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took my personal training staff from The University
of Iowa to Vinton, Iowa in order to get a few
basics of KB training and learn KB technique
from Mark. Not only does his passion for fitness
and KB training shine, he was an excellent instructor,
knowledgeable trainer, caring professional,
and overall, a smart, dedicated, real individual.
I would, without a doubt, visit his facility
again and ask Mark to help educate future professionals
in an instant. He is a very personable and educated
KB leader. Just visiting his facility and being
around his spirit of KB training makes one want
to adopt a healthier lifestyle and explore the
greatness he shares of KB training. Mark's leadership
makes me wish I lived closer to Vinton, Iowa
so that I could train with him on a weekly basis.
Angela Charsha
Iowa City, Iowa USA
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| At
the most recent RKC weekend in St. Paul April
2008, I had the good fortune to meet Mark and
was even more fortunate to have him assigned
to my team as one of my Assistant Instructors.
Our task that weekend was to teach, perfect,
and evaluate a group of students who were attending
the course to certify as RKC instructors. The
first thing I noticed about Mark was his precision
when he was demonstrating kettlebell techniques.
He has excellent form. He has the ability to
transfer his knowledge (as I watched him with
the students). He offered good insight, a thorough
knowledge of the RKC system, and confidence
in his teaching. He is extremely personable
and friendly. What I saw and experienced of
Mark, through discussion, observing his demonstrations,
his evaluations of our students, and his ability
to teach left me fully confident to recommend
Mark at the top of my list! I know I will see
Mark again at future RKC events and look forward
to friendship with this quality individual.
Thanks for your assistance, Mark. It was my
pleasure!
Zar Horton
RKC Team Leader - FireBellz KB Studio
Albuquerque, NM USA
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| "I
have known Mark for almost 9 years. Mark approached
me a year ago to learn about kettlebells and
was asking questions about starting his own
training business. His sponge-like attitude
towards learning along with doing what he says
and living what he teaches is what sets him
apart in the personal training field. Mark's
attention to detail is second to none. I recommend
Mark without hesitation. The best you could
do for yourself and your health is to sign-up
for any class he has to offer!"
Brad Nelson
Owner of Kinetic Edge Performance
B.S. CSCS RKC Team Leader Z Level III
Woodbury, MN
www.kineticedgeperformance.com
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"I
really liked all of the exercises and
lifts that Mark showed our team. The circuit
training he put us through is going to
pay huge dividends for our endurance strength.
These workouts will help to improve our
explosiveness in our hips and legs, which
is vital for our sport. Core strength
is the key to power and staying injury
free, especially in wrestling, as someone
is physically trying to tear you down.
Thanks Mark, for sharing your knowledge
with us."
Eric Keller
Associate Head Wrestling Coach
Wartburg College
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"First
of all I have to Congratulate Mark
on passing the RKC Certification with
flying colors. I had the privilege
of instructing Mark at the June RKC
in 2007 and I must say that among
my entire group Mark stood out as
one of the top overall students in
terms of technique, ability to learn
and take instruction as well as his
ability to communicate his message
to others. Mark is a genuine, honest
and personable trainer that cares
about people. Mark has my highest
recommendation and anyone who works
with him should count themselves extremely
fortunate."
Franz Snideman
RKC Team Leader, CHEK, NMT
La Jolla, CA
www.revolutionlajolla.com |
"As
a former world-ranked swimmer and Division
I head swim coach I thought I had seen all
the possible strength training possibilities
out there. It seems crazy to me that I discovered
Kettlebells at age 36, after having 3 children,
living in small town Vinton, Iowa! At a
time in my life when I really wanted to
get in shape fast I couldn't be more pleased
with the results of training with Kettlebells.
I am now seeing muscle definition in places
I haven't seen since my collegiate swimming
days. In addition I have lived with chronic
back pain due to a fairly severe curve in
my spine (likely why I selected swimming
as my sport). After routinely doing Kettlebell
training for a month I have seen a HUGE
improvement in this area. I believe it has
helped balance out the muscles in my back
and gotten them stronger and therefore relieving
much back pain and discomfort.
Thanks Mark to introducing me to this type
of training... I'm sold!"
Garland O'Keeffe Wilson
Former University of Iowa Head Women's Swim
Coach
Indiana University collegiate swimmer /
record holder
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My wife and I have known Mark
for several years, and were
excited to give Kettlebells
a try when we heard that Mark
had become an instructor.
We have been through 2 workouts
now with Mark, and what great
workouts they were! I am amazed
at the quality of workout
that can be achieved in just
30-45 minutes. Mark really
takes the time to thoroughly
explain all maneuvers, and
is patient with us when our
technique needs correction.
Through his solid instruction,
he has motivated me to continue
kettlebell workouts on my
own and I am excited about
the results that I will achieve.
You heard it here - quickly
grab a spot in one of Mark's
kettlebell classes before
they are gone!
Darin
Stewartville, MN
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Mark
is an excellent kettlebell instructor.
He knows how to help each person
focus on their individual goals
while working with a group.
The kettlebell workouts are
great for everybody no matter
what age. Whether you want to
just get in better shape, slim
off the extra pounds, or gain
strength and muscle mass, Mark
has what you need to achieve
your goals. His workouts increased
my strength and power. It also
improved my endurance as the
kettlebell workouts are very
good cardiovascular exercises.
Mark also knows how to push
each person in the way they
need it which has helped with
the mental toughness that is
needed to compete at a high
level.
Ryan Hill
3 x State High School Qualifier
2 x State High School Place
Winner
125lb. Wartburg College Wrestler |
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I
have been an avid runner for many
years. Realizing the benefits of
strength training I have started
numerous weight lifting programs.
I was never successful due to lack
of guidance and just plain boredom.
I started Kettlebells with Mark
three months ago. The strength and
cardio workout I achieve from each
session is awesome. Mark is a positive
and motivational instructor. He
does a great job of varying the
exercises to make each workout different.
I now look forward to strength training
thanks to Mark!
Patty Peterson
Teacher
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Before
having surgery almost 3 years
ago, I was somewhat in shape.
I worked out and could run
almost 2 miles a day. After
having to take off more than
8 weeks I found myself unable
to get back into a routine
and definitely unable to run
2 miles. As a result I gained
more than 35lbs. My husband
started Kettlebells before
me and loved it. I saw how
he was losing inches and feeling
better about himself. So,
I started! Even though it
was slow going, hard for me
to get out of bed so early
in the morning and only making
it 2 days a week. I am happy
to say that since August of
2007 I have lost 14lbs, 23inches;
going now 3 days a week and
I just ran my first mile in
almost 3 years. The best feeling
however, was watching a movie
one night and noticing that
I had muscle definition in
my arms!
Carrie Powers
Professional Photographer
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I
have been enjoying my Kettlebell experience
with Mark. Mark is a good instructor. He
is motivating but also pushes you in a kind
way. I look forward to continuing on this
journey to become more physically fit with
Mark's help. I like doing these workouts
so much I am going to get up at 5:00 A.M.
to do it. Mark is very accommodating and
wants to help us all achieve.
Jessica Druschel
School Counselor |
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I
have been training three days a week with kettlebells
for about five weeks. I was a little skeptical
before the intro class as to whether or not
KB’s were for me. I enjoy high cardio
so I wasn’t sure this would be of any
benefit to me. WOW!!! I workout every day of
the week but this is a whole different level.
I have limited time in the mornings that is
another reason I like KB’s because it
combines strength training and cardio. I have
already started to notice an increase in my
endurance when I run. I am definitely getting
stronger too. Mark is a very motivational Instructor.
I respect him because he takes KB’s very
seriously. You can tell he cares about helping
people achieve there goals to be more fit and
healthy. His classes are a lot of Fun. But make
sure you come prepared to work hard. Thanks
Mark!
Kim
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Mark
and I have been friends for a long time. We
use to lift free weights together and hung out
a lot. I have always looked up to him as an
athlete and his physical ability. I was interested
in Kettlebells as soon as Mark emailed me a
little video and said he was headed to MN to
get RKC certified. Mark invited me to the Intro
and have gone ever since. That was almost six
months ago. This marks the longest I have ever
stuck with an exercise program. This says a
lot. LOL You just can't beat getting such an
intense workout in less then an hour. It is
so much easier to fit into the schedule being
forty-five minutes and Mark's availability of
different time slots to fit me in. He literally
bends over backwards for everyone wanting to
experience the KB's. Besides muscles taking
on a different appearance on my body the biggest
and most beneficial change I have noticed is...
I use to get out of bed in the mornings and
literally hobble down the stairs sideways with
both hands on the railing. Till I was loosened
up for the day. My wife would tell me you look
like you are eighty. My response was I feel
like it. I blamed it on previous injuries both
broken feet and being thirty something. LOL
Since KB's I literally can jump from bed hit
the alarm clock and run down the stairs. It
is amazing how much better I feel physically
and mentally. If you are on the fence about
trying KB's, do it once and you will be hooked.
Thanks Mark! I do ENJOY THE PAIN!
Shane Powers
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"In
May of 2006 my neighbor talked me into running
three mornings a week to avoid wasting time
sleeping in. The timing was very good as
my cholesterol was too high, which combined
with a family history of heart problems,
motivated me to exercise. With the regular
running, I was able to eliminate the cholesterol
medication within a few months.
The routine runs not only addressed my health
issues, but also motivated me to want to
exercise more. I began lifting weights again,
but struggled to stay committed. As a former
wrestler, I've tried to maintain some level
of fitness over the years. Lifting weights
seemed to be the logical method of achievement.
However, as in recent years, motivation
and commitment were lacking.
When Mark first mentioned Kettlebell training
earlier this year, he instantly had my interest.
I'd heard of Kettlebells, but that was about
the extent of my knowledge on the exercise/sport.
However, after the Saturday, June 30th early
morning workout, I was hooked. When asked
about the workouts, or beatdowns, as there
commonly referred to, I struggle to explain
it. It's difficult to put into words how
intense of a muscular and cardiovascular
workout you receive in a relatively short
workout.
Mark is very detailed with his instruction,
taking the time to not only demonstrate
the proper technique of the exercise, but
also to insure our safety with the appropriate
amount of weight. The circuit/station training
is different at each workout session, keeping
my interest and motivation. I've been in
Kettelbell training for three months and
have yet to go through the same routine
twice. My body aches after each workout,
not a painful ache, but rather a feel good
pain that motivates me to come back for
more.
At 42 years young, my body is in as good
of physical condition as it was in my early
twenties. Thanks to Mark and the Kettlebell
Advantage."
Barry Shaw
Customer Service Manager |
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I'm
20 years old and I've been a CNA (certified
nurse assistant) for a couple of years now.
I had already started to develop a tight
and sore lower back from all the work and
moving we do in a bent over position. After
doing kettlebells for only a week I could
really notice that my lower back wasn't
near as sore. I love kettlebells, they are
so much fun, and I plan on doing them for
a long time to come.
Brent Flickinger |
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I
just wanted to share with you a personal
experience that makes me glad I decided
to try Kettlebell workouts.
Virtually
my whole life I had been blessed by having
blood pressure readings 120 over 80. The
last 2-3 years I would randomly sit down
at the machines in Target and Walmart
(granted not the most accurate devices)
and check my blood pressure. My readings
I found were escalating – approx.
3 months ago when I did this my readings
were 146 over 95. This “problem”
has been in the back of my mind for the
last 2-3 years since I started seeing
numbers that were out of line. I did not
want to go to the doctor as I did not
want to face the music. I started taking
herbal blood pressure pills – no
help. I tried to vary my diet –
no help. I all but quit drinking alcohol
– no help. I do have a family history
on my mothers’ side of high blood
pressure and sometimes premature death.
I have been very concerned about these
facts. |
The
last 1-2 years I have noticed occasionally that
my stability of my legs were sub-par. I would
occasionally find myself losing my balance.
This has been in the back of my mind as my father
and my daughter both have multiple sclerosis
– of which the disease tends to affect
the legs the most. I know I could acquire the
disease and it scares me to death.
Yesterday I had to have a physical exam in lieu
of a colonoscopy I am having done next week.
No problems thank God – just that time
to do since I turn 50 next year. One of the
first things the nurse did was to check my blood
pressure – I was scared – here we
go – it will now be on my medical record
and I was sure that I would be receiving counseling
regarding my problem. The nurse upon completion
undid the band around my arm, looked at me and
said oh my – my heart went immediately
into my throat. But to my surprise when I sheepishly
asked her is there a problem? – she responded
no, but she did ask me a question – do
you work out & if so have you for quite
some time. She informed me that my blood pressure
was 106 over 62 – she says they don’t
usually see numbers like that except for long
term athletes. I damned near jumped up and kissed
her.
When I left the clinic yesterday I was on cloud
9 – I started analyzing my activities
recently to try to understand what could I have
happened to make this difference. I also got
to thinking that in the last month I have not
felt any weakness or loss of balance in my legs.
The only “variable” I can acknowledge
is the Kettlebell workouts. The last week or
so I have felt “solid” for the first
time in years. Outside of wanting to have a
good physique, stay young looking, etc. –
there may be much more to this workout than
just looking good. If doing this workout helps
to keep me off meds or slows the onset of other
illness I am very grateful and I want to thank
you for opening the door!
John Yundt
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Life
Changing!!! Literally!!!
I tell you what, I have never found a more
effective and fun workout than I have with
kettlebells. I was using free weights before
I started Mark's classes and I got really
bored with doing the same thing day in and
day out. I needed something new, something
that wasn't so monotonous in my everyday
life. Since I have started kettlebells with
Mark, I have found myself making a complete
lifestyle change. I have changed my eating
habits, I workout 6 days a week, and I'm
planning on getting RKC certified in the
future. You couldn't ask for a better instructor
than Mark. He is extremely motivational
and a lot of fun to be around. If you're
thinking about using kettlebells, and live
in the area, I strongly advise you to give
it a shot. You won't regret it.
Travis Hendricks
Garrison IA / New York, New York USA |
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