Seven years ago I found out that I have lupus. It is an auto-immune disease that attacks the body. There are days when it takes all my strength just to drag myself out of bed and every joint in my body hurts. I had my doubts about trying Kettlebells.....BUT NO MORE!
I first met Heidi in March of 2008. She was one of three instructors giving the intro class to Kettlebells. I knew after that first class that I wanted more. I then started taking weekly classes and Heidi was and still is the instructor. She is so amazing. I can't believe the strength and stamina she has. Her enthusiasm is infectious which is exactly what I need. With each class, I see the improvement in my strength and cardio ability. I have noticed that I have more energy and less joint pain. Heidi has a way of making a challenging workout FUN. She tells the funniest stories while we are throwing the kettlebells. How she can talk and still throw a heavy kettlebell is a testament to her strength and agility. Did I already say she is awesome? It's a great feeling at the end of each class to say, "I did it". Heidi is the best. She is truly an inspiration.
Cathy Gorman - Albuquerque, NM USA
So much fun!
Rated 10 out of 10
I met Heidi in the park when I first watched the kettlebell training. I remember watching her thinking about her level of fitness and being very envious of her. I could not believe her energy and enthusiasm.
Heidi helped with the introductory class that I took. She is instantly someone that you want to know forever. She is knowledgable and passionate and so much fun.
I never intended on taking the classes on a weekly basis, but after meeting Heidi and being instructed by her, I was definitely hooked.
I took one personal training class with her and I was so comfortable even in my awkwardness as a "newbie".
We have a great group of people in our weekly classes and Heidi makes the classes something to look forward to. She is sometimes kind of brutal.......kidding, but she pushes you to limits that you did not know existed. She is very careful and pays close attention to form. I appreciate that because form is so very important and no one wants to be injured.
I highly recommend getting in shape with Heidi. I never really intended to do what I am doing, but I owe so much to Heidi because her passion really shows.
My hope is that I can someday be a lot more like Heidi.
Terri Huber - Albuquerque, NM
Kettlebells for life!
Rated 10 out of 10
I've been training with a kettlebell since Jan'08 and love it. I've made great athletic gains but I was still missing that crucial instruction from an RKC. My parents have followed my lead into the world of kettlebell training and they ran across Heidi Rothenberg and Firbellz in Albuquerque, NM. Since then they had attended more workshops than I wished I could so this last weekend I made the three hour drive to Albuquerque for one of Firebellz free weekend BYOB sessions. There are many words to describe the experience but I will say this, it was amazing! I got to meet Heidi first thing before things got started and I could already tell her energy was going to make this a great experience. Her pointers throughout the first drills and deck of cards workout were priceless to me and will not forget them. She has a wonderful intensity about her once you get working and you know that your not there alone. She will push you to physical improvement and you'll have a great time doing so. I know I did. You can be assured I'll be making the drive to more of the BYOB events by Firebellz if Heidi is involved. Her instruction is priceless!!!
Chad Thompson - Las Cruces, NM - USMC, NMSU Men's Rugby President
My Cheerleader, Teacher, and Dealer
Rated 10 out of 10
I met Heidi just over a year ago in a weight loss challenge in which she was a group leader. I wasn't sure what to expect from her as a trainer, but am glad she has entered my life. She has been a great teacher of fitness training. She does not settle for anything, and continues to expand her knowledge of the body and how to improve it from every aspect. She is highly knowledgeable in personal training, fitness, dietary needs, anatomy, and kettlebells. She has always been a great cheerleader. She pushes you so hard, and cheers you on every step of the way. She is the motivator that I needed to take my body to that next level day after day. Heidi has been my dealer, and exercise is my drug. It is so easy to want to exercise day in and day out with Heidi as your teammate, instructor, motivator, and trainer. She will give you the tools to stay fit for life. I wouldn't recommend anyone else as a trainer. If you want optimum results, she is the woman that can help as a cheerleader, teacher, and dealer.
Fit 4 Life-MNL - Albuquerque, NM USA
My Training Muse
Rated 10 out of 10
How do you thank someone, who has taken you from a very big sedentary person to a person who is asked almost daily how have you done it?
I first met Heidi (she was our trainer/platoon leader) when I signed up for a fitness and weight loss challenge in January 2007. Where, during one of the meetings I had my first exposure to kettlebells. As I watched the demo of the cornerstone moves with amazement, I thought how cool but considering my physical fitness and obesity, I did not even consider kettlebell training as an option for me. I banked the information and figured I would take it up when I dropped another 20-40 pounds. I was shocked when Heidi told me there was an Introduction to Kettlebells class being offered by FireBellz and I should take it.
Well, I have been training with Heidi for more than a year and with kettlebells for about a year. My results have been stunning. I am now down 100 lbs and getting stronger and leaner with every passing day. Aside from all of the great results I am having training with Heidi, I enjoy training with her because she inspires me to be and do my best. Heidi is a personal trainer extraordinaire with extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology and nutrition; plus her background as a massage therapist (one of the best) seems to give her that something extra with kettlebell training. Heidi is great at explaining, modifying and pacing kettlebell sessions in a manner that is appropriate for each student. I have watched her train other clients, many with special needs and her compassion and understanding has made them all feel successful in their goals. She is always making sure my form and technique are correct so that I do not get hurt and continue to be successful. She is teaching me so much, and the things that I learn from her are laying the groundwork for me to expand upon my kettlebell training in every way imaginable. Heidi works out with me as though my goals are hers and I am well on my way achieving all my personal fitness goals.
Training with Heidi is fun, challenging, and motivating. I highly recommend her as a trainer if you want to be the best you can be. In the art of kettlebell training, Heidi is my muse.
Marla Diener - Albuquerque, NM USA
Loves what she does!
Rated 10 out of 10
I met Heidi yesterday at my very first kettlebell class. It was very obvious that she believes in what she does and it shows in her approach to teaching. She was very good at explaning the points she was trying to make. She observed and critiqued the technique of each student in a manner that was positive and encouraging. I walked into the class feeling a little uncomfortable with doing something new and walked out feeling good about what I had learned and accomplished in just one class. Kudos to Heidi!!
Larry Ritter - Albuquerque, NM USA
Uncanny Ability To Get It Right
Rated 10 out of 10
I have known Heidi for over a year as a kettlebell instructor and have learned a lot from her and about her over that year. Heidi takes kettlebells very seriously and with her previous knowledge of the human body and how it works and her very serious desire to help others in their quest to improve themselves and do it the right way, she is capable of getting a lot done in a very short time. It is almost uncanny how she can find a sore spot or weakness and work on correcting it by explaining a different move or preventing you from doing something that makes it worse or keeps you from progressing in that area. Her energy and enthusiasm are overflowing in a workout session and raise the level of everyone's desire to give it their all, from beginning of the session to the end. Her loyalty to good form and proper execution and her eagle eye in finding any deviation from that keep all who take instruction from her on the straight path to improvement in their kettlebell abilities. That's if they are willing to take her advice and make whatever changes are necessary to do it right. I feel very lucky to have someone of Heidi's caliber in Albuquerque and I wish her the best in the years to come.
Trudy Eberhardt - Albuquerque, NM
Super Coach and Confidence Builder
Rated 10 out of 10
In May 2008 my husband and I, age 65 with some medical challenges, made a very positive choice regarding our overall fitness and health. We decided kettlebell training would be the answer to our cardio fitness. At our initial training Heidi could see that I was struggling with attempting parts of the turkish get-up. She sensed my lack of confidence, but knew I had the strength to accomplish the get-up. Heidi has able to build my confidence with a step by step method of encouragement and coaching that has lead to increased fitness and a love for kettlebell training. In the last 7 months I have lost 14 lbs., dropped blood pressure to 110/76, annihilated lower back pain and improved my posture 100%. Heidi has the natural ability to run a physically demanding class, focus on each person's form and make it enough exhausting fun, that we'll come back for more.
Heidi's classes have pushed me beyond my expectations and given me the tools to build strength with attention to excellence in form and safety.
Donna J Thompson - Albuquerque, NM
Finally took my kettlebell knowledge from my head to my hamstrings!
Rated 10 out of 10
A few years back I had done a one-day training with one of the big name kb instructors. It was a good experience and got me beyond where I'd been just reading the books. Unfortunately I went home and worked out very rarely because I still didn't really know what I was doing. Some of the DD videos helped, but something was still missing. Then I spent my summer training with Heidi and Zar (Horton) and it all came together for me!
After my first session with Heidi her expert knowledge and superb teaching ability had me swinging with proper form which made so many concepts clear -- "little" things like power breathing and loading the hamstrings!
We spent a few weeks early in the summer concentrating on my swing because it was finally made clear how foundational the swing is for all the other drills. Later, when we were doing some high pulls, I accidentally did a snatch that was the smoothest, most comfortable snatch I'd ever done! It surprised me so much that I kept snatching that 12kg and even snatched a 16kg and then a 20kg bell that evening.
Even when in group classes it felt like I always got one-on-one attention with respect to my form and technique. Her open, honest style made it easy for me to move at my own pace and yet she was always pushing me beyond where I thought I could go while keeping safety number one.
In the 10 weeks I trained at Firebellz the only real change in my lifestyle was adding 1-2 hrs of kettlebell classes per week. According to my physicals from June 4 to Aug 11 I went from 164.4 lbs to 164 lbs and my percent body fat went from 14.9% to 11.5%.
That means I lost over 5.5 lbs of fat and replaced it with 5 lbs of muscle in two months!
More important than that I went from a 12kg swing that "sucked" to a form that was good enough to routinely do 100+ swings in a night with a 16kg 'bell and comfortably snatch a 20kg 'bell.
In the six months since coming home I fell off the wagon for the first three months before getting back on track. I've been working out with some people with less rigorous form here at home but by applying the fundamentals of form and technique I learned at Firebellz I've worked my way back up to where I was this summer and even snatched a 24kg bell recently.
I feel like I am on track for my RKC! Thanks Heidi!
Wayne Buckhanan - Notre Dame, IN
Pulmonary Function Improved due to Kettlebell Training
Rated 10 out of 10
At a doctor's appointment, the first since starting Kettlebell training with Heidi, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my pulmonary function had improved by 20%. I attribute this success to weight loss and conditioning resulting from training at the Firebellz Studio under the guidance of Heidi Rothenberg.
Heidi's attention to detail, skill level and professionalism are exceptional. The intracacies of kettlebell technique and workout structure are such that it would be very difficult to master them without expert instruction. Heidi has provided that and the enthusiasm needed to help new practitioners keep focused and maintain their motivation.
Her skills as an RKC II instructor are truly impressive. Her ability to lead a class of many participants of differing abilities and provide individual targeted constructive guidance to each is remarkable. In the course of many decades of athletic activity and interacting with countless coaches and professional trainers, I would rate Heidi in the top 10% of those I have had the pleasure to work with.
I highly recommend Heidi and the other instructors on the Firebellz Studio Team as outstanding RKC disciples and fun people learn kettlebells from.
I needed some extra strength and stamina, and two friends suggested that I try out kettlebells. Both of them share the same hobbies and martial arts that I do, and both hit with significantly more power and speed than I -- so I thought I'd give it a shot! One suggested Firebellz, here in Albuquerque.
I met with Heidi for the first time a couple of days later and imagine my surprise when we didn't touch a kettlebell that first class! Instead, she worked with me on trying to align my body (abused and thrashed over the years) and correct the 'basics' so I could get into kettlebells and have it be more productive.
Since then, I've been working with her (and occasionally with her business partner in the gym, Zar Horton) and getting in shape and stronger. The combination of encouragement, training skills, and -- when required -- pushing me beyond where I thought I could go has made the experience an exceptional one.
Add to this that Heidi is an absolute pleasure to train with, able to make me laugh even when I'm not sure I'm about to throw up and I've been extremely happy with my training so far, and plan to continue.
If you're in the area, and interested, I can't recommend the Firebellz team and especially Heidi enough.
Charlie Winckless - Albuquerque, NM
Demanding and effective!
Rated 10 out of 10
Heidi's one of the best fitness trainers I've seen in almost 20 years of fitness training. She's an extremely motivating and demanding instructor who doesn't allow you one minute to slack off. My bad form was instantly corrected with effective feedback.
I had the good fortune to attend a recent session at Firebellz with Heidi and her partners Zar and Charles that consisted of kettlebells, mobility, strength training and all around "kick your butt" stamina work. Without a doubt, that was two of the hardest hours of my life.
The intensity was perfect, and their skill in keeping the training safe, in control and in perfect form was impressive for a class that size (about 20).
I'd recommend Heidi to anyone starting or seeking to advance their skill level in RKB or just in fitness in general. She has the ability to see instantly where her students need work and provide the right words to make it a reality. Firebellz is an outstanding gym and Heidi, Zar and Charles are great instructors.
Mark O'Reilly - Albuquerque, NM
Great with all kinds of people
Rated 10 out of 10
What I love about Firebellz is that there are people from all walks of life. Heidi is obviously so dedicated to her clients and really values their differences. As a physician, I am impressed by the attention she pays to people and their medical issues. She meets and respects them where they are, crooked backs, bad lungs and psychological baggage included! That is why everyone, young and old, fit and fat, seem happy and totally themselves. It is a great environment to train in, to learn self improvement but also self acceptance. Thanks!
Lara - Albuquerque, NM
Meticulous and precise
Rated 10 out of 10
Heidi is one of my coaches at Firebelz in Albuquerque. Not only does she teach a fun and killer bootcamp but she will improve your form and general body movement. Throughout class she watches our movements like a hawk and offers encouragement and corrections. When one correction doesn't strike a chord she is quick to offer another perspective that might help.
Outside class Heidi is happy to discuss anything and often provides some very helpful Z-Health drills to work through any problems you might be experiencing. She is also fun and friendly... if maybe a bit too perky at 5:15 AM.
I count myself lucky to have access to Heidi and the other coaches at Firebelz.
Robert Stehwien - Albuquerque, NM USA
san diego rkc 2009
Rated 10 out of 10
i was lucky enough to have mark reifkind, one of four master rkcs in the world, as my team leader at the san diego rkc this last weekend but i have to say that i feel i was as lucky in getting heidi as one of my assistant instructors as i was in getting rif as my team leader. she kicked my ass, she pushed me, and i'm incredibly grateful because i grew so much over a weekend; as a kettlebeller, as a potential rkc, as an athlete, as a lot of things, and in a lot of different ways. looking at where i am now compared to where i was less than a week ago, in terms of my knowledge and skills, pretty blown away, and i owe a large part of that to heidi. it's one of those situations where you kind of say to yourself, jeez, where would i be if i hadn't been lucky enough to snag heidi as one of my team instructors?? i'm sure lots of people say that about their instructors at the rkc and i don't want to take anything away from the other instructors because the level of instruction was awesome all around...but i don't know that i would be where i am, would have learned or grown quite so much quite so fast if i hadn't had heidi as one of my team instructors. she's got so much knowledge and so many skills to share, but more importantly she knows how to teach and share that knowledge, those skills. she's tough, lots of tough love, she keeps it real, and she pushes you, yet she always reminds you not to take it too seriously and to have fun w/it. she keeps it simple, she's more than willing to talk w/you (unless you ask what the rkc grad workout is going to be), encourages you, motivates, inspires...all that good stuff.
despite having passed and now being an rkc, it's become all the more apparent to me that it's really only just begun and there's so much learning and growth ahead of me in terms of kettlebells, and that's pretty exciting. but it'd be more exciting if i lived closer to albuquerque and could continue to train w/her. point being...if you are in the area, even remotely, or ever get the chance to train w/heidi anywhere...whether for a day, an hour, or whatever it may be, i'd have to say that i'd find it pretty silly not to do so. even if you've never touched a kettlebell, even if you're training for the rkc or rkc II certification; whether you're looking to lose weight, get stronger, have fun, work hard, whatever it may be, you'll benefit immensely from any training time you get w/her, i have no doubt about that.
Cheyenne Brown - Pacific Northwest
RKC San Diego--Awesome
Rated 10 out of 10
I was fortunate to have Heidi as an assistant instructor at The RKC. She is dynamite, full of energy, quick w a joke and tells it like it is--just what I like. She corrected my technique many times and that advice stuck in my mind(get the KB up w the hips when I was getting tired...) She was thoughtful...taping us, providing water, encouragement, constructive criticism and trying to get you to tap into your potential. She is a tremendous teacher. If you have a chance to be work with Heidi, grab the opportunity. She is a winner.
Brian Shane - Narberth, PA
Heidi "ROCKS" Rothenberg!
Rated 10 out of 10
I met Heidi while doing my RKC in San Diego August.09. I stopped by FireBellz in ABQ a few weeks later with my family. I watched humbly as Heidi worked with my wife Candas using her Z Health and RKC Hard Style techniques to ease my wife's pain and increase her joint mobility right in front of my eyes that I could not fix myself. It was an amazing experience and very emotional one for us. Heidi has a real intuition to her instruction. She is a very caring person and competent instuctor and practioner. I look forward to working with her more in the future. I highly recommend Heidi to anyone that wants to heal themselves, increase fitness, and FEEL BETTER. She is a strong woman that truly rocks as part of the solution! I'm so glad she is my friend and colleague. I trust my own family to her care-so should you!
Ron Jones, MS, Corporate Wellcoach - Santa Clarita, CA
Heidi knows her stuff
Rated 10 out of 10
Heidi knows her stuff. Her education, expertise, and repertoire of knowledge is impressive and radiates in her enthusiasm for healing people with movement. If you ever have a chance to work with her, do not hesitate. She is a true professional.
Candas Jones - Valencia, CA
Are you sure I am that strong?
Rated 10 out of 10
Yes I am one the strongest people I know I just didn't know it until Heidi helped me uncover it. I love a challenge and when I found the kettlebell I was hooked. I took one look at Heidi and said that is what I want that rock hard body but also that soft way about her that made me feel like I was going to also someday be able to achive all the goals I wanted. Everytime I feel like I fail at a brutal workout she picks me up makes me work harder and I see huge gains. I look back and think how did I just do that. Oh yeah because I am one the strongest people I know thanks to Heidi.
Viki Ferando - Albuquerque, NM USA
Training for Life, Friend for Life!
Rated 10 out of 10
The moment I walked into Heidi's studio, I knew this was a special place. Even before we exchanged words, I knew there was something there for me. The studio was clean, well-arranged and there was a distinct lack of over-engineered machines that I had grown accustomed to during my years of working out in conventional gyms utilizing outdated methodologies. I could tell serious training happened here.
I found the studio through Dragon Door and had previously purchased Pavel's Enter the Kettlebell DVD so I was somewhat familiar with Hard Style Kettlebell training. I learned enough to realize that I needed the guidance of a certified instructor. Enter Heidi Rothenberg. She evaluated my medical conditions and asked pertinent questions regarding my health and fitness, demonstrating her expertise in health, physiology, strength and movement. I felt confident that I was in the right place with the right person. I've done things I never thought possible for me to achieve at 60 years old. Increased strength, increases in mobility and range of motion are just a few of the accomplishments made possible by my association with Heidi Rothenberg. I look forward to further gains in several areas during the remainder of 2010 like learning to snatch properly and further improving my cardiovascular efficiency.
Heidi is the most transparent woman I know. Her big heart can't be concealed. She is committed to every client and cares deeply about our wellbeing and our continued achievements. Her knowledge and expertise regarding physiology and health instill confidence that she will never push us beyond what we can do safely. I will never find a fitness program that makes more sense than Hard Style Kettlebell training nor an instructor, Heidi Rothenberg, that can make possible what I thought to be impossible.
Stan Pettengill - Albuquerque NM USA
Talented instructor
Rated 10 out of 10
I needed some extra instruction to clean up some form and immobility issues. I heard from a few RKC's that if Heidi couldn't "fix" me, no one could. With a reputation like that, it seemed that it would certainly be worth the 7 hour drive from Denver to Albuquerque to seek Heidi's help. Heidi almost instantly figured out the source of the problem. To say she has a keen eye for detail in the body's movement patterns is an understatement. She has an amazing talent, not only for noticing how your body moves (or doesn't move), but also for giving cues to help you understand how to optimize your form and movement. Heidi gave me cues and corrective drills to improve my kettlebell form and incorporated Z-health drills that would help my immobility issues, which in turn would help my kettlebell practice. I left with a MUCH better understanding of how I should be performing my Z-health drills and kettlebell practice. And a nagging hip pain I've had for 8 months is now almost gone! I also had the pleasure of being invited to sit in on one of her kettlebell intro classes. I was impressed with how well the class participants took to her instruction, and I was able to get some great new cues I could take with me to use with my clients. Whether you want to learn kettlebells for the first time or optimize your performance, you owe it to yourself to train with Heidi.
Shari Wagner, RKC - Aurora, CO
