I have been training with kettlebells since December of 2006; and hold multiple training certifications (AKC, CSCS, Crossfit Level 1). No certification compares to the RKC, it is special. I have worked as a registered dietitian (RD)/nutrition consultant in addition to my training certifications and experiences.
Strength and conditioning and nutrition coaching has been my career since 1997. I coach small corporations whose focus is to provide health and physical education to their employees. The long term benefits of your investment include: decreased health care costs, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity.
We start with the basics and proceed according to your groups' natural progression. Our corporate wellness group training and education focuses on kettlebells and bodyweight. In addition to the physical nature of our business, we offer nutrition education, nutrition counseling, blood composition determination, blood analysis, and subsequesnt diet intervention, and weightroom design.
For additional information visit my website at www.oldschooltrainingsystems.com
Mark Lehmkuhl: Images
Customer reviews of:
Mark Lehmkuhl
Average Rating: 10.0 in 29 reviews
Leave It All On The Floor!
Rated 10 out of 10
That is Mark's motto. When we leave he wants us not to have anything left- to have given it our all. I started training with Mark about 6 months ago and have been doing mostly kettle bells for the last 3 months. He has been an excellent teacher and is much more worried about form than about the weight that we use. There are some days that he thinks I can do more weight than I think I can but he is usually right so I like that he encourages us to always stretch ourselves to our limits. He knows how to help adjust our techinque and form when little aches and pains come along so as to elliminate them. When I first started I could barely do an 8KG for an entire workout and today I did the 12 KG all the way through and got all my reps in. I have seen improvement in both my strength and endurance while training with Mark.
Ginna - Montgomery, AL
Weakness revealed
Rated 10 out of 10
I've had numerous trainers, done thousands of workouts over the last 31 years, competed in powerlifting, read countless magazines and journal articles, and even attended physical training seminars and yet weakness was revealed on my first day training with Mark at Crossfit Montgomery last Feburary. Since that time, Mark, no matter how busy, takes the time out each and every workout to provide me the direction I need to get stronger and to become better conditioned. His T/Th morning (5am) kettlebell workouts are phenomenal. Each routine tests the very limits of your courage. So much so that I cannot wait to get there each and every day. I'm a few months from age 50 and feeling better than I ever have largely due to the knowledge and effort of Mark Lemkuhl and his old style training methods.
Jeff - Montgomery, AL
Pushing My Limits
Rated 10 out of 10
About six months ago I started training with Mark at Crossfit Montgomery. The improvement in my strength and endurance has far exceeded my expectations. Mark never hesitates to take time for instruction on proper technique. It is amazing how he can suggest the slightest adjustment to my form and the difference it makes in my workout. Each kettlebell workout is a challenge and constantly pushes my limits. I go into every workout with a little anxiety, but I love it.
Jodie - Montgomery, AL
Epitome of a Professional
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark is an absolutely fantastic instructor/trainer. I"ve been in the military for about 25 years and have trained with some the military's best at West Point, Special Forces units, etc and Mark ranks right up there with them. Mark has helped me achieve a level of overall fitness that I haven't seen in over ten years. He is a gifted instructor, very personable and most importantly knows how to train and motivate people so they feel comfortable pushing their limits...which ultimately translates into strength and conditioning improvements. He is an absolute stickler for form and foundations and will not deviate from the basics until both he and the trainee are confident that the trainee can move onto more advanced exercises. Bottom line - if you are serious about kettlebells, conditioning, and fitness as a mental philosophy - Mark is the guy you want to train with. Just be ready to get your ass kicked!
Eric Roth - Montgomery, Alabama
Voice in my head
Rated 10 out of 10
I started training with Mark at Crossfit in April of this year. I had been working out regularly, cross training and running - thinking I was in pretty good condition. During my first week of Crossfit I was challenged beyond my expectations. Mark is always very encouraging, pushing me to go further than I thought I could go. He always takes personal time with each person to help them achieve their best - whatever level that may be. I can see such a difference in my strength and endurance not to mention my desire to push on past where my mind thinks I can go. Not long after I joined Crossfit - I ran the Derby Mini-marathon. The last few miles were difficult but I could hear Mark's voice in my head, saying leave it all on the floor! That was the encouragement I needed to help me not only achieve my personal goal in the race, but exceed it! I took almost 2 full minutes off my previous time!!
Cynthia - Montgomery, Alabama
Motivating and Dedicated
Rated 10 out of 10
I have been training with Mark for just over 6 months. Prior to joining his crew I had been training for endurance events, (ironman triathlons and marathons) so I was not used to short, sharp strength based training. Thanks to Marks relaxed, yet methodical training regime I was able to make the transition and have seen gains in both my strength and fitness a short period of time.
Mark is an attentive trainer identifying his clients’ personality, strengths and weaknesses which enables him to temper his style approach and structure his training to suit the client. He is dedicated to perfecting his skills and form as a trainer and motivates his clients to follow suite.
Mark has also created an awesome training environment, where all his clients work well together, helping each other to reach their individual goals (which in some cases is just to finish one of Marks grueling workouts!). If you want to improve your strength and fitness in a safe and comfortable environment, then allow Mark to introduce you to kettle bells!
Christina Van Der Hulst - Montgomery, AL
This is What You Come For
Rated 10 out of 10
I've trained with Mark and his wife Gwen for over a year now. Since that time, I've made strong fitness gains. Mark is a dedicated and talented kettlebell coach. His knowledge base, however, goes well beyond that. He coaches all of his clients on fitness, strength and even diet. Marks attention to detail helps each of us continue refining our technique. He and his wife Gwen have gone a long way to give their gym a sense of community. He knows just when and just how to push to your maximum. I'm grateful to have access to such dedicated kettlebell coaches.
Ken German - Montgomery, AL
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER
Rated 10 out of 10
In January,2008 I turned 60 and retired from a job that sometimes called for me to be on call 24 hours, 7 days a week. This schedule was tiring and at times the cause of a lot of stress. In February I joined ALABAMA CROSSFIT with Mark Lehmkuhi as my instructor/trainer. I cannot describe how satisfying it is for me to participate in this fitness class.
Mark is a very informative, patient, and energetic instructor/trainer. He always explains the purpose of the exercises and kettlebell workouts, which is my favorite. Before training with CrossFit, I had never had an opportunity to work out with weights neither did I know what kettlebells were. Thank you Mark!
I now look forward to starting my day at CrossFit. I feel stronger and I am more energetic. Thanks to Mark I feel 10 years younger.
J. L. Hatchett
John Hatchett - Montgomery, Alabama USA
Lean Mean Training Machine!
Rated 10 out of 10
As a U.S. Marine Corps officer of 14 years, I can say with great confidence that Mark is an outstanding instructor. He is extremely competent, focused and dedicated to offering his clients the best possible training he can put together. It was because of him and his wife Gwenn that I and my wife got completely hooked on Crossfit. It is the best physical training program I've come across yet. Mark always knew how to challenge me and help me reach new fitness heights. I would recommend Mark as an instructor to anyone from the most hard core Crossfit fan to beginners. He knows how to scale the training to keep everyone safe and steadily progressing towards their performance goals. He is a true pro!
Maj Ricardo Miagany, USMC - Seoul, Republic of Korea
Fantastic Depth of Knowledge
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark Lehmkuhl and his wife Gwen opened their gym a few months after I moved to the Montgomery area. Even during my first visit on their opening day it was readily apparent that he brought vast breadth and depth of training knowledge to the table. Not only does he talk the talk, but he lifts the bells too. When I started working with him I could barely press the 24kg; now I can double press the 32s for a few reps and have single-armed the 40 on occasion. I largely credit this to Mark's uncanny ability to watch his trainees' progress and sense when they are ready to shoulder more weight, even if they don't know it. I'll echo Christina's and Ken's words about abput the sense of teamwork and community Mark fosters at his gym. I always perform better there than at home on my back porch. Bottom line, if you're in Montgomery, AL you should train with Mark; if not, read the website.
Charles Lee - Prattville, AL
Mark is a truly amazing coach and individual. From day one he demands the most of his clients and uses his extensive training knowledge to create an environment where one can succeed in reaching his or her fitness goals. Mark has a skilled eye for picking out a person's strengths and weaknesses and guides his clients to becoming well conditioned athletes. In my case, I gravitate towards a regiment of running and bodyweight exercise such as pull-ups due to my light frame. Mark helped me move past my comfort zone and trained me in proper kettlebell employment to greatly improve my power generating capacity. This has helped me both on the field and in my career as a military member. The bottom line is no one is better at functional fitness than Mark. He is the real deal!
Dan - Kailua, Hawaii
Army Strong
Rated 10 out of 10
I wish I had met Mark years ago when preparing for Army Ranger School. After 22 years in the Army, I have found an instructor who makes strength workouts challenging, innovative and instructional. Mark constantly provides a watchful eye to ensure we practice with proper form. After having worked out with Mark for 4 months I have noticed great improvement with my strength and flexibility. I look forward to working out daily. Mark has made me see the value in kettlebell training. My old workout habits were nowhere near as productive as kettlebells with Mark. Take the opportunity to train with the best.
Will - Montgomery, AL
Less Squat!
Rated 10 out of 10
I was in Montgomery for 3 weeks and contacted Mark to correct some form issues I was having. He immediately identified my errors and showed me how to improve not only my form, but my overall workout regimen. The workouts I participated in were challenging, varied, and adaptable to the different abilities of all participants. Mark is an excellent instructor!
Ann - Las Vegas, NV
Whatever Blows your Hair Back :)
Rated 10 out of 10
Coach Lehmkuhl is passionate about fitness. He prescribes to a motto that no matter what fitness program you choose to do, give it everything you have and DO IT CORRECTLY! Coach Lehmkuhl has provided in depth one on one and group instruction for kettlebell training, olympic lifts, and bodyweight exercises. I have made gains in strength, flexibility, endurance and body composition while adhering to the intense workouts that Coach Lehmkuhl has provided. He also maintains a professional environment built around hardcore training and humility. I have no reservations recommending him to train any group of people regardless of fitness level, who are willing to work hard to achieve their goals.
Brian A. Piazza - Montgomery, AL USA
Outstanding Experience!!
Rated 10 out of 10
New to kettlebell training, I had an outstanding experience with Mark. Although I had access to the videos and books, nothing could compare to the hands-on training I got with Mark. Additionally, I haven't been pushed that hard since my time at Quantico. It was an hour and a half drive from birmingham, but well worth it. I would highly recommend trainging with Mark if you want to get into KB's.
james chaney - birmingham, al
Serious, Passionate, and motivated to push us to our best potential
Rated 10 out of 10
I think the headline says it all. I had the pleasure of having Mark coach me through my first Kettlebell boot-camp, and he really knows how to push you to your maximum potential. He was able to take a bunch of girls who didn't even know what a "kettlebell" was, and instruct us through a series of challenging workouts that we had never experienced before! His ability to understand our different personalities and gauge what we are able to handle both physically and mentally in such a short period of time was amazing. I have to say those workouts he designed for us were one of the best workouts of my life (no joke). His professionalism, knowledgeable instructions, and fun free spirited personality was awesome to have as a kettlebell coach! Amazing instructor!! Thanks!
Ashley - Montgomery, AL
A step in the right direction...
Rated 10 out of 10
I started the Kettlebell bootcamp without any prior experience using kettlebells. I was really out of shape when I started and just finished my first month. Mark has been really good to work with me and everyone, adapting the exercises when needed. I've made a lot of progress and am working hard towards getting back in shape. I'm looking forward to continuing to work out in the kettlebell class next month. Awesome experience overall!
Kelly - Montgomery, AL
Work within your limits
Rated 10 out of 10
I have been working with Mark for a little over a month now and he has been great. I have some physical issues that I thought was going to keep me from doing the classes, but Mark was great to take time on a one on one basis to see what kind of issues I had. We talked about it, he gave me a plan along with instructions and so far my wheels are still up under me and doing fine. Mark has been great with our group as we continue to use him. Keep up the great work.
Darren - Clanton
Encouraging Others to Do Their Best
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark's style of training is different than any type of workout I've ever experienced. Initially, I was skeptical that I could be successful with the high-intensity program because of some pre-existing medical conditions; however, Mark encouraged me to "do what I could do." Over a short period of time, I was able to make considerable improvements in my abilities. I especially appreciate that Mark pays close attention to his class members, encouraging them to do their best. Mark is very knowledgeable and truly seems to care about the well-being of those who take his class.
Lori - Prattville, AL
Just What We Needed
Rated 10 out of 10
At CAEC we have taken a very aggressive position on helping employees be the best in understanding responsibilities of their jobs, making opportunities to grow in their careers and encouraging good physical and mental health. As an electric distribution provider our experience is not health & wellness, so we sought expertise in nutrition, physiology and exercise. We were looking for a "Wellness Coach" who could help all 127 employees develop individual plans to build their physical fitness and lifestyle goals around. We needed someone who could help anyone at any level- from those who had never been physically active to others who have an aggressive exercise regimen and everyone in-between.
We needed an exercise system that helped people learn about physical activity beyond machines and one that increased flexibility as well as strength. Although we have just begun the process, in a little over a month, the employees are buzzing about doing things they did not think possible and they're excited about using kettlebells and their own body weight. Mark has shown an ability to work with folks at all levels and encourage them to do their best and improve; all the while cheering them each step of the way. He provides precise training, watches each participant closely and makes sure they are making an effort at their appropriate level.
Time will tell, but I think Mark has gotten us off to a great start and is introducing many to the Russian Kettlebell world.
On a personal note Mark has also worked with all three of my children and me for the past couple of years, providing instruction and development at a level I could not be more pleased with. The instruction helped our son, now nineteen, walk onto a D1 college football team last year and handle their workout regimen appropriately. Our girls now sixteen and fourteen, have swum and played basketball. Their stamina, strength and agility have improved remarkably. At 51, I feel better than I have in years. Due to illness, my workouts fell off for several months, but mark's instruction and encouragement has me back on track and excited about tackling a well planned workout.
Tom - Prattville, AL
Authenticity
Rated 10 out of 10
Before I became a part of Kettlebell bootcamp, I was promised by a former drill sergeant he could whip me into shape, losing an average five pounds per week! Well...due to other obligations at the time, I could not commit--and I thank God I learned about kettleball thereafter. During my time with Mark, I was educated about true fitness and "weight loss dreams." Mark has always kept it real and was really patient, friendly, and down-to-earth. I felt very comfortable in his presence and always had a "fresh" workout planned and thus never bored with the same routine. (I guess that was muscle confusion!) Thanks to Mark, I recognize the weight loss red flags and now know what to look for in an exercise program.
Winifred - Wetumpka
Focused and appropriate
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark has impressed me for quite some time with his knowledge nd dedication to training. As a physical therapist who works with orthopedic and neurologic issues on a daily basis, I am always asking patients to perform activities in a manner that is safe and appropriate to facilitate their needs.
Mark does this with each client. He works very hard to ensure each participant gets what they need and that they progress safely.
He helped me get over a hump and remind me of some things that needed to be cleaned up and pushed further.
He is an excellent coach and trainer.
Lane Blondheim - Montgomery, AL, USA
Absolutely!
Rated 10 out of 10
I have thoroughly enjoyed the class and Mark's positive attitude. If asked whether or not something can be done, Mark's response is always, "Absolutely!" I also appreciate the time and special attention he pays towards us to make sure we are doing everything correctly.
Rebecca - Prattville, AL
POSITIVE
Rated 10 out of 10
I HAVED LOVED HIS CLASS. HE'S TOUGH, BUT HE IS POSITIVE, AND DOESN'T ASK MORE FROM YOU THAN WHAT HE TRULY BELEIVES YOU CAN DO.
ALLISON - PRATTVILLE, AL
Positive re-enforcement
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark is a positive person which makes your workout time go by quickly. He works with those of us that have limitations on completing the workouts. It is a challenge when you start working with him, but it is rewarding. I've worked with him for 2 months now and have seen a big difference in my strength and endurance.
Carl - Prattville, Alabama
Encouraging coach
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark was just what I needed to get a fitness program started. He taught me proper technique and always made sure that I was doing each exercise correctly to avoid injury. I appreciated this about him. He pushed me further than I thought I could go, and helped me feel confident and capable. He is an expert kettlebell instructor and I now feel that I can work out on my own from my time at his gym.
Stacie Haynes - Montgomery, AL
LET THE BODIES HIT THE FLOOR
Rated 10 out of 10
I FIRST BEGAN TRAINING WITH COACH MARK IN THE 9TH GRADE AT MY HIGH SCHOOL WHERE HE WAS IN CHARGE OF THE COMPETITIVE FITNESS PROGRAM. EVENTUALLY COACH MARK OPENED HIS OWN KETTLEBELL TRAINING GYM AND I WAS ONE OF HIS FOLLOWERS. I AM A SERIOUS BASKETBALL PLAYER WHO IS FOCUSED ON MY GAME WHICH DEPENDS ON ME BEING IN TOP NOTCH CONDITION. COACH MARK IS A TRULY AWESOME INSTRUCTOR IN THAT HE IS PERSONABLE, ENERGETIC, AND KEENLY AWARE OF MY ABILITIES AS WELL AS MY LIMITATIONS.
DURING MY EVALUATION, HE MADE ME AWARE OF CERTAIN EXERCISES THAT I SHOULD NOT DO BECAUSE OF MY BODY TYPE, WHILE HE FOCUSED ON OTHER EXERCISES WHICH INCREASED MY UPPER BODY STRENGTH, SPEED, AND GENERAL ENDURANCE. EACH WORK OUT IS TRULY A NEW ADVENTURE AND FOCUSES ON A DIFFERENT CHALLENGE SO YOU NEVER GET BORED. HIS CLASSES ARE A GREAT STRESS RELIEVER AND HAVE HELPED MY GAME IN THAT I AM QUICKER, JUMP HIGHER, CAN BLOCK OUT BETTER, AND HAVE MORE CONFIDENCE IN MYSELF AS A PLAYER. SO, BRING IT ON !!!!!!!
HOPE OLSZEWSKI - MONTGOMERY, AL USA
Great guy
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark is a very friendly and easy to work with teacher that doesn't make you feel like an idiot when learning new moves. He has lots of info to share and is open minded to be continually learning things himself. Training with him has helped me a lot and given me a great deal more confidence.
-HG - Birmingham, Al
Mark is interested in getting you to your best not impressing you with his best.
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark is a very knowledgeabe strength and conditioning instructor. He is interested in his clients and getting them to do their best and he is not interested in impressing them with his own personal ability (although it is considerable.) Mark is very good with a wide variety of clients from the very deconditioned to the very fit.
