Reviews

Eric is a great instructor; he is patient and will work with you to help you understand specifically how each evolution is performed and tell you if you are doing it wrong then correct it. He will also explain what part of your body each exercise will benefit from and how to increase strength in the areas that you are weak in. He keeps classes interesting by switching up exercises and formatting routines to meet my specific physical job needs. Eric is very knowledgeable in body mechanics and will instruct you on how to perform each exercise safely. I have benefited from Eric’s teachings by improving my mobility, a noticeable decrease in painful body movements, and increase in strength.

I have know Eric Kenyon for over a year now. I have 42 years training in a combat Street Survival martial art called Filipino Kun Tao. I am also the highest ranking and the longest practicing black belt in the U.S.A. in this art. Eric prides himself in each students individual needs when training with him. He pays attention to every detail and every exercise that will help each student get over hurdles due to injuries and weaknesses they may have. He has helped me immensely in my strength conditioning. Because he pays attention to every detail and does it with a smile and genuine pride - No matter what your age, I urge you to train with Eric at your earliest convenience.

When a friend of mine enthusiastically recommended Eric's group kettlebell class, I admit I was a bit skeptical. I was not sure that I would even be able to lift the heavy weights, much less swing them around and over my head! I needn't have worried. Eric always explains the lifts and swings fully, taking extra time with new students to make sure their form is correct. He likes to say that it will only take him a few minutes to make you stronger and he is true to his word. By simple adjustments of body positioning and mental focus, he had me lifting more weight than I thought possible in my very first class!
Eric's group classes are both functional and fun! He creates a lively, comfortable atmosphere, full of comradery. He encourages students to challenge themselves but has a strict rule of "no fear, no pain", making it clear that strength training involves dedication, persistence, and hard work, but you need never actually injure your body. If you are struggling with a certain movement, he does not let it get you down. Instead he says, "we've struck gold!" and proceeds to tailor some exercises to help you get it right. I have never felt discouraged in his class, only determined and excited to be working on whatever challenges I face.
I went to kettlebells because I wanted to feel less weak and frail physically, and feel that it has not only strengthened my muscles, but also my confidence in my abilities! I leave each class feeling energized and proud of myself and for that I can thank Eric's amazing leadership. His positive attitude, constructive critiques, and vast knowledge make him an ideal teacher and coach!

My name is Jeffrey Dupra and i am thirty one years old. Fitness has always been a priority in my life. From the time i began to play and participate in athletics as a kid to the present day i have always been in shape with the focus and the goal of becoming more- stronger- faster- more resilient etc. I have trained with eric for about a year and a half and have in that time experienced surprising results and transformation. I met Eric in the gym where he patiently and persistently offered not only a compliment but some poignant criticism as well. His style, approach and demeanor all suggested that i listen to what he had to say. At the time i had been working with a trainer several times a week and in addition lifting three to five days in what i would have to call my old pattern of traditional weight room styled lifts- bench- arms- shoulders- squats- etc. I had been running on a short cyclic track of work and injury and was frustrated not only by limited progress, but by the lack of clear fitness goals as well. I agreed to participate in erics system on a trial basis in the context of 'nothing to lose', as what i was doing was not spectacular and without focus. Two things became initially clear; kettlebell training was radically different than anything i had ever done before, both in physical practice and mental approach, and 2) eric was a unique instructor. I had grown accustomed to traineres who validated and supported my effort unconditionally and eric set out right way to strip my mind of preconceptions by being forcefully honest and at times bluntly critical. He pointed out that my training was more focused on superficial goals of image and attitude and was a long way from emphasizing real strength and athletics. I reflected on his criticism and decided to try his method. In the roughly year and a half that have followed i have become a stronger more focused athelte than i have ever been in my life, and at an age where i have seen most of my peers begin a slow and some say inevitable decline with regard to physical prowess and activity. Eric has emerged as a friend and teacher of strength and life. It takes a gifted instructor to change his students minds and eric is such an instructor. his patience, insight and strength are obvious and uplifting.

Mr. Kenyon is an amazing instructor and has also become a good friend. I own a martial arts studio and his training and instruction has become a part of our school. Eric has a deep understanding of the arts and seems to be able to relate to all the different types of sport and show us all how to improve our preformance and personal well being. I am lucky to have found Eric and within two weeks of training I had ordered my first set of kettle bells. We now have almost 1600 pounds at our dojo and I am looking forward, under Eric training and expert guidance to become certified when he says I am ready!

I'm 64. Been working out for over 50 years. Played 3 sports in high school.

Since 11/10, I've been doing Functional Strength Training at The Clubhouse, South Yuba Club, in Nevada City, CA. As a result, I'm in the best shape I've been in in years. Eric Kenyon has been one of my instructors.

The day I met Eric, I watched him leap into the air and land on a small platform 30" high. WOW!

I've worked with many coaches and trainers over the years. Eric is one of the best. What is special about Eric is his in-depth knowledge of fitness and his meticulous attention to detail. Attention to form is essential for maximum results and injury avoidance and Eric is a master at teaching this.

If you live in Gold Country, workout with Eric. It will be one of the best things you ever do to increase your health and fitness levels.

I teach and perform as an aerial dancer and would have considered myself to be strong and in excellent shape before working with Eric. However, after almost half a year of attending his private sessions and classes, I am discovering a whole new level of focus and attention to detail in strength training and overall muscular movement. I take a wide variety of athletic classes, including dance (Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern, and Tap), Pilates, and Yoga. In the past I have trained to the level of black belt in Kung Fu San Soo and have taken Capoeira and Kickboxing. I have gone to several different body workers and am constantly looking for ways to improve my overall fitness. The point of all that is: I have researched and experimented with a large number of methods for increasing my physical capacity as an athlete, and I can say that Eric's training has been one of the most effective. I find the focus on "natural movements" extremely useful. I was somewhat sceptical for the first month or so, I found it difficult to believe the glowing reviews Eric was giving his own exercises, especially as I'd never heard of kettlebells before. The more I practice with him however, the more I find that everything from normal daily movements, to dance classes, to climbing and performing on 26 ft fabrics has become more effortless and natural feeling. I've also been noticing a larger range of motion and ability to stabaize in stretches. I have also worked with him on injury rehab, again with impressive results. I find in class that he has lots of experience with giving corrections that will guide the most awkward student into proper form. He is great at challenging people at a level approiate for their particular body's capabilities. I highly recommend his class and to anyone who is interested in improving their natural movement patterns and fitness level and who would like to experience greater strength and stability throughout their lives and activities.

I have been on the road to improved health for quite some time now. Starting with eating right, detox, and improving my cardiovascular function, I was feeling better than I have in a long time, but felt that I was still lacking the strength that I would like for the extreme demands of my job, especially as I age. Even though I had been studying Pavel's materials for about 5 years, I still felt that I wasn't getting it and decided to find help. Eric was the instructor in my area, and I was fortunate to find him.
He not only helped me understand the principles of the Russian training that I had been reading about, but was able to hear and completely understand my goals. I can't even say that this all boiled down to just a plan or routine - Eric's training is much more dynamic than that - he will constantly assess your progress even while you are training with him and adjust your plan on the fly to accomplish your goals. (and exceed them)
Also, I can't say enough about functional movement - training with the movements that you will use to perform, and not wasting time on exercises that will serve no purpose. Everything passes through the core and my body acts like a truss. It is superior to anything that I have ever seen defined as core strength. This will forever change the way that I work out.
The effect of increased strength with the kettlebell and other exercises that Eric has taught me, combined with the application of functional movement, has increased my ability 50% at the least, probably more. My performance has dramatically increased on the fireground both in strength and endurance, and I feel far less susceptible to injury. I can honestly say that I have not felt or performed this well since I was hired 20 years ago.
If you work in public safety and are thinking about training with Eric, just do it. He's a good guy, very accommodating, and has taken me far beyond what I thought was possible in my abilities. He also has a range of diverse experience that allows him to understand the unique requirements of our type of work and beyond.

I am 62 and came to Eric 4 months ago with extreme lower back pain. I have always been extremely active and between equestrian accidents and most recently a skiing accident have accumulated a number of debilitating injuries over the years.
Eric's attention to form and function and patience in teaching the skills and techniques for effective workouts with amazing results has changed the quality of my life.
My freedom of movement without fear of injury has allowed me to be more active again and life without chronic pain is a joy that is allowing me to re-evalute the goals I would like to set for myself.
I would recommend Eric to anyone.

OK, so I was a little sore - but it was never painful. I'm not like some of the serious athletes and jocks that Eric trains - I just wanted to get a little stronger and be a little fitter and a little healthier. While I "get" that strength is paramount to a healthier, functioning body, I just couldn't tolerate the thought of traditional "strength training". Was I ever fortunate to run across kettlebells and Eric. From the start he was very easy and enjoyable to work with. He is organized in a way that is motivating. He never admonishes, only encourages. He explains techniques in a way that just "click." He's a master at ferreting out your fears and weaknesses, helping to transform them into confidence and strength - and he does it with a smile and a few laughs along the way. Painless!

I am 67 years old and had a major back injury in 2003. I was initially paralyzed on the right side from my waist down. After an excellent surgeon operated I regained use of my leg but not my right foot. I have worn a brace for 7 years. This injury took many of my favorite activities away and limited my workout style. I tried several things and always had major issues with my back. I read about Eric and kettlebells in a local paper and had him come to my home. From the very first Eric was positive about how kettlebells would help me. He was right. I now can walk without my brace almost all the time. My back no longer consistently hurts. He has improved my diet and my attitude toward my ability to do sports. I love golf but was very stiff and inflexible. Eric has helped me significantly improved my game. Eric inspires me with stories of his students. I now have a goal to match half the dead lift weight of one of his students (yes only half as she is awesome.) Thank you Eric for all you have done to improve my life.

I found it really doesn't matter your age or (almost any) condition to
feel you are in good hands with the instruction and knowledge given by
Eric. I personally was looking for a way to strengthen my bones as I've been
diagnosed with osteoporosis. Meeting Eric at a Pavel event in Sacramento, I was
immediately impressed with his straight-forwardness and enthusiasm. Fortunately
for me, he was teaching in my area of Grass Valley.
Even with a variety of students, young & older, he is able to coach in a way that works
for everyone to get benefit. I definitely feel stronger and more balanced, a good thing for a 69 yr old! He takes the time to really listen, gives excellent information and I always leave feeling that I matter.......and he cares about everyone being fit. And he's funny!

Eric's complete dedication to his students, attention to detail and thorough understanding of training methods provides the perfect combination for realizing an individual's strength, fitness and health potential. He has helped me build the strength and stamina I need to compete with the top athletes in the country in the sport of Judo; typically nearly half my age. I have been training regularly with Eric for about one year and this year I finally made the roster of nationally ranked female Judo athletes (currently only 8 in U.S. in my weight bracket). My core strength and body intelligence has increased significantly since I started training with him, among many other things too numerous to list. Whatever issue I bring to Eric, whether it be making weight, increasing speed, increasing flexibility, repairing injuries or building strength, he always provides me with the tools I need to make it happen. Eric always puts in the extra time it takes to make his students successful and is reliable and professional. As owner of Grass Valley Judo Club, I recommend him to all Martial Artists and Judo athletes who train at my gym but I would also recommend him to someone of any level of fitness.

Eric is a fabulous instructor. He helped me define my goals and set realistic training routines to achieve them. For the first time in my life, I am finally strong and fit. My thrity year problem with tennis elbow is over! My arthritic knee no longer bothers me. My strength, endurance and lung capacity have improved. These changes are due to Eric's amazing skill in teaching proper form and motivating me to do more reps with heavier kettlebells. If you are ready to take training seriously, I highly recommend Eric.

I am 20 years old and am currently studying with ISSA to be a personal trainer i played football and was a comptition cheerleader in highschool. Both of these sports focused on extremes football on strength and cheerleading on flexibility. When I met eric he opened my eyes to the functionality of kettlebell style training the melding of strength and flexibilty! Since I have started training with eric I have aleviated shoulder, neck, and hip problems i aquired from the poor form and heavyweight used during my footall years. Thanks to Eric i have had enormous strength and flexibility gains as well as a overall sense of well being

I have worked with Eric off and on for a year and a half. He is by far the best instructor I have ever worked with. Most trainers just show you an exercise and count off your reps, NOT Erick. He is so good that he teaches skills, technique, reasons behind the movement, and pointers for advancement ~ all so that I may workout effectively and efficiently on my own (safely & with confidence). I am always highly motivated when and after I am around him. His depth of knowledge is incredible. He continues to ask me my goals, reviews my form, and assists me in improving my abilities each time I work out with him. Broadly, my goals are some form of improved strength, greater flexibility, and increased stamina. These goals have been met and are continuing to be re-challenged. He is an excellent teacher, motivator, and an over-all great guy. I highly recommend training with Eric.

I have had 4 sessions with Eric so far. I am really impressed with feeling better overall. Less back pain, stronger core, better all round balanced feeling. I will do more in the future. Eric is very personable and enjoyable to work with.

Eric Kenyon knows the business of getting fit for life and living a healthy lifestyle. He recently introduced me to the benefits of Kettlebell training and I haven't looked back. Over several sessions Eric took me through the Kettlebell routines and coached me with the proper form and function. Eric is a naturally gifted athlete who inspired me to lift my own game and to work my way back to total body fitness. Eric showed me some warm-up routines and stretching exercises even before we got into the Kettlebell training. He diligently demonstrated each Kettlebell exercise and then patiently helped me work on the correct form. Most importantly, Eric inculcated the benefits of Kettlebell training and helped me understand the reasons behind this unique style of weight lifting. Eric is a natural trainer and teacher who will work with you every step of the way to achieve your goals and objectives.
Kettlebell training has gone a long way to alleviate my lower back pain caused by various muscle strains. I'll let Eric explain the science behind Kettlebell training but this training improves your core body strength. It has helped me gain back some agility and strength that I haven't experienced for many years. I spent over 24+ years in the U.S. Army where the physical fitness program was predicated almost entirely on running ability. In my time the military never did achieve a total body workout program anywhere near as effective as Kettlebell training. I could have saved a lot of time and effort had I been introduced to Kettlebell training years ago. Kudos to Eric for introducing me to this type of training and for motivating me to make it happen.

I worked with Eric at the Jan. 2009 Camp Pendleton RKC. He is direct and to the point in his instruction and corrections, and unlike myself does not feel the need to deliver a 30 minute dissertation on how to keep your heels down. His views on military physical fitness are right on point, and he is being pro-active as part of the solution.

I had been a dancer most of my life (first ballet, then modern, then bellydance and butoh), but never had done any strength training. Eric coaxed me into pushing my boundaries (heavier weights and faster health benefits), without overdoing it. He's aware of the importance of recovery and healing - he's not about over exercising and ending up exhausted and drained.

Besides working slowly with an individual to get them on a healthy path, Eric had some great tricks to get me out of my own way to being stronger than I would have guessed. In a year I was squatting more than my body weight and actually enjoying it.

I recommend Eric and Alison as teachers to meet fitness goals and have a good time doing it!

I began weight training with Eric Kenyon in 1999. In the next 5 years, I found myself under a barbell with 515 lbs on it. Eric's approach has always been the same. Efficient workouts that are absolutely focused on results. I've never encountered a person as willing to explore multiple avenues of fitness to achieve a training regimen that is realistic and effective, yet malleable enough to adapt and evolve. Eric is gifted at training. He has the knack for getting complex ideas across to those new to strength training. Coupled with the deep knowledge of complex body movement, flexibility, and strength training, and dance his wife Alison has, they are quite the training team to be reckoned with.

Eric is a knowledgable instructor. He is patient and thoughtful. He understands body mechanics and physiology of movement. Importantly, he knows how to build real strength without injuring the body. Eric has helped me greatly and I highly recommend him.