Philadelphia Kettlebell Training and Certification

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Portland, Oregon

August 28th, 2010

Edmond, Oklahoma

October 2nd & 3rd, 2010

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 16th & 17th, 2010
"About three years ago you published an article in Hard Style about a muscular-endurance circuit using KBs. I didn't know who you were at that time, but it looked interesting, so I tried it. Even though I was not prepared for this type of work, I scaled it back and managed to get through three rounds. I did this twice a week for about four weeks, and was making tremendous progress. I then decided that KBs were indeed the one true way, and ordered a full set.

The next week I fractured my collarbone and two ribs in a mountain biking crash. After a long recovery, and then doing too much, too soon, I turned to an online KB coach. It was an O.K. experience that lasted six months. I then began Pavel's ETK program and made good progress -- on those specific lifts. But nothing else really changed and I soon realized that ETK and kettlebells-only work might not be the best all-around program for me.

I then remembered your Hard Style workout (I saved the issue) and despite my misgivings about online coaching, I decided to turn to you. It was a great decision!

So, back to the new workout that you sent, which contains at least two of the five exercises in that Hard Style article: double snatches and double thrusters. The difference now, though, is that you've had me build a foundation that will allow me to support that work. This is really getting good..."
– John B.
"It's always exciting to begin a new program, and this week's workouts did not disappoint. As you can read in my notes, I had varying degrees of success with the workouts.

As an aside, I'd also like to mention how extremely pleased I am with your coaching. Your unrelenting focus on my weakest links shows me the true value of having a coach, of having an experienced guide leading me each step of the way. I'm only now beginning to understand that it really is 'how you put it together.'"
– John
"...I am the lightest I've been since who knows when--about 158#...I started your program at 164, I have gotten leaner since I began the...diet with your instructions about 3 weeks ago.Waist is now about 33"...I definitely lost fat and look trimmer...I am pleased w/ my progress thanks to your great advice and programs.

As always,looking forward to your suggestions and comments. I have trained w/ several coaches in the past including a former strength coach of a pro football team- while a few were excellent, I've had the best results under your guidance-thanks for all your help."
– Steve
Jane Easly, teamsurly.com
"I have been training in the martial arts for over 10 years, but it wasn't until I began competing in Jiu-Jitsu that I realized I needed some help. Despite having accomplished coaches, and despite being well versed in the subject myself (with a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology and as a CSCS & AKC Certified Kettlebell Coach) my training had hit a plateau.

I was losing matches solely due to conditioning and that was extremely discouraging. I decided to contact Steve based on his experience working with grapplers and being a championship grappler himself. He was able to quickly evaluate my current training program and make immediate changes.

I was vastly overtraining and was suffering from the accompanying fatigue and stagnation. He worked with me to totally revamp and hone my program, focusing on my weaknesses and goals & employing methods familiar and available to me (kettlebells, bodyweight exercises).

The results came quickly and are still coming!

Within the first 3 weeks I had my first grappling medals. I finish fights now, as I am able to concentrate on technique and not the fatigue. Steve has designed such an efficient and extremely specific program that it allows me to fully recover for classes and tournaments, while still creating enormous gains in my levels of strength and stamina.

Additionally, I have been so impressed with his patience and ability to motivate and encourage me towards my goals (even while cutting weight) that I plan on keeping him around as long as he'll have me!
– Jane Easly, www.teamsurly.com
M LeBlanc
Age 43
6 month program

Before After
 
David M.
Before After
Dr F.
Age 50
3 month program

Before After
"If you want to learn some really incredible techniques, get Steve Maxwells DVD's. They are EXCELLENT! I always say the proof is in the pudding, Steve is in phenomenal shape and healthy and his DVD's can help you get the same great results."
– Jon Hinds
Founder / Owner of Monkey Bar Gymnasium, www.monkeybargym.com

"Steve Maxwell is a real renaissance man when it comes to health and fitness. He understands the importance of proper training, nutrition, and mobility extremely well. Steve is someone that I go to with confidence whenever I need some insight on training. More importantly Steve knows how to teach the general population effectively and is one of the most experienced trainers around. I highly recommend his certifications, online training services, and workshops."
– Mike Mahler, author of The Aggressive Strength Solution for Size and Strength
"Steve Maxwell is the most creative strength coach I have ever been exposed to. He draws on years of experience through sports and 1000s of logged hours with clients to bring you the most effective training methods available. Steve has an eclecticyet simpledesign of combining simple drills into sadistic circuits and complexes. When you have any chance to get in front of Steve through private sessions and/or his workshops, do youself a favor and enroll immediately."
– Brad Nelson
Performance Specialist, Director of Kinetic Edge Performance

"I'm 39 y.o. woman from Moscow, Russia; been in US for 15 years. In Moscow I was a professional athlete, equestrian (dressage), and always led an active lifestyle. Since I came to US in 1991 I was working as a dressage trainer/insructor, and in 1996 added massage therapy to my business. I did yoga, worked out in the gym, ran, walked and took martial arts.
I met Pavel in 1998 and took some personal training sessions with him, but moved from MN to PA in 1999 and lost contact with him. My friend told me about Steve Maxwellin 2001, and I started working out with him in a class 2-3 times a week, which consisted of joint mobility and kettlebells. I felt intensity and effectiveness almost immediately, but after 2 years of taking his class I considered being in the best shape of my life. My riding improved, my overall energy got increased, I was always asked by my massage clients about the secret ofmy good shape - which I gladly shared.
Year and a half ago I became pregnant and my fitness level went under test. I credit joint mobility and kettlebell training with incredible benefits to my health. I did not experience back ache, stayed in shape during all stages of pregnancy and kept working; had natural delivery and a healthy daughter, and less in two months was back to my pre-pregnancy weight and tone. I had to adjust weight of kettlebells and change my routine, and instead of taking class I took private sessions with Steve and worked out at home. His video of joint mobility helped me to streamline my routine.
Steve has unsurpassed level of motivation skills, creativity and energy, and a keen eye for any individual problem. Here are pictures of me doing KB's 3 years ago, picture of me with my 3-weeks-old daughter and just recent ones (she is 7 months old now).
– Maria Morgounova
A little bit to add: My mother is 67 y.o, stayng with me and helping me with the baby. In 7 months she lost near 35 pounds,doing mostly joint mobility, walking in the park and light (8kg) KB's. She looks and feels great!
"Steve is a fantastic coach and person. I went to Steve for consultations to prepare my strength and conditioning for the 2006 Arnolds/Gracie Worlds and other BJJ, NO-GI, and MMA tournaments. The result was a gold and silver medal, a title belt and fantastic performances in my 2006 competition year. Steve really understands the needs of combat athletes as well as other applications and can be effective with any available modality, whether it be the use of kettlebells, clubbells, weight plates, rings, or bodyweight. Steve is the only one I trust to get me in the best shape I can be for competition or for whatever life throws at me."
– Ben Eaton
2006 Gracie Worlds purple belt medium heavysilver medal
2006 Gracie Worlds NO-GI medium heavy gold medal
2006 Ultimate Throwdown middleweight MMA tournament champion
2006 Saulo Ribeiro Association bronze medal

"Steve – it is my pleasure to do this for you. Please feel free to add / subtract or modify anything said below. This testimonial is from the heart. I have refused testimonials for several others because I choose to endorse only those who I have spent time with and feel are amongst the very best&you are certainly amongst that company.
Over the past 12 years of my training career I have realized that there are only a handful of fitness professionals worth paying to see. Many have great reputations, but few will actually show me something unique and applicable to a solid fitness philosophy. I have paid to see Steve on five different occasions and have learned literally dozens of new ideas. Just when you think you have seen it all Steve will blow your mind with time-proven principles and techniques brilliantly woven into his highly-successful training methodology. I am always more than happy to put up my money to go see Steve Maxwell instruct; and if you have never learned from Steve you owe it to yourself to witness one of the very best in the business!"
– Thomas Phillips, www.FitforLifeMarlboro.com
VladimirMr. Maxwell,
I simply wanted to write and thank you for great products. I have recently purchased an Encyclopedia of Joint Mobility DVDs and every time I go through one of the routines it amazes me. My knees that were constantly hurting after a run, feel much better now.
Sincerely,
Vladimir
" I'm an athlete who's been working with Steve Maxwell for the past year. During my 17-year professional career I've tried many different types of strength and conditioning and I believe Steve Maxwell has the best system, not only for athletes, but for anyone who cares about their overall health and well-being. Steve's joint mobility program has changed my life; it's a fun routine that incorporates every part of the body as well as the brain. His program has eliminated my pain from areas of past injury and increased my mobility and flexibility to prevent future injury. The best part is, like most of Steve's program, you can do it anywhere—this can be a daily practice for life. Strength training with kettlebells, clubbells, and bodyweight exercises increases strength, cardiovascular endurance, mobility, and flexibility. Steve's knowledge and experience with these forms of conditioning gives you the techniques necessary to benefit on many different levels. Working out with Steve is challenging, but never seems like work because of the creativity he brings to every session; instead of feeling beat up and tired post-workout, you feel strong, energized, and rejuvenated. Steve also has expertise in the area of nutrition, with first hand experience and knowledge of what really works.
Steve Maxwell has changed the way I look at strength and conditioning, and has opened me up to a new way of being; I believe Steve can do this for people of all ages and walks of life. His philosophy can get you into the best shape possible, help reverse the aging process, and improve your quality of life."
– David Bell
"In college, I had worked as a receptionist at a local gym for years and saw the same people doing the same things/routines, and I rarely saw their bodies change (that lasted), or their attitudes, minds, or interest levels in fitness.
Steve Maxwell is a motivational, thorough, & passionate strength training coach with years of experience (with militia, athletes,& civilians). He knows & researches constantly what he talks about.
Once you train with Steve you make up your mind that Today is the day, and Now is the time to : demand more of yourself & be the best you can be, so bring on the pain;)
I went to Steve to prepare for strength conditioning & weight management for upcoming BJJ & Judo tournaments. I've never worked out harder & smarter and had so much fun! As a 40 year old actively competitive female and former national Judo silver medalist (working 2 jobs, btw), I need a program that's efficient and effective. Joint mobility, kettlebells, and body weight training is the perfect combination to compliment my martial arts training (& busy lifestyle). Also, these are the tools I use to succeed in the battles of aging & weight.
Steve Maxwell's unique ability to creatively thread sequences of movement is unsurpassed, fitness genius! He puts together the most fundamental (and functional) drills in a brutal workout. Every system gets taxed; can't name a muscle you don't use.
An example of one of many benefits I've experienced using these systems has been weight management. I've been able to maintain & continue (about 2#/wk.) my weight loss, from 200# at 5'4" to under 150#.
This is without feeling bored, detached, tired, frustrated with over-use injuries, etc. My body has changed - the shape, mobility, balance, strength, flexibility. Friends, teammates, coaches, coworkers, bosses, (even former boyfriends;) have all noticed. My mind has changed as well- no need for ipods, tv, cellphone, magazines when you're concentrating on breaths, movement, and your own body's mechanics. I walk away from the session feeling I did my personal best.
An example of this is with the classic pull-up. After Steve mentioned 2 points to concentrate on, I immediately was successful doing chin-ups, eventually graduating to a pull-up. Similarly with rope jumping. I could push, pull, jump, squat, & throw my own body weight. I felt a sense of accomplishment and confidence with this new control.
My 1/2 hour kettlebell lunch workouts have me feeling pink, sweaty, spry, & strong by the time I get back to my desk at work. I use joint mobility almost exclusively for my pre-match warm-up routine at tournaments (local to national levels). I have that much confidence in the system. On off-days, it's a gauge for how limber I am. I never feel any particular part is overdeveloped or overexerted but, instead, the function of my body is normalized. (I've even been able to do these systems in a limited but still rewarding way, when recuperating from injuries).
I'm grateful to be associated with such a talented coach & good person, and for having been exposed to such effective training systems."
– Alma Qualli
2006 Grapplers Quest silver medalist
2006 US Judo Nationals silver medalist

"I have had the pleasure of working and training with Steve Maxwell for 15 years. Looking back, two things stand out as consistent threads running through the years. Steve has ALWAYS walked his talk and has ALWAYS been on the cutting edge. In 15 years I have never seen Steve even remotely out of shape. As the saying goes, he "walks around strong", everyday. I meet Steve when he was in his thirties, and now in his fifties he may well be holistically fitter then he was then. He's done this by staying on the cutting edge, and s ometimes creating the cutting edge, of strength, fitness and mobility. Steve tests every discovery and new idea out on himself first, and then a few us lucky enough to be in his circle. Nothing is too crazy to try and nothing is too sacred to be dismissed if it doesn't work. Steve was training with the Gracie's BEFORE UFC 1, he was doing kettlebells BEFORE anyone else knew what they were. Most importantly, he has the deep knowledge of the wily veteran combined with the curious mind of a little kid. This mix results in programs that are always exactly what that particular person requires and always effective. I've seen Steve transform literally hundreds of clients. Some of these clients were world class athletes when they came to him, they still left transformed. With 25 years of broad training experience myself there are very few athletes I would go out of my way to train with, Steve is one of them. There isn't a day when this World and Pan American champion in BJJ hasn 't trained a mom trying to keep up with her kids or an athlete preparing for a world championship themselves, often in the same day. Do yourself a favor, train with Steve now and every chance you get.
It's all true dude."
– Bill Fox , JD, MA

"I have known Steve Maxwell for a long time and you will not find a more up front guy in the strength and conditioning world. Steve is a true .Man's Man.' Something I have always respected about Steve is that while he is incredibly knowledgeable already he never stops learning new ideas and training techniques. Whether it comes to Bodyweight Training, Kettlebells, Join Mobility or Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, do yourself a favor and buy whatever Steve has to offer."
– John Wood, Functional Hand Strength
Jane Easly, Maxercise Client"I have been training in the martial arts for over 10 years, but it wasn't until I began competing in Jiu-Jitsu that I realized I needed some help. Despite having accomplished coaches, and despite being well versed in the subject myself (with a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology and as a CSCS & AKC Certified Kettlebell Coach) my training had hit a plateau. I was losing matches solely due to conditioning and that was extremely discouraging. I decided to contact Steve based on his experience working with grapplers and being a championship grappler himself. He was able to quickly evaluate my current training program and make immediate changes. I was vastly overtraining and was suffering from the accompanying fatigue and stagnation. He worked with me to totally revamp and hone my program, focusing on my weaknesses and goals & employing methods familiar and available to me (kettlebells, bodyweight exercises). The results came quickly and are still coming! Within the first 3 weeks I had my first grappling medals. I finish fights now, as I am able to concentrate on technique and not the fatigue. Steve has designed such an efficient and extremely specific program that it allows me to fully recover for classes and tournaments, while still creating enormous gains in my levels of strength and stamina. Additionally, I have been so impressed with his patience and ability to motivate and encourage me towards my goals (even while cutting weight) that I plan on keeping him around as long as he'll have me!"
—Jane Easly
I love The Encyclopedia of Joint Mobility and The Spartan 300 body weight DVD's! The amount of information for the price on both is incredible-- truly a bargain. I almost didn't buy "The Encyclopedia of Joint Mobility" because I already had "The Boys Are Back", but I read in another testimonial that the encyclopedia really streamlined one's workout and it does. It's a great time-saver.
I was pleased and amazed to be able to do most of the beginning exercises on the Spartan 300 as well as some of the intermediate, and almost everything on the joint mobility DVD-- the spinal rocking and coordination drills will take some practice, but I like honing skills. While I am devoted to my KB workouts, I hope to be able to travel again someday soon, so the Spartan 300 bodyweight drills will be perfect for that eventuality. The joint mobility exercises truly are the Fountain of Youth. in just 2 1/2 mos. practice, I was able to do 30 slow and controlled Hindu squats high up on my metatarsals yesterday without one pop, crunch, or crackle from my knees which moved smoothly, easily, and painlessly-- not bad for an old broad of 52! I haven't had that experience since childhood and had resigned myself to its being a thing of the distant past.
One of the things I like most is working out barefoot. I was fortunate to have a mother who spent the first 6 yrs. of her life on a farm during the Depression and who felt going barefoot was healthy. So, in my free time, throughout my childhood my shoes were off in early spring and did not go back on till the first frost. Then I grew up and adapted to the demands of society. Big mistake. By my late 30's I had weak feet and chronic alignment problems. That's the second time in my life I've abandonned a healthy natural instinct to adapt to prevailing societal expectations and suffered for it. Won't make those mistakes again.
I greatly appreciate your generosity of spirit and your lack of contempt for those of us who are nowhere near your level of conditioning. I am grateful that you give us a way in by breaking down advanced skills into do-able components that build the strength, flexibility, stamina, and control necessary for the ultimate challenge.Your good will is inspiring and encouraging.
With thanks and respect,
—Diane Eagle
Hello Steve, hope all is well, I just purchased and watched 2 of your new DVD's - C & UKettlebells 2 , and 300 and I have to tell you, they are everything I thought they would be and more. I first saw you on a DVD called kettlebell round table with Jason somebody and you were on stage with Cotter, Martone, and one other guy and for me, you stood out out as the one that I could seriously learn a lot from and relate to. Not saying anything against the others as they are without a doubt fine trainers and have great products but you I connected well with your style of presentation and being my age is 41, that too made a difference as seeing you at 54 and looking better than most 20 year olds today really is impressive.
Anyways, THANK YOU, for making these as they were the pot of gold I was looking for to take me into the future as a warrior and as you say, "the fountain of youth."&
—Brad E. Bishop
I just saw you were coming to Bow, New Hampshire (about 20 minutes from my home) at the end of the month, which reminded me that I've been meaning to contact you - just to say thanks.
You probably don't remember me, but I got the full "Maxwell Experience," as I now call it, at the Ryan Lee Bootcamp 2006.
I had an incredibly frustrating time during both of your joint mobility sessions. I just didn't get it, and my movement was a mess (even at only 20 years old, and having been an athlete my entire life). The only way I can describe it was that I was in a straight-jacket of agony and movement impairment - and looking back I realize that I was storing a lot of emotional trauma and fears in my body as well as physical limitations. I remember you emphasizing during the main session, that you really hoped some of the "younger guys and gals" would start to adopt this training method so that we can enjoy the pain-free movement you enjoy today. That advice really stuck with me.
During your morning joint mobility program (the following morning bonus session), you singled me out of everyone and cued me to keep doing whatever funny movement I was doing incorrectly. You then explained to all of the attendees that I was an example of what NOT to be doing, and that you would need to spend some extra time with me in order to improve my joint mobility.
After you said that, I realized how immobile I truly was, and how important this type of training would be for me as an athlete and coach. I appreciate your direct style of teaching, and that you gave me the honest truth – something I wasn’t accustomed to. Your advice sparked a change in my focus, and I am much better off because of it.
I have been practicing joint mobility exercise daily - ever since that awful yet enlightening experience, and my movement health has never been better. Best of all, I am not carrying all of that former baggage that had accumulated during my youth. Your honest opinion has had a tremendous impact on my life. I now understand what you were saying about there being SO much more to joint mobility than you were exposing us to in those brief sessions - the rabbit hole goes much much deeper into more sophisticated movement.
Anyways, just wanted to say thank you, and enjoy your trip to the Granite State.
Best regards,
John Sifferman
I watched the KB 300 DVD tonight. It looks like a fantastic program for strength endurance and blow torching fat. Your endurance and flexibilty is amazing-you certainly walk the walk.The exercises are carefully explained and well demonstrated.The tips you dispense are all helpful. I am ready to take the challenge when ever you give the word.The cossack curl will be tough as I dont havemuch hamstring flexibility.The last exercise lookswicked as well. I would give this DVD 5 out of 5 kettlebells-it is a must for any kettlebell enthusiast looking to reach the acme of physical conditioning.
Thanks for making a great product--do you have any other DVDs in the works?
Take care,
Steve Fink, MD
Coach and Teresa,
It was surely a pleasure meeting you guys this past weekend. I'm really glad I made the drive out because I have more than enough information to work on for some time now. I'm going to blog about my experience today, and I'll send you a link.
On another note, I've decided that I'm definitely going to go for both Maxercise certifications. So, don't be surprised to look up and see me "struggling" again during one of your workshops Coach. ;)
Teresa, great pics from the workshop, but why did you have to post the one with me about to fall on my ass? LOL!
Thanks again guys; it was a pleasure.
All the best,
Muata
Hey, Steve. Just wanted to express my thanks for your seminar this weekend. I am sore beyond belief, but that is good! I drive a Lotus and it has been an ordeal to get in and out of the car since Sunday morning. Thanks for taking the time for personal instruction and answering my training questions. The seminar and yourself are very motivational. I came away from the seminar with a very changed perspective on fitness. A pain free body is much better than big arms or a big chest. Much better to be functional! I will be getting rolfed thanks to your recommendation. Thanks again for everything.
Sonny Ritscher
The concrete proof of my satisfaction is that I purchased both the push up board and a copy of your joint mobility DVD.

I was a little concerned that being an older guy trying to get into shape, that the workshop was going to be way beyond my capabilities. I have to admit being stiff and sore, but managed to barely keep up with the group, although clearly not a front runner. I appreciated that you took the time to clearly explain what we were doing, why and how and went through the exercisesin an orderly progression. While I would not recommend the workshop to a couch potato, clearly if you had been working out just a little, like me, there was clear benefits to attending. You are a great teacher and I am really honored to have been able to attend the workshop and learn from the best.

thanks
Ken
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