Reviews

I recently discovered kettlebell training and become a believer in this kind of routine. After searching youtube vids I found lots of information. I decided to look locally and discovered Carolyn. She is knowledgeable, extremely helpful and her technique is perfect. She quickly pointed out important details you'd never see while watching kettlebell enthusiasts on Youtube. Lots of what you find online is just not correct. I got new insights into proper form as well as ideas for routines. Carolyn is professional, courteous and passionate about this kind of training. I'd highly recommend her.

For the past 20 years fitness and nutrition have been a very important part of my life. I have always been intrigued with Kettlebells and decided if I was going to use them it might as well be the right way. The 45 minute ride to see Carolyn twice a week was well worth it. I leave Carolyn feeling confident that all the training we have done has provided me with a strong foundation on which to build upon. Her enthusiam and passion for kettlebell training has made me a life long fan both of Carolyn and kettlebells.

I had the pleasure of training with Carolyn for 4 months to prepare for the Chicago RKC in September 2011 and I PASSED!!! Carolyn truly is a phenomenal trainer, she knows her stuff and she is serious about kettlebells. Training sessions with her were always challenging but never boring as she always managed to provide some form of entertainment with her witty and laid-back personality so I was able to laugh my way through “the pain”. She helped me increase my strength and endurance dramatically and to lay a firm foundation that I know was instrumental in helping me be successful at the RKC. She is very motivating and encouraging and she pushed me much harder than I would ever push myself. So much so that on Day 2 of the RKC when I seriously considered not coming back for testing on Day 3, I knew I could not quit because I could not imagine telling her I didn’t at least try, and I am SO glad I did! I am convinced that I could not have passed without her and I HIGHLY recommend her to anyone who is serious about training with kettlbells and getting results!

Several weeks to go before my RKC, and I was stalled a bit on the snatch. Carolyn made time to see me on short notice. In 5 minutes she had found a problem, and provided me a mental cue to address it. I wasn't locking out hard enough, thus adding fatigue to each and every rep. Once I focused on the lockout, the bell just whipped up there. What a difference!

She's smart and funny, and let me swear.

Carolyn, not a time goes by when I'm swinging a kettlebell that I do not think of my training with you. I now own a house and will be adding more kettlebells and working out at home. Going to add a tractor tire, too! Wish we lived closer so I could take a "refresher" class and have you design more routines for me. Thank you for making me a "kettlebell groupie." I miss you my kettlebell-mentor and friend.

I had been lifting weights and running periodically for the past 20 years, and this is by far the most bang for your buck. Carolyn strikes a great balance between kettlebells and other forms of training that make for the most effective training i've ever had. her workouts keep you guessing, never boring!

Learned kettlebells from Carolyn on a recommendation from a friend. I love it! We show up to her private studio with anywhere from 2 to 5 people and she always has a very challenging and fun workout planned for us. I play ice hockey and my team mates have commented on how much I've improved since training with Carolyn. ( so much so that 2 of them have now joined us! ) She always comes up with new combinations of kettlebells exercises for us each time we go. No two workouts are ever the same.

If your looking for a great all-in-one ( cardio and strength ) workout go see Carolyn and learn kettlebells. You won't be disappointed!

Learned kettlebells from Carolyn on recommendations from a friend. I love it! We show up to her private studio with anywhere from 2 to 5 people at a time and she always has a very challenging and fun workout planned for us. I play ice hockey and my team mates have all commented on how much I've improved since training with Carolyn. (So much so that 2 of them decided to join us!) She has her own studio which is perfect for 1 person or a small group. If your looking for a challenging, all-in-one (cardio and strength training) workout go see Carolyn for kettlebell training. You won't be disappointed!

I had been wanting to learn about kettlebells for some time. After learning about Carolyn, I read through her website and decided to sign up. My only regret is not learning about her sooner. Carolyn is the best trainer I have worked with...ever. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for kettlebells is very contagious.

Carolyn pushed me beyond the point I would normally quit, yet was respectful if I couldn't go any further. After my 20 sessions, my cardio endurance and overall strength increased. I was shocked at how much my shoulder strength improved. I look forward to continuing my kettlebell practice at home for years to come after learning the proper form from Carolyn's teachings.

Thank you for everything Carolyn!!! You are THE BEST!!!

I had been interested in trying kettlebells for a while, so when I saw Carolyn's banner I figured I would check it out. I was very happy with my decision when I realized how beneficial working out with kettlebells is.

Carolyn is an incredible instructor. Not only does she make the workouts fun, she pushes you to get the best out of yourself. I was very out of shape when I began with her, but after some one on one sessions I have lost quite a few pounds and am in a lot better shape. I am thankful everyday that I was able to find such a great instructor.

I have been using kettlebells off and on for the last year and self-motivation was starting to wane. If I wanted to succeed, I needed the right teacher. Carolyn not only opened my eyes (and mind) to the world of kettlebells, but she puts you through a great workout! After 20 sessions, not only have I learned proper technique, it has helped my conditioning with other activities (i.e. cycling and rowing).

Carolyn takes the time with you to understand your goals and helps with your weaknesses (the dreaded Windmill). Her challenging workouts have made me want to join the ranks of the kettlebell elite. Reaching HKC and RKC are not as elusive as before I walked into her studio.

Her RKC II credentials are visible for all to see for a reason; She is dedicated and passionate in what she teaches. See for yourself.

Adding kettlebells and the personal attention that Carolyn gives is the perfect addition to my workout routine. She challenges and motivates me so well that the benefits were obvious immediately...a stronger core, healthier knees, great aerobic conditioning and thus a whole bunch of calories burned. Besides, while we are 'working', she is making it fun.

I am a personal trainer around the Naperville area and wanted to hone my form with KB's not only for myself but so that i can teach my clinets to use them properly and safely. She has a nice little studio which, in my opinion, has everything you could possibly want to get in tip-top shape without the frills. Carolyn is very professional, focused, friendly and laid back all at the same time. However,as one other reviewer noted, dont be fooled by her size, she is very strong plus one thing is very clear; she LOVES kettlebells!
Thanks to her, in just my frst two sessions I had the classics down; TGU, clean, snatch and swings. She is very encouraging and motivating but she WILL challenge you!
Bottom line is you want to learn and train with someone who walks the walk and Carolyn certainly does.
One last thing is that her rates are very reasonable. Not just dollar-wise but for the quality of instruction you get.
Coming from a personal trainer, I give her an A+++++++++

I've been kettlebelling for a few years and decided I wanted to meet an instructor to get my form checked out. After a few searches, I found Carolyn in Naperville and made an appointment. I'm very glad I did! She's an outstanding instructor who not only corrected my form, but showed me new training ideas that I'll definitely be implementing in the future.

If you're in the midwest and looking for a great RKC instructor, give Carolyn a call. You won't be dissapointed!

I began working out with Carolyn a few months ago.
I had been doing basic weight training but had reached a plateau and needed something different.
I heard about Carolyn from a friend of mine and called Carolyn right away so I could get started.
After 8 weeks I had lost inches from my hip and thighs and for a female that had always been the hardest place to lose.
Carolyn is not only an expert wtih regard to Kettlebells but an excellent all around trainer.
I have tried many personal trainers in the Chicagoland area and Carolyn is the best by far.

I was visting family in Naperville and scheduled an appointment. She was very helpful in tweaking my form and gave me a tremendous amount of advice. I will be scheduling more sessions with her whenever I am in the area. I have made sure to tell all of my friends and family about her that live in the Chicagoland area. She is an excellent trainer, who trains her clients in a relaxed atmosphere all the while creating a very intense workout. She had me winded in no time.

I was going to spend a week in Chicago, and I wanted to "treat" myself to some KB lessons. I found Carolyn Hakes in the Instructor Index and contacted her. We emailed back and forth and I made my appointments. On the way to my 1st appointment, I sweated through my clothes, wondering, WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO? When I arrived at her gym in Naperville, I met a little pixie. WRONG! Comrades, Beware!
Appearances can fool you! I found her kindness towards a novice like me very humbling. Her dedication to proper technique was inspiring. She was very methodical in her demonstration. I found when I mimicked her moves, it was actually EASIER to move the 'bell around!
Now, I find out that the 16 kg. and the 8 kg. Kettlebells that have been collecting dust on the porch are TOO LIGHT! Who knew? I am so grateful for the Dragon Door website. I learned a great deal from the 2 lessons from Carolyn, and I think the RKC's in Atlanta will be seeing me occasionally as a client. Oh, another thing...she wants me to go for RKC within 2 years! Thanks, Carolyn. What an impression you have made on me!