Dr. Nieves is originally from Puerto Rico were he completed his undergraduate education and Medical School. He did his Internship at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) and Residency Training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Temple University Hospital (Philadelphia, PA). He completed a Fellowship in Interventional Spine and Pain Management under Fluoroscopic Guidance at Georgia Pain Physicians (previously Emory Affiliate program)-Atlanta, GA. In addition to traditional medical training Dr. Nieves completed the UCLA Medical Acupuncture program for Physicians under the direction of Joseph Helms, M.D.
Dr. Nieves is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He also has sub-specialty Board Certifications in Sports Medicine and Pain Medicine (ABMS). He is also one of only a small number of Physicians in United States Credentialed in Mechanical Evaluation and Treatment of The Spine by the McKenzie Institute, USA.
Dr. Nieves serves as a Team Physician for USA Judo in Regional, National and International Competitions and Judo Training Camps. He also served in Medical Staff at the Olympic Trials 2004 and 2008 and is a Volunteer Physician for The United States Olympic Training Center (Volunteer Physician Program). He presented at National and International Sports Medicine Meetings and co-author articles and book chapters in Spine related topics including Chapter 13 The Martial Arts: Biomechanical Principles, Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation. In Lennard T.(ed) Spine in Sports. He is involved in Ring Side Physician for Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing and is a member of The American Association of Professional Ring Side Physicians and was a Featured Speaker in the 2007 AAPRP Medical Conference.
Dr. Nieves was also an Outstanding Athlete representing Puerto Rico in Judo and wining numerous Regional, National and International Judo Tournament including USA Junior Nationals. He also won University Puerto Rico Games in Judo and represented Puerto Rico at the University Olympic Games in Kobe, Japan, 1985. He also won the 1993 USA Sombo National Championship. He is a 3rd degree (SAN DAN)in Judo. He completed the Russian Kettlebell Challenge Instructor Certification Program in May, 2007 (Copenhagen, Denmark)-RKC Level 1 and the Russian Kettlebell Challenge Level II Instructor Certification Program in June 2007 (St. Paul, MN). He served as an Assistant Instructor at the RKC Instructor Certification Program in Denmark (May, 2008). Dr. Nieves is also a National Strength and Conditioning Association -Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Dr. Nieves incorporates his extensive medical training and knowledge together with his Strength, Functional Conditioning and Kettlebell knowledge to provide his clients with a unique training experience.
Ricardo Nieves, M.D.,CSCS,RKC: Images
Customer reviews of:
Ricardo A. Nieves, M.D.,CSCS,RKC
Average Rating: 10.0 in 9 reviews
You can survive and become stronger
Rated 10 out of 10
The kattlebells is fun and with Ricardo it is even more fun. Before I met Ricardo, I felt I had known enough about excercise. I was utterly wrong... Ricardo Nieves, MD made my life miserable and my body better that ever. If you want to get into best shape of your life, chose this awsome instructor.
Jiri Danczik, MD - Cheyenne, WY
You are in good hands with Dr. Nieves
Rated 10 out of 10
Dr. Nieves was my assistant at the RKC in Denmark and I can wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who would like to improve their strength and endurance. Not only is he a high level combat athlete but his eye for detail is priceless. Combined this with his medical knowledge and you have the ultimate RKC instructor. Seek Dr. Nieves out today!
Jon Engum RKC Teamleader - Minnesota, USA
Training with the "Maestro"
Rated 10 out of 10
I am thirty eight years old and started training with kettlebells and unconventional excercises for almost a year. I never thought I could get the results that I have achieved in this short of time. I haven't felt this good in the past sixteen years. I am Sergeant of Investigations for the Eddy County Sheriffs Department and have been working in Law Enforcement for almost sixteen years now. I have been on a Tactical Response Team for twelve years and a Defensive Tactics Instructor for eleven years. Dr. Ricardo Nieves innovative training is never boring or mundane. Dr. Ricardo is patient and very detailed with the instructions in each excercise to insure they are done as safe as possible. The best part of training with Dr. Ricardo is the motivation he projects though his own passion for real world/ functional training. My fourteen year old son has been training with the same techniques and he too experienced huge gains in over all body strength. Dr. Ricardo Nieves is a true Maestro of functional excercise and training.
Mike C. Garcia - Carlsbad, NM USA
We're in luck!
Rated 10 out of 10
Fort Collins is fortunate to have a physician like Dr. Nieves. In addition to his unique combination of medical skills, Ricardo is a very special trainer. Being overweight and in my 50s, my interest in kettlebells was piqued by an article that appeared in the Fitness section of the Denver Post. The workout was described as being so much more efficient than conventional weight training. I found myself on the Dragon Door web site which led me to Ricardo.
After a review of my medical history we started slowly. Within 2 weeks the workouts picked up in intensity. With the combination of functional resistance training and aerobic benefit offered by the kettlebell workout, my level of conditioning, endurance, and energy have improved dramatically in just a few weeks. I am also sleeping much better and the weight is starting to drop.
My 21 year old son loves to work out at the gym. During his 1 month winter vacation from the university he participated in the workouts and found them to be challenging and quite beneficial. Alex has been so motivated that he will even get out of bed to attend a 6AM workout. This is unusual behavior for a college student on vacation!
With Ricardo's painstaking emphasis on proper technique, we are now able to workout at home on our own. I will continue to work with Ricardo to learn new exercises and routines.
This unique approach to fitness will catch on like wildfire in our "exercise-crazy" town. We are so fortunate to have Ricardo to introduce us to to kettlebells and other innovative training methods. With him there is never a dull moment!
Steven L. Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D. - Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Rehab moving quickly with Ricardo
Rated 10 out of 10
I have been working with Ricardo for about 4 weeks now, and am impressed by his level of knowledge and attention to detail, especially as it relates to working with previous back injuries. He took the necessary time to understand the best exercise fit for me, and designed a recovery program that will not cause further injury. The kettlebell system is new to me, but I am already seeing increased strength and flexibility, and Ricardo's enthusiasm is really contagious. He is a natural teacher, and listens carefully to feedback. He encourages his students and provides positive feedback every step of the way. When I began the program, I was only expecting to focus my efforts on strengthening the spine, but it became apparent to me quickly that this training could replace most, if not all, of the other fitness training that I have been doing. This is really a complete way to get in terrific shape, and Ricardo is the man to do it with.
Dan Payton-Electric Utility Consultant - Fort Collins, Colorado
Ricardo was the Answer
Rated 10 out of 10
I have had a history of lower back pain and trauma and been advised by many to have surgery, but I have always resisted. I herniated a disc earlier this year and thought "this may be it", but I found Dr. Nieves and he has helped me tremendously. One of the reasons I went to see him was that he is a third degree black belt in Judo and a Level II Instructor in Kettlebells, and I loved the idea of being able to workout with him following the resolution of my medical issues. Also, I had been introduced to Kettlebells last year and liked the workout a lot, but I suspected my technique was not the best.
I began working out with Ricardo as soon as my back issues subsided. It has been awesome. it was everything I had hoped for and more. He is very in tune to the issues going on in my body and makes sure to tailor each workout accordingly. He pushes me as far as I can go.
I appreciate Ricardo's insistence on proper form. He is very patient in his instructions. I have learned a lot in the short time I have been working out with him (about 2 months).
His workouts are also functional and emphasize proper movement and body alignment. I cannot say enough good things about him and his workouts.
The other great quality of Ricardo is that he is very generous with his time and resources. He always is quick to offer his time to listen to whatever may be going on with my body. He is always happy to share whatever he has with me and my son, who has attended a few times. By the way, my son (who is 14) absolutely loved the workouts. That in an of itself is astounding. He has never willingly gone to a workout session before.
I sure hope Ricardo continues his workouts for a long time. I plan to work with him as long as he will have me!
Brian Nugent - Fort Collins, Colorado
An enjoyable workout
Rated 10 out of 10
Working out with Ricardo has been one of the smartest decisions I've made to improve my physical well being. His knowledge as a sports medicine doctor and having worked with Cattle bells for 4 years creates the ultimate work out. I look forward to each work out with him and seeing him work out inspires me to work even harder then i would by myself. Working with Ricardo Nieves has been one of the best decisions I've made in life. His dedication to making his clients feel better mentally and physically is amazing. I came to him with back and knee pain and since i started working with him for 6 months i haven't experienced any pain. Truly the best physical trainer I've ever had the pleasure of working with.
Cristian Medgyesy - Fort Collins, CO USA
Best overall workout
Rated 10 out of 10
My Husband and I took a class with Dr. Nieves to learn what Kettlebells was all about. What a workout! It worked every muscle in my body. I felt sore for 3 days but it was the "good sore" where you feel energized. He is very attentive to every move to insure the proper technique. I have been seeing Dr. Nieves for lower back pain and he made sure that the exercises were correct to help my back to get stronger. It is really exciting to learn from someone who is so passionate about Kettlebells and Sport Fitness. Dr. Nieves also has a great practice and a wonderful family. We are very lucky to have him here in Fort Collins.
Abby Bloedorn - Fort Collins, CO
This is a real workout!
Rated 10 out of 10
I met Dr. Nieves about 9 years ago when we practiced medicine in the same town in New Mexico. I watched him to be very devoted not only to his medical practice and his patients but to his famous and killing workouts. He worked out with my husband and got him into best shape of his life!! After Ricardo became certified in Kettlebells training I slowly started to look at it as an option to my semi-regular exercise. I never liked long aerobic activities but with Ketlebells you can do your cardio in 20 minutes! We started with a group of people and after he taught me a proper technique (crucial for this exercise) and a variety of different exercise I am continuing to exercise on my own. He is always available for another session or any kind of advice. It is amazing! After one month my 15 years old son said:" Oh my God, Mom, you have a six pack!"
