Many years down the fitness path brought me to the only real training tool. Kettlebells. In the past I have been a gymnast, Golden Glove boxer, Shotokan martial artist while serving in the United States Marine Corps, cyclist, power lifter and body builder. Activity related injuries took their toll on me. L5-S1 herniation and C3-5 herniations kept me stiff and sore. Movement for me was slow and deliberate. It had to be or I would end up in bed for 3 days. A torn trap left me unable to turn my head to the right. I rehabilitated myself from a 12% perm. Partial disability to a 9% perm. partial disability over a 3 year period.This is where I remained for the next 12 years. Slowly I was slipping into the pain management routines of narcotics and muscle relaxants. At 41 years of age I knew I had to do something and get some movement in my body. Unable to lift or carry my 40 pound daughter without pain, I sought Dr. Pat Morris for advice. Dr. Morris is an excellent practitioner affiliated with the University of Minnesota athletic program. On his recommendation, I started kettlebell training. Within a 3 month time frame my life began to change. Prior to touching a kettlebell, I had not performed a push-up without my knees on the floor in over 15 years. Regular push-ups put too much strain on my lower back. Additionally, I wasn't able to bend over and touch any further than my knees with my legs straight. As a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, I had a lot of medical advice at my disposal. Unfortunately, that's where it belonged. In the disposal. The medical community is intent on keeping us conservative and safe to the point where we debilitate ourselves. With their blessings. At 6 months of training I had built my core strength solid. Now, all previous injury issues are non-factors in my life. At 1 year of training (Oct. '06) I took the Russian Kettlebell Challenge Certification. Today I have a Dedicated "Hard-Style Studio" in N.E. Minneapolis. Strength and mobility training are the focuses. Cardio and flexibility are the byproducts. Stop by and see us or visit the link.

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Customer reviews of: Michael Rendle

Average Rating:
9.9 in 20 reviews

Rendel really does 'Rock'

Rated 10 out of 10

I've been looking for a sustainable exercise program for years. I've finally found it with kettlebells, with Mike as the instructor. He delivers clear instruction and a great workout. The variety of exercises is excellent. Clearly a total body workout.

Just as important to me, being an old, out-of-shape guy, is that he's patient and easy going. There's no shaming or berating if you can't keep up with the rock stars. Yet the workouts will challenge anybody. I've been building at my own pace, getting better and healthier, and having a great time. I'd recommend Mike's classes to anyone.
Dann Chapman - St. Paul, MN USA

I tell everyone I know about kettlebell class !

Rated 10 out of 10

I have been currently training with Michael Rendle for a few months. I personally have witnessed gains with my body shape and tone the first month ! I had been weight training for 4 years, and never had fast results like this in just 2 days of training a week .I admit I was green with the KettleBells but Michael slowly eased us new people into champs. I am still amazed at what the other classmates can do, how strong we all have become because of Michael's training, He not only pushes you to the next level , he makes sure your form is right to avoid any type of injury and to get the top results .He also teaches us something new just about every session which keeps in interesting and not boring ! Most of all challenging !

A student with results - Minneapolis ,MN

Rendel Rocks the Rock

Rated 10 out of 10

I've been taking Michaels Kettlebell class for seven months now and continue to be excited about class. He's very knowledgeable, interesting, always presents new challenges to the class, practices what he preaches and is just an all around great instructor. Emphasizing technique and safety, he's very aware of the abilities of the individuals in his class in which there is a wide range and he is able to adjust our "Beat Downs" accordingly so everyone is challenged. Like he says, "If its to easy get a bigger bell!". He's a great representative.

I'm a parent with limited time and needed a workout that didn't take two hours three or four time a week to get my cardio and weight training in. I also wanted a workout that was portable, meaning I could take it anywhere. KettleBells does all that and more. I keep getting smaller and stronger. I'm lighter now then when I was running and weight training for twice the amount of time per week. I work out three times a week for about 45 minutes and have never felt this type of core strength. I get my cardio fix and strength training all in one! It's so great. Like Michael say's "The thing rocks!"

Rodney Salzwedel - Minneapolis, MN

Michael Rendle at NE Kettlebells

Rated 10 out of 10

Michael Rendle is the perfect fit for this challenging workout. He encourages you to push yourself while still listening to your body. Michael has the knowledge to help each of us focus on the move and get a total body workout in one hour. I had never done weight training before and I love the kettlebell combination of weights and cardio. My arms have never had this kind of definition before! Classes are available 4 times a week and I hate to miss even one class.
Leisha Ingdal - St. Paul, MN USA

Efficient and Effective

Rated 10 out of 10

I've been training with Michael at NE Kettlebells in Minneapolis for about 6 months. He is very knowledgeable about kettelbell fundamentals, and stresses form in all lifts. He is also a great motivator to keep me at the level of intensity I need for the results I want.

Michael keeps up to date with all the latest in kettlebell training, but keeps focused on producing results to separate effective techniques from hype. As a professional, Michael would never tell me to do something he read in a magazine or on the internet without trying it himself and verifying it works first.

I've been very pleased with my results since I started. The classes are extremely positive and have something to offer everyone, from newcomers to veterans. The sessions focus on the effective basics, with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting and make your body constantly adapt.
Dave Johnson - Minneapolis, MN USA

Simply Great	Rated 10 out of 10
This class is GREAT. Michael is a genuinely great instructor. Michael is easy going and passionate at the same time. He offers an "as challenging as you want to make it" class and thoughtfully offers up a versatile class every session. Lola - Minneapolism MN USA

Walks the walk.....	Rated 10 out of 10
Michael was one of my Assistant Instructors at the June '09 RKC. His ability to spot form breaks -- and to offer immediate, positive corrections -- was amazing. The RKC is a tough environment, and he does the RKC proud. Dave Kallas - Aurora, IL

The Real Deal.

Rated 10 out of 10

Effective, true, hard-style training at its best, at NE Kettlebelles in Minneapolis!

With what I learned from Michael, my measurable strength and conditioning doubled every six weeks, for the first 18 months. Incredible! Kettlebells deliver more than you expect, and are everything you need, to tune up and tone your body, develop "Spiderman-like" strength and take charge of your life.

Michael Rendle is a world class instructor - among the best - and I am honored to know him.

Thank you, Michael.
Leon V. - Minneapolis, MN

Best Physical Training Available!	Rated 10 out of 10
Fresh variety to the workout at every class leaving no monotonous, repetitive routine to get tired of. Every class is a new experience with attention on technique and style. You can take this as far as you like for a hard style effort or go at your own pace. All levels of ability will benefit from this amazing exercise class! Jim King - NE Minneapolis

From a very satisfied student

Rated 10 out of 10

I've been training with Michael for about 4 months now at his new studio in NE Minneapolis (N.E. Kettlebells). I first contacted him based on a very glowing recommendation made to me by one of his former students, and I have been extremely impressed by his methods, attitude, and most importantly by the results I have seen in this relatively short time.

I originally started in an attempt to rehabilitate and hopefully fix a slowly-worsening lower back problem that had been haunting me for many years. I very quickly realized that his workouts were going to do MUCH more than simply strengthen my back! The results have been stunning and transformative for my entire body, to say the least.

While many of my specific results can be attributed directly to the RKC "Hard-Style" principles and the kettlebells themselves, the only way that these tools can be used to their fullest potential is when they are paired with an experienced, knowledgeable and detail-oriented teacher. Michael Rendle is, without a doubt, one of these teachers.

Michael is a very professional, committed instructor, who seems to be genuinely excited to teach each and every class. He fosters an open and inviting, yet seriously challenging class environment. The proof of this is the wide range of students in his classes. From elderly grandparents on down to young, hyper-fit exercise buffs, everyone is able to work to (and through!) his or her own personal maximum limits. Safety, proper form, proper technique and adherence to "Hard-Style" principles are stressed throughout class, and the reasoning behind each specific detail is given a thorough explanation.

Matt Thompson - (Nordeast) Minneapolis, MN USA

See all reviews of Michael Rendle

Exceptional Strength & Conditioning

Rated 10 out of 10

At age 48 my wife brought me to a free kettlebell class at a popular Twin Cities health club (soft style). I wasn't impressed. So when she wanted me to try Michael Rendle's "N.E. Kettlebell's" class (hard style) I was skeptical. I've excercised all my life, but suffered chronic neck & shoulder injuries. Michael's classes have given me spectacular levels of strength & conditioning while eliminating the nagging injuries. After two years I'm amazed at the all-purpose strength (caring outboard motors, dragging deer, moving wheel-barrows) he has developed in me. Knowledge and passion make Michael the ultimate trainer.
Dan - St. Anthony, MN

Patient Thoughtful Instructor

Rated 10 out of 10

I started out training with Kettlebells about a year ago; after hearing about them from a friend in Special Forces. I was fortunate enough to learn about Michael within days of first hearing about Kettlebells. My first days were filled with anxiety of not knowing what to expect with each session but, that turned into the excitement of facing a new challenge in learning a new technique and what my body is able to with more and more training behind it. Michael made sure that my first days were not over done, so I would return, and stopped me when I had form breaks. He was also able to suggest modified movements that would not cause pain with my reconstructed leg and knee but still get the benefit of the movements that the rest of the class was doing.
Michael encourages everyone to do their best while staying true to traditional Hard Style Kettlebell workout. I encourage and have recommended to all my friends to join me in coming to a class at NE Kettlebells to see what keeps me going to class multiple times a week.
Michael is a patient, thoughtful and understanding instructor, and welcomes all who enter NE Kettlebells for the first time or the veterans who have been with him since the beginning.

Linnea P - North Minneapolis

Helpful and Encouraging	Rated 9 out of 10
Michael was very helpful throughout my RKC training. He was positive and encouraging. He offered different ideas to help me troubleshoot my techniques. Michael and the other instructors of Team Kallas made the weekend a great experience! Thank you! Michelle Barbera - Margate City, NJ 08402

Michael is "the Man!"

Rated 10 out of 10

Michael was one of the Assistant Instructors for my RKC Certification experience -- and it was an experience! Michael was always positive -- even when he was providing form/technique corrections. It seemed he was always available and never too busy for questions or assistance. He maintains a very high standard for kettlebell training and always expects the best -- as it should be! I believe Michael was a crucial part of my certification success! Thanks, again Michael...
Stephen "Steve" Ruiz, RKC - Edmond, OK

Impressive then, MORE impressive NOW!

Rated 10 out of 10

I met Michael when we both received our RKC certifications together on Team Jones in October 2006. At that time, Michael already had many of the techniques down pat, had a very diverse and broad movement background, his own personal story of injury, pain and rehab, and you could just tell that he was going to be a very effective instructor... I was lucky to be able to see him at other RKC events over the years, and our friendship and my respect for his abilities grew.

Fast forward to the RKC certification in June of 2009. Both Michael and I were invited to assist, and as luck had it, we were both on Team Kallas! It was a great opportunity to see first hand how skilled he is at instruction and form correction. He has a very good eye and a calm consistent manner that inspires confidence and success. He expects the best and received it from all our potential RKC candidates.

Do yourself a favor, whether you are considering going for your RKC certification, or want to find a coach to help you embrace hard style kettlebells and better functional movement, Michael is the man for you!!!
Andrea U-Shi Chang RKC, CK-FMS, Z-Health - Seattle, WA - http://kettlebility.com

Mike Is The Turk In Turkish Get Up

Rated 10 out of 10

I recently had the pleasure of having Mike as an asst. Instructor at the June 09 RKC. I was having problems with my Turkish Get-Up and with one slight correction, KABOOM!! I was doing Get-Ups Like a 12 year old girl. Mike is not only a fellow Marine but an excellent trainer and mentor as well. I would highly recommend Mike for any level of fitness. Whether you are an advanced athlete or just starting out with fitness Mike has a little something for everyone.
Thayne Shatah- RKC - Tampa,FL

Michael Rendle is Numero Uno

Rated 10 out of 10

Before I started kettlebell training with Michael 2 years ago at age 52, I thought the every day little aches & pains (knee's & back) were part of the aging process.The health club scene did not appeal to me,and then I heard about Michael and his HARDSTYLE N.E. Kettlebells from my brother and his wife, the no thrills or fashion statements, just a group of people wanting a serious workout was a perfect fit for me. From the first time you meet Michael, you see the passion and expertise he has in this style of workout.He guides you through the exercises always watching and correcting everyone's form and technique all while encouraging (never forcing) you to push YOURSELF harder.The results have been better than imagined, my over all strength hasn't been this good since my 30's,knee and back problems are gone,and the 2 (almost a 3rd) pants size drop all with no change in my diet is a nice bonus. Thanks Michael!!!
Paul Seawell - N.E. MPLS

Work with this man...NOW.

Rated 10 out of 10

Mike was an assistant on my team (Team Kallas!) at the June '09 RKC, and I'm glad. I thought I had the TGU figured out (don't we all;), and ONE cue from him doubled the quality of movement. He doesn't miss a detail, cares about what he's doing, and, frankly, is an all-around cool guy. He makes you get it done without raising his voice, and makes it clear that he wants you to succeed just as much as you do, but it's up to you to get it done. Plus, he's quick with the tape...invaluable at the RKC;) If you get the chance, work with this man. You'll be glad you did. Thanks Mike!
Mike Provost, RKC - Reno, NV

" Bells Baby"

Rated 10 out of 10

I have known Michael for many years now. A few years back he had the pleasure of an introduction to "The Kettlebell" . It healed him. His return gratitude to the bell, he developed a passion for it. I watched as he began his journey, learning all he could, executing each move with perfection. He now is sharing all that he learned with others. I joined his class last spring. I have to say I am the strongest that I have ever been in my adult life. He is a very motivating man. He instructs with same passion and drive that he had when he was first introduced to bell. He is a very patient, dedicated, knowledgeable, and funny instructor. When I say funny, I mean when your doing static hold with heavy bells, or painful planks or squats with presses, all of your muscles achy, your dripping sweat, you think you cannot possibly hold on any longer..... a laugh he gives the class helps distract your mind for a moment, so you may continue your challenges you set for yourself. So when I find myself ( a nurse) lifting pt's, equipment, pushing beds, etc.. I am amazed at what I can do now, I think to myself " bells baby" Thank you Rendle.
Donna - Minneapolis,MN

Michael is a pro with class	Rated 10 out of 10
I've been a member at his club for two months. I am very impressed by Michael's training leadership. He is a stickler for correct form, encourages us to go to our limits while listening to our bodies, and he's always available to answer a question or share his knowledge. He is patient with newbies and older people (I'm 52). He keeps it fun! Gary Horn - Minneapolis, MN