levels.
You owe it to yourself to at least try it. It may be the best decision you make this year!
Underground Fitness Revolution (UFR) is more than just a great place to workout, we are a family!
I have been training at UFR since May of 2014 and absolutely love it! I have gained so much strength, flexibility, mobility and knowledge about food and nutrition.
It is a non-intimidating judgment-free environment.
Nate, the owner and trainer, is very passionate about what he does and practices what he preaches!
If you’re looking for a great place to train, I encourage you to check it out!
My journey to UFR started about 7 years ago when I hurt my back so bad that I could not walk straight.
I went to several physical therapists and they all told me that I need to work on strength exercises.
One day a friend of mine posted on Facebook about this new class that she just had joined and was thrilled about. Best of all the first class was FREE.
Since then I have became strong and lean. My osteoporosis reversed and overall my health is 100% better.
So, without my coach Nate I would not be where I am today!!!
He has shown me everything from eating right to exercising right.
He is constantly improving himself so he can improve us.
I can firmly say that he is one of the best coaches in the area.
Awesome trainer and training in a group setting. Have experienced incredible results under Nates instruction. You will not find a better plan for health strength and overall fitness with a time commitment of less than 3 hours a week!!
I love training at UFR. I have been a consistent member for over two years and I don’t believe I have ever done training that works my entire body. There are so many times when I would rather not go at the end of my day, but I know if I don’t I will be missed. Those that I work out with are super supportive and fun loving. There is no judgement. Nate expects everyone to work to their potential and pushes you if you are not. I love being more flexible, I love being stronger and have so much more energy. Lastly, I don’t have to think….I come in and I do what Nate says!! So easy, yet so results driven!!
Since joining Underground Fitness Revolution with Nate I have become stronger and I feel Great! Nate offers a variety of class times which works great for my busy schedule. His dedication and attentiveness to each of us while we preform various excersises has been a key component to my success. Making sure we perform each excercise correctly to avoid injury, answering all our questions and his continued support is absolutely encouraging! Thanks so much Nate!!
Excellent gym and instructor who holds everyone accountable. Working out made a tremendous impact on my daily life. I definitely recommend working out with Nate!
I love going to UFR. I’m a vuluptuous diva, and I don’t feel awkward or singled out here. Nate is attentive and is sure my workout is injury free. He also modifies my workout if needed. I also love that I can work at my own pace and where my body feels comfortable.
P.S. Getting stronger Yo!!!
I love the variety of workouts at UFR. I appreciate Nate’s enthusiasm and fitness knowledge which really keeps us motivated. UFR has been an important part of my life for 6 years and I look forward to the next 10 years!!
Training at UFR with Nate has been great over the past few years! Not has my form improved but my strength is so much greater than I thought it could be. Definitely recommend for a great place to train!
Stéphane is an experienced coach, excellent pedagogue and a trusted friend. He never miss an occasion to help you and give you good advices about technique and programming. Definitely the StrongFirst instructor you want and need for preparing the SFG1 cert!
I’ve been working out with Nate at Underground Fitness Revolution for a little over 3 years. He and the other clients are very supportive of each other- it really is a family. The workouts are structured well and most can be completed in 45 min or less, which is great for my busy schedule. I also enjoy the 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off approach (although you can still train for 4 straight weeks with no break), because the off week allows me to do other things such as running or yoga. Nate knows what he’s doing, and he even has lots of alternative exercises for those with chronic injuries or pain. I was able to work out up until I delivered my baby, and so he’s also knowledgeable about what exercises I could do while pregnant. I also like that I can go workout at noon during my lunch break. He also gives occasional talks/workshops about diet and exercise so that we can get the most out of our experience. Highly recommend Nate and UFR!
Nate provides detailed individual coaching in a small group setting. He has class times to meet all schedules! I have been training with Underground fitness for 9 years!!! The benefits are tremendous. He has taught me nutrition and strength to keep me healthy for a busy lifestyle!
A friend invited me to join her at one of Cheri’s kettlebell classes. Although I was nervous about being a beginner in a class full of experienced people, it didn’t take long for me to feel comfortable there. Cheri looked at each person in the class, suggested which kettlebell they should use for whatever exercise she had demonstrated, and then turned her attention to me. I was amazed at how she could give me such individualized attention in a class of at least 10 other people and be able to coach each one of them at the same time. That was almost 2 years ago, when I was 69 years old.
Thanks to her expert knowledge and sincere interest in her clients, I’ve since joined the group of people in the class who know what to do with Cheri’s suggested kettlebells. ‘I’ve watched her coach new people in the group, giving them the same attention to detail that she gave me in the beginning .
The individual attention never really stops, though. Cheri is always mindful of everyone in the group, always aiming for her clients to improve their form to avoid any injuries, and to be able to get the most out of their workout.
As a result of the way she runs her gym, it has become a family of caring and encouraging people of all ages. Thanks to Cheri and the support of my gym family I’m able to do things I could never do when I was younger and I’ve lost 11 inches!
I’ll be 71 in a few months and I’ve never been stronger or felt more comfortable in a gym.
Thanks to Cheri and the staff at her fabulous gym, I’m improving my balance and I’m getting stronger. I know that the stronger I get, the more independent I’ll be as I get older.
Thanks, Cheri, for helping me improve my quality of life while having so much fun!
Nate is AMAZING. If you want to work hard, have an infinite number of different workouts that are all challenging, which are designed by an extremely knowledgeable provider, this is your Trainer AND YOUR GYM!. Nate has helped me work on form, focus, and nutrition. He has truly helped me to LEARN my body and invested so much time in me as he does with each of his clients. His 30 years of experience has literally built my body.
He is a true expert in his field and is constantly growing his knowledge to best grow his clients both inside and out. He is funny, creative and has built an environment at Underground Fitness Revolution that is highly motivating, family oriented, non-judgmental, and AMAZING!
Every workout is intense but every workout is also different and is designed very specifically to build muscle, burn fat, and increase overall quality of everyday health and well-being. His nutrition plan and recipes are OUT OF THID WORLD TOO!! He’s a true genius. Nate will hold you to account to push yourself, and you WILL see results. I cannot recommend him enough!
Underground fitness is awesome gym, and he is running the show! Nate’s level of expertise allows him to work with people of all ages, all fitness levels, and to work with people who have injuries and or disabilities. You can 100% tell Nate has a passion for people and for what he does. He truly cares. Underground fitness Revolution is so much more than just a gym. So, If you are looking for a trainer that actually cares about health/wellness/fitness and his clients…. Look no further. Come join our fitness family! I am very lucky to have found him. Underground Fitness Revolution is a hidden gem for sure …You HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT!!
Nate is an amazing coach! I have been going to Underground Fitness Revolution for almost 2 years now, and love it! It is the first and only program that I have ever stuck to.
I never knew what a kettlebell was prior to attending UFR, and now I use them with proper technique and am getting stronger and stronger.
Nate and all of us at UFR are so helpful and supportive. I plan on being a member for LIFE!
Nate has helped me become stronger and significantly reduce my lower back pain. I have exercised for years, though I would often avoid certain exercises, afraid I would cause further injury to my back and neck. Nate has helped me learn how to get stronger while avoiding further injury to my back. I’m able to do exercises I never thought I would do again!
I love this place! It’s a group atmosphere without being crowded. Nate cares about his clients and makes sure they get the encouragement and attention they need. I’ve been a member here for a few years now and feel a difference in my endurance, strength and focus when I put in the effort and #dowhatnatesays. We welcome everyone with open arms and support each other. Come join us for one session and I think you’ll be hooked!
No one person is alike. Personal trainers go through the motions. Nate creates new workouts to mix things up. Boredom isn’t something you have worry about. Without realizing it, you’ll become stronger and healthier. Nate is consistently educating himself to provide you with the latest information. Come workout with us! #wearestrongfirst #dowhatnatesays #progessnotperfection
Coach Mark Limbaga is my go to person when it comes to strength & kettlebell. But beyond the strength skills & knowledge. His passion for seeking mastery & the wisdom to simplify the complicated is what makes him a Jedi kind.
It is unfortunate that strength & kettlebell is underrated & has not been quite understood yet here in our fitness industry. As a strength & KB practitioner we are fortunate to have an elite strong first instructor like coach Mark who can shed light on strength & KB & unlocks your potential to maximize your performance in a very simplistic way.
All you have to do is just ask him & you shall receive.
I had a great experience with Andrea for my Level 1 Recertification. Her expertise, knowledge, and passion cannot be understated. Having the opportunity to work with her has been instrumental to refining my skills.
I’ve been working with Saša for three years now. I have to say that Saša is an amazing professional. He always adjusts exercise to my possibilities (and sometimes, when I have a tough day, to my mood). I’ve learned a lot of new exercises with him, and I use the rules of body movements in my everyday life as well. Since I am 46, sometimes those rules save my back, shoulders, knees…
Saša is an excellent motivator, sometimes totally funny and at the same time he has the characteristics of a coach who makes you cross over your limits, and exactly that kind of work brings best results. I see this progress by the way my body is shaped, no matter my age.
I think Saša is an example of what a coach should be.
Zach is an amazing instructor. The way he makes sure we’re being safe and properly doing the movements gives me confidence that I’m not goin to hurt myself. He knowledge and understanding of kettlebells Is impressive and he’s dedicated to helping everyone get stronger while having fun and be confident with the skills he’s teaching.
Cheri is a terrific trainer with incredible exuberance and patience for her students. I started going to Elite two years ago to learn how to use the Kettlebell properly.
Training with her in private and during classes helped teach me the kettlebell basics that have helped me in my OCR training. I highly recommend Elite Strength and Performance for anyone who is interested, whether a beginner or advanced kettlebell user.
Very detail oriented and technically correct coach. He designs a very good routine by keeping in mind the strength, Force & Resistance. I would highly recommend him as a coach.
Sunny is an awesome instructor. She is all about safety, and correct form, in every exercise or lift that my husband & I do. Sunny has been our instructor for over a year now. We have never been disappointed in any training sessions we had with her. She makes every session both fun & challenging. Sunny knows everything there is about how our muscles work together & how to improve core strength. She always has the answer to any aliments or questions we have. Always quick to come up with solutions to improve our workouts. We are both so much stronger & feeling healthier since Sunny has been our instructor . She is one of a kind, and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an experienced instructor.
Roughly two years ago, Hector decided to take me under his wing and be my mentor. To say my training and those who I train did not improve is a massive understatement.
One of the best teachers and people you will ever meet
Sunny is a literally amazing trainer. She is highly knowledgeable about the mechanisms how the body works. She continues updating new knowledge about nutrition and diet, too. I’m a PM&R (Physical medicine and rehabilitation) doctor myself, so I can tell whether a trainer is coaching his or her client based on the correct understanding of the body. She notices and corrects my pitfalls even it is a very tiny incorrect posture or insufficient volition. People who workouts seriously would know how important the right way of exercise is. Sunny knows and executes it.
I have been working with Sunny for almost two years, and, in that time, I have become the strongest I have ever been. I’ve also become incredibly gym confident. I used to stick to treadmills and large group classes – now, I’m able to go to the gym and go to all of the “scary” areas and completely hold my own – whether I’m swinging or pressing kettlebells, or heavy lifting. I no longer look at people and think “I wish I could do that”. I know how to do that.
Sunny is a wonderful instructor. Her knowledge never ceases to amaze me – nor does her desire to continue to learn more. She truly loves what she does, which gets me excited to go to the gym to work with her.
If you ever find yourself in Montreal, don’t pass the opportunity to learn from this gentleman. Top notch is a huge understatement
I started training g with Louka almost 4 months ago and could not be more impressed with his coaching style and his approach to making you strong. I have learned more and progressed more in my little time with him than I have at any other point in my training and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anybody who is looking to get strong the right way. Best gym and best trainer I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
I always look forward to working with Andrea because I always walk away with at least two to three new “tricks” to dial in my form. I did a video recert via FaceTime and even though connection can be choppy at times, she did not miss a thing and I appreciate that she brings even the tiniest things to my attention. In my opinion, those little details can add up and sometimes it is just the slightest correction that can make a huge difference.
Thank you, Andrea!
I did the kettlebell and body weight course with Louka in the fall of 2018 in Lacombe, Alberta at Fit Body Boot Camp. Louka was so focussed and professional. Safety came first, but aside from that he had a very calm yet motivating way about him. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of his training. There was no judgement. Everyone was treated equally. It was ridiculous how much I was able to learn in just two days. I highly recommend spending time with Louka to take your skills to the next level!
Louka is The best kettlebell Coach I know!!! He as been my coach for the last 4 uears and I have learn so much with him! And being myself a trainer, I also learned a lot on good cueing and coaching!!!
Louka is one of a kind trainer. He is very present and attentive to my needs. I was very impressed with Louka and his approach. He is a very dedicated and generous coach. I would gladly reccomend him to my family and friends, or anyone who is looking to get stronger, healthier, loose weight, gain musscle, or be happier with their body.
Louka is not to not only passionate about his craft but also he masters and roles model his craft very well but also he knows that he is a student for life, always learning, always growing and always curious and for him it doesn’t stop at Kettlebell only, he has a lot in his pockets and hats.
I am privileged to train with Louka and learn from him. Amazing human being.
I had the opportunity to receive online coaching from Louka for a loaded carry program. While I am often skeptical of online coaching, Louka proved to be adept, aware, and informative throughout the program. I had heard of the many benefits of loaded carries, but Louka was able to walk me through the process of how best to integrate them into my practice, how to compliment them with other movements and lifts, and how to maximize the gains from the program in multiple stages. If the rule of thumb is to avoid online coaching, Louka proved the exception and demonstrated excellence throughout the program. If I’m ever in Montreal, I’ll definitely be stopping in for a live instruction!
Louka is amazing! He is very passionate, perfectionist and knows how to maximize someone’s strenght. He has offered to help me but most importantly guide me with my OAPU so I can become a SFB certified instructor. I am beyond grateful.
Had an excellent experience taking the KB Course with Louka
Loukas is a Kettlebell technician and a wonderful teacher. He is able to break complex movements into attainable steps and can address difficulties from a functional perspective. The day that I spent learning from Louka has made a very large impact on my kettle bell practice.
Louka is the real deal! He genuinely cares about his clients and helps them achieve their goals in a professional and non-threatening way.
Louka is a great trainer and i recommend him specially for the people who have physical problems he is capable to train them with no pain and can overcome their physical problem during training
Louka is a great teacher and really knows his stuff. I came to him after having read a few books and watching a few dvds and he really helped me to get my technique on point. His workshops are well worth it. Looking forward to the next time I will make it to Montreal to train with him again.
Anne is a stellar technique coach and programming guru. She points out those small adjustments that can be made in body position to make the workout perfect. She’s also excellent at developing training programs that deliver results. I’ll keep coming back to Anne.
As a two time Kona Ironman qualifier I have ambitious athletic goals and as a physician I am very discerning in my choice of trainers. Ericka came highly recommended, and my first hand observations of her working with clients confirmed to me that we would make a good fit. I have not been disappointed. She comes prepared to each of our sessions with a carefully crafted menu of exercises to work through, each building upon the previous within that day’s workout, and building in a more holistic fashion from week to week. The progression is well thought out and designed to target my weaknesses while improving not just my strength but also my flexibility and posture, all while avoiding injury. I highly appreciate her attention to detail in getting me to execute each move in a technically precise fashion, and her demonstrations of the movements leave me with a profound respect for the degree to which she has honed her craft. Working with Ericka has made me a stronger and more resilient athlete and under her tutelage and support I am left with a sense that my best is yet to come. What more can you ask for?
I’m not sure how I became interested in kettlebells but my first experience was ordering a DVD and trying to self-teach myself kettlebell techniques. That was a mistake. While I was immediately hooked on kettlebells, I also quickly realized that I would gain a great deal more from my workouts if I knew I was executing with proper form ( I have since learned that it takes years to master that form….)
Since then I have worked out with some good coaches and some not so good coaches. Three years ago, I found Ericka. I knew I had found the coach for me.
Ericka is committed to proper form and after three years of swinging those bells in Ericka’s classes, there are still days when Ericka needs to remind me to tweak what I’m doing. Just this morning she looked at my feet and had me slightly adjust the direction of my heels. Just a small correction, but it was a big difference. You can’t get anything by her and that is exactly what I want.
There are many places you can go to take a kettlebell class but if you want a coach, if you want to work with someone who is going look at what you are doing with a laser focus and analyze what you are doing, then you want to work with Ericka.
When she does a group class, she’s not up there working out with us. She’s watching, correcting, suggesting and encouraging. She coaches – not just in private classes but in group classes.
Private sessions with Ericka helped me crush a PR goal while recovering from injury. In early 2018, I set a goal for a PR military press. As an experienced kettlebell student, I knew I had some “leakage” issues to resolve in order to achieve it. Then, in early spring, I suffered a bad ankle sprain. I laid off of my press goal for a few months to focus on active recovery. Impatient to get back on track, I turned to Ericka for 1:1 coaching. Ericka’s laser-focus on perfect technique was just what I needed! In addition to improving my core strength, Ericka helped me regain flexibility and correct asymmetries caused by my injury. Equally important: she reminded me to be kind to myself when I was frustrated. By our last session, I had achieved my PR goal and made huge gains toward full recovery. Ericka is a phenomenal coach who brings it all: excellent training, passion for coaching, and compassion for students!
I’ve been taking kettlebell and barbell classes from Ericka at EDK Training for a little over a year. I am not a big cardio gal, so when I was introduced to a workout that included iron, the high school athlete in me came back alive. I mostly appreciate Ericka’s focus on technique above anything else. She does a great job at slowing down the process in order to prevent injury and teaching movements correctly from step one. However, do not be fooled, she also encourages and pushes her students to work up to their fullest potential. It creates a fun environment when your coach is highly vested in your progress and at times is more excited about your accomplishments than you are. I highly recommend Ericka an any of her multitude of classes she offers. You will not be disappointed.
If you are looking for an amazing trainer in the Edmonton area, look no further! Logan is an absolutely amazing coach. Not only is he immensely passionate and knowledgeable about his craft, he is also incredibly personable and kind; he genuinely wants you to succeed! Logan took me from knowing nothing about kettlebells (I could identify them on sight and that’s where it ended) to coaching me through all the stages necessary to getting my SFG-1 certification as well. Through his guidance, I was able to walk in to my certification weekend confident that I could complete the skills.
In every session Logan will push you to be stronger, mentally and physically, he will make you laugh, sweat and in all likelihood curse his name a little.
He will truly make you an overall stronger person, and I am forever grateful for the knowledge he has imparted on me since we began training together.
Tom is a awesome instructor. Training with him for 6 months I found myself not only stronger, but also have more stamina to do the activities I enjoy. Tom balances well between strength and mobility and he ensures that your overall abilities develop together to create a stronger and more resilient body to take the hard work. He also focuses on correct motions to protect the body from injuries. He does not rush things or simply put on more weight but rather build a solid foundation towards the more intense training. I think his methodology really helps me improve in the training. I look forward to training with him and my progress too!
I met Jeremy twice for practiced KB.
Jeremy is a very good coach who knows what he do!!
He got lot of knowledge, very accessible, shows a perfect technic. As coach he has advices to teach you and make you better.
I recomanded him for everybody and hope to train with again!
See you « keumé »
I had the opportunity to take part in Jeremy’s workshops. Accessible, open-minded and dynamic, he made me realize that my physical activity was largely perfectible. With his sharped advices, techniques and listening, he helped me releave my pains and improve my performance. I recommend Jeremy, of course, to any athlete who wants to progress smartly and listen to his body! Thank you Jeremy!!
I trained with Nandor in London for about 7 months before I moved to Paris (and I sadly couldn’t take him with me). Nandor is a great instructor and personal trainer.
When we first met I said to him: “I don’t like going to the gym, I’m bored super easily, I’m not very patient, and also I’d love to get fit and lose weight as I’m basically chronically unfit and overweight. All that while having fun otherwise I won’t last”. Dream client, right?
Well none of that phased Nandor, who in 7 months went on to help me lose nearly 10 kg, reduce my body fat percentage, build muscle, and most of all succeeded in making me LOOK FORWARD to go to the gym for sessions. We did a lot of resistance training, kettlebells, and some muay thai boxing which I had asked him for (and which is great fun and great training to do!)
To top it all up, Nandor is the friendliest, funniest guy and it’s a pleasure to spend time training with him, so I highly recommend him to anyone who’s after a good trainer in London town.
Excellent instructor for people of all fitness levels , if some one is serious looking to improve conditioning , joint mobility , flexibility and have a real fun with kettlebells then Louka is the person to reach .
I have been taking classes with Jordan since he started at Alpin Haus Fitness. I have attended his mobility, kettlebell and functional training classes. I have learned from every class I take with him. He pushes me and I’m amazed at how strong I actually am. Jordan is very knowledgeable and I like learning new things from him. He also will work with you if you don’t understand how to do something. I often tell people that they need to take just one class with Jordan because I know that they won’t be able to stop at just one class.
I started going to Alpin Haus a year ago and about one month after a becoming a member I met Jordan and he has given me so much knowledge and continues to show me even ways to expand my mind, body, as well as understanding of the fitness world. He is more than just a trainer; he is a scholar in anatomy and physiology of the human body as well as a phenomenal mentor to me on my journey of becoming a certified trainer.
Nic has all the qualities of a great instructor. Patient, thorough, clear communicator, experienced, safe and strong!
Thank you Nic for you time and instruction, and kick-starting my Kettlebell journey!
John is very knowledgeable and a great coach. Would highly recommend.
Having exclusively been a runner and yogi for 16 years, I was a bit intimidated to try Ericka Darst’s kettlebell class this morning. Within minutes of being in her class, I realized my concerns were unfounded. Ericka provided a very welcoming and safe space to work out in. I also appreciated how she broke down the mechanics for each of the kettlebell forms we worked through to keep our bodies in proper alignment to maximize the benefits of the work being done and prevent injuries. I will definitely be coming back for more of her classes!
I have been attending classes with Jordan for around a year and a half at Alpin Haus; his overwhelming knowledge never surprises me. I have learned so many new movements and he has helped me to improve my kettlebell work immensely. I have become a much stronger woman after working with him and have even surprised myself how strong I have become. If anyone is struggling with how and what to do in the gym I highly recommend taking any of Jordan’s classes!!! He is a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to share and is always happy to help.
Bruno was the lead instructor for a Kettlebell class I attended. His ability to impart his knowledge and relate to athletes of all abilities is inspirational. I learned a great deal. Anytime I know Bruno is coaching near me I will attend his sessions.
Steve is an amazing instructor. I knew he was highly regarded when I first sought him out but after training with him he far exceeded my expectations.
He clearly and concisely instructed us on the correct technique, form and drills. He is a exceptionally polite and well mannered individual and it has been an unbelievable privilege to refer to him as my teacher. He is patient and very methodical in his instruction. You wont find a more courteous and thought provoking kettlebell instructor and also someone who practices what they preach – his numerous accolades testify to that. His is an inspiration to novices like me.
With regular work, you learn the technique to have strength. A discipline that works the whole body. The results are surprising and effective.
Discovered recently, I am adhered to and I position myself better in the movements of everyday life.Total discovered, thanks to my club coach and instructor
I’ve trained with several kettlebell instructors, certified and non-certified, and Ericka Darst is the best.
There have been two important game-changers for my training and overall fitness: 1) discovering kettlebells and StrongFirst’s methodology; and 2) choosing Ericka Darst as a trainer. She pushes me to work harder than I would on my own. Her coaching of technique and form enable me push myself and avoid injury. I look forward to the training sessions.
I have a wife, four kids, a corporate career, and a commission in the Army Reserves that all keep me very busy. Most of my training is done on my own in our basement or in a small gym at the office. I’ve found kettlebells to be an ideal tool for training at home.
Still, my gains went up even more after making the decision to attend at least one session with Ericka each week. I wish I had found her sooner.
If you’re considering kettlebell training for the first time, I highly recommend purchasing ‘Simple & Sinister’ and finding a StrongFirst trainer to help you master the movements. If you’re in the Twin Cities, I recommend contacting Ericka.
Just been able to get back to doing kettlebell after being out for about 4 months. Steven is now teaching the class and does a great job. My husband and I enjoy the class for many reasons. One of the main ones is that Steven always has a different work out planned for us. It is one of the best 30 minutes anyone can spend working out. He is always attentive of beginners and past swingers making sure we all keep good form and technique. Glad I could finally get back with the class!
Analisa is called an Iron Maiden for a reason. She lives strong as an athletic and social example. As a coach myself, I can attest to the progressive qualities of her technique correction. She is really great at nourishing strengths while pushing my athletic skills to their max. I’m glad to review such a solid human being and I hope you too can get the chance to share time with her!
I’ve been attending Steven’s kettlebell class for a couple of months. He definitely takes me out of my comfort zone. He always makes sure correct technique is being used to avoid injury. I feel as though I can accomplish anything during this class even if the workout seems impossibly hard, I know I can do it thanks to his coaching. I always enjoy his workouts!
I have been attending Steven’s kettlebell class for about 4 months now and it is one of the highlights of my week. He is always patient, encouraging, provides a great class atmosphere and makes sure everyone is in proper form to avoid injury. Thanks to Steven’s leadership, I am already having great results and becoming stronger in a short amount of time.
Simple enough.
Rebecca encourages and pushes me to do my best. She does it with humor and enthusiasm. I do not feel like I am lesser around her. I do feel like I am in good company and leadership. She gives me hope.
Kettlbellz is a wonderful facility and I hope to fit in with the other more advanced members someday.
Steven goes the extra mile to make sure your technique is perfect and that you are safely preforming each workout routine. Kettlebell is becoming my favorite class. He made a comment that he wouldn’t ask us to do anything that he hasn’t done himself. I’m a strong believer that a great instructor can make all the difference. With his encouraging, positive attitude I’ll be there every time I can.
I am a 73 years old lady and before i started training with Ray i suffered low back pain and i was afraid of starting exercising as i thought it could do more damage than good to my condition but, to my surprise, Ray was very meticulous when explaining and taking care of my execution which i found to be very helpful in my rehabilitation process. After a few weeks i started to feel and move better and now i am doing things i thought i could never do again like walking without pain, charging my grocery bags with no pain and that’s just amazing. I love training with Ray.
This is my first kettle bell class to ever attend. I love the fact that we get a great workout but also get time to catch our breath! Steven is great on technique and proper form which I love. I’m so excited to see major results in a few months! Highly recommend this class!
Tonda is exactly what I look for in an instructor. He is skillfull, strong, patient, and really cares about every student. I prepared for the Tactical Strength Challenge and several Triathlon races under his guidance and he was always able to find an effective solution when I ran into problems.
I recently began going to Steven’s Kettlebells class. He is a dedicated instructor. He provides feedback and encourages you throughout. His classes are intense and leave you exhausted. I look forward to going and getting fit. Steven is great guy and seems to enjoy teaching his classes.
My daughter and I are new to Steven’s class but we already love it! I appreciate the fact that he is truly an “instructor “, he tells you the how and why but also takes time to show you what to do as opposed to just being a leader expecting to be followed. He has created an inviting atmosphere instead of an intimidating one. We checked out his class because of his story but we continue to go because he is friendly and does a great job of keeping everyone motivated.
I mainly joined FitLife to take part in the exercise classes they offer. I have always heard great things about kettlebells, and decided I would make that my first group class to attend. I have been going to Steven’s kettlebell class for about a month now. After that first class, I was hooked! He takes time out to engage with the new people- to make sure they fully understand the proper form/ technique for each exercise. And even when you become a “regular” to the class, he still engages in conversation, and constructive criticism. He values everyone’s opinions, and loves to help others achieve their goals. His class is very fun, and I leave each time feeling like I made a huge accomplishment. He’s the type of teacher you want to have for every group class!
Just started kettlebell! I was so nervous to do something different, but felt like a million bucks after Steven’s class. He was able to lead the class and at the same time make sure my technique was correct. He pushes and encourages at the same time. Can’t wait till the next class.
Pete is an amazing instructor. As a Certified Massage Therapist I appreciate his attention to proper form and alignment. I had been experiencing pain after exercising and lifting weights. With Pete’s instruction I learned how to feel my body being in proper alignment and the pain associated with lifting weights has disappeared. These techniques have become extremely useful in my profession and day to day activities. I highly recommend Pete as an instructor and someone who can enhance your workout performance.
Although initially introduced to Kbell by someone else, I approached Eugene because of his certification with StrongFirst. Before he began training me, he had me read “Enter the Kettlebell”. Even though he taught me in a group setting, he always gave me individual attention, as he does with all of his students.
Now that I train on my own, he still inquires as to my progress and is always ready to answer a question or tweak my form.
His energy towards training is infectious!
Tim has been instrumental in mine and my family’s personal strength. What a real treasure Tim is! He’s the best and I would look no further if you are seeking to be strong and healthy.
Ray has been my trainer for over 4 years now, i love the way he trains and teaches me about movements efficiency, good form and good technique, i have trained with quite a few trainers before but Ray keeps impressing me as he’s always giving me the best advice to improve my performance. I would really recommend him if you are looking for a personal trainer in the Mexico City area…
Colin is an excellent coach/instructor. He can explain why you’re doing what you’re doing and how it works towards the goal you want to achieve.
He’s always learning and applying that to his coaching. I train much more safely and with a healthier mindset as a result of having been coached by him.
Brian has worked with my wife and I for over eight years now, and I couldn’t recommend a better trainer. He is patient, encouraging, challenging and above all safe and knowledgeable. Brian’s wholistic focus on health is remarkable, as is his tolerance of my whining. He’s really top notch, and I’d highly recommend his expertise. Without his help, I don’t think I would have developed any desire to exercise much less sustained it. He is, quite simply, saving lives.
Brian introduced me to kettlebells 10 years ago and I’ve loved every workout session ever since! He makes each workout varied and enjoyable and tailored to my needs. If I need a modification for a movement he doesn’t miss a beat and has a couple to suggest. He’s always very knowledgeable, flexible, patient, encouraging, and upbeat. I’ve done individual training, small group and large group sessions with Brian and he’s always enthusiastic and supportive. Even in bigger groups, you know he’s watching your form and helping you make any corrections needed to stay safe. I love how much stronger I am since starting my training with Brian and highly recommend him for anyone looking to improve their strength and fitness.
Hi My Stong&Heath Friends,
Today it was an important day for me. I had to face the Master – I mean Pavel. I was very much worried about this meeting. First of all I had to recertify my SFG Level 1. I was stressed. It turned out to be an unique and fascinating adventure. Pavel turned out to be not only a demanding examiner but first of all a helpful hand to me. He gave so mane piece of advise which improved my performance. I strongly recomend his work. Pavel You are becoming a role model for me. Thanks a lot for Your support. Stay Strong&Healthy
Regards
Rigorous and effecient workouts.. helping me a lot with my daily exercises.
I recommend it to anyone who wants fast results.
Eric was a great instructor. We jumped right into my skill level, which was different for different exercises, and moved them forward quickly. I had been using KB’s on-and-off for years and I needed help tweaking little things that I couldn’t fix myself. Eric is great at teaching what you are doing wrong and how to fix it, not just telling you to move without you understanding. He also was very helpful with questions, and would describe the reasoning and context around them. Would highly recommend.
Matt’s knowledge and ability to work with any skill or fitness level is fantastic. Not only does he get you working hard, but he is also encouraging along the way. I would recommend Matt to anyone looking to get into KB training or take their skills to the next level!
If only every day in the gym could be a Sunny day! Sunny days are full of motivation and new fitness knowledge. She can get the most out of you by keeping a close eye on form and consistent encouragement. She knows her stuff. She is itsy bitsy but is a great spotter who can lift many times her own body weight. I feel safe pushing myself when she’s around because I know I’m doing it right (and that carries over to when I’m solo). And she actually cares about her clients on a personal level which makes working out fun. Even if you aren’t working out with her on a particular day, when she sees you in there getting yours, she peps you up. Oh, yes, and if you do what she says, guess what, you get mad results. She is the best of the best.
I first met Betsy at the 8 hr. KB class she held at RRF. I had been ” messing around ” with kettlebells for some time, and felt it was time to learn how use them correctly. That class was great. I was so impressed with Betsy’s understanding, kindness, and ability ,that I signed up for an SFG weekend.
I had a great experience at the weekend, however, I didn’t complete the snatch test. Enter Betsy once again. I reached out to her, and she got back to me right away, and in a few short weeks, I was able to pass the snatch test.
Betsy’s support, attention to detail, and professionalism is second to none! She truly takes the time to help and teach in a completely organic way. THANKS BETSY!!
After many years group class of cardio fitness without any goal, there is more than 1 year I met Yann. This meeting has change my vision of sport… and bring new challenges in my life.
Yann started to teach me a solid technical grounding of kettlebell to be stronger.
Then he initiated me to kettlebell in swing, press, get up, snatch…without to forget values of “StrongFirst”.
Day after day he is still a very professionel coach, patient and encouraging. He makes me discover the importance of mobility and awareness of his own body. Today I feel stronger and self confident. I am ready to go further.
Yann success to completely enagage m; My new objective is give the best of myself during the Z A Challenge in Paris.
Well done Yann 🙂
Après plusieurs années de cours collectifs cardio sans avoir de réel objectif . Il y a un peu plus d un an, je me suis tourné vers Yann pour qu il m enseigne les techniques de bases du kettlebell afin de travailler et développer ma force.
Yann est un coach très professionnel et très patient, il a su pleinement remplir sa mission
Il m a initié petit à petit à la pratique du kettlebell en swing, press, get up, snatch…. tout en me transmettant les valeurs de StrongFirst ….
Il m a fait découvrir l importance de la mobilité et de l écoute de son corps.
Aujourd’hui je me sent plus forte et j ai aussi plus confiance en moi, en mes capacités à soulever lourd.
Yann a su pleinement me féderer : nouvel objectif, donner le meilleur au
Z A challenge à Paris
I have followed Anne through 4 gyms and for 5 years. Her programming is fun , challenging, and has helped me improve my strength and fitness to the best level in my life. She is also fun and her classes are a blast. She is a great inspiration.
Jess is one of the most incredible trainers I have had the honor to train with. A trainer that meets you where you are and really helps build you up, step by step, progression by progression. She modifies and challenges at the same time while keeping your form in check. As a plus size woman, she has empowered me and has helped me trust and learn my body through her programming and coaching in a sustainable way. She has a true gift of figuring out what her client needs and goes the extra mile to ensure your goals and safety are met and that you are always challenged. And she is truly genuine, one of a kind, who tells you how it is with compassion and fact. The fitness world needs more trainers like her!
The best coach I have encountered by far in strength and conditioning. His attention to technique is remarkable. He’s an authentic, genuine dude that can teach/coach anyone he encounters. I am a CSCS, FRCms, doctoral student in Sport Pedagogy, USSF licensed soccer coach, and have yet to find a teacher/instructor of his caliber. Humble enough to continue his education and one of those bad asses that will never tell you he’s a bad ass. I wish all of my athletes would train with him.
Brian loves to be in a room full of people, working hard, challenging themselves to set and work towards their individual goals. He can make a room full of people doing different work feel like each person is getting his personal attention. He is always evaluating methodologies, approaches, and workouts to make sure that his ideas are current and that he has strategies for all of our different exercise needs. I have achieved the most strength gains and goals working with Brian. I appreciate his methods and approach to keeping me healthy, strong, and excited about working out.
Ericka is an excellent coach. She is passionate about teaching you the correct technique but also strengthening your ability to believe in what you can accomplish with the right mindset. Training with Ericka helps me approach things I thought I couldn’t do before from not only a strength perspective but a confidence perspective. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for her training and it’s carryover into my every day life.
Dan is a fantastic coach. He is patient and knowledgeable. I only had a few training sessions and he taught me so much with the limited time we had. I cannot thank him enough and i wish i had more time to train with him. If your looking to learn or improve how to use kettlebells or barbells Dan is your man!
Tonda is an awesome instructor! He always has so many mindblowing tips and tricks up his sleeve, seems like he really knows a stupid-easy but super effective hack for every movement you have trouble with. He teaches with real passion, you can tell it is not a job for him, but a LIFE MISSION. Thank you for every lesson, bruise and blister, Antonin!
Where do I begin, I met Brian a little over a year ago. I went through two online coaches where progress was little, if any. Brian was very patient, he spoke with me in length over the phone (I think it was an hour) even before meeting me. I shared him with the experiences of what hasn’t worked so far. He took me under his wing and within a year’s time through bulk/cuts, I reduced my body fat by 8% and gained 4.5 pounds of muscle. I even managed to build a half of pound of muscle, when I was cutting and doing cardio 6 days a week, which is next to impossible. Brian is very patient, he still deals with my endless questions (I suffer from paralysis by analysis, just ask him). The reasons I love Brian is because he practices what he preaches, doesn’t force the same monotonus routine for 12-16 weeks at a time and is always there when i need him, he has even responded to a text message as early as 430 am (I wonder if he even sleeps). Brian is a wonderful asset to StrongFirst.
I found Jason on the strong first website and was so excited first of all to have an SFG so close to me. I went to him to help me train for the SFG I. I’ve been training kettlebells for several months and I thought I was doing things decently well. Very quickly Jason was able to point out where I can improve on the basics such as the swing and the get up. He is an absolute wealth of knowledge and not just with kettlebells but with many other modalities, Indian clubs, movement, mobility as well as Functional Movement System. Being strong is not just a job for Jason but is also his personal lifestyle which I respect. I highly recommend him and I will definitely be going back to him before I go for my certification .
I have been going to Elite Strength and Performance for 2 1/2 years. I can honestly say that Cheryl Christie has changed my life. I have had several serious injuries and was told not to do many things, like lift anything more than 30 pounds, dont lift anything over your head. Well I now press, swing snatch, etc, kettlebells much heavier than 30 pounds. I also just participated in the tactical strength challenge and deadlifted 225 pounds. Cheryl is a great instructor. I trusted her when i started because of her physical therapy background and im so happy i did. The workouts at her gym have made me stronger, more confident and also improved my mobility. I highly recommend Elite Stength and Performance abd Cheryl Christie!
I never would have believed that I would be as strong as I am in such a short period of time under the coaching of Cheri. The one on one support to ensure that you’re lifting and swinging properly has brought me to a level of strength without injury and has changed my life.
Cheri is a phenomenal trainer and changed my life! She is the reason that I received my SFG1 certification. I am stronger and feel better now, than when I was in my 20’s and 30’s. I am so thankful that she brought kettlebells into my life.
She inspires her clients and pushes us to the best of our ability. The result is hitting goals I never thought I would be capable of.
The absolute best!
I’ve been training with Jason on and off for a while now. At least 5 years. He has a strong passion for functional strength, but never sacrifices on form. He is a great teacher and coach. Jason introduced me to kettlebells (hard style). Then progressed to barbell training. Today I am practicing progressive calisthenics with kettlebells and I make it a priority to always touch base with him. In those meetings we mostly focus on form and mobility. Thanks bud for all your help, you gained a student for life.
Thoughtful, caring, and a true student of physiology/sports science and always striving to learn more. Ben listens to your goals and tunes in during each session. As a fellow SFG I would recommend Ben to anyone looking to achieve a fitness goal(s) over a wide spectrum.
I have been training with Sunny for a little over a year. With her guidance, In exercise and diet, I have lost nearly 60lbs! I have a new outlook on life thanks to her. She is currently helping me transform from round, husky and unhealthy, to a tone fit athletic body type! I couldn’t be happier with her knowledge, encouragement, and support in my journey from flab to fitness! Thank you Sunny!! Let’s get now get ripped!
I started training with Sunny at the end of 2017 for Olympic weightlifting after being inspired watching her lift at our gym. I was 49 at the time and had a lot of doubts, but Sunny cheered me on and had a way of explaining I could understand. Besides being tough and demanding the right way of moving, she was encouraging and accepting of my limitations. I trained with her well into summer of 2018 until she helped me in choosing a program suited for me, and she is still very supportive and helpful of my choice to be a weightlifter at 50. She will always be my first choice for a strength coach. Did I mention she is funny, knowledgeable and strong?!
My wife and I have been working with Sunny since April 2017. We are both in our 50 and it has been all about core. It is always something different and that keeps it fun. Both of us would like to say thank you. And yes we will continue to work with Sunny……
Pete is “Strong First” in every way. He has helped me immensely in my rehabilitation of physical, mental and neurological challenges these past months, with consummate patience, wisdom and consideration on my journey to regain strength and health. I am 70 years young.
Pete is a stand-up guy; 5+ stars!
I found Dan after many years of searching for a qualified kettle bell instructor. I have been training with Dan for 6 years and under his guidance, and coaching, successfully tested for my SFG I in 2017. Baltimore Kettle Bell Club is a friendly gym with a non-intimidating, family-like atmosphere. Classes are fun but challenging. Dan is an energetic and dynamic strength coach that is passionate about sharing his love of strength training with everyone regardless of age, shape, size and skill level. The small class sizes allow for close individual attention and focus on safety and proper form. He fosters a welcoming and supportive environment that makes strength-training fun for everyone.
Augusto is an excellent instructor. I was so impressed at how well he moves and his strength that I reached out to him to help me with my double KB lifts. He is very humble, but has a ton of knowledge and is able to distill it in a way that is understandable and appropriate depending on your level.
Definitely reach out to Augusto if you are looking for a trainer in West Orlando.
I’m a personal trainer and StrongFirst instructor and recently reached out to Tim for help with my own training.
I’ve known Tim for a while and can’t believe I waited so long to get some lessons from him! He is an excellent teacher of strength! In our first lesson he was able to refine my technique which lead to immediate improvements in my lifts.
Tim not only is a great coach, but is incredibly strong and moves really well. He has a great eye for finding out what you need based on your skill level.
I would highly recommend Tim to anyone who wants to get stronger or move better and look forward to continuing to learn from him.
As a certified personal trainer, I was looking to expand exercise options for my clients. After reading several articles about kettlebells, I decided to locate someone to teach me the basics. I could then incorporate kettlebells into my client’s programs. The first instructor I found was taking a short hiatus from teaching and suggested I contact Dan. This referral (for a few lessons), is now approaching seven or eight years of working with Dan. Dan’s coaching style and expertise has helped him build a dedicated exercise community that I’m very pleased to be a part of! I happen to be one of the more senior members of our group and am in the best shape of my life. In large part, I give Dan credit for helping me get to this point. Looking for a top-notch trainer…see Dan!
I did my recert via FaceTime time with “Coach” Andrea. Even though we were in separate cities, her coaching made the experience potent and highly productive. Working with her was a great recharge for my fundamentals.
Good and knowledgeable teacher. Dan is humble and not pretentious.
Dan has trained me for the better part of a decade. His ability to teach is second to none. I definitely would not be the trainer I am if it was not for him. In the state of Maryland he is the absolute go to for all things kettlebell.
I have been working with Dan for a year and half. It is been the most transformative period of my life. Dan is not only knowledgeable about the mechanics of training, but is incredibly motivating. He has built a supportive community of lifters who encourage and inspire each other. I am constantly amazed at how he keeps track of the progress of each of us. On a personal level, he has not only inspired me to train and get stronger, but thanks to him I have entered two Powerlifting competitions, winning first place in my age division (Master 4b, 75 – 79), and am currently the National Bench Press Champion in my age division. http://usapl.liftingdatabase.com/lifters-view?id=46585 I certainly couldn’t have dreamed of that if it weren’t for Dan’s coaching. He works with athletes of all ages – children through late 70’s, and seems to know just how to bring out the best in each of us.
Whatever it is you train for, expect to excel at it under Dan’s training genius. I was skeptical of kettlebell training up until my first class with him last year in October of 2017, and that class kicked my butt. Been working with him ever since, and will continue to work with him for the foreseeable future.
Nandor does not train me but I can confidently say this guy knows his stuff and its been a pleasure to know him and be able to ask him questions whenever I need to! He is one of the only few PTs I would recommend a freind go to especially for somebody starting out he knows the basics and it is very refreshing to see somebody who truly loves what he does and is clued up on it as well its a great pleasure to have you in my gym brother!
Dan has really helped me realize that I am capable of so much more than I thought. He is a great trainer and his gym has the perfect atmosphere for me. Definitely recommend!
There are many trainers out there that open gyms, put together generic programs, and don’t really engage with their clients on a personal level. That is not Dan Cenidoza’s approach. When you step into his gym, you are family. He gets to know his clients on a personal level, not just a fitness one. He is a great motivator that sees the potential in everyone that walks through his door, making The Baltimore Kettle Bell Club a safe place for people to come, feel vulnerable, and then grow from that vulnerability. I’m so glad that I found this training home!
An excellent coach and person, constantly looking for new challenges, new routines, better results and above all is very devoted to his work.
A bit more than a year I am working out with Sven as my coach now. I have never thought kettlebell training would be so much fun. For me as a beginner it has been very helpful to get the exercises demonstrated. Sven takes his time to answer questions and to advice. I appreciate his motivating nature. It is always a pleasure to train with him.
Zach is a fantastic trainer. I was totally out of shape, my body just didn’t function. Basic balance was out of the question. He never made me feel bad about what I could or could not do, he just encouraged me and gave me ways to get stronger. He pushed me to my limit and low and behold I started to improve. His classes are well thought out, and fun. Life changing.
I took a class with Zack and thought he did a great job! I was a beginner getting back into fitness and he modified everything in detail for me to prevent me from injury or pushing pass the point of safety. I appreciated his approach to safety and form first before all else. I will continue to be trained by him after I birth my 3rd baby and look forward to getting back into kettlebell again in the future!
I began training with Nandor leading up to my wedding. After analysing what I could and couldn’t do, he began with my mobility which has improved exponentially, changing the way I live! After those issues were solved he began an intensive program for me which introduced kettle bell training. I ended up looking exactly like I wanted for the wedding, having lost a significant fat percentage and gaining lean muscle. I also completed the 4 week kettle bell challenge with him and he has been pushing the kettle bell weights up ever since! Nandor is a fantastic trainer, he has an amazing knowledge of exercise, the body and how each movement impacts physical development, and is always improving his own learning which speaks volumes to those he teaches. He is always ensuring that his Clients have the correct technique, that they work hard and push their goals even further!
Coach Jason is awesome! He is not only amazing at what he does, but he actually cares and has a heart for people. Jason is so knowledgeable about different areas of fitness but he also knows how to break it down so that everyone else can also understand. He watches everything you do to make sure you have great form to avoid injuries but he also knows how to push you to be better and do better. Love working out with Jason and learning from him!
Marcos is the best movement teacher I have in a while. He is very meticulous, attentive to every detail. He also plans the season very carefully and worries every day about my recovery and my needs. I truly recommend his work.
First and foremost, besides being a true professional, Sasa is a great and positive person that cares deeply about his students. Dedicated and passionate in every aspect of his work. He will guide you through technique, and drive you forward with meticulous attention to detail. He will explain every move from multiple angles ranging from basic physics to brain-muscle connection, making sure that you have proper fundamentals in place to be able to perform any given move in safe and most productive manner.
WARNING: Once he is confident that you are ready to progress, he will push you hard. No pain no gain.
Andrea has been a consistent and amazing coach through my SFG career. I’m always excited to work with her and am inspired by her sharp eye, meticulous standards, and firm but warm coaching. She is always friendly, encouraging, and patient. A rare gift to the business.
I had the pleasure of meeting Yoana Teran on December 2, 2016, at the first SFG I certification in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (state), southern Brazil. She is such an energetic person with great charisma, who promotes a positive atmosphere for training with focus and enthusiasm. It was at that event in South America that I decided to attend the first SFG II in San Diego, CA, where I realized that Yoana was indeed the right person to coach me for that more ambitious endeavor.
After witnessing how talented she is in teaching and motivating people to overcome their challenges, I sought her help through online training. Throughout a period of eight months of hard work, she proved her ability to evaluate, correct, and provide personalized training programs that helped me secure a SFG II certification. She also gave me great feedback when I was preparing for the SFL, which helped me immensely in hitting that target. Yoana also trained me for the SFB certification, who once again made all the difference for me to achieve the goal of becoming StrongFirst Elite.
Words are not enough to describe how much I learned from her, how empowering her methods are and how I appreciate her expertise and dedication in helping me reach my goals. I strongly recommend her to everyone aiming at difficult undertakings like those. Thank you Yoana for all the great work you do and for being such an inspiring person!
Great coach, in addition to taking care of each position in each training and helping you achieve your goal, it fills you with knowledge about what you are developing in training, which broadens your vision and takes you into this wonderful world of functional training.
It is as important to develop body strength as mental, it makes you be constant and disciplined.
No doubt injected passion for this sport!
I have a couple of months training with him and I just can not wait for another day of training!
I have noticed more strength and coordination in my training, a lot of energy and incredible results in my body composition.
I just have to say thank you Coach!
You’re the best!
I’ve had the benefit of having Grace as an instructor for my very first kettlebell program. Having no kettlebell experience prior, I was nervous to see what my capabilities were and if I could manage to learn the specific techniques unique to kettlebell under her guidance. Grace was excellent in gearing the learning process to my particular level. She was very patient and focused on making sure I was doing it right! Her positive nature and compassion for fitness is infectious and leaves you wanting to come back for more!
Andrew is one the best trainers I have worked with, period. He is extremely knowledgeable and always prepared. The workouts are tough and concise. He is always in a good mood and you can tell he really loves what he does. My only wish is I could train more than once a week!
Gina examines form and helps with overall development to insure max strength gains. She inspires and encourages everyone in the class.
Valerie does a superb job of getting class participants to have good form and have a positive experience in every class. She is a great at encouraging, motivating, teaching and coaching.
Five stars for a great guy who deserves ten… Andrew is an awesome trainer. I have been working with him for almost a year and have been stoked by my progress. I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. Andrew’s positive attitude, knowledge and approach to training are motivating and challenging. He really listens to you and tailors workouts to your specific goals, limitations and schedule. He has helped me refresh my workout regimen by introducing me to kettlebells and animal flow which were unfamiliar territory for me. Now I’m addicted. I would highly recommend Andrew for anyone seeking to get to their next level of fitness. THANKS ANDREW!
I joined FitLife of McComb a little over three months ago. I have been active most of my life, but being a mother, wife, and teacher was the most important things to me so being active and healthy was falling behind. The first couple of classes I attended, I made my husband or a friend go with me. I was shy and a little intimidated. Steven has helped me overcome that weakness. I now can’t wait for class. Husband or no husband, I rarely miss. I also feel so much better about myself. I can be the mother and wife I want to be while staying fit and healthy. I owe this to Steven and my sweet kettlebell family. Thank you Steven for helping me get motivated about being the best me!
Andrew is a extremely knowledgable trainer who focuses on each clients goals. I’ve worked with him a couple of months now and each work out is interesting, challenging and keeps me motivated to come back the next time. I would highly recommend Andrew to anyone looking to get in better shape.
My favorite workout of the week is kettlebells! Steven is a such an encouraging instructor. I feel like he pushes us outside our comfort zones, but always makes sure technique is correct. I have become a stronger lifter because of things learned in his kettlebell class. His amazing story is such an inspiration to so many!
Stephen is a very dedicated and committed instructor. His positivity and passion for what he is doing comes through in every class. I love the way he encourages me to push myself farther but with great compassion and attention to safety and proper form. Since starting my journey to be healthier I have lost 25 pounds and feel stronger than I ever have. I directly relate this to Steve Melton being in my life! He is such an inspiration. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Stephen and his wife Robin. His Classes are a great work out and we really have a good time!
I have been going to Stevens class for 2 weeks and have loved every second of them!! He is so encouraging and an awesome instructor!
Carlos has been my personal trainer for almost four years, and in that time he has helped me to be stronger every day, healthier and sexier. He is always aware of the technique of execution of the exercises and transmits the passion for kettlebell training. Without a doubt he is the best StrongFirst instructor in Mexico!
A great new instructor at the local gym Fitlife in Mccomb MS. He strives to give everyone a great workout and make sure everyone has the basics down before moving on. Everyone enjoys his class and he has a killer music selection!
Steven has been an inspiration to so many. He is very committed to a new lifestyle that includes eating clean and working hard in his workout program. He is an outstanding citizen outside of his interest in health. A fine example of what a young man should be. Great Christian leader in his community, business and family.
I have attended Stevens kettlebells classes and he is great! Lots of energy in the room , attention to good form and always has kind words of incouragement.
He was my coach for a little more than a year and I highly recommend him, he has great attitude, shows a lot of professionalism and love for his job, personally he helped me a lot, he’s always aware of the techniques to improve our execution, he passed on to me the love for kettlebells and now I look forward the course of these in StrongFirst Mexico.
Carlos, Charly as I first knew him, motivated me to train with excelent attention -and patience, since I was completely new at training-, he explains every exercise with detail so one can make it apropiately. As I kept training, he made me understand limits are only in our minds, and impossible is nothing.
He’s so great in his job, he help me to get to my goal, such a great trainer, he’s good explaining all the exercises and if you are doing something wrong he teaches you to learn in your mistakes.
A really good instructor
Carlos has inspired and motivated me to get involved in Strongfirst training. He is an excellent personal trainer. During each session, his full attention is on his trainee, correcting and making sure each excercise is well executed to avoid any injury.
I have been training with Andrew off and on for 2 years now. He has consistently crafted new work out routines that not only challenge me physically, but have also produced desired results faster than I could have ever imagined. His up beat demeanor, positive outlook, and encouraging training style motivated me to recommit and stay committed to my fitness goals. I would recommend him to individuals just getting back into the gym as well as to those who are looking to take their workouts to the next level. Thanks Andrew!
Andrew is the best trainer I’ve worked with. He’s a great motivator and keeps on top of the science. Also, the man can press a kettlebell!
I have been training with Nandor for two years. The results I have achieved to date are largely due to Nandor’s diverse training methods, challenging but achievable. His professionalism and extensive knowledge and commitment to his work changed my lifestyle. I have never felt healthier and stronger. I highly recommend Nandor
Ericka’s focus on coaching proper form for each kettlebell exercise coupled with her passion and commitment to help others succeed is exactly what I needed. Private sessions with Ericka have been invaluable for me. I had previously suffered a sports-related injury that over time , due to my body compensating for the injury, lead to other injuries. Ericka’s training sessions have not only helped me get stronger, but her attention to technique and corrective strategies have eliminated the ways in which I had been compensating and significantly reduced my pain. I have truly enjoyed training with Ericka and I have never felt better as a result of it!
Andrew is great! Been training with him for 3 years and I feel way healthier because of it. Twice a week I look forward to chatting basketball and swinging kettlebells. He knows his stuff, he’s a great communicator, and it’s clear that he cares about his clients.
Tim and I first met when we both attended our first kettlebell instructor cert in 2012. He was and still is the consummate professional. Humble, intelligent and a superb instructor. He has been a resource for me ever since. If you have the opportunity to learn or work with Tim DO NOT PASS IT UP!
Andrew is, without a doubt, the best trainer I’ve had. His passion for fitness is contagious and he has transformed my body to the fittest and strongest it’s felt. Andrew took my “fear” of weights and had me swinging kettlebells almost instantly. I’d say most of the reason I was willing to swing the kettlebells was because of his enthusiasm for it. I’m really grateful to have learned so many new techniques from Andrew, and I’d recommend him as a trainer, teacher, and/or motivator any day.
My sessions with Andrew are the highlight of my week (and my life is pretty awesome so that says a lot). I was a college athlete and have been an endurance runner for the past 15 years. Andrew keeps the program fine tuned to not affect my ability to keep my weekly mileage up which i didn’t think would be possible doing strength training 3 days a week. Being an entrepreneur and a perfectionist myself, I love how Andrew is constantly fine tuning his craft. Great trainer, even better human.
He’s the friggin man, been working with him for over a year and I am seeing dope gains
I’ve worked with a lot of trainers and hands down, Andrew Mitchell is the best trainer I’ve ever worked with.
Backstory: I’m not an easy client. I’ve had 2 microdiscectomies in the last 6 years due to a severely herniated disc and some really bad luck. As a former college athlete and semi-active adult (“moderate” per apple watch standards), it wasn’t easy for me to stop working out and Andrew came in and taught me the right way to work out for my overall health and specifically to support my back and core. He knows the strength and ability of my body better than I do and isn’t afraid to push me when I need to be pushed or tell me to stop doing an exercise that I clearly shouldn’t be doing (SoulCycle). His knowledge of kinesiology far surpasses that of any other trainer I’ve worked with and makes me confident in working with him long term. Andrew is a true professional and I would highly recommend him to anyone, especially if you have an injury. Just don’t take my preferred time slot 🙂
Andrew is without a doubt the best trainer I have ever had. He plans sessions ahead of time, is always organized, pleasant and interested in my health and happiness. He is a true professional and I’m sure this is why he is amongst the top producing trainers in the Equinox system.
Ericka is a phenomenal, knowledgeable, and encouraging coach who exudes so much passion for what she does. She provides a fun and supportive environment and strongly emphasizes on proper technique. She truly changed my whole attitude on fitness, which helped me fall in love with kettlebell and barbell training. I started training with her over two years ago and I’ve lost over 35 pounds by incorporating her coaching in my routine, now, lifestyle. This whole experience has inspired me to begin my journey towards a SFGI certification. Twin Cities, run, don’t walk to train with her, she’s worth it!
Alexei is perhaps one of the most passionate trainers you can meet. He helped me along some pretty intense moments of injury with logical, scientific explanations. Alexei introduced me – and many other grateful jiu jitsu athletes – to smart training techniques such as mobility and getting stronger with kettle bells. It has been great to watch his success (along with Melissa and Luis) in opening up their own gym, which by the way is the hippest outdoor gym I’ve seen.
In only working with Luis a few times, his expertise, patience and focus is remarkable. He seems to have many loyal clients and I look forward to training more at his gym. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to get stronger, with accessible, smart and safe workouts.
I am constantly impressed with Melissa. I trust her implicitly with my workout regimen – from kettle bells/lifting to nutrition and jiu jitsu. Her dedication and attention to detail is felt each moment she is working with you whether in her amazing gym or at the dojo. She asks good questions, listens, applies her expertise and remembers for the next time. I am undoubtedly stronger physically (and mentally!) because of Melissa.
For the past sixteen months I have been privileged to train under the direction of Brian. As a twice wounded Vietnam veteran my overall health/strength was very average at best. I have a full joint and bone replacement in my left shoulder and right leg due to these war injuries. In a matter of just a few weeks I saw incredible improvement in strength, flexibility and balance. Each week I felt better, grew in strength and saw my health go from decline to incline.
In Masters Olympics , track And field competition I recently won gold medals in discus and Shot Put. In Ultra Weight throws of the 200 lbs competition I doubled the distances in an eight month period. Brian’s instruction has changed my life, I’ll turn 70 in ten days and now I have the strength I had back in my 50’s.
Roxanne has done awesome improvements in her physical therapy treatments of my surgery and joint/bone replacements as well.
After seeing the results for themselves, I have friends now joining Primitive Strength and enjoying the benefits of the great instruction by Brian.
Nandor is a very helpful instructor and helped me enjoy training he always motivates his clients to become better and stronger. Nandor has a lot of knowledge about working out and I personally think he is the best trainer out there.
Jeremiah is a top-notch instructor. His knowledge, patience, dedication and support is unlike anyone I have ever worked with. His experience of working with all shapes and sizes, along with his caring nature, has really given me the motivation and support I needed to improve my health and strength without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. He even checks-in with me outside the gym to see if the program is where I want to be, what my goals are and how to improve his program. I would recommend this gym to everyone!
Grace is an amazing instructor with the patience and ability to inspire others. I enjoy working along side her and learning from her. She cares about her students and will go the extra mile to help achieve the individual success a person is looking for, no matter what level of fitness they are!
I recently attended the 1-day barbell course with Mike as the instructor. I wanted to learn more about technique and prepare to pursue the certification. After this one day of instruction, I came away feeling stronger and better in form and technique. Mike is an awesome instructor, he’s very knowledgeable and makes it fun to learn.
Throughout my fitness journey, Coach Mark has been, at first, a witness. Eventually, I seeked mentorship from him because of my constant and recurring injuries that needed correction. My journey up to today has been smooth sailing. Increasing my strength safely and methodically as it is the way of Coach Mark.
Coach Mark has been a big influence in my journey. He continuously encourages me along with our fellow mentees to always become stronger. Striving for more strength, Coach Mark is the perfect fit for anyone, at any age, in any condition. Competence, relatability, mentorship, and friendship are the best traits of a good coach, Coach Mark has all these and more.
Excellent instructor, nice person
I have had the pleasure of teaching beside Tim numerous times and am honored to call him colleague and friend.
I highly recommend him as a strength coach and a conditioning coach. You won’t find strength as pure as Tim’s anywhere.
Piotr Dziedzic -very good coach.
A great man with a great passion, as an instructor sets the bar high.
Classes conducted in a very thoughtful way and motivates everyone to continue working!
Piotr Dziedzic -bardzo dobry trener.
Świetny człowiek z wielką pasją, jako instruktor wysoko stawia poprzeczkę .
Zajecia prowadzi w bardzo przemyślany sposób i motywuje każdego do dalszego działania !
Potrafi dać niezły wycisk;P
Since I started training with Piotr both my strenght and accuracy of movement increased significantly. After every class I feel both tired and fulfilled. Definitely worth recommending.
I have been training with Brian for a few years now and the transformation that I have seen is amazing. Brian continues to find ways to push and motivate me every workout. Over the years Brian has become a friend and not just a business transaction, mainly because he truly cares about his clients. Brian has pushed me to accomplish many goals that I did not believe I could accomplish before training with him. He also continues to preach movement patterns, mobility and nutrition on a regular basis. Brian and Roxanne want all of their clients to grow older with out feeling like they are getting older. If you are serious about investing in your quality of life for the rest of your life, then this is the trainer for you. If you want to post on social media that you went to the gym, don’t waste his time.
See review for her husband Brian.
I started with Brian in 2012. I was getting into shape for a brown bear grizzly hunt with a bow. Brian far exceeded my requirements and I’ve nevee stopped. He and Roxanne TrueType care about your fitness. They do not just take your money!! If you’re not serious they want train you. They are a must for reaching your goals!!
P.S. I killed a Pope and Young Brown Bear with a bow and arrow. Thank you Brian!!
I joined Brian at PS in 2012. He and Roxanne quickly earned my respect with their “practice what you preach” ethic and dedication to continual improvement in all aspects of things health. Under his guidance I have made significant gains in strength, but more importantly he has taught me safe movement patterns allowing me to increase my mobility and function better as I age. Brian and Roxanne are also good people who care about their clients and treat training as a craft, not a hobby. If you are serious about training and fitness Brian is your guy, if not, you won’t mesh, move on.
Brian has been my Strength-Fitness-Nutrition Coach since 2012. In a month i will be 63 and i am a helluva
lot fitter/stronger/healthier than i was 20 years ago.
If you are serious about life long fitness built on the foundation of strength … look no further. He’s your man.
Having had the privilege of strength training with Mark Rippitoe of Starting Strength, kettlebell training with Jason Marshall, Master SFG StrongFirst Elite: SFGII, SFL, SFB and getting my SFG certification under the tutelage of StrongFirst Master Trainer, Brett Jones … i can assure you Brian, like them, is one of the elite in fitness coaching.
Tim is an extremely qualified instructor/trainer/coach in the field of strength and fitness. Whether it’s a kettlebell, or a barbell, Tim’s ability to teach proper form and technique, that is easily understood, brings out the best in whoever he teaches. His eye for detail, to ensure that every exercise is done correctly, is his biggest attribute as an instructor.
Brian is a world-class coach who focuses on safety, form and meaningful progression. He is diligent and motivating. He cares about long-term health and practices what he preaches. He is a true inspiration to me and has changed the way I look a fitness. I highly recommend him for everything from basic instruction to a life-long practice.
I wish I had found this gym years ago instead of wasting time in “traditional” fitness centers…machines with no instruction, no motivation, and little results.
Jeremiah is motivating and encouraging, while always prioritizing safety. He takes a personal interest in everyone, spends time with each member and makes the hard work fun. The gym is a welcoming place….All the members encourage each other, and cheer each other’s successes. Kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, jump ropes, rowing machines, bands, squats, lunges, planks, push-ups….never knew this type of work out could be so effective and rewarding.
As if being a committed family man, having a full time job and his dedicated work at Huntley Barbell aren’t enough, he also gives back to the community with various fund raisers!
I met George at my Sfg I Certification in Vicenza 2018. He was my assistant, he helped me a lot, so many technical suggestions and the heart and compassion of a true Greek warrior. He is truly a quiet professional one of the bests around. Hope to see I’m again maybe for my SFG2!
Tim is truly the best! He has a special gift and eye for coaching you through to your goals. He makes sure you understand proper form and how to stay safe while getting you stronger. He’s a natural born teacher. Thank you for all you do, Tim!
Been training with Jeremiah for about over a year now and the amount of knowledge and gains I have made is incredible. His gym is the second family you never had, the strength that you never know existed, and knowledge better than a class on weightlifting in college. He will tailor a program to suit each individual that brings the results they want or simply teach the kids how to kettlebell so that they can take all the groceries in on one trip while the parents drink Starbucks. Old or young, gain muscle or lose wait, Jeremiah is a phenomenal coach and in my view one of the best.
Worked with for over a year and have seen drastic improvements!
I am a newer member of Huntley Barbell and am very happy with the classes provided. Jeremiah manages to know each and every one of his members strong and weak points and challenges them to continuously improve while keeping safety as a priority. The quality of training given far outweighs that of many other places!
Jeremiah Caterina and Huntley Barbell have absolutely changed my life. I have gained so much strength in not only my body but also my mind and spirit. I am forever grateful for the amazing support and coaching that I have received from Jeremiah Caterina. He not only has incredible knowledge and expertise in strength training, he accommodates and individually modifies training to meet ALL peoples needs. As a bonus…. he is compassionate and committed to everyone who steps into his facility.
I’ve had Jeremiah as an instructor for three years now. My overall health and body strength continue to improve. Jeremiah continues to monitor both your technique and how he continues to help me get stronger. Jeremiah has the knowledge and experience of working with the young as well as older clients.
Impeccable technique, great sense of humor, and Heart of Steel: Sven is an excellent coach and a true gentleman.
I recommend his teaching to all levels of skill & strength – from newbies to pros.
Colin was the person getting me comfortable with Kettlebells. Great Coach who taught me what I needed to know to become an Instructor myself. VEry thankful
George is a very knowledge and patient instructor, who is a joy to work with, and has much to teach. I high recommend him, to any serious student of health, fitness and well-being.
I’ve never regretted a day I was in the gym with Nicole coaching! Her programming is diverse, fun, and functional, and she’s constantly teaching me more than just how to move correctly. Her heart and mind are focused on her clients, pushing and encouraging when needed and always helping us believe in ourselves. I wouldnt have the self confidence i do, or been able to achieve Sinister without Nicole!
Ericka is a fantastic coach, and I am so happy to have the opportunity to train with her. Her instructions are clear and informative, breaking down each exercise into easily understandable components. Classes at EDK are always fun and challenging, I learn something new every time, and leave feeling energized. Not only have I learned proper kettlebell technique, but also why it’s important in order to maximize efficiency and avoid injury. I’m always excited and looking forward to the next sweat session with the EDK crew.
As a chiropractor. I see many sports related injuries due to lack of quality training from instructors. Ericka, however is the highest quality kettlebell/barbell instructor in the Twin Cities bar none. You will see results in your fitness, avoid injuries, and have fun while doing it. I can not recommend her highly enough!
Ericka is a top notch instructor. She is very knowledgeable and more importantly, she is able to impart that knowledge onto others in an easy to learn manner. I highly recommend her if you want excellent coaching or training in kettlebells or other strength training or mobilty work
I’ve worked with Rob for a while now. He is very motivating, interested in your success, and thoughtful about your needs as an individual. I always feel challenged, humbled, and excited for my next training session.
I throughly enjoy training with Nandor – he introduced me to kettlebells. Nandor is a great motivator who always pushes me harder. He has very good technique and keeps an eye on my posture / technique.
Rachel is the best fitness trainer I have ever had! I have grown with her over the past 5 years and when asked what I want for Christmas, my birthday or mother’s day I say “Rachel classes”.
Nandor is an exceptional personal trainer. He imparts wisdom and a philosophy of training that means the cost of sessions is an investment in your future stronger and happier self.
In a world in which everyone is taking shortcuts in the pursuit of quick gains, Nandor uses training principles which are hundreds of years old. He teaches you that strength training and Muay Thai are art forms, the dedication to which is a rewarding and fun way to live your life.
Having recovered from spinal surgery I’m glad I have found a trainer with a serious understanding of human physiology who can help me in my journey to becoming stronger and healthier. I can not recommend Nandor enough.
Very professional in his job. He pays attention on many details while passing his knowledge and experience. All of that is presented in a very patient and friendly way.
He is also very attentive in noticing individual capabilities, making an extra effort giving additional advice how to improve exercising and to get the best benefit of working out.
Nandor helped me rekindle my love for martial arts. I had previously practiced Brazilian jiu-jitsu forma number of years and he added Thai Boxomg to my training which I absolutely love.
He mixes up all training sessions to h not only help with technique but also to up my cardiovascular performance.
Most importantly of all he is now a close friend!
The name and the game, being a girevik is on his blood, I admired his dedication to teach the concept and the benefits of hardstyle kettlebell. If you want frame by frame perfect execution of hardstyle skills you can’t go wrong with this guy.
My brother since ’04 from Elorde Boxing stable, knew he’d be a great coach since he knows the struggle of a fighter , as my senior in StrongFirst he helped me prepared for my SFG I certification and to be honest looking up to this guy is one of my motivation.
As far as I can remember I was heartbroken in 2014 when I decided to hit the gym. LOL! Searching the internet for some fine gym near me, it brought me to Eclipse Fitness Gym in Mandaluyong City. Being one of the head coaches, it got more interesting to meet Coach Mark because of the excellent reviews. As a beginner, I was very shy and didn’t know what to do. I cleared out the self-doubt and just let go of the fear and anxiety. Since then, I fell in love with working out. We would train together and hit unexpected PRs. I remember I’m the female student who would beta-test his programs. I loved every bit of it though! Not only I’ve changed physically but I’ve become more confident and mentally strong.
Coach Mark is a very smart, humble and professional trainer. He would sometimes impose tough love training on his students. He’s an awesome friend too. I see him as the only Kettlebell Master in the Philippines but I’m also very proud that I am blessed with his exceptional knowledge in bodyweight and barbell training. I’ve received compliments all because of his guidance. I’ve learned so much from his teachings and connected with awesome people in the fitness industry.
He’s one of the major influences in my life. I am consistently training, getting stronger everyday and living a good life. Keep spreading the true meaning of strength and happiness! 🙂
He’s been on my speed dial and we bounce ideas off each other often. Defininitely a top notch trainer to learn from
A gentleman, a scholar, and a warrior-poet. He possesses great strength, and even greater humility–a true martial artist. And he has a great sense of humor.
I’ve had the opportunity to learn from Reneta in one of her Hard Style Body seminars in Orlando, and the sheer amount of knowledge she dispensed made it money very well-spent. I’ve also had the privilege of assisting in one of her StrongFirst Kettlebell Courses. Her professionalism, and expertise in all three StrongFirst modalities are tremendous.
I’ve been following Hector’s programming for the past year, and I am very impressed. I love its simplicity and no-BS approach, which has allowed me to spend more time concentrating on my jiu-jitsu.
I’ve had the privilege of attending one of Karen’s certifications and assisting in two, and I continue to learn more from her every single time. Her mastery of strength principles and coaching is top-notch, making her capable of working with students of all levels, from the very early beginners to the most advanced athletes. She also genuinely cares, never passes judgement on anyone, and is very down-to-earth; making training with a coach of her caliber a very enjoyable experience rather than an intimidating one.
I’ve been following Mark’s fitness advice for over 10 years now. Always reasonable, open-minded, and professional, he teaches students with no judgement and meets them where they are. And despite all his knowledge and accomplishments, he remains humble and down-to-earth.
Gab was my old teammate and sparring partner at Elorde Boxing. We happened to find ourselves in the same team (StrongFirst) years later. His School of Strength in the Philippines houses some of the strongest and most knowledgeable strength coaches in the country, and would be an excellent place to train in.
Oscar is a true martial artist, and student of strength and movement. He is constantly improving his knowledge base, while at the same time humble enough to recognize when something is not his area of expertise, not being afraid to refer out. He is the go-to guy for general health and wellness in the East Orlando area.
A wealth of experience in strength and movement, Tim was the first teacher I went to for kettlebell training. I’ve periodically trained with him for the past 3 years, and he has been instrumental in my decision to be involved in the StrongFirst community.
Augusto is amazing! He’s a delightful person, incredibly knowledgeable, and well rounded. Moreover, he is very insightful and understanding of individual situations, and he never condescends.
My love for kettle bells and fitness in general came from Nicole. Her attention to detail, knowing what que’s to give, and a genuine love for the people around her made me want to pursue a career in the fitness industry. She truly cares about others goals and finds ways to make it happen! Never a bad day at the gym when she’s around! Much love and respect all the way from Michigan!!!!
Simply amazing!! Nicole’s passion for strength & fitness is contagious. She gives the perfect amount of push & support. With Nicole ‘s expertise all goals are achieved. Grateful to call her coach & friend.
Nicole is phenomenal! I love how she digs into each persons “closed door” and helps you want to open it up and find your strength! Nicole has a simple, but POWERFUL approach and knows when to push you to achieve individual goals! You can start with her at ANY level of fitness! I love her and want her to know that she has forever put a mark in my heart! ???
Incredible coach! Very friendly, kind, and yet pushes you in ways you didn’t think possible . I am so lucky she had been a part of my fitness journey!
In the time that I’ve known Nicole, I’ve been impressed by the wealth of her knowledge and willingness to teach and help. But even more than that is her continual eagerness to learn! It’s an easy trap to fall into as a trainer, thinking you have all the answers. But Nicole is continually seeking out guidance in anything she needs help with in addition to being an amazing coach and mentor to her clients.
I had the privilege of working alongside Nicole for a few years, and not only is she an extremely dedicated and intelligent coach. She’s a real joy to be around. Nicole’s insights into my own kB coaching and performance are things I still use and teach, to this day. You will not go wrong aligning yourself with her.
Where do I start! Augusto is an extremely well rounded coach. His skills compliment every fitness goal including youth programs. Amazing spirit, sense of humor, positive, motivating, and full of talent. Great hire UFC GYM lol!!
I met Augusto a few years ago when he joined the BJJ school I train at. He is an amazing trainer bringing multiple styles and techniques to improve oneself in whatever your discipline is in. He has given me strength training pointers that has improved my BJJ game.
Augusto is an amazing trainer and athlete!
There are very few occasions in a life to meet real a real teacher.
A person who really understand the full spectrum of training methodoly, principles of strength and who really represent and live by these standards.
A person who inspire with strength , rectitude and comprehension as a human being.
If you meet Alexey you will probably feel all of those things
We met at Title Boxing Clermont and became friends. I enjoy his ethics and character. Best of success and I will see you soon (at the gym). Real proud of you….❤ from Toronto!
Augusto is my favorite trainer ever! He not only taught me how to use kettlebells with proper form, he also gave me the confidence to be able to do things I never thought I could do. He truly cares about each person he trains and will do just about anything to help them achieve their goals.
I was fortunate enough to train with Augusto for a number of years. Not only did he always plan and execute a challenging workout, but he was always teaching. He doesn’t simply tell you to do a movement or even how to execute it. He explains why you’re doing certain movements the way you do and the benefit of different techniques. Augusto is always willing to share his in depth knowledge in a manner that is easy to understand. He is a fantastic trainer.
Augusto is an amazing coach. His strength is enthusiasm and genuine interest in the overall well being of the individual. His sense of humor makes the learning process fun, which makes it easy to keep going when it’s tough. He has a perpetual smile, as though he’s always enjoying some joke we all missed, which may very well be the case. He has a surprisingly BIG voice!
Augusto helped train me for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition. Within a few weeks, my training partners remarked that I felt stronger and more explosive. I felt he got me the results I needed faster than expected. He focuses on learning fundamental movements and setting a foundation of stabilizer strength that allows for more progress and safety as one progresses. Finally, Augusto’s just a great guy who works hard for his clients. Highly recommended!
I met Vanessa during an SFG I Certification in Mexico City where she attended as an assistant and i had the fortune of having her in my team helping me and my team mate during those three days.
Vanessa is so cool, she is always willing to help and share her knowledge and passion for kettlebells and believe me, she is a Strong girl.
So if you are looking for an instructor in the Alaska area be confident to contact her and expect nothing but total professionalism, great advice and great results!
Knowledgeable, skilled and a great motivator. Vanessa is great!
Vanessa is incredibly knowledgeable and patient when it comes to teaching. She is passionate about proper form and “greasing” the movements. I have truly loved going to class with her each time and it is awesome to see how much of her education has caused me to progress with my own fitness!
Highly experienced martial artist, great teacher, and a true gentleman.
Gary is smart, kind, highly skilled, and intuitive. It is an absolute privilege to strength train with him.
I first reached out to Alexei after being fed up with chronic pain I had been experiencing in my ankles, knees and both hips for the last few years.
In our first meeting Alexei listened to all of my complaints, goals and physical aspirations and seemed optimistic about everything.
Alexei offered very clear, patient and scientifically backed instruction to help determine what my problems were.
After teaching me the fundamentals of how to assess what my issues were he set me on a journey towards strengthening my joints. I can safely say that due to Alexei’s instruction I am no longer a victim to any of the pain I was initially experiencing and we’re currently working on a new strength program geared specifically towards my goals in martial arts.
I can’t recommend Alexei enough – he quite literally changed the way I look at fitness and has also led me to having a happier life pain free!
I met Anna at the beginning of my Kettlebell journey about 10 months ago and in that short period of time she has taught me so much. As of last Sunday I’m an SFG I instructor! She saw something in me that I didn’t and helped me find my strength. She has taught me how to practice in a safe manner that doesn’t take me away from enjoying life and the strength gains are impressive! We live almost 900 miles from each other but she has a great setup and she checks in on me regularly. I absolutely recommend her as a trainer and coach.
I have been training with Dave for the last 6yrs … I train 2-3 times per week. Dave pushes me, supports me, and most importantly listens to me re my age/injuries & lifestyle, goals and helps me achieve them… he mixes up the training, adds mobility, strength and cardio .. there are times I walk away hating on Dave, trying not to throw up – they are my best sessions …
I love the kettlebell sessions … took me a while to master them now im addicted … Oh and the food .. Dave’s knowledge on food and how that flows into training & my lifestyle is invaluable. I love my mornings with Dave, his energy and positive attitude… I look forward to training as it sets me up for a great day. I feel very energised, motivated and ready for anything.. 10/10 Dave
I’ve been a fan of Pavel, KBs, and StrongFirst for a long term, but because of where I lived, I was largely “self-taught.” Recently I moved to a different part of the country, close to Christian. What a gift it is to work with him. I’ve learned more in a few months than I had in more than 10 years working on my own, not to mention the fact that he has identified (and fixed!) a number of bad techniques you tend to learn when you teach yourself. He’s terrific.
I came to Brian Wright’s Ashburn kettlebell studio 5½ years ago after months of discomfort from a back injury. I quickly became stronger and within the first month was pain free, and have continued with 2x/week classes ever since. Brian easily handles the different needs and experience levels in our small classes. He’s familiar with our individual workout goals, what strength level we are each at, and any possible physical challenges we might be facing (e.g., a bad knee or shoulder that can be dealt with by adapting the exercises and strengthening surrounding muscles). Brian’s philosophy is that a workout shouldn’t be a tedious chore; instead, the goal is to work out “smarter.” His varied routines make the hour-long classes fly by – I don’t think I’ve ever done the same workout twice. Brian encourages, challenges, and most importantly, ensures that each exercise is done with proper form so as to avoid injury and gain maximum strength.
Kim is one of the most careful trainer I have ever had. She was paying lot of attention to the posture of the body and was really good prepared to explain me new movements. She was the one showing me for the first time the TGU and dedicated so much time to every single movement. She inspired me a lot.
In January 2016 I started my A(lactic) + A(erobic) journey under Al’s guidance. After two six week swing protocols I increased my SSST from 181reps to 200 (+10,5%) without snatching and a 10min running test from 1950m to 2250m (+15,4%) without running. Good reasons to keep going.
After the swing protocols I did my first snatch protocol all with 32kg for six weeks. The Alactic protocols are a build up of fairly high volume with a moderate to heavy weight in the least stressful way by learning to interpret the signals of the body and mind as it manifests through the breath.
The rest periods are not fixed to a clock but guided by the subjective readiness after each short high power repeats. One has to literally get the feel of it by practice over periods of time. The volumes of snatches really opened up my chest, extended my T-spine and developed a proper lockout I formerly did not have although I did tons of get ups.
After the first snatch protocol mid 2016 Al encouraged me to introduce traditional steady state endurance training to build up an aerobic base.
Steady state endurance training? The “dishonour of aerobics”? at StrongFirst? is this man nuts?
20 – 8 years ago I enjoyed some running two to four times a week and from spring to autumn riding my racing bike frequently. But for the last six years I did strength training a bit with the bar and mostly kettlebells, no endurance work. It was not a complete new realm for me, but it was far away.
More than just sticking to the MAF number (180 – age) for heart rate intensity, Al instructed to keep relaxed rhythmical locomotion in sync with breathing steadily through the nose. Getting and developing a feel of it.
As I had good results with Al’s guidance so far I simply trusted him and began running or concept2 rowing around 5 times a week for around 45 min, with some longer runs from time to time.
My heart rates I found most repeatable on a consistent basis on the rower are mostly around 125bpm, while running around 130bpm. 10-15bpm lower than my MAF. Recovery between the A+A snatch repeats got much better, also from session to session.
After half of a year doing this in addition to two more snatch protocols (where I transitioned from 32kg to 36kg over to 40kg) I “lost” 10kg of bodyweight (from 93kg-95kg to 83kg-85kg), and currently I am still at that weight.
Sure, I lost a bit of muscle, but more so fat. My body composition improved. I conserved a half bodyweight press (without pressing), and even got a bit stronger relatively on the zercher lift (2 times bodyweight to 2,12 times), bodyweight exercises such as freestanding handstand-pushups or ring muscle ups got easier and I got more reps with these.
Fast forward to September of 2018. I am really happy, that I am almost three years working on Al’s A+A philosophy. At my first TSC in spring 2018 I pulled 2,5 times bodyweight, so my all-time best relative ratio stayed without touching the bar for half a year. 15 pullups without doing pullups, “only”109 reps with 24kg on the snatch but without getting into the red hr zone far from maxing out and breathing only through the nose.
Today the 40kg bell is a go to standard for my A+A snatching. The last 4 months I had some promising sessions with 44kg and 48kg for up to 100 total reps. For the last two years I snatched literally tons of weight and volume, and I am still amazed of how joint friendly these were. No injuries apart from some torn skin of the hands from time to time, which is part of the business.
I kept and will keep snatching and steady state endurance base work, and enjoy comparing my heart rates over the months as the same work has lower “training-stress” responses over the time.
With A+A I have all the programming I need for a lifetime without having a program, but a lot to ponder and to practice on.
I really appreciate Al’s contrarian but down to earth and “just” reasonable and clear instructions without having a dogma. He guides but does not want to convince. This stuff works. Like a charm.
Al, thank you very much.
I came to Jade on recommendation from a friend to get proper training in Kettlebells swing technique. She’s highly technical and pays tons of attention to form, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Kettlebell swing is by far the most complicated gym technique I have learned, but Jade was patient with me and we worked out the basics quickly. Extremely satisfied. I’ll continue to work with her for the foreseeable future.
I did not know anything about kettle bells and how to use them. But when I attended one of coach Mark’s program in GI JO Fitness, I instantly fell in love. Coach Mark and the Strong First members are great instructors. Looking at those big chunk of metals was daunting at first but the way they taught us the basic and the proper way to use the kettle bells, it felt awesome that we, noobs, can also do it. Coach Mark is a great teacher. He knows your limit and how to push it. My overall strength and endurance improved. Gradually from a 10KG kettle bell, I am now comfortably using 16-18kg for strict press. I am eager to learn much more from coach Mark.
Mi alleno con Cristiano da 4 anni, credo di non aver mai avuto una sessione di allenamento uguale ad un’altra. Parliamo di un professionista estremamente preparato che là dove non ricorda con certezza non si fa problemi a prendere i libri in mano e/o a documentarsi dove trova notizie affidabili e aggiornate per poter rispondere e risolvere le varie esigenze che si presentano. In continuo aggiornamento e con il notevole valore aggiunto dovuto alla certificazione FMS è in grado di comprendere le problematiche e personalizzare il lavoro, seguendolo nel dettaglio per evitare ogni tipo di conseguenza, non a caso in 4 anni mai una volta mi sono fatto male o mi sono trovato in condizione da non poter svolgere normalmente la mia giornata causa traumi derivati dall’allenamento. Nel frattempo ho più che raddoppiato i miei massimali senza considerare l’enormità di peso perso e altri numerosi vantaggi relativi all’attività svolta.
Tana is a great coach! She provides supportive accountability and challenging workouts that are still (mostly) fun.
She has been working with my 15 year old son for the past 3-4 months, and she has done wonders for his confidence and attitude about being strong and fit.
We are very fortunate to have found her!
Pavel has a positive attitude that is infectious. He guides his students to realise their potential and sets a great example of the patient, disciplined and dedicated teacher. A true quiet professional. I’m grateful to have been inspired by Pavel to start my journey as a Kettlebell student of strength.
Da più di tre anni che mi alleno con Cristiano e senza ombra di dubbio si tratta dell’istruttore più preparato che abbia conosciuto. Un allenamento personalizzato ed efficace
I have been training with Steve for over 10 years beginning in my mid 30’s wanting to get into the ring as a Muay Thai fighter, then as a pregnant 40 year old and now as a mother and almost 50 year old trying to stay healthy and strong. Steve has helped me through it all! Steve’s enormous skill as a trainer combined with his enormous heart makes him irreplaceable and unsurpassable.
When I first started training with Ben I had zero experience doing any weight lifting but he soon put me at ease with his knowledge and friendly demeanor. One thing about Ben is he is always trying to get better at what he does. You can clearly tell by the effort he puts in with you and with himself that this is not just a “job” for him. This is his passion. You wont find many people with more knowledge of this industry than him. Highly recommended!!
I was nervous as hell when I joined the training group. I learned so much from Ben. He helped correct my positioning and guided me when it was time to increase my weight throughout training. He’s patient, funny and won’t let anyone feel judged while learning. Awesome coach. I’d recommend him to anyone. Thanks Ben!!
Ben is one of the most well-rounded trainers I have worked with and he constantly shows his depth of knowledge every time a question or problem pops up. He has great cues to give in the moment and has useful information to share with me that I could think about later.
He is constantly improving and putting in the work outside the gym as well, which helps motivate me to get better each day.
By the time I finishing writing this Ben will be better than I can express. He’s constantly learning, living the life, and a gift to those who are fortunate enough to train with him.
He’s a rising star in the industry and will continue to lift those around him. Do yourself a favor and seek out hits coaching.
I’m not really sure where to begin with reviewing Ben. He has been an incredible coach, motivator and most of all an awesome friend. I began training with Ben 6 years ago, moved away for two of those but always stayed in contact. He helped me understand my strengths and really honed in on them. I began training with him at a weight of 260 pounds, but for long. With his guidance and never ending knowledge on his craft I lost 100 pounds in just under 11 months. No gimmicks no crazy diets or ridiculous training schedule. Just hard work and great coaching.
He really is amazing at what he does, he doesn’t make you feel like he’s a drill instructor, and will always help you grow when you fall off track a bit. There’s never any judgement and always a lot of coaching.
I really can’t say enough great things about him and I’m glad we’ve remained friends throughout the years. It really is because of him that I’ve been able to stay at a maintaining weight since dropping it 5 years ago. Thanks for being a great mentor, buddy! Keep on changing lives!
I can’t say enough about Ben. He is wonderful at meeting you where you’re at and helping you to advance in a proper and successful way. His training techniques and drive to see each individual succeed comes from the passion he has of learning and teaching. If you haven’t trained with Ben, do yourself a favor….start.
I thought I knew quite a bit about kettlebells having trained with them in the past…that is, until I met Damali.
Over our 10 sessions she taught me proper technique (a stickler for form she is), a variety of new exercises/stretches as well as how to breathe through my lifts, which ultinately made me stronger.
I highly recommend Damali, my strength considerably improved over just a few sessions with her.
Ben is a great trainer. Knowledgeable, honest, helpful, funny and challenging. He customized workouts to meet your needs and puts the important things first.
I can’t recommend Ben’s training services enough.
Ben started training me over 4 years ago when I was first starting out. I was a complete beginner and very apprehensive about training with weights. Bens approach to training is encouraging and professional that is laser focused on his clients health and safety while working toward their individual goals. You’ll appreciate his professional approach and technical understanding of improving the body’s function and mobility. Ben views his clients as individuals and will tailor your attention every step of the way. Ben excels at working with all levels of fitness and ability whether you’re at the begging of your fitness journey or an athlete looking to improve your competitive edge. He practices what he teaches -follow him on social media to see for yourself.
I’m a fellow coach and have known Ben for several years now. I recently hosted him for a kettlebell workshop for my clients. It was a great experience. Ben is an extremely knowledgeable coach and had the ability to effectively teach individuals through articulate and succinct cueing. This is what makes the biggest difference. He’s able to pinpoint what area or movement pattern that needs adjustment, and is able to efficiently communicate that to individuals in the simplest terms possible. He’s passionate about training and coaching and truly looks out for the client’s best interest regarding their progress. I’d strongly recommend him as an online trainer, a coach, or for a seminar. All around five stars.
To say Ben knows what he is doing is an understatement. Ben and I have been training together for three years now. From the first night at Peak he wanted me to train to be a strongman competitor. I was more worried about bettering my health and I never truly felt like competing again. It wasn’t until this past July that I fell in love with competition again. Even though I was competing against myself, it felt remarkable. I decided to compete in the strongman competition and I feel very confident in my strength. I owe that all to the coaches and Ben at peak. Ben and I really started talks no about health fitness four years ago at a mutual friends wedding. I feel like we have built a life long friendship and I know with his guidance I can become the best version of myself. Thank you Ben. You’re a great coach.
Easily the best trainer I have ever worked with. Ben is patient and will help you achieve the results you are hoping for. If you’re willing to follow the plan he will customize to your specific needs and put in the work you will absolutely see the results. His training style is unmatched. He is thoughtful and truly cares about his clients, not just another trainer going through the motions. He will push you to be your best self and encourage you to keep pushing through your “I cant’s” showing you how you CAN.
Don’t hesitate to hire Ben. He’s one of the best around!
I worked with Eirinn in Boston for several years, and found her to be extremely knowledgeable and a great motivator! She consistently (but gently) pushed me to improve and get stronger, while continually encouraging me to listen to my body so as not to overdo it. Eirinn takes a holistic perspective on wellness and helps you set realistic goals.
Jonathan has a state-of-the-art understanding of health and fitness, and is truly a champion for his clients to live their best lives. I trained with Jonathan for 5 years (2013 to 2018), twice a week, which had a significant impact on my physical strength and stamina. Jonathan is very knowledgeable and experienced as a trainer, and regularly brought new concepts and exercises to our training sessions, so it was always interesting and cutting edge. Interpersonally, he is a gem – a kind, non-judgmental, funny, and encouraging person who makes working out both enjoyable and effective. He is disciplined and has a systematic approach to training, and is flexible, always willing to pivot on a moment’s notice to focus on areas that rose to importance in that session. Each day, he would meet me where I am in terms of my energy. He is a talented professional and wonderful person.
Jade is as passionate about training as she is knowledgeable. Her ability to breakdown complex movements helped me tremendously in the Turkish Get up and barbell movements. She has a modern approach to injury prevention that allowed me to train Brazilian jiu-jitsu at a much higher level as well. Above all else, Jade cares! She has clear intentions in helping build a stronger community through instruction and motivation.
Jade is one of the most incredible trainers I have ever come across. It’s so hard to get or stay motivated, but she really sticks it out with you and explains things so well. She’s a wonder-woman and anyone would be lucky to be trained by this woman!
As a personal trainer and a coach, it is good to have someone in the industry to look up to and reach out to for business and training advice. I first met Brian about 4 years ago when I decided to take a deeper dive into proper technique and training, attending a workshop at BW-PT. Since then, he (Workhorse Consulting and Training) has been my best resource for all things training. After a recent significant back injury, I reached out to Brian for some coaching with specific goals: Improve core strength, prepare for Spring 2018 TSC and SFG I. His 6 week “Easy Strength” program was just what I needed. I hit my TSC goals (including 101 snatches) and now we prepare for SFG in December. He is easily accessible and affordable. Weekly check-ins via text, email and phone. Honest evaluations specific to me. But most importantly, he is passionate and he cares. Brian is the man!
Brian is a talented kettlebell and fitness instructor who is well suited to instruct beginners as well as more experienced individuals looking to improve their strength, fitness and performance. His background in kinesiology helps him modify exercise when needed on an individual basis, so that injuries are avoided while still striving for peak performance. Classes with Brian are always varied, fun and challenging. He Is friendly, professional and motivational for his clients.
Kim is an excellent and very enthusiastic trainer from whom I was lucky to learn many kettlebell skills. Her ability to convey her knowledge yet in a simple way was engaging. I needed to learn the proper methods and right form when using kb, while at the same time, getting stronger. Kim made it all happen through consistent training and positive feedback. Always available to give advice and share her knowledge, she would send videos and links for tips and workouts. I never worked with a better trainer, thanks to Kim I gained confidence and greater motivation to train on my own.
For me the best coach ever!!
Dopo più di un’anno che mi alleno con Cristiano, posso dire che é una coach molto professionale e preparato.
Gli allenamenti sono customizzati sulla base delle proprie esigenze e dei propri obiettivi sotto la massima supervisione di Cristiano che non lascia nulla al caso.
Uno dei migliori coach che abbia mai avuto!!
Kim is a terrific all-around trainer and a highly skilled kettlebell trainer. I had very little interest in kettlebell training at one time but I became an enthusiast after attending a few of Kim’s classes. She has an amazing ability to accentuate the positive while also gently yet thoroughly highlighting areas where someone can improve. Kim has inspired me to become a kettlebell trainer myself. Vicenza has lost a great trainer, anybody would be lucky to train with her!
Luego de más de un año teniendo a Cristiano como entrenador puedo decir que es un excelente profesional, con muchísimo conocimiento, formación y motivación. Los entrenamientos son súper completos y siempre adaptados a cada alumno teniendo en cuenta siempre correcciones posturales y poniendo el ojo en todos nuestros movimientos. Con seguridad, uno de los mejores profesores que tiene la isla! Gracias por todo
I’ve worked with Matt for over 2 years. He’s an awesome coach. Matt is very passionate about what he teaches and is great at coaching in way that helps anyone grasp how to perform exercises properly and to understand why the exercise is important. He takes great care of his clients.
The best trainer I have had! He will change your way of training.
L’istruttore più preparato che io abbia mai trovato, preparato in tutti i settori (anche su problemi fisici, ha trovato soluzione a problema che medico non capiva). Allenamenti super mirati e senza strafare, molto efficaci.
10+
Kim is one of the most patient and knowledgeable trainers I’ve ever had the privilege of training with. She introduced me to kettlebells and ever since has been encouraging me to believe in myself and reach for my goals. Kim is hard working and incredibly gregarious and optimistic and anyone who receives her training is truly blessed.
Kim is one of the most patient and knowledgeable trainers I’ve ever had the privilege of training with. She introduced me to kettlebells and ever since has been encouraging me to believe on myself and reach for my goals. Kim is hard working and incredibly gregarious and optimistic and anyone who receives her training is truly blessed.
Kim has not only been an inspiration as a Strong first instructor and personal trainer, but she has been amazingly resourceful and talented as an instructor and trainer. I never thought I would feel confident in the weight room and definitely not with a kettlebell. Kim instills confidence in her clients and she also was able to cater my personal needs and requests. After several months, I learned an unexplainable amount of knowledge and skills from Kim from deadlifts and bench presses to Turkish getups and double kettlebell swings . Most importantly, I can safely and confidently continue my training on my own thanks to her.
In the short time that I’ve worked with Alexei he has inspired me to keep pushing myself toward goals I didn’t even know I wanted to achieve. With his friendly demeanor and infectious enthusiasm, he has made working out an enjoyable endeavor. His science-based approach to health and fitness makes it so that his programs are designed to get you optimum results with as little energy wasted. I leave every session with him feeling like I worked hard but never feeling overly taxed or sore. And yet week after week I keep getting stronger and leaner which has been a lifelong struggle for me.
Alexei is committed to knowledge that he is more than happy to share with you to better help you understand the mechanics and reasoning behind each and every exercise he coaches you in. I have found this extremely helpful in seeing the big picture toward my goals especially on days when I’m lacking motivation.
Finally, through his coaching Alexei will help you address any problem you have going on with your body. He has a solution for just about anything and will work tirelessly until the problem is fixed. Personally, my profession has put a lot of stress on my body over the years but after about 9 months of working with him, I no longer leave work with back pain and he has helped me strengthen all the other problem areas so that I can perform my job with ease.
If you are committed to taking your health and fitness to the next level, I highly recommend working with Alexei toward that goal.
I’ve really enjoyed Al’s simple and straightforward advice on the forum and through email. His training philosophy is not as flashy or exciting as many other trainers, but rather it is blue collar and effective.
I recently completed one of his A+A snatch protocols and really enjoyed it. It’s a simple way to build strength, power, and endurance all while using just one heavy bell and one exercise.
Based on my experiences with him, I would definitely recommend Al for physical training/general health especially for those concerned with staying strong, healthy, and durable.
Safety first
Realistic goals
Clear cues
Patient
I was feeling increasingly bad from being so sedentary all my life, but previous attempts at exercise had ended up making me worse (neck pain, joint pain, even more tired, and cynical about overly enthusiastic instructors). This time, I needed to make sure to find a safe, practical program that would work in real life (MY real life). I got lucky: Eric has focused on what helps me the most to competently schlep the heavy objects in my life without injury. Also, for me, the hallmark of an excellent instructor is someone who understands what I’m misunderstanding. Because my body awareness and coordination are basically lousy and my concentration goes out the window when I get tired, Eric is very careful to dissect techniques into small, comprehendible pieces and prescribe drills that help me “get” how I need to move. I’m very grateful to Eric for setting up a program I can actually put into practice. The aches and pains are resolving, and I’m getting stronger.
I have trained with Alexei for about 5 years now, and I can definitively attest that he’s one of the best coaches you could ever wish for. His breath of knowledge is quite impressive, and he’s always striving to learn even more for the benefit of his clients. He practices what he preaches and helps you to be your very best leading by example, being quite a dedicated athlete himself. And finally, he is not only an excellent coach, but a wonderful human being quite empathetic to your needs, and sincerely interested in your success. A coach by heart, I recommend him highly.
Listen to Pete, Do the work, and Strong you will become!
I have trained with Pete for different goals over the past few years. Each time he listened to my issues, tested my skills, and made sure he understood what I was looking to achieve, before designing me a specific program. It is never just a one-size fits all approach with Pete.
His programming is smart, achieves results, and is most definitely challenging. My goals have ranged from rehab, weight loss and specific events. At 38 I was the leanest, strongest, fittest and lightest I had been, pretty much ever in my life!
I have since moved back to Australia and Pete continues to train me remotely. Next challenge is climbing Mt Kinabalu in Borneo!! Thanks Pete!
Jozef is the best instructor I could ever imagine to meet. He understand how body works and explains it very well. He is very patient. I know it, it takes a lot of patience to work with me. He tought me tons of great thinks regarding to strenght training! Thanks to him I am stronger and not crashed!
I trained with Jonathan for 6 years, and it was a life changing experience. Initially I was someone that never exercised, and in time he instilled in me a new desire to take better care of myself from how much sleep I got, to what I ate. Looking back he was able to train me to be the strongest I have ever been in my life at age 40. It is fun to think back at how when I first worked with Jonathan I could only do a single pull up. He then implemented a program that included multiple exercises that helped strengthen the necessary muscles for me to be able to do 5 pulls ups over several sets. I am forever grateful for all that he taught me about exercising and the motivation he gave me to be stronger and healthier.
I’ve been training with Steve for around 10 years. He’s an excellent trainer who is as adept at expanding a student’s skill set as he is at increasing overall fitness or prepping for a specific event. My skills, strength, and cardio have all improved thanks to him; this summer he helped me with a simple, but incredibly effective, workout plan for a multi-sport event. A great motivator as well as trainer, Steve is well-versed in a variety of training methodologies and constantly expands his own skills and knowledge. He’s also flexible in working within students’ capabilities. He’s fun to work with and an interesting person as well, but unfortunately can’t be conversationally distracted from making me start the next set of reps…
I can’t recommend Eirinn enough! She was my trainer about two years in the Boston area, and it was a joy to work out with her. I have chronic back issues, and I really appreciated the fact that she connected with my physical therapist to develop a program to ensure that I could work toward being my strongest me! She has a depth of knowledge of training as well as the importance of what we put into our bodies. Through her encouragement, I always add extra veggies to my menu now! She continuously motivated me in a positive way. The people of Raleigh are lucky to have her!
Hallo
Thomas ist es möglich auch in Österreich eine Kettelbell oder Body Weight Ausbildung zu machen.
Danke
FG Sebastian.
When I first got to Five Points, I barely knew how to use kettlebells. It’s only been a month later, and I have improved so much! Steve is an excellent TEACHER. He is very patient, and I love his style of breaking movements down into parts; I understand it much better and retain the information. His music rocks, which isn’t a big deal for some but for me, it is a must to have bangin music while putting in hard work. Also, I have gone up in weight when I didn’t think I was there yet because of Steve. He helps you push yourself so that things never get stagnant; you are constantly learning and improving.
I trained with Jonathan for 1 year. Prior to training with him I did not have much experience in the gym. He made me feel comfortable and taught me the proper way to train and condition my body. He also was great in explaining why we were doing each exercise and which muscles I should feel it in. He made a specific plan catered to the areas I wanted to work on. Lastly, he made going to the gym a fun activity and something I looked forward to weekly.
Alexei is a great coach for all the obvious reasons: He’s very knowledgable, he’s great at giving instruction, he’s a keen observer, and he has a fun, friendly demeanor—which is pretty important when you spend hours with someone while they watch you do weird things with your body. But the thing that makes Alexei really shine is his ability to combine these things into the perfect recipe for identifying and reaching your goals. Alexei helped me recover from knee surgery in half the time the doctors predicted, while also keeping me strong and healthy enough to jump right back into my jiu-jitsu training. I can’t thank him enough.
Jonathan trained me for nearly 4 years in Boston. He’s a tremendous coach and also a great person to spend time with, funny and easygoing. He quickly understood my training needs and developed a custom training program. That program helped me both feel great and improve my performance across the board, from running to basketball to hiking. Perhaps even more importantly, he quickly learned how best to motivate me, something I didn’t realize until months had gone by. Strength training with Jonathan was always something I looked forward to, which had never been the case for me prior to working with him.
I had been working with KBs on my own for a few years, but kept running into various issues (injuries, over-training, lack of progress, you name it). I finally decided to hire a coach to fix my technique and provide some planning and I consider myself lucky to have found Yoana. Other reviews have mentioned her attention to detail, deep knowledge of KB and strength techniques, and inspirational attitude. I completely agree with these reviews, and also wanted to add a few other positive things. The first is that, in addition to strength techniques, she spends a fair bit of time teaching you how to move your body and improve your mobility. My back has never felt better! I also appreciate her flexibility with respect to scheduling, and the various ways she is willing to coach (at my home, in her gym, by video, etc.) This makes fitting my strength practice into my busy life much easier. Have I mentioned that she makes training fun?! Highly recommended!
My wife and I each independently trained with Eirinn for about two and a half years and it was a very positive experience. We were very sorry to see her go. Eirinn is very supportive and dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals and is an incredibly responsible person. She’s willing to give helpful advice on all aspects of your wellness choices while being supportive of your choices. She’d be a great personality fit for anyone who wants to work out in a relaxed but motivating atmosphere.
Claire is awesome. I highly recommend her for kettlebell instruction.
I can’t say enough positive things about Matt! As a total beginner, I was honestly a bit scared to start working out with a trainer, but I’ve seen the results that kettlebells can provide so it seemed like an interesting route to take to achieve my toning goals. Matt knew exactly how to ease me into a routine that wouldn’t overwhelm me and would also help me to build a solid foundation. I trust him implicitly and know he will help me to achieve the ultimate results I want in a safe and effective manner – I already see a difference in a short time I and look forward to continuing to work with him!
I’d been a gym kinda guy since High School, doing the usual weight training routine for over 30 years, and worked out with a variety of trainers over those many years. Then I hit the wall and completely lost interest.
Life, kids, work, etc all became excuses to not work out anymore. Took a few years off from training. Then I tried Muay Thai and Steven Milles. My cardio is back, my strength is back and my motivation is definitely back thanks to the very expert training and the absolute sensational down to earth REALNESS of the world’s greatest trainer: Steve Milles. If you haven’t met Steve, you’re missing out on what SHOULD be an important part of your day.
Steve is a great strength coach and overall runs a great program at Five Points. Its the only place in NYC I’d go to take a kettlebell class. He puts together challenging programming while incorporating modifications for beginners and injuries. He uses great cueing techniques and meets students where they are in terms of competence with more complex movements always ensuring proper form and safety. Steve’s helped me become stronger and with increased mobility and is one of the best coaches I have ever had over the years.
I trained with Jonathan from 2015 to 2018 and had the chance to see him train others in individual and group settings. Jonathan is an excellent coach—he listens to clients, is super knowledgeable, and flexible in coming up with plans that work to meet clients’ goals. He put together a nice mix for me—plyometrics, lifts, kettlebell routines—and kept mixing things up without losing focus. I give his strength coaching the credit for getting me thru three marathons, a couple of Olympic tris, and the wear and tear of everyday life injury-free.
Eirinn has been my trainer for more than five years and she has been an incredible help to me over that time. Like any good trainer, she was eager to understand my goals and has always been willing to work closely with me to help me achieve them. Whether it’s been building special routines for me while travelling, tailoring my workouts as I worked through injuries, partnering with my physical therapists, chiropractors and massage therapists or offering recipes to support a healthy diet, Eirinn has done everything I’ve ever needed to keep me focused and fit. And it doesn’t hurt that she’s always got a smiling face and a genuine enthusiasm to train me whenever I see her. I am grateful, blessed and thankful to have Eirinn in my life!
I had the great fortune to train with Jonathan in Boston for three years before he moved to Raleigh. I’m not someone who loves working out but Jonathan always made it both fun and motivating. He was prepared with a plan for each session but modified it if I had pain or issues I needed to work around. Anyone who trains with Jonathan will enjoy it and get stronger!
Jonathan is an incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtful trainer. He not only designed specific training programs to prepare me for events, he did so cognizant of my physical limitations. As an over-50 athlete, I have relied upon Jon not only to help me recover from injuries, but also to incorporate strength training to prevent their reoccurrance. As a bonus, he has a great sense of humor and is a great companion for a workout.
Excellent coach! M’a beaucoup aidé à guérir d’une blessure récidivante à l’épaule et m’a énormément fait progresser! A de solides connaissances en anatomie et biomacanique ce qui est un vrai plus dans ses explications.
I just finished four weeks of private sessions with Eileen. I have used kettlebells for years, but wanted to improve my form and learn some new exercises. She delivered that and much more. I have been able to correct some hitches in my form and learn new movements that will help me round out my training. Eileen knows her stuff, explains things clearly, and gives the reasoning behind what she is teaching. I now have a set of workout routines and a goal to shoot for. She made the experience rewarding and fun. I cannot recommend her instruction enough. If you are interested in kettlebell training, Just Kettlebells is the place to go.
I’ve bee training with Alexei on and off since 2014. He’s, in a word, incredible.
Alexei is highly sensitive and aware. He can push you without pushing you over the edge. His depth and breadth of knowledge about the scientific principles behind what we’re doing is mind blowing and fascinating to a nerd like me. He’s a joy to learn from, so if you have the chance to work with him, JUMP ON IT!
Saša is an amazing pedagogue ! Great analyser, he provides solutions, progression, adaptation and always with the sense of humor. Saša share some golden knowledges with the spirit of a real Team Leader. I had the privilege to learn from him and to be prepared by Saša for my SFG I & SFG II .
Does not miss the opportunity to meet him from regular classes to StrongFirst certifications!
Q: Do you wish you were in better health?
A: Steve Milles
Q: Want to learn and train the best Muay Thai NYC has to offer?
A: Arjan Steve Milles!
Q: Would you like to be, feel, and look strong while increasing flexibility and avoiding injury?
A: Team Leader SFG Steve Milles
Q: Tired of not living up to your potential?
A: Lifestyle Steve Milles
Q: Interested in learning new things and challenging yourself?
A: Instructor and Coach Steve Milles!!
Q: Curious to meet cool people and train at the cleanest gym in the city?
A: Five Points Academy Steve Milles
Q: Willing to finally cut through the excuses and improve yourself?
A: No Nonsense Steve Milles
Q: Open to making lifelong friends, pushing your boundaries, competing in a ring sport, helping others learn with you, and meeting your spouse? (experiences may vary)
A: Life Changing Five Points Academy Steve Milles!!!
Q: Likely to talk about taking better care of yourself but not really put the effort in?
A: Not Steve Milles
Steve personifies all of the qualities of a masterful teacher. Whether conducting a group class or an individual session, Steve leads with years of experience, intelligence and humor. With Steve, the challenge of training becomes a personal desire, without the need for a cheerleader. I’ve been a member of Five Points Academy since 2005, and couldn’t imagine going anywhere else, a fantastic group of people-I love muay thai and kettlebells!
Steve is a phenomenal coach. Incredible knowledge and teaching skills, delivered in a very simple, personable manner. I’ve really progressed under Steve’s coaching, and look forward to each session as I know I’ll improve. Big recommendation!
Steve is one of the best trainers I have ever had the opportunity to work with.
I have done personal training and taken group classes with Steve. In both settings, Steve is extremely observant, making sure everyone is doing everything with the correct form. His instructions are always clear and easy to understand. He is also very patient and helpful when it comes to correction, modifications, etc. He pushes you in the best way possible.
Every since I started working with Steve and taking his classes, I have become progressively stronger, more agile and aches and pains from my old injuries have begun to fade. No matter what mood I’m in when I go into his class, I know I’ll be a great mood when I leave!
To say that Steve is a wonderful trainer is putting it so mildly.
Although my main pursuit at Five Points has always been Muay Thai, Steve’s ability to supplement that work with smart, consistent strength training has been crucial. He has helped me both to avoid injury by building a strong base, and to recover from some doozies that I thought would sideline me forever. At one point, when an MRI revealed a herniation, a slip, and an old stress fracture in my lower back (and I could suddenly barely walk), Steve worked with me to assess my range of motion and overall strength, and to create a program that helped me to come back to the sports I love at 100% capacity – without injections, surgery, or even too much frustration. And as a side note, even without injury, kettlebell training is a great partner to Muay Thai in terms of building strength, flexibility, and fitness.
Whether you are working to hit a new PR or to get in the ring, Steve has a way of finding just the right cue: the words to help you tighten up your technique and make that lift easier, or to get through another round when you just want to drop. Training with Steve has taught me tenacity, heart, and strength that I am able to apply to any situation. And being in my late 30’s, I am also at the point that I really appreciate the physical strength I now have, because it makes my day-to-day life in New York – climbing countless stairs, fighting crowds, walking how many miles a day (in work shoes!), and schlepping heavy bags everywhere – that much easier.
I’ve been at Five Points for nearly ten years, and I can’t imagine wanting or needing to train anywhere else.
I have really enjoyed having Dave as a personal trainer. His energy and enthusiasm really motivated you to work hard and push yourself in your sessions. He is also very knowledgeable and is always keeping a keen eye on your form which means you don’t have to worry about risking an injury. When training with Dave you know you’re in good hands!
Whether you are a beginner or a professional athlete, Saša will do the job. He is a motivating teacher and an excellent team leader with a great knowledge, a common sense to use it wisely and a good eye for the tiniest details.
I am very happy for the opportunity to learn from him on many workshops and personal lessons that helped me sharpen my skills while I was preparing for my SFG1 certification, and upgrading after that.
He is excellent, open minded teacher who always has a few more tricks on how to improve, whether it is your performing skill or your skill of teaching other people.
He is a pleasure to work with, so don`t miss a chance to learn from him – you won`t regret it.
Great taste in music; never once played that meathead, Miami rendition of techno and house music that you would hear at Equinox.
What can I say? The relationship I have with Steve Milles has been pretty casual and organic. I started off as an ordinary member at Five Points, hitting pads and fighting off dumpling bod. A year goes by, and he invites me to do fighters sparring. Another year goes by, and I’m fighting for the gym.
Every step towards my “fight” career, and my overall fitness has been done in manageable micro steps. I have the coordination of a blind autistic child; so to have Steve break things down for me in a simple and easily absorbable manner has done well for my coordination (or lack thereof) and my overall understanding of movement.
After training with Steve for 10 years, beginning with a post-pregnancy huge weight gain and lack of foundational strength, he has consistently moved me to optimal fitness in every area. One of Steve’s distinctions with clients is his deep dive into a client’s areas of need, where he supplements his professional experience with a tremendous amount of inquiry and study to help a client.
I’m now dealing with multiple health challenges and Steve has adapted our training to help me recover and remain strong. He researched and read about my issues and has continued to modify and enrich our sessions accordingly.
Steve is the best, in every possible way, and if you try a session with him, you will want to stay with him forever!
I started training at Five Points Academy with Arjan Steve about one year ago. At the time, I had one Muay Thai fight — a loss — that had shaken my confidence pretty badly, but I wanted another shot in the ring and to try to improve. Joining Five Points turned out to be the best decision I ever made.
I’ve been an athlete my entire life and Arjan Steve is the best coach I have had. He has an eye for technique, is calm and patient, and an incredibly good teacher. He knows how to get the absolute best from his students whether that be in Muay Thai, kettlebell or just an overall strength and conditioning perspective. I really look forward to his kettlebell classes and they have become an important part of my fight training.
Five Points has become my second home, my community and my family. And thanks to training with Arjan Steve, I have grown exponentially as an athlete, a fighter and as a person. He is the best of the best.
Arjan Steve has taught me so much since joining Five Points Academy three years ago. I started because I was uninspired by my workouts, needed a change, wanted to get strong and learn how to fight. He taught my first class there and immediately I signed up and was hooked! At first I was only focused on Muay Thai but gained a lot of interest in the strength and conditioning programs provided by the gym. I started taking the kettlebell, TRX and HIIT classes more regularly to supplement my training. He is very attentive to detail and patient in making sure his students execute the exercises correctly. With in a year at being at the gym I started competing in Muay Thai. Steve has a very calm demeanor (which is very much needed when he’s cornering you) and has his own way of pushing and challenging you to be your best. His gym and coaching has completely changed my life. I now have the confidence to face challenges I never imagined myself doing, and a strong community that I consider family. I couldn’t ask for a better coach or leader- thank you Steve.
I started training with Steve in 2012, and 6 years later I was hoping to bring a Five Points Academy flag to the top of the world, Mount Everest.
When I first came to Steve, I was an office worker mostly but also an infrequent recreational climber with aspirations of climbing more challenging mountains. A special operations friend of mine who was getting his doctorate in sports physical therapy recommended only one trainer: Steve Milles.
I had barely lifted before and had never trained with kettlebells. I appreciate that Steve is adamant about perfect form. I have never been injured or sidelined by pain at any point in the 6 years we’ve worked together. Instead, Steve has been a crucial part of my training for many of my mountaineering expeditions – in fact, on May 16, 2018, I became the 68th American woman to summit Mount Everest and survive.
Now, Steve is working with me towards my own Strong First Level 1 certification. He is awesome – personally and professionally.
Dustin is one of the original Leaders I looked up to while gaining my experience with kettlebells. He is what I envision that all instructors should be; Strong, humble, smart and skilled. He has probably has more experience than most of the people in leadership with using a kettle bell. I am also honored to call him a friend
Tiago IS StrongFirst Brazil!!! With out Tiago there would be a whole continent without StrongFirst! He is a good friend and I am honored to have gone down to Brazil and help teach StrongFirst along side him. Aroooo!!!
Analisa is one of the strongest people I know. Not just for her accomplishment ( Iron Maiden, 375DL…), but for who she is as a person. No matter if met her for 2 minutes or known her for years, you will automatically be her friend. Her quest for knowledge and her humility make her someone you want to associate with. She is strong because she is smart. She is smart because she’s strong! I have been fortunate to work with her a few times and every time its a blast!
Saša is an excellent teacher – patient, humble, friendly and kind, with a great sense of humor. He was my Team Leader at SFG Level 2 and I had the chance to learn from him as well as practice with him on many other occasions.
Saša is a prime example of our StrongFirst code, and I am very happy that I can call him my teacher, my colleague, and great friend.
Use any opportunity to learn from him – private lessons, regular classes, workshops and certs.
Hector has been serving as my mentor for almost 2 years now and while his programming and attention to details in technique have made me stronger, the lessons did not stop with me.. they also helped made me a better coach.
Definitely a top notch instructor worth learning from
Damali is an excellent coach. She’s steadfast in her approach and will stick with you to the end. You will be happy with your choice of her as your coach.
I had the pleasure of serving on Ronen’s team as an assistant at a recent SFG1.
He led our team with equal parts wisdom and kindness. The students, assistants, and team leaders learned much from this man of few words.
His “What Is StrongFirst” speech was particularly moving and reminded us all that it’s about the people, not the kettlebells.
Want a trainer? Hire Damali
Want to see results? Hire Damali
Damali is an excellent trainer, she’s experienced, dedicated, caring, funny and tough. I have used many trainers in the past, but only saw results with Damali . If you are not afraid, check her out ??
I have been training with Mike for just over 2 years. He is extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of strength training and nutrition. He has helped me become stronger, leaner and all around happier! He understands if you are having an issue with an elbow or shoulder and plans a way for you to get a good workout while the issues heal. I just can’t thank him enough for his strong yet compassionate way of training! I would and do recommend Mike to everyone I know!
I attended a 1 day kettlebell course at Mike’s gym in Modesto this past weekend. The instruction given by him and two other instructors was very good and easy to digest in real time. Mike and the other instructors helped me clean up my technique with all the movements that were covered; (Swings, TGU’s, Goblet Squats, Presses). I would highly recommend Mike for all your hard style kettlebell training needs.
Mira is great! From taking her kettlebell classes and watching her weightlifting ones, you can easily see how engaged she is in the class, making sure everyone is doing things right. Even in a busy class, she’s able to make sure people are swinging/lifting appropriately. She’s enthusiastic, engaging, and fun in class. She’s also an inspiration as she’s always pushing herself to get better and seeing her lift is a great motivator to keep myself going.
Luis is a very intelligent man, and knows what he is talking about. You get a personal workout every time because he pays attention to every individuals capabilities. Try his workout and you will understand.
Pavel is a great teacher of strength because he is a very good student of strength. He is hungry for knowledge and he passes what he learns to his students. He wants to do things right and he insist on that we do things right. I’m glad he introduced me to a strength training. Thanks, Pavel!
Pavel is the real deal.
I have invited him to my martial arts academy several times to teach kettlebells and strength training. His approach is methodical, clear and most importantly- highly effective.
I would thoroughly recommend his classes for anyone who has a chance to study with him- you will get inspired, and get strong!
In short – Pavel is a strong, great person with nice sense of humor who does what he loves and he’s probably one of the best in this area. One of my model teachers of Strength & Conditioning and especially of lifestyle and personal development. He himself does what he’s teaches. And as you can see it works to him very well, so it’s easy to believe him.
Pavel is not only a teacher and really strong trainer but also active online publisher who shares his lifestyle/training experiences and tips with others. When I’ve been looking for kettlebells information years ago, knowing nothing about them, I found the name Pavel Macek. Thanks his publishing activities, he brought information about kettlebells and StrongFirst to Czech fitness world and I could read many articles about kettlebells, get-ups, swings – why to do it, why to use it and why I shouldn’t use Youtube to learn it properly 🙂 Lot of motivating readings about strength training, kettlebells efficiency on Pavel’s web led me to find my SFG instructor close to me who could introduce me to kettlebells practically. All the rest is history 😉
I’m very proud that I know Pavel personally and very appreciate every occasion to meet him. I have to say, he affected my thinking a lot – thanks him, I’ve discovered I can be stronger and healthier in many ways. And as I want it, I am stronger and stronger and love it. Thank you for your hard work for SF community, Pavel!
I first came to Alexei after spraining my knee in my karate class. In all my years of training, this was my first serious injury, and I was very fearful about what the future could look like if I didn’t address this properly. Alexei was comforting in his precision and attentiveness. He gave me multiple different mobility exercises, such as rotating my feet/ankles, hips, etc. I quickly felt a difference. My knee went from feeling loose and unstable to stable and mobile.
Despite my own ignorance, he never made me feel dumb for not understanding or knowing something. He gives clear explanations, and is able to adapt when something he is saying is not getting in.
His passion for helping others is apparent in his work. He would often follow up and send me different bits of homework to keep my recovery moving along. After a few weeks I was able to get back to training.
Not only did he help me repair my knee, but he also gave me a new awareness of my body’s movement and how to change/direct it, making my training safer and nicer for me.
Overall, I trust him completely and think he does incredible work. I would recommend him to anyone looking to improve themselves and achieve new fitness goals.
Pavel is Senior SFG, Kettlebell Instructor SFG II, Barbell Instructor SFL and Bodyweight Instructor SFB . So you would expect him to know his stuff. And you know what? He really does . And maybe you would be surprised how much knowledge and experience he has to offer. So if you had a chance, let him share some of it with you. Pavel is really willing to give a lot. I saw him to stay and answer questions after 8 hour seminar. So you know, that he loves what he does.
Pavel is a person with a detailed knowledge of each movement, tested on himself. And a very inspirational man.
Mark is most likely the most senior (and most highly qualified) strength coach in the country. Smart, humble, and an overall great guy.
Alexi has been training me over 3 years now. My goal has been gaining strength and mass. His advice is very technical which makes sense from his engineering background. I didn’t know how to lift a kettlebell when I first met him. But he has a knack for connecting with you and i was on board quickly. In these 3 years I’ve put on about 20lbs at 11% body fat. Most importantly I’ve never been injured.
Apart from his exceptional coaching skills what sets him apart is that his advice comes from a genuine place. It’s rare to see that with fitness coaches. Very motivating and world class training.
Alexei is a fantastic coach. His advice has dramatically sped up my rehab from several injuries – if it weren’t for him I’d have chronic problems in my legs and feet. He knows fitness and physiology backwards and forwards. He pushes you when you are slacking, lets you relax when you need a break, and compliments you when you make progress. I would 100% recommend him to anyone wanting to improve strength, fitness, and recovery.
Even coaches need coaches. I have known Alexei for about six years now, which means he also knows me very well. Like any coach, sometimes you put too much energy into your work, and forget to carve out goals and maintain a level of health and fitness that is important to you. I’ve entrusted Alexei with helping me in that department and he has been instrumental in helping me with programs from Plan Strong and Strong Endurance. Knowing my schedule, my goals, my injuries, and the kind of active lifestyle that is important to me, Alexei will take the time to help you map out meaningful goals. Whether you are a new client, or an experienced coach, you are in excellent hands when you’ve got Alexei on your team. Week after week, I am grateful for how straightforward his programming is for me, how thoughtful his feedback is, and how precise his expectations are for quality of movement.
One of my favorite parts of being a coach, is to have a rich network of individuals to help support our mutual goal of helping people move better and be stronger. Not only does Alexei help me with my personal programming, but also for troubleshooting ideas, concepts, goals, and injuries around working with some of the people I see on a day to day basis. Alexei is an invaluable resource for all things strength and mobility.
Antonin is a great instructor. Always willing to find a way to strenghten and improve body movements for every single student. I also appreciate his effort to extend his knowledge. I’m grateful that I finally found my way to KB5 gym and Antonin was the first person I met there more than a year ago.
Alexei is the most knowledgeable coach I have ever met and has consistently helped me meet and exceed my strength and fitness goals for the past two years. After training with him at his previous gym, I followed him to his new gym and have never looked back. Since working with Alexei, I have PR’d over and over and have reached a level of strength I didn’t know I was capable of. He is extremely informative and is invested in the the success of all of his clients. Working with him has been a pleasure and I can’t think of a better guide into the wonderful world of kettlebells!
Alexei is a special coach. He has a unique combination of analytical and observational skills, and bottomless enthusiasm to help people solve problems. Talk to him for five minutes and he will give you “homework”. He helped me break lifelong bad habits and appy powerful techniques to training and injury rehabilitation. These same techniques have improved my performance and resilience to injury. Alexei is a solution for anyone who wants to improve strength, mobility and capability. He is a brilliant coach and teacher, and he makes everyone around him better.
Super bon coach!
Très à l’écoute et trouve les mots justes pour motiver et faire progresser.
C’est un excellent coach. Bien que donnés à distance, ses conseils toujours très précis et pointus ont été immédiatement efficaces dans ma pratique des Kettlebells.
I can’t recommend Alexei enough. His coaching is a wonderful combination of technical detail and inspiration. His passion for how bodies work, move, strengthen, struggle and heal is palpable, and I’m truly grateful to have him as a resource. Do your mind and your body a favor and connect with Alexei. Your life will improve.
I’ve been training with Mike for about 6 years. Although I haven’t always been consistent, I know I feel my best when I’m training at the BrickHouse. With all the changes as I’ve aged, Mike has worked with me, encouraged me and motivated me to continue with my workouts and not give up. Although the training is in small groups, it feels like personal training because no one does the same workout. He individualizes everyone’s workout to their personal needs and desires. Don’t ask me how he remembers everyone’s specific needs, but he does.
Another aspect of his training is nutrition. He is extremely
knowledgeable and helpful in this area. With podcasts to listen to, food journaling, sending photos of meals and great suggestions and recipes.
Mike is a wonderful young man and I feel fortunate to have stumbled upon him. I never thought I’d be working out with him this long, now I can’t imagine a time not working out with him.
As a sports physical therapist I have had the opportunity to work with many trainers and strength coaches. Tony is by far the most exceptional coach I have had the pleasure to work and train with. He has a gift for programming and an keen eye for movement. He will without a doubt get you to where you want to be. Prior to working with Tony I could only snatch a 20kg and perform a Turkish-get-up with a 32kg while dealing with multiple injuries. After working with Tony I can know perform a 32kg Snatch Test and TGU with 60kg all PAIN FREE. I completely trust Tony with my patients and my own training. I highly Recommend him!
I played sports throughout my life, was a Division 1 collegiate athlete, and continued to exercise after college. I worked out over the years, both on my own and with trainers. About two to three years ago, I had gotten to a point where I was injuring myself consistently and not seeing results. The lack of progress coupled with a demanding and stressful professional life made me think about stepping away from weight training all together. I turned to Alexei to help change the pattern of injuries and he has worked wonders.
Alexei has assisted me with multiple areas to help improve my workouts, including proper form, workout programs, sleep, nutrition, and mobility. We constantly dialogue to figure out to what I am responding best and it has been a positive and dramatic shift. I am now able to workout consistently, feel more confident doing movements, and as a result–have seen drastic shifts with my body composition, joint health, and over well-being.
Alexei is a wonderful trainer, fun to be around, extremely knowledgeable, and down-to-earth.
Alexei is the funniest and most educated trainer that I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He has extensive knowledge of human anatomy and can pick up on subtle abnormalities in movement. He taught me how to increase the accuracy of my deadlifting form and how to create a strong foundation for bodyweight movements, notably the push up and the plank.
I can sometimes be a sensitive crybaby that gets easily upset from minor setbacks so I was irritated with myself when I hurt my lower back from exercising with improper form, but Alexei was very patient and thorough with examining the issue, describing what went wrong, and prescribing exercises to correct the damage. Within a few weeks, I was back fully training again!
He’s a swiss army knife of a trainer; whenever I need a helping hand with leveling up my deadlift PR, increasing the size of my buttocks, strenghtening my noodle arms with pull ups, or ensuring the health and longevity of my flexibility and range of motion through mobility training, he’s my go to trainer I can always count on!
Laurent est un passionné qui prend le temps de transmettre, d’expliquer ses entraînement. Professionnel et technique dans son travail, vous pouvez lui faire confiance.
Coach Alexei is one of the most knowledgeable, passionate fitness professionals available. I’ve been fortunate to train with him in both hard-style kettlebell and mobility. Even when I moved cross-country, I knew I still wanted him to help prep me for my strong first certification in September. He’s not only a brilliant technician, but also one of the kindest human beings I’ve met.
Un apprentissage pas à pas pour finir sur la maitrise complète des mouvements.
Coach très pédagogue pour un outil d’entrainement exceptionnel.
I would highly recommend Dave as a trainer. His depth of experience and ability to adjust his training to injury issues is something I have appreciated. As a result of this approach I have never been injured as a result of training. He also brings a positive experience to the sessions due to his personality and he likes a laugh!
Matt Flaherty is a superb trainer. I have been training with him for over 6 years- and that alone is a testament. He is extremely bright, and knows his stuff – AND is cutting edge- he’s constantly attending conferences/ teaching and staying on top of his field. He completely changed my life. He knows how to motivate and support you at the same time. Because of his excellent kettle- bell instruction, my sciatica is basically gone, and I’m winning on my tennis team for the first time in my life .
Luis has an eye for detail and a deep understanding of the movement/exercises. I think people in every level of fitness from novice to expert can stand to gain knowledge from his training. Not once during training have I ever felt overwhelmed, underworked or bored . Come for the kettlebells and stay for Luis.
Un passionné très pro. De supers conseils pour progresser dans cette discipline.
Training with Luis has been an amazing decision! His program is thorough and highly effective. I saw my body change after 1 month; going to ~2-3 sessions a week. I’ve tried many exercises over the years and kettle bells have brought me the greatest results in the shortest amount of time. The added bonus is Luis! His attention to deal, knowledge, professionalism, and motivating vibes can’t be replaced! If you haven’t tried training with Luis, stop reading and run to one of his sessions:)!!
I could go on and on about what a good instructor Luis is. I’ll try keep it brief.
Not only is Luis the most kind, patient, punctual instructor but he is also extremely technical and constantly bringing new information and concepts to class. The curriculum is constantly improving under Luis.
nuff said – please, for your own good – try out one of Luis’ classes!
Mike helped me to understand that health comes before fitness. He taught me to eat better and listen to my body.
He has a great depth in knowledge and supports his students by providing guidace in skill and methodology.
I wish Mike made a (or many) playlist(s) on Spotify.
When I arrived to Australia I looked for a kettlebell instructor and found Dave. Now I see that my choice could not be better. Dave is a real professional and with his guidance I have passed SFG1 certification in Sydney this May. Our co-operation continues and I hope I achieve a new goal soon. If you are looking for a professional trainer and friend start with Dave.
Thanks Jozef I was able to start with kettlebell training! I saw kettlebells only on the Internet before and was afraid to start with it by myself. Jozef as SFG instructor, my colleague and friend introduced me the kettlebell training, principles, technique and gave me lot of great personal advices during next years.
It’s almost 5 years ago and I’m very glad I asked him for this introduction at that time. This step completely changed my life. 5 years ago I was weak, hypomobile person. Get-up with a shoe seemed to be too difficult for me even though I was attending standard gym for many years before… Now I feel strong like never before and I’m able to to get-up with half bodyweight.
Jozef is really competent and strong trainer who inspires his students. If you have a chance to meet him in his gym, do it – you’ll be stronger!
If you simply want to check the box for a routine work out, maybe you should not waste your time with Yoana. But, if you want to learn how to get healthier, stronger and more powerful, then you must stop what you are doing and call Yoana now. Her training approach is pure StrongFirst. Her style is unique and amazing. Her knowledge and ability to train is world-class.
Who will benefit from her counsel? Competitive athletes, first-responders, novices, busy moms and busy dads, even older people who have worked at a desk for 40 years like me. I just want to avoid injury while moving around with more confidence. The common thread is that her students want to train with a superior strength coach. If you make the commitment to train with Yoana, she will truly care about you as if you were a member of her family.
Come to think of it, even if you only want a routine workout, you should attend one of her classes, and be prepared to have your life transformed. That is never a waste of time.
When I met Yoana I was impressed because I met a very strong woman, not only physically, but also of inner strength and will. The first time I saw her was 5 years ago in a Bodyweight Certification in México City. I had the opportunity to train with her under the command of Karen Smith. Time after, I have the privilege to call her my friend and be her student in several Kettlebell Courses. The way she teaches, explains and transmits her knowledge is admirable because she leaves no doubt about the passion she feels. She leaves the seed of passion, the thirst for success and the will to surpass ourselves in the people who work with her. That’s invaluable!
I have been working with Mira for over three years. She is a tremendous coach who is the perfect blend of pushing you to reach your goals and test your limits while helping you be mindful of your body and staying safe. Mira was instrumental in helping me recover from a back injury, she helped me retrain my body, breaking down the simplest to most complex movements in an easy to understand fashion which allowed me to heal and ensure proper form to avoid injury in the future. Mira did all this while working closely with my physical therapist to create a holistic program that would keep my body safe and me in the gym for years to come. I absolutely adore Mira, she takes what she does seriously and requires that from her clients while being easy to talk to, a tree of knowledge, and fun! If you work with Mira you’ve found yourself a champion, someone who will inspire you, push you to achieve new goals and rally beside you each step of the way. I am lucky to have found her!
Yoana is a great person, with a genuine interest in helping others achieve their goals. Demonstrate that if you can, it is the challenge you have with each of the people who approach you. managing to do it with each one of us.
excellent coach
Yoana is a wonderful trainer, coach, and person! I truly enjoyed working with her, and she taught me so much about Kettlebell training. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to learn about Kettlebells or looking for a coach to help them train more effectively!
I took a class on a whim as he is in the same gym I take Krav Maga at. I’ve been hooked since.
Dave is a great instructor. Knowledgable, patient and the workouts are killer. And probably most important, the classes are fun. I sometimes don’t think of it as a work out and more so going to hang out with friends while throwing some bells around. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my body mechanics since I’ve started, from only doing 2 classes a week as my scheduled permits.
Highly recommend. Check it out.
I can’t say enough about Coach Mira and her skills as a Strength and Conditioning coach. Through the use of kettlebells, she helped me navigate through a horrible hip/back injury. As a Chiropractor and rehab specialist, I have been the worst client at time, not listening and doing my own programming. Coach Mira pulled me back on track, through the injury and kept me strong throughout the process. She inspires me, routes for me, sometimes yells at me (I need it somedays) and always keeps me on the path of continued strength. She is an inspiration as both a woman and a coach. I simply adore this woman.
I met Yoana last march during a Kettlebell Course in Mexico City, that was my real first real encounter with kettlebells . They way Yoana taught the course was so profesional and it was clear, since the beginning, she knew what she was talking about and i knew it was the right place to learn Kettlebell Training. Right after the course i got enrolled in the SFG Certification and Yoana has always been there to give some advice or to share some valuable training tricks and tips with me and and with all the others enrolled for the SFG Cert. She does it because she loves it and she transmits that, she is always willing to help, even if you are not paying her for her advice, that talks about how humble and the kind of person she is. I hope i can get to be as good as she is one day!!!
I first met Yoana in my SFG 1 cert, when she was my team leader. During the cert she improved so much my technique and I’ve learned so much from her that it has changed my life forever. She is responsible for my improvement and she’s keep being my inspiration. Yoana is a Kettlebell and Bodyweight specialist with makes her a role model in the StrongFirst community. From and because of her I learned and adopted StrongFirst as a philosophy of life.
Exceptional trainer, leader and human being. I had a chance to attend SFG I under his and Fabio’s leading and even after few years in SFG gym I still felt like gaining so many new informations. I feel great respect to him and his wife, my current trainer, because no mettre how big is the challenge, they still want to teach you the best, the most efficient way and they are both hell good at it.
I am very happy and feel really blessed that I can have Pavel around.
I feel honored to learn and grow under Pavel. He is great teacher. You can clearly see after few exercises that he knows his stuff. He looks constantly for new ways how to improve his teaching and how it make more effective for his students.
This guy is a machine but it is also a very good instructor who will teach you the kettlebell easily and quickly!
I highly recommend ??
Ce type est une machine mais en plus C’est un très bon instructeur qui vous enseignera la kettlebell facilement et rapidement!
Je recommande vivement ??
Yoana, I have known for 15 years I believe as a person she is extraordinary person knowing the person she is. As a Trainer she is out of this world she talks the talk on Fitness training. I started training with her in 2005 and she introduced me to Kettlebell training and have thoroughly learned so much from her and still do with my training . Her attention to technique and body movement is so keen which is amazing. She is there to help you be the best you can be and be strong bodied for life in general. I appreciate everything she has done for me in my learning of Kettlebell and body movement. Her workshops I have taken are so precise in material and she makes it fun and interesting, I recommend for you to take one to experience her passion and presence of one strong trainer in her field. I’m proud to know her and to have her as a coach to educate me in my personal training and most of all as a long life friend forever. You will not be disappointed when you train with her, you will be hooked as I was. One of the Best trainers I have ever known. Thank you for everything you do and for me always being there when I need help.
Yoana is an outstanding trainer. She puts together workouts that truly enhance your overall fitness. Each class is well planned to run smoothly from the warm up to peak exercise to the cool down. These training sessions improve: strength, endurance, mobility, flexibility, and body structure. The gains made support everything from sports performance to carrying groceries or walking a dog. As a teacher Yoana is vested in her students’ success. She explains and demonstrates everything thoroughly and provides students with valuable feedback. Yoana is a rare find, train with her as often as possible.
From body movement to kettlebell training techniques, Yoana is a stickler for proper form and movement that insures that her clients progress in an even fashion avoiding injury. Being bi-lingual has open her practice up to a worldwide audience as the language of fitness and stength has no international borders????
Yoana is one hell of a coach! I have had the pleasure and honor of being coached by Yoana personally and having her coach our team of In-Home coaches. Her attention to detail and the depth of her knowledge are easy to see after just a few minutes with her. Having a resource like Yoana will unquestionably allow you to reach new levels of strength and knowledge. She is also a blast to be around! I highly recommend Yoana for 1-to-1 (in person and online) as well as group training.
Yoana has been an encouraging and inspiring coach for me the last 4 years I’ve known her. Her knowledge in technique, fitness, the human body and its functionality are just a few of the multiple qualities she has as a strong first coach. She has the gift of knowing how much to push folks in the direction needed to reach their potential and to continue to improve and grow in strength. She used these character strengths she has as a coach, to guide me in the direction of maintaining safe training while pregnant, and thereafter guided and encouraged me to get strong first certified myself.
Since I met Yoana, she has always proved to be a happy person to be able to share her knowledge, teach and train anyone who is willing to dedicate time to its training, want to learn and improve his abilities
A person with a lot of professionalism, athletic abilities and cheerful; with which it provokes to speak, to share opinions, knowledge, training and much more
I apologyse in advance for my grammar, english it is not my mother tongue
Greetings, Valentina
I’ve been training with Dave for the last six years. He has been the ultimate professional in the field of strength and conditioning that I could have ever asked for. I obtained my SFG1 with his help this year and I believe I am a better all round athlete for it. If you are training with a certain goal in mind or just wanting to get into good physical shape, I would seriously recommend Dave.
Extremely knowledgeable instructor. I highly recommend Gus.
Extremely knowledgeable instructor. I highly recommend Matteo
Extremely knowledgeable instructor. I highly recommend Massimo.
Extremely knowledgeable instructor. Worth a trip to Prag!
You can see, that he loves, what he do. True profesional, true teacher. Preaches pu-erh, drinks pu-erh, he can one arm swing his bodyweight and if you allow him to do so, he will teach you everything he knows, because, some people just love to give, what they have.
It has been my pleasure to teach alongside Pavel Macek. A consummate professional while remaining a down-to-earth person, he serves as a role model in our community of someone who walks the walk – 56 kg bent press @ 68 kg bodyweight! And he has a keen eye and mind as a teacher, one whose students make rapid progress and achieve great things.
Pavel is born teacher and mentor. It is great pleasure to learn from him.
DQ is the BEST! Seriously, a phenomenal instructor and all around great guy! He has turned my husband and me into kettlebell junkies! His program is hands down the best around. Contact Dave immediately – you won’t regret it!
I recently started training with Mira and would highly recommend working with her! Her level of expertise and knowledge has helped me gain confidence with form and technique while having fun! Regardless if the classes are small or large, she makes sure to give everyone her full attention in order to make small detailed changes to our form that allow us to get stronger without hurting ourselves along the way. She will also make time outside of class for any questions and clearly cares for all her students. If you get a chance to work with her get ready to be motivated to get strong while having fun in a positive environment!
I thoroughly enjoy my time working with Mira! She inspires, encourages and teaches. I got super lucky to be a part of Mira’s gym and community!
She helps in the most encouragable way to overcome any physical or “mind” obstacles that we, as her students, build around our physical abilities. I appreciate her scientific approach to the body mechanics that allows building fitness and health routines that motivate to gradually and consistently change and grow as an athlete.
She is a dedicated and knowledgeable coach and an all-around great and fun person!
Mira is an incredibly balanced and knowledgeable coach. She has excelled over the years and offers outstanding technical coaching along with awareness of her students needs. Mira has the ability to observe a movement and find the perfect explanation on adjustments that should be made with skillful and clear instructions . Mira’s likeable nature has students embrace her instruction and stay motivated throughout training. Mira operates at a high training intelligence and is capable of training anyone from novice to professional skill level.
Dave’s training sessions are based around technique, weights to push you, motivation to take your training further and focus to deliver those results you’re looking for. Even if you have been training for years you will still pick up new & improved techniques and a more precise way of getting results.
I used to look at people training with kettlebells with fear and trepidation, but Dave’s detailed and thorough approach to learning not just the practice of kettlebells but understanding the precise movement breakdowns helped to remove any fear and see the kettlebell as a powerful tool in (and out) of the gym. Dave’s friendly and meticulous approach to his profession allow him to meet his clients where they are at and then help them get to where they want to be. Training with Dave will make a difference not just in the gym, but in your life.
Rob is one of the most skilled, thoughtful and effective trainers I’ve ever met. He has a deep knowledge of working with the body in multiple ways and customizes and varies our workouts week to week so there is continued growth, flexibility, mobility and strength gains. He is clearly an expert in kettlebell training but offers much in terms of mobility and functional movement. I can’t think of anyone, regardless of fitness level, who could not benefit from Rob’s expertise.
I retired from teaching at 60 years old & decided I needed to begin an exercise program to keep active & keep my bones strong. I joined a friend who was taking kettlebell training with Eileen. I was not confident that I would be able to keep up but soon fell in love with kettlebells & Eileen as an instructor. She helps you start where you can, encourages your every step and gently pushes you to achieve even more. Before you know it, you’re doing things you never imagined you could. I stayed with it for over 2 years and only stopped because I moved. I would
recommend Just Kettlebells to anyone. If I could do it, so can YOU!
Antonin is a great instructor, very helpful with positive attitude and individual approach. Thanks to his support I was able to improve myself and get over few obstacles and keep being motivated. He was able to get me really interested in kettlebells. Thank you, Antonin!
I worked as a fitness coach in Stuttgart for several years. Changing gyms, I met Sven.
Until then, I was familiar with barbell work and kettlebells. But Sven taught me a whole new level of training, incorporating kettlebells into my routines.
Sven is able to work out with any type of clients. Regardless of age or training background / fitness level.
His mindset and how he walks the talk are inspiring!
I would recommend getting coached by him anytime!
Un excellent instructeur ! Je le recommande !
Pavel is a natural borne leader. Strong in many aspects, great personality, he is wise and inspirational. Important to mention that he has build up a great team of instructors at his KB5 school. KB5 has in my opinion one of the most professional instructors I ever experienced. Great job from a true leader!
Tim is a true professional, motivating and encouraging all clients to push themselves and achieve goals. He is a top bloke and a true pleasure to train with. I would highly recommend Tim to anyone looking to loose weight and becom fitter.
Hardstyle and heartstyle 🙂
The tiny instructor that gives us great power… for life!
I have never been so motivated to exercise in my life, but with Tim as my coach I look forward to training and I can see the difference in myself.
He always helps me to push harder without hurting myself without being a drill Sargent. And I am eternally thankful to him for that.
Tim is the best coach every.
Tim is the most encouraging, inspiring and motivated guy I have met. He will give you his absolute ALL each and every training session. Tim believes that everyone is capable of achieving their goals, and will motivate and help you though each step of the way.
I started training with Mira after another coach I had worked with for several years retired. I didn’t think I would find anyone to “fill his shoes” but after my 1st class with Mira, I felt very confident with her coaching and was impressed with her expertise and professionalism.
Regardless of the number of students in a class, Mira provides a lot of personal attention. I appreciate her acceptance of where I’m at in my individual level of training while encouraging me to build my strength. She is very detailed in her coaching, ensuring my form and moves are correct which not only helps to build my strength but keeps me safe from injury in the process. I’ve benefited greatly from Mira’s classes and have a lot of fun in the process!
Tony is a highly skilled trainer and leader that trains other coaches. He is constantly updating his skill level and programming. I have been training with Tony for many years. He has developed my strength, endurance, balance, flexibility and motor skill level to my capacity which I needed for my career as a police officer. He also got me to be a SFG I and doing 40kg Turkish get ups. I have been able to meet new standards in physical abilities in such things as firearms qualifications with more stringent times, defensive tactics skills, properly lifting people and other physical skill based requirements. I have also been able to transfer many of these skills to teaching others in related subjects to my profession. Tony is a great coach that cares about his students and the community.
The incarnation of the quiet professional, Alexey is the right coach for you, if you are serious about strength and movement quality. His coaching eye and attention to detail are second to none.
Just as an example, it took him just five minutes to correct my form and have me achieve a clean one-arm one-leg pushup. I had been working on it for weeks, and he fixed it in 5 minutes. The value of a great coach…
I first went to John over a year and a half ago for help with the Simple & Sinister Proramme. I thought a few sessions and I would happily be on my way, however, I am still regularly seeing John for help with all things strength and mobility related. I find his knowledge invaluable in my journey to become stronger.
Many thanks John for all your help!
If you ever have the opportunity to learn from Pavel, I really recommend it. Pavel Macek is one of the best examples of what a StrongFirst instructor should be. If you are looking for knowledge, strength and skills, you have just found it. The best choice.
My colleague, my teacher, my training partner, my good friend – smart, skillful, strong. Any time I see Alexey, I learn a lot of new stuff – he is an excellent, patient coach, who pays attention to detail; thanks to this vast teaching experience has many great drills and progressions to help you move better and move stronger.
To be a strength coach is not Andzelika’s job – it is her life and passion. If you want to move better, get in shape, move stronger, she will teach you how – and she will be always there for you. Her and her husband’s gym is a role model StrongFirst Gym, an example to follow!
Crazy STRONG guy, excellent teacher with a great taste in music, and my great friend. Learn from Mike, and get strong – get StrongFirst!
I started training with Dave about 6 months ago. He helped me get back into weight training after a lower back injury. Dave is a top guy, he is an excellent trainer and has his clients best interests at (Hart)) couldn’t resist ?
He has taught me how to train with great form, gain amazing strength in a relatively short period of time and I can now use kettlebells knowing I am doing it safely and effectively.
I really look forward to my sessions and would highly recommend Dave to anyone from beginners to more experienced weight trainers.
Years ago when I met Jean-Francois for the first time, I thought: “What a great student – patient, paying attention, humble.” Today I know: “What a great coach!”. Learn from him, and get stronger – get StrongFirst!
Quiet professional, leading by example, great coach and my very good friend. Jozef has all the necessary skills of a good teacher – patience, great technique, and good heart. Make sure to visit his gym and get better, stronger!
True leader of an excellent gym and a great coach, spreading the teaching of StrongFirst in Slovakia.
My colleague and good friend, strong gentleman with an excellent technique, student and teacher of Strength. Make sure to visit his classes in Bratislava, recommended!
A group of us first started seeing Pete four years ago. We’d travel down to Bristol to learn two kettlebell exercises, go back, practice, then keep repeating until we had nailed the many kettlebell and barbell exercises. Over the years we’ve seen many trainers, and Pete is up there with the best. An excellent teacher, who is able to break down movements such as the TGU and teach them simply with out over complication. We continue to travel to see him. He’s also a really nice, amenable guy. Can’t recommend him enough. His teaching and programming is really first rate. He has an excellent understanding of the human body. Would also recommend getting a program off him that you can do at home or in your own gym if you can’t get down to his gym on a regular basis.
Dave is an exceptional trainer! He gets everyone who trains under him and never fails to deliver with progressive programs, thorough guidance and fun with it. Training with Dave has improved my running and pilates teaching – I didn’t expect it & it’s a key part to my overall training now.
The best kettlebell coach I have had. I did a few one on one sessions with Dave probably about a year ago. Fantastic coach, he taught me the fine mechanics of kettlebell lifting so I am able to train myself at home with my own kettlebells. Breaks things down to minute details, and to top it off he’s a very friendly and engaging instructor. I can’t recommend him enough.
I was really grateful to start training with Dave at a point in my life where I felt I needed additional strength, both mentally and physically. Every week I really looked forward to stepping into the space he created for us – an energised and focused space that also embraced a good laugh amidst the concentration on nailing technique, and training hard. I grew to love kettlebell training almost immediately as Dave gave me the tools to feel entirely confident with them, and like I could safely look after my body in the process of pushing my limits. Building on this allowed me to work hard and make changes to my physical (and therefor mental) being really quite quickly, with the joy of attention to detail which made every session hugely valuable. Each session balanced revisiting core exercises and introducing new ones perfectly, keeping me completely engaged. Dave is an empathetic, immensely knowledgeable and humerous guy whose passion for meaningful and conscientious fitness is contagious and I can’t recommend him highly enough.
Training with Mira and watching Mira train over the past couple of years, I’m always impressed with her attention to the details in every movement. I’ve now done hundreds of Turkish get ups, but each tiny movement can still be improved by making sure each rep is done with the intention of making it a perfect rep. This is something I see every time with Mira. Consistency, an eye for details in how we move, and practicing that always. When I feel tired and just want to quickly move through and get a rep done, I refocus and move deliberately. It’s an inspiring model of consistency that Mira displays every day. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to train with her.
True student of Strength and a great coach, teaching regular folks as well as pro fighters, representing StrongFirst with honor!
Nic Waeber est un instructeur en or!
Sympathique et très encourageant !!! Il est passionné et passionnant ! ☺️Je suis tellement contente de l avoir rencontré.
Il y a 4 mois , J’ai pris contact avec lui pour mon entraînement préparatoire du SGF1 et depuis notre rencontre mon évolution et ma technique d entraînement ne font que s améliorer ! Il m avait prédits que je serais capable de pousser très lourd au dessus de ma tête pour la fin d année, pour mes 50 ans ! Je n’y ai pas crû une seconde car cela m était carrément impossible …pas capable! impensable ! Inimaginable !
en un mois , ayant bien noté et bcp travaillé sur ses précieux conseils , je me suis totalement dépassée ! Je validais ce poids si lourd à mes yeux ( 20kg !!)en TGU …dire qu’ en mars j arrivais tout juste avec a soulever 12kg!
Alors Nic, Merci pour tout !
Great Coach, good friend. Very strong person in all possible meanings.
Yoana should be regarded as one of best kettlebell instructors in the world! I had the honor of having her as my Team Leader at my very first kettle bell Certification. Her knowledge and experience makes her the top instructor in the game. If you ever have a chance to train with Yoana, do yourself a favor and do it!
Patient and pationate about technique and its benefits, inspiring and meticulous and fun, focused on results and he didn’t just made me believe i can achieve he teached me that i can and showed me how.
Thank you
Having been generally unfit and overweight for several years i decided it was time to make a change. I started having personal training sessions with Pete approximately five years ago. My strength and fitness has skyrocketed since i started. Pete is extremely knowledgeable and will taylor sessions and programs to suit your individual requirements. I can’t recommend Pete as a personal trainer highly enough.
I am a person who lacks basic movement skills and habits. For the first time in my life someone – Antonín – was able to thoroughly explain every single movement I should be doing and how. Changed my life already. Attentive, knowledgeable, supportive.
I have been involved in sports and working out my entire life, and I have to say Mike has been by far the best all around trainer that I have worked out with.
He is passionate about what he does and unlike many others he believes what he teaches.
Mike puts a lot of time into perfecting his skill set and educating himself to be the best.
Mike has a knack of managing various skill levels all at the same time while making sure everyone gets the most out of every session.
Weather you are a seasoned veteran in physical fitness and nutrition or just a beginner, you will get results with Mike and learn in the process. I highly recommend Mike from Brickhouse stregnth and conditioning to all.
Mike is a dedicated trainer who will do whatever he needs to do to help you reach your any fitness goals you want to accomplish. Mike is well versed in nutrition, mobility, body weight, barbell, kettlebell training and more. I have been working for over 20 years and I have not met a better trainer.
Training with Mike is challenging but fun. I have a love/hate relationship with the programs he designs. He definitely makes me work hard, but it’s all worth it because of the results I am seeing and the strength I am feeling. Mike is a very experienced trainer and I know I’m always in good hands training at The Brick House. He can quickly adjust movements for me depending on how I’m feeling that day to ensure I always get a safe and effective training session in. I would highly recommend training with Mike; you won’t be disappointed!
I started training with Tony several years ago after a LONG absence from strength training, and while dealing with several lingering injuries. Tony has a keen eye for movement and can quickly identify faults in technique, which is key for getting the most benefit out of workouts and avoiding injury/re-injury. He also has a knack for pushing his students just a bit harder than they think they can go. Needless to say, I’m not feeling those lingering injuries too much anymore, and I’m probably stronger than I’ve ever been.
I had the pleasure of assisting Mike deliver the SFG curriculum at the SFG1 kettlebell certification in England. I was blown away by his attention to detail and ability to break down the movements, not only that Mike makes it fun and interesting!
If I lived in California, I know who I would go see to get stronger!
I just now read the paragraphs on Eric’s bio. Wow! Never would have thought such a humble guy is such an accomplished badass!
Eric is a fantastic coach. He is vastly knowledgeable and able to transmit his wealth of mind without condescension, with simplicity, and ease of application. He is very personable. Even though I’ve been using kettlebells for almost six years on my own with help from YouTube, I learned a TON about how to move a kettlebell and a lot about the morphology of my body in just a few sessions with him, things that totally changed how I train kettlebells. Mostly, since I only had time to have a few sessions with him, I learned how much I don’t know which is always THE BEST lesson. Also, his facility is top notch. Highly recommend to anybody even remotely curious about kettlebells. Gift idea: if you love someone who is curious about/needs kettlebells, or exercise in general, gift them a few sessions with Eric.
I have been training with Mike for the last 10 years and have seen him grow in his knowledge and expertise in strength and conditioning , body mechanics, nutrition and kettlebell training. He is able to assess people where they are and train them at their level, gradually increasing their confidence and ability. His small group sessions are like you are getting one on one training because each person is working on different exercises. He fits your work out to you, not you to the group. He has been able to modify my workouts through various surgeries on my feet and knees and I’ve come out stronger and recovered better due to his instruction. A truly exceptional trainer.
It is a great honor for me to be Justyna’s student. She is very nice true lady, awesome teacher, friend and definitely strong skillful wise profesional.
It is a great honor for me to be Pavel’s student. He is true gentleman, awesome teacher, employer, friend and very strong skillful wise profesional. I’m glad to know him and to be part of his team.
I’ve been training with Pete for two years now via a mixture of group, semi private and private training sessions. Pete is an absolute expert trainer. He has such a vast knowledge and experience of training methods, techniques, muscle impacts, I trust his training methods completely. He always delivers a fun session which meets my training goals. He is very careful to understand what my training needs are and to tailor the session accordingly where possible. He is also great at giving nutritional guidance.
Tomorrow is the 2nd year anniversary of having Sven as my trainer. When we started working together in 2016, I had trouble pressing an 8 kg Kettlebell. With a lot of patience and motivational words, Sven changed that!
Because of him I own a small but constantly growing „stable“ of kettlebells now. I follow the workout plan he made for me and I know the absolute great feeling of walking up to a barbell and feeling like a badass.
He taught me how to row, press, swing, clean, snatch and get-up with a kettlebell. He showed me how to deadlift, first with a Kettlebell later with a barbell. We are working on me doing a full chin-up/pull-up and I would really love to be able to deadlift my bodyweight some day. I have no doubt that he’ll get me there.
With him I’ve achieved a lot already:
– Over the last couple of years I lost 30 kilos, for about 17 of them I „blame“ Sven.
– we started doing TGUs with no weight in my hands, last week I did them for the first time with a 16 kilo Kettlebell.
– IIRC my first deadlift was with a small Kettlebell, now there is a 60 kg barbell in front of me.
We can only meet every other week, but I am looking forward to it every time! Training with Sven is fun, exhausting, hilarious, inspiring, motivating and has the best soundtrack of all times (if we have control over the gym’s stereo). Plus he takes my verbal abuse and “mimimi” like a champ. Sorry for that, coach! I hope we will train together for AT LEAST 2 more years… or longer!
I came to Pete a few months ago. As a personal trainer I found it hard to stick to my own training so needed someone to stay accountable to.
Best decision I made. I’ve been consistent with training and have gained a lot of strength, dropped bodyfat% and feel a lot more confident with heavy lifts… all without killing myself!
Sessions are super informative, simple and fun. I have learnt so much from him and would highly recommend. Thanks Pete! 🙂
Amazing Person and Trainer! He knows his craft and knows how to make workout fun and long lasting.
Sven is definitely an amazing motivator and partner if you want to achieve something in your workout routine.
Simply the best there is!
Usually everyone will say that about their personal couch. But Sven just is THE BEST in Stuttgart and Area. Nuff said!
Thank you for pushing me, thank you for the inspiration
Rob is an amazing trainer! His programs are great and he has kept me “on my game” throughout the time I’ve worked with him. Through a few injuries he has easily adapted my programs and made it so I was still able to get in good sessions. He has shown me the importance of mobility training and I believe that’s one of the reasons I feel so good. He has helped me “get after it” while always stressing good form. And above all else he practices what he preaches – and there is no stronger motivator in a trainer than that!!
Pavel is really great teacher and overall wonderful person. He was the one who introduced me to kettlebells and the world of strength years ago and has been my tutor ever since. You will always come out better after a lesson with him even if you have years of training behind you. And he lives what he preaches!
Pavel is great leader, excellent teacher, and true embodiment of the StrongFirst Code.
He probably doesn´t know this himself but I owe him a lot. Without even knowing me, he changed me through his early articles and videos from weak and fat couch potato into strong and competent police officer.
Later on, when cirrcumstances forced me to change my job it was thanks to workshops and courses he taught and organized that I became successful and competent professional in the business of health and strength.
So Pavel, I owe you so much that I will be never able to repay it so this little review is the least I can do for you in return.
Pavel Macek is great instructor and very inspirative peronality.
Leading by example from the front! Justyna’s “ladies only” gym is something truly unique – what a STRONG community.
Patient, hard working, always helpful – great student, great instructor.
Great instructor, colleague, and friend, role model example for all of us SFGs: humble, knowledgeable, skillful and strong.
I have always been struggling to gain weight but ever since I started training with Coach Mark, my body weight improved. Never a dull moment training with him. You’ll be surprised as to what skills you’d be able to unlock after every training.
Great instructor, wise person and awesome friend! Really cares about his students. Strong.
I find myself extremely lucky that I have Justyna as my teacher. She turned me from I-don’t-think-I-can-do-this attitude into a let’s-see-if-I-can-do-more enthusiast. I feel stronger, physically more capable and harder to kill after every training session with her. She is a super strong woman, an amazing human being, and a wonderful coach. She has created an exceptional community of super strong women in her gym, and I am super proud to be a part of it.
I’m an amputee and I worked with Mike to help me improve my core strength and generally help me stay strong and properly aligned. Even with just a short time He significantly improved my technique and over time I’ve been able to consistently stay in good shape and live strong.
Pavel taught me what STRONG really means, and not just physically. He is one of the very few people (well, one of the two people, the second being his wife) I would never question, I can always trust and never feel the need to seek “better” alternatives. I highly admire and respect Pavel, and I am grateful for every single thing (and every person) he brought into my life. Thank you, Pavel!
Martine has an amazing eye for detail. She not only has amazing knowledge of craft, but she is a kick ass person to hang around. What more can you ask for? A great person who is also amazing at what she does. I am honored to call he my friend!
Sara’s passion for StrongFirst is second to none. She is very skilled as an instructor. I don’t know many people who have a squat rack and a bunch of kettlebells in their dinning room, but I know Sara does! She is an amazing person and a terrific mother as well. If you are in NOLA and don’t look her up you are a fool!
Bruno is one of the most passionate people in StrongFirst. He has gone above and beyond to help make StrongFirst Brazil a reality. His knowledge mixed with his awesome personality makes him a double threat. He is someone I try and emulate as a person. I am honored to call him a colleague but more honored to call him a friend!
I just finished my 3rd, 6 week session with Eileen and Just Kettlebells. I have loved it and am looking forward to starting the 4th one soon. Eileen knows her stuff and she has a great place to swing the bell. If you are curious about Kettlebells or have been looking for a way to shake up your workout routine I highly recommend signing up for Eileen’s Beginner 6 week session to get you started. It gives you all the fundamentals and from there you safely build on those fundamentals and you get stronger then you ever thought possible.
I’ve been training with Tony for over three years and I can’t say enough good things about the atmosphere and programming that he has created at Industrial Strength Gym. I came to Industrial Strength very out of shape and nervous to start a new fitness routine, but because of the emphasis on safety and being a good training partner, I quickly felt welcome and excited to work hard. His kettlebell programming has helped me lose and maintain a fifty pound weight loss and also collect a fun set of strength skills. Tony is a top-notch trainer and I highly recommend him and Industrial Strength Gym.
Pavel is an excellent teacher of strength.
I went to see him when I was preparing my SFG certification. His attention to details and guidance put me on the right track.
I had the opportunity to see him in action a few more times at his gym, and he always acted very professionally. Every time, I left with more knowledge.
Highly recommended.
Pavel inspires me from a long time. He is a great teacher and I can highly recommend his gym and him as an instructor. Full professionalism.
As a newbie to kettlebells, I always leave Mira’s classes knowing more than I did before. She has a keen ability for breaking down complicated moves and exercises in a way that makes sense and feels approachable. She’s a total powerhouse and someone I admire!
Intelligent, thoughtful and friendly. Gary is a caring and insightful instructor.
Gary Music is an instructor who truly cares about his students. He will patiently work with you at your own pace to set and attain your personal goals. Him and his wife Reneta are a power couple who take pride in teaching strength without compromising safe body mechanics. Gary taught me how to do my very first strict pull-up. I would recommend his training abilities to anyone who seeks strength.
KB training with Mike is thorough, detailed, and patient. The accompanying documentation was unexpectedly comprehensive. Your swings will be spot on and your posture perfect after participating in Mike’s training.
Great trainer and person. Mike works with clients of all ages. I have been training with Mike for almost 10 years and I would recommend Mike as a trainer for anyone. Very professional and knowledgeable in his field.
Mira is a wonderful teacher, and has been instrumental in my growth as a student. I had never touched a kettlebell before I walked into Mira’s gym and started training, and I know that her coaching in particular has been a big reason for my progression to more difficult techniques and weights. She has a unique ability to break down movements and exercises, and to explain them in ways that really “click”. Movements that first felt entirely foreign soon became comfortable, and soon, I became more confident in my ability to accomplish them. Her classes and comments are always insightful and encouraging, and I’m not sure I would have stuck with my new workout regimen if it weren’t for her tutelage. Thanks Mira!
Pavel is an inspiration to all StrongFirst instructors. His posts and videos are very helpful and inspire us to improve our techniques. He is always working for making the StrongFirst community stronger that’s why he’s a role model in our community.
Awesome guy, strong and knows his stuff. Was my group leader at an SFG, patient, but strict and got the best out of you. Also, not a guy to mess with in the mosh pit….
Jimmy is the real deal! I have had the honor of hanging out with him at StrongFirst events and every time I leave smarter and also with side cramps. Jimmy will drop some knowledge bombs while making you enjoy every minute of it. If you ever have a chance to listen to him at a conference/ weekend workshop – GO!
Pavel is the definition of Strength. He lives and breathes it. I have been fortunate to have a few conversations with Pavel and every time I leave stronger. He is a true professional and gentleman. He IS StrongFirst!
I’ve been taking (and loving) MIra Kwon’s kettle bell classes at Industrial Strength Gym for a few months now. The level of specific and consistent technical instruction directed at improving my technique has benefited me enormously!
What I’ve also come to appreciate from Mira’s keen attention to technique are the nuanced and detailed prompts for correction during the arc of a movement. They’re seemingly small but very impactful observations that leave a lasting effect and have been instrumental in helping me get the absolute most from that particular movement. She knows when to push for more and when one should lessen the weight for the sake of proper technique. Mira is one of those rare instructors that sincerely cares about her students….. I so look forward to her classes!!
Mira is amazing (and I’m not exaggerating )! I brag about her all the time to anyone who will listen. She is everything you could want in a trainer. She has a deep knowledge and commitment to building strong, proper movement with her clients. I’ve significantly increased my strength and mobility as a result of working with her. She’s a master motivator! I often hear her cheering/pushing me on even when I’m working on my own. And she doesn’t stop the motivation or commitment to your strength at the end of your session. Mira has supported me as a whole human through injuries and health issues. She’ll recommend physicians, acupuncturists, podcasts, and supplements. She’s freaking sent me flowers when I had a whole month where I was out sick – what?!? She’ll work with you no matter where you are or what your goals are (and trust me you’ll hit those goals). She’ll challenge you to be so much better, stronger, and even happier. She’s patient, dedicated, and passionately committed to every client. She’s an exceptional person and a truly outstanding trainer.
As a physical therapist, strength training is very important beyond a patient’s rehabilitation. Tony and the staff at Industrial Strength Gym have the highest qualified trainer’s in the area. Tony is a high level instructor with a great eye for movement and the right cues to make you strong and keep you safe. You cannot get a higher caliber of trainer, who is also a trainer’s trainer. As a clinician, Tony is my go to movement professional to continue with my patients care and beyond!
Al’s expertise and knowledge are second to none. I’ve been working with Al for some time now and he has opened my eyes to new ways to train that are purely productive. I have completed several of Al’s protocols and come out stronger both physically and mentally each and every time. Al is always available for guidance and motivation. Being in the tactical field Al’s training methods have kept me strong and injury free allowing me to perform day in and day out.
Pavel is for a long time now one of my model in the SF community. I admire him for his teaching manner and his impressive strengh/height ratio! He is like an ant! Not really tall but a million times stronger than that!
When I first started working with Tony, I could barely snatch the 12kg or complete a Turkish Get Up with a 16kg. Really…both were a struggle. Tony puts a TON of work into his programming and helping athletes reach their goals. After working with Tony for the past 2 years, I can now complete a snatch test with a 24kg and a Turkish Get Up with a 40kg. I can’t thank him enough. Truly an amazing person and coach.
I’ve been around the iron game a bit. Once you get to a certain point gains come tough. You can take several paths at this point. Beat yourself up thinking only more hard work will get you over the hump. You can take the easy way out and use unnatural substances. Or, you can hire Al.
Al’s methods will appear different because they are. He will help you find just the right amount of work and rest you need to reach your potential. Doesn’t matter really what goals you have in mind. Become stronger, reduce body fat percentage, increase endurance, or just general health and wellness to help you lead the life you want. Al has a system that will allow you to reach your goals. Just add your hard work in just the right amount. The surprising thing is you will find yourself with more time on your hands because you aren’t spending hours in the gym. Who couldn’t use more time in todays world?
I participated in a couple of Al’s experimental training protocols about two and half years ago, and to say that I was impressed with the results is an understatement. I’ve since used his methods to train for everything from a half-marathon OCR, to military service, to fatherhood, and have seen excellent results in regard to both strength, endurance, and what I would consider durability. It seems like it wasn’t so long ago that I couldn’t snatch 32kg at all, but I am currently using 32K snatches as the workhorse for my training (for reference, I’m 5’10″&160 lbs). His methods will work as long as you do, and his approach to training and life is such that putting in the work is often pleasant.
Between the protocols, emails, and forum posts, it’s safe to say that I’ve learned quite a bit from Al. That being said, I am even more impressed by Al’s “white belt” mentality. He operates under the assumption that he always has more to learn, and if I had to guess, I would say it’s that humility that’s allowed him to acquire the extensive base of knowledge that he has.
Andrei trained me for a few months with gradual but challenging workouts. A highly competent and professional trainer in kettlebells, sessions were well thought out and increased in technical difficulty through the weeks. Andrei is really knowledgable and challenges himself to always improve which benefits his students. The training sessions I had with Andrei form the basis of my kettlebell workouts 4 years on.
I started to work with Al 6 months ago. I’m 55 years old and am stronger now than at any point in my life and I have Al Ciampa to thank for that! The program is relatively simple, however, it is also highly effective! I am now snatching with the 36kg KB , single hand swings with the 40kg and the 48kg for 2 handed swings now feels pretty light…I am doing sets in the range of 30-40 and reps of 1-5 often just on the minute, pulse is recovering very quickly between sets and I attribute that to the incredible conditioning from these sessions as well as the low level aerobic work that I do daily (swim, bike, rowing, running and Rucking)..As an older guy I am not interested in what a 20 something trainer has to say as they will probably (definitely) change their outlook on training numerous times before they reach my age ! I wanted someone I could genuinely respect to help me with a plan and Al is that man, I only wish I had met him years ago!
Al took me from out of shape middle aged guy to being in triathlon (long course) shape! Along the way he taught me how to design my own training, how to shift focus based on what’s lacking and where I was in the season, together with a lot of general philosophy on training and life!
Al’s no-nonsense style is refreshing in a world where people try to impress trainees by confusing them. He adapts to what you need at each point along the route to your goal, from very detailed custom “do this” programs to taking on a mentor role and helping you find your own way, all while being genuinely interested in what you have to say! He’s patient when you need someone to listen, and pushes you at the right moment.
Although my goals were clear and specific I learned a lot around how to train for different goals, and a whole bag of strategies and how to use them (like kettlebells, there is a clear WTH effect to Al’s teaching, goals change and you keep finding back something in Al’s teachings that will get you there again!)
In short, if you need a coach, teacher, mentor, and someone to kick your ass when you need it, go with Al!
Two years of Kettlebell training has flown by with Eileen Backman as my instructor. I love her technical expertise, strength, and encouraging spirit. She allows you to start where you are in your fitness journey and guides you to improved strength and mobility. By changing the class cycle every 6 weeks, you never get bored with the training and you are always amazed at the progress you’ve made in just 6 weeks. I am thankful that I signed up for a Functional Movement Screening and took the beginner class with Eileen. Now, I make sure I sign up for every session, so I don’t lose my spot!
Eileen is indeed passionate about kettlebell training and supporting her students’ health and strength through achieving their personal goals. She is masterful in designing workout routines that build strength and good form. And she knows each individual students’ abilities , offering modifications to prevent injury and gradually build skill. The classes are fun and the supportive atmosphere is contagious. At 71, after just a few years of working with Eileen, I feel stronger than ever, and am executing moves I never imagined I could do. She’s just the best! And kettlebells are so much fun!
Al has a knack for leading horses to water while making the horse think it was his own genius idea. He is a gifted mentor with expertise in fitness, nutrition, stress management, and behavior. As expected, his focus on health, fitness, and stress management got me in the best shape of my life. What I did not expect was the knock-on effect of giving me the confidence to go after bigger challenges outside of the gym.
Al knows all the pieces of the puzzle, and which pieces to focus on first. You will never attain maximum performance if any aspect of your health is lagging. His innovative use of the question & answer method teases out details you would not of found on your own.
I was impressed by the beautiful simplicity of Al’s training methods. Do not make the mistake of thinking that makes them ineffective; they hit like a sledgehammer to the chest! Al’s training is old school cool: practice a few effective moves (a lot) and repeat until strong.
His stress management and mindset tools are life changing. They will improve your training. However, you maybe surprised at how much they improve your life.
Hiring Al is the best money I have ever spent.
Knowledgeable in his field and constantly motivates us to achieve more
Im currently working with John to prep for my StrongFirst level 1 cert. The amount of knowledge John has is incredible. I would have comsidered myself fairly good when it comes to using kettlebells but what ive learnt with john so far has really been amazing….
John has taken me right back to the basics and shown me that you need to master the basics first above all.
What a COACH ??
His hunger for knowledge and compassion for students stand out. Definitely someone worth learning from and he’s got a heart of gold
I have trained and worked with John over the last year and a half and can safely say this guy knows his stuff when it comes to Kettlebells and Barbell work
If you are looking for some flashy, faddy method or secret I’m sad to say John won’t provide it
But if you want to learn how to work and develop some serious strength and conditioning or just drop some of that extra body fat and move and feel better then John can provide you with the theory and more importantly the practical knowledge to get you were you need and want to be
Shane Lunney PT
My mentor since 2014. He’s like the kung fu master on top of the mountain and I’m the apprentice who needs to go on a journey once in a while just to train with him personally. He’s a very big influence in my coaching ang training style. Very sesnible and practical. I hope to be a part of strong first and he always pushes me to be better. Good coach and an even better friend.
10+ years of hip and back pain from numerous falls from horses and training martial arts, Christian has been a God send! Retraining movement patterns and building the right muscles, has meant daily tasks are pain free and horse riding and martial arts are soon-to-be enjoyable again. He goes above and beyond for all his clients and his continuous want for learning means we get the best advice and care available.
The best! ??
The knowledge and support I have received from Karen has been exceptional. With her expertise I have grown in my understanding of how my body responds to strength training and body weight stabilization. She is a amazing teacher but keeps her mind as a student always learning to help others. I would highly recommend Karen.
He’s been my mentor and coach way back since 2012 up to now… Guided me through on how to get myself in the health and fitness industry by having the right foundation of knowledge, strength and integrity. Will always consider this man a big brother in strength.
“Never forget the people who believed in you when your potential was still in seed form”
Mark is an awesome coach apart from being a good soul and overall well informed trainer. Has helped me with prep many times. I strongly recommend him. Yusuf Khan. SFG 2.
Awesome coach! Makes sure that everyone can do the training properly. Even after class, you can ask him for advice and will proudly teach you the best that he can. And he will be thankful that you ask.
My love for kettlebells started when my sister and I randomly signed up for the Hardstyle Kettlebell Workshop with Coach Mark together with his fellow StrongFirst Kettlebell Instructors. I was fascinated with their display of strength and power that I, a certified couch potato, mindlessly signed up to train under Coach Mark’s wing.
Before, I could hardly swing a 10kg kettlebell but now, I’ve already managed to press double 10kg kettlebells effortlessly. Days, weeks, and months of training passed by yet here I am still eager to learn! What used to be scary and heavy blobs of iron are now my training constants.
What I love about training with Coach Mark is how I managed to discover and develop my inner strength at my very own pace. For a lethargic lady that I am, being able to lift heavy objects was extremely satisfying and empowering.
I always look forward to our training sessions because it is yet another opportunity for learning but as Coach Mark always say, slowly but surely.
Born for his found passion! He makes kettlebell work out equally challenging & enjoyable!
He is so strong and a very good coach
I’ve learned under Piers for about four years now and everytime we get to interact hands-on, his teaching style never fails to amaze me.. definitely top notch