Steve is a certified as a Personal Trainer by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and as a Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) Instructor by Pavel Tsatsouline. Steve served as an Assistant Instructor at the August, 2006 RKC in Denmark, and earned his RKC Level 2 certification in June, 2007.
More information about Steve is available via the links below
Steve offers one-on-one and small group instruction at his home in Ridgewood, NJ, and leads kettlebell workshops at the Ridgewood YMCA.
Steve Freides: Images
Customer reviews of:
Steve Freides
Average Rating: 9.9 in 20 reviews
Steve Freides the bionic RKC
Rated 10 out of 10
Steve is a natural-born teacher. He is very bright and enthusiastic about imparting what he knows to his students. Athough I have been working out with kettlebells for six months, some of the nuances escaped me, which, after only one session with Steve, were instantly corrected. Also, Steve's philosophy is technique, technique, and technique, and so how much weight one can handle is not the goal per se, but rather, the manner in which the weight is moved.
I am currently training for the level one RKC certification, and there is no question in my mind that Steve will get me to my goal.
It goes without saying that I recommend Steve wholeheartedly.
CRT
Christopher Toppo - Paramus, NJ
New To Kettlebells
Rated 10 out of 10
Being totally new to kettlebells, Steve's workshop was a great way to get started. Steve demonstrated the techniques and spent time with each participant critiquing their skills and offered concrete suggestions to help. I learned a lot from observing each person and from the detailed concepts that were explained. Steve was also very generous with his time, offering me extra instruction after the workshop was over and helping me get the techniques together. My exercise regime has been invigorated by adding kettlebells to the mix and I've been excited about my progress in the short time I've been swinging, cleaning, pressing and squatting! I am looking forward to Steve's next workshop!
Sue Williams - Edgewater, NJ
A safe and smart way to learn Kettlebell training
Rated 10 out of 10
I can highly recommend Steve's kettlebell workshop. Steve is very knowledgeable and has great enthusiasm in his instruction. The class was taught in a progression that was perfect for both beginner and advanced students. There was an emphasis on safe and smart training which I really appreciated. I will definitely be back for more.
Bob Tacchino - Westwood,NJ
Steve's Workshop
Rated 9 out of 10
I recently attended one of Steve's kb workshops held at the Ridgewood YMCA. I saw the workshop offered on Dragon Door newsletter and traveled to NJ get a different perspective. The Y's registration process was very efficient. Steve provided the nuances of form by providing each participant individual feedback. His knowledge is very impressive. He gave a good explanation of each exercise; (kettlebell basics) while demonstrating proper technique. The last 10 minutes of the two hour session was a good challenge, the best part! I enjoyed the class and improved my snatch. I would recommend Steve to anyone wanting to learn or improve their form.
Daria Di Torro - PA
My Second Workshop
Rated 10 out of 10
... Because one just wasn't enough!
With a few more month's of practice under my belt, I returned to another one of Steve's workshops. And I am happy to say, that I continue to gain knowledge and strength from Steve's teachings. Steve is able to tailor his classes so that beginners, intermediates and even advanced practitioners can benefit. Steve's focus on body positioning and technique precedes each kettlebell movement which helps forge perfect technique and maximum effectiveness for the moves. Steve continues to get my vote for highly recommended instructor!
Howie Brewer - New City, NY
The Thinking Person's RKC
Rated 10 out of 10
Steve's story inspired me to pick up a kettlebell, so it was an honor to attend one of his workshops. His logical approach to teaching kettlebell movements is both easily understood and extremely effective. Steve's willingness to share his extensive kettlebell knowledge is a gift to the kettlebell community, so make sure you take some time to learn from him.
Joe Walker - Ringwood, NJ
Taught me a great class
Rated 10 out of 10
Steve taught a great kettlebell class I attended. He is a very knowledgeable instructor and communicator. He successfully taught a variety of skill/fitness levels and gave me some great individual advice on my particular issues. My workout are safer and more intense after his class.
R - Bloomfield
Time Well Spent
Rated 10 out of 10
I recently had the pleasure of attending one of Steve's workshops. He's a great teacher, clearly communicating the techniques in a step by step manner. He was very sensitive to the varying levels of experience and skill of the students in attendance and made sure that everyone "got it". I left the class with a lot of new knowledge & valuable corrections to my form.
I'm already looking forward to the next workshop.
Bruce Blockus - Basking Ridge, NJ
SOMETHING LEFT IN THE "OLD GUY"
Rated 10 out of 10
I really can appreciate being shown a new skill by someone closer to my age (70). It proves to me that I can build strength and flexibility even though perception is that I am declining. Steve's methods show you step-by-step how to master a move. For the beginners, he doesn't demand that you do it his way, but find a way that is natural for your body. Of course, that is always in the confines of personal safety. I have attended his last 2 classes and hope to attend them all provided my schedule permits.
Sid Fleisher - River Vale, NJ
Function and Strength
Rated 10 out of 10
I attended a Kb class with Steve and It was well worth it.Steve teaches in a laid back format that puts all at ease.He is knowlegeable and coveys that knowlege to each student at whatever level is required.He leaves you hungry for more,not just kbs but his approach to training,health and fitness as is exemplified by his enthusiasm with the kbs.I will be back for more.Check it out if you are in the area.
Dan Ahern - New York
I attended Steve's Kettlebell Workshop and left extremely satisfied. Steve is an excellent instructor and is able to transfer his knowledge very well. In the two hours spent together, Steve provided an immense amount of quality information. I can only hope that I am able to remember a fraction of it! From our warmup joint mobility exercises, to our preparatory movements, to our kettlebell movements, Steve was able to provide great insight into each and provided each participant with individualized instruction and feedback. I highly recommend Steve to anyone who is interested in learning kettlebells or improving one's skills and abilities.
Howie Brew - Rockland, NY
A Master at his Craft
Rated 10 out of 10
I am a recent convert to the world of kettlebell training following a number of years of traditional training with barbells and dumbells. I quickly discovered there are significant differences in technique between the two. While proper kettlebell form is not difficult to learn, early develop of correct fundamentals is imperative at the onset to maximize results and minimize injury. I was fortunate to attend my first training session with Steve. We had a broad diversity of trainees in our session and Steve challenged everyone to their respective experience level. I look forward to Steve's next training session to further enhance my skills.
John Clary - Ramsey, New Jersey
My technique, and strength, improved after one session
Rated 10 out of 10
Steve is an excellent instructor. Though I had been lifting kettlebells for nearly a year, I was always concerned that my technique wasn't quite right. Steve analyzed my swing, clean, press, snatch, and windmill techniques, and provided much-needed correctives for each. He also introduced me to some body-awareness exercises, as well as other hands-free drills to improve my form. After one training session I feel marked improvements in my form, which has also meant nice increases in efficiency and strength. Steve thoroughly enjoys what he is doing, and makes training fun.
TG - New York, NY
A first class fitness instructor/
Rated 10 out of 10
Steve Freides is an excellent instructor. I say this for the following reasons:
He is well prepared in that he has definite exercises that he intends to have the students perform at each session.
He gives a clear explanation and demonstration of exactly how he wants the student to perform the exercise.
He insists that the student use good form and explains the importance of using good form.
He recognizes student’s abilities and limitations and challenges them accordingly.
He is very generous with his time and encourages students to contact him with any questions or problems they have in doing various exercises.
I would say he is the best fitness instructor that I have trained with. He is extremely knowledgeble.
John Dougherty - Park Ridge, NJ
Knowledgable and enthusiastic
Rated 10 out of 10
Steve is a terrific instructor - a great communicator and mentor. The best teachers/trainers/coaches are the ones who listen and work toward the goals of the student - and I think Steve does this very well. He will also gently challenge and encourage you to perhaps exceed your expectations. Steve has made learning strength and conditioning with kettlebells a lot of fun.
I also highly recommend Steve.
VM - Ridgewood, NJ
Get the technique right with Steve
Rated 10 out of 10
If you're thinking about kettlebells, start learning with Steve. Steve is very patient and encouraging. During class, he will individually analyze and correct every student's technique. He always brings extra kettlebells to class for students to try. He is very generous with his time by offering extra help after class or via email. I highly recommend Steve to everyone.
KC - Ridgewood, NJ
Steve is solid and giving
Rated 9 out of 10
When I first became interested in kettlebells, I got a lesson from Steve. He is a solid RKC who provided me with the instruction I needed to get started with KB's safely. He has the skills to quickly analyze technique and offer quick and accurate correction. He was always very generous and helpful with guidance even after a training session.
CDief - Syracuse, NY
Excellent First Kettlebell Experience
Rated 10 out of 10
I attend my first workshop with Steve, and couldn't have been happier with the outcome. The workshop was everything I hoped it would be and more. Steve is an excellent teacher, as well as very patient. He was able to tailor the workshop to any level that was needed. I definitely recommend Steve, and will continue to attend his workshops.
Chris Ortlieb - NY
First Kettlebell Experience
Rated 10 out of 10
I'd been experiencing low back and hip pain that I couldn't seem to address through PT and other conventional means. I knew Steve from cycling years ago, and that he was into strength training with KB, so I asked him for a consultation. Aside from being an obvious master of his craft, Steve is a natural teacher and is very knowledgeable about human anatomy. He showed me not only proper KB form and what TO do, as well as what NOT TO do! I can honestly say that after 1 week, I'm feeling a noticable improvement in my back/hip condition and overall core strength. I'm really looking forward to continuing my traing with Steve's guidance
Chris Lane - Ridgewood, NJ
A Teacher of Great Strength
Rated 10 out of 10
I feel very fortunate that my first introduction to kettlebells was in one of Steve's classes. Through the application of Steve's guidance and form tips I was set forth on a journey to added strength and fitness. Steve has an excellent understanding of kettlebell training techniques and their application to the human body. He is a gifted teacher with a keen eye for form and function. Steve is able to seamlessly tailor his instructional classes to students of varying abilities. Both the first timer and the callused veteran share in the pain and achievement of a hard fought workout.
Tom M - Fair Lawn , NJ
