Reviews

I had the pleasure to be part of Team Rendle at the April 2012 RKC in St Paul. Michael's experience was evident in the way that he critiqued and corrected technique. Importantly, Michael did this in a manner that was both friendly, but firm. Through Michael's leadership, I learned a lot and gained many valuable pointers. Awesome! Thank you Michael!

I'm 51, I've lost 40 lbs, and now in the best shape of my life. The group is fantastic and a mix of men and women from 20 - 60. Everyone works dramatically hard and Michael runs the group with a key eye on what makes everyone successful.

I'm grateful for this type of gym and recommend NE Kettlebells to everyone!

NEKB is home to me. I spend 4 days out of the week training at the studio with Michael. I have been a student of his since 2007 and I can't get enough of the hard style training that Mchael teaches. I have been addicted since the very begining when I saw Micheal's passion to teach kettlebell.

He knows our strengths and our weaknesses, that is how much he cares about each and every student. Michael is an extraordinary instructor of tremendous versatility, intelligence and discipline. His attitude is inspiring, his knowledge is exceptional. I am very lucky to have such an awesome comrad.

I love and look forward to attending Michael's classes and find it intriguing. I am confident and listen as Michael teaches me in this fun, "simple but not easy" workout; that has me feeling great and fit like never before.

Only a few hard women go above & beyond their ability, Thanks 2 Michael!








NEKB has the biggest set of speakers mounted that you wouldn't normally find anywhere else. That's right we crank the music and we dial in.

I started Kettlebells with Michael about 5 years ago. My mom had been going to classes for awhile and wanted me to give it a try. I was 18 years old and done with Highschool sports. I wasn't "in shape" or "out of shape", I was just young and flexible and not old like most of the others in the class :p lol. What im trying to say is that you don't need to have aches and pains to join kettlebells. I was hooked after the first class! I am stronger than any other girl I know my age and I have done tough hard style training workouts I didn't know existed. Michael has been able to show me what Im really made of! He has helped me become a kick ass strong woman and I had fun doing it! Every class is different and you never know what is in store for you but it is always a challenge and exciting!
Going to the classes with my mom has been a bonus as well, if you don't know anyone doing Kettlebells right now, come with a relative or a friend. You both could be hooked and it's nice to have someone to push you to go to class and then you feel awesome after it's over. We have become a family over at N.E. Kettlebells and I miss being there whenever I am gone.
Thank you Michael for helping me grow up into that woman in the poster on the wall at our studio: We Can Do It!

Not really knowing what to expect, I attend my first class in Jan 2010 and I was hooked. After a class focusing on swings, I was so sore the next couple of days I could barely walk up and down stairs. This showed me how out of shape I was which motivated me to keep going.

It is amazing how much core strength (or the lack of) impacts everyday life; simple things like squatting down, shoveling snow, raking leaves, carrying laundry upstairs or groceries in the house, putting luggage in an overheard bin and opening jars are affected. I saw an improvement after just one month of training and I have continued to gain strength, flexibility and balance.

The workouts are varied, as challenging as one wants to make them and never boring. Michael is funny, encouraging, supportive and challenging without being pushy, bossy or condenscending. The only person you are competing with is yourself. Everyone in the class is welcoming and accepting. We laughed together and celebrate each other's successes. All age ranges and abilities are represented and accepted.

I have pretty much tried every type of work-out from aerobics to yoga to weight machines, free weights, cycling, heat yoga, tai kwon do, etc., and have worked out in pretty much every gym in Minneapolis from The Gym to US Sport & Fitness to the YMCA, to LifeTime. At my first kettle bell class, I told Michael Rendle I wanted something that would hold my interest and keep me in shape and he promised I would never be bored. True to his promise, kettle bell training at NE Kettlebells has held my interest for almost 3 years now and not only because Michael keeps things interesting with an endless variety of workouts and helpful training talks but because Michael constantly challenges me and the entire class to do things that we didn't think we could do, or want to do :-) I'm over 50 and 120 lbs but the smallest kettle bell I work out with is 18 pounds--and it only goes up from there. It's a tough workout but the payoff is I feel good, I feel strong, I'm in great shape and I get the bragging rights to tell my friends and co-workers that, yes, I work out at NE Kettlebells, hard style for the masses--the BEST workout I've found in over 35 years of searching!

Every class is a little different, every one is challenging. Michael always gives you something to think about to go along with the really hard workout. He sets the stage and you push yourself as hard as you are willing to go. Plenty of support, but no whining allowed. Michael is just a really gifted teacher and it makes all the difference.

I have been training with Michael for four years. I started with the intent of adding some "weight resistance training" to my yoga practice. His challenging training has taken me way beyond my comfort zone. Last September I participated in a 10K "Mud Run" - who knew?

I'm starting my 6th month with Michael and the 5:00PM group. Let's just say I'm a "leading edge Boomer." :) My passion in life is my two horses and riding them as much as I can. Literally, the day after my first training session I had the best ride of my life. I know, I know, it sounds crazy. But I am convinced I had better balance after only one kettlebells session. My riding instructor even commented on it. Since then, things have only gotten better. I'm stronger overall; my core is much stronger. My right shoulder, which had clicks and catches in it, is essentially cured. Its mobility is much much better. I can do things I couldn't imagine when I first began --- such as 100 snatches in 5 minutes. There are still lots of challenges. My TGU sucks. My balance still needs lots of work. Michael's classes are tough and fun. Everyone is encouraging and supportive. We laugh a lot. We groan a lot. We work really hard. I would pay much more than I do to stay with Michael. That's how good he is. I drive all the way up from Bloomington three times a week after a hard day's work and I wouldn't miss it. It's that good. Thanks you to all my classmates and thank you to Michael. N.E. Kettlebells is amazing.

I recently looked back on the nearly two years I've been going to the studio and it struck me how much this has changed my life in more ways than I expected. The sessions are structured in a way that makes it almost like having a personal trainer. I am motivated to attend regularly, I feel better all around, and I am having fun.

Beyond the kettlebell training, Michael offers up challenges such as diet alterations and daily regimens. I was initially attracted to the studio as a way to build joint strength and prolong my soccer playing days into my 40s. The workouts utilize many of the same movements that physical therapists recommend for rehab exercises. Michael issued diet challenge that helped me discover that my knee pain had all but disappeared with the elimination of gluten from my diet. These things taken together have improved the quality of my life immensely. I feel physical and mental well being as a result, and I'm no longer sore after playing a game of soccer. I have Michael to thank for all of that.

First day my buddy asked if I wanted to check out this Kettlebell studio on Central Ave in N.E Minneapolis. He saw a sandwich board on the sidewalk. It was St. Patricks day of '10. I was 225 and ready to go out and drink some Guiness and Irish Car Bombs, but what the hell I'm always up for something new. N.E.K.B kicked my ass. I've always said, "If I'm every going to get back in shape again, I'm gonna need a drill instructor to stay motivated". Micheal was the man to do it. I've trained 3 time a week ever since (minus vacations and lectures).

"Functional movement, proper alignment and hard style is where its at. Cardio and flexibility are just a byproduct." Micheal said. He always says things like, "chest out, shoulders packed, squeeze those gluts, dial it in and HANG IN THERE!"

N.E.K.B. studio is nothing short of completely supportive and full of encouragement. It's a totally chill atmosphere with a hard chiseled edge that makes you want to come back for more.

I'm also more educated about what I'm putting into my body. The food challenge refined my eating habits and my joints feel better than they have in years.

I'm now 190lbs (loss of 35lbs) in nearly 2 years. I haven't weighted that much since 1997 (15 years ago).

For me, Hardstyle Kettlebell training is NOT a fad! It is a lifestyle change that I hope to maintain for the rest of my life!!!

I train people every day of the week for my job. I see Mike at NEKB for my own butt-kicking and let me tell you, I have gained SO much strength seeking out another fellow RKC. I love it. It is my most favorite part of the week to train with great people and learn so much more about how others train as well as myself!
Thanks MIKE!

Came to NEKB about 4 years ago. At that time I was 5-10" 217lbs, with daily lower back pain. Went to the doc and he put me on pain meds, and he said this was my future cure.
Walked out to the desk, the gal at the desk said that my real problem was core strength.
lol, this not the doc saying this, it's a nurse that looked at my xrays. A month later I talked to Micheal at a party and he said to come and train , and also that he would core the back pain. 3 days a week training 90 days later I tossed the pills in the garbage. 18 months later I was 182 lbs and in better shape then I was in 30's and I had just turned 47. It's simple, it's hard work, and it absolutely will change your life. NEKB pushes you day and day out to chalenge yourself to be the best you can be.

I joined the NE Kettlebell studio just over a year ago. i had been looking for something (not a fancy gym or juice bar place) to help me lose weight and re-establish a challenging routine for total body workouts. Had never done Kettlebells but it was intriguing. After one month and become addicted and have improved a lot in strength and range of motion. With significant pathology in my back (L1/L2 bulging disc and L5/S1 same) and shoulders (torn Labrum) this has been amazing therapy and many of the issues have disappeared.
It has been a great environement with a tremendous cross-section of ages and body types to be a part of....highly recommended.

This is the greatest form of exercise EVER! Past weightlifting experience was not good - instructor would increase the weights but it bulked me everywhere (not what I wanted). Starting more than 3 years ago, under excellent tutelage from Mike Rendle at NE Kettlebells, I dropped inches fast. Not only does the class get all the basics under a watchful eye checking correct form but we get anatomy and physiology presented at levels we can understand to support why KB is so good for the human form.

I can LIFT UP a 40# of a laptop carrier from work with 2 laptops in it in one hand and 40# luggage in the other hand (weighed at the airport scale, so I knew how much they weighed) up & down multi-level subway stairs in NYC with no effort at 48 years young- no one my age at work can do this; even the younger ones at work using a KB as part of their excercise routine use less than 10#. I would not have been able to travel the way I must without the benefit of having been in this hardstyle KB class. Not the least of which, this strengthens my 'weak' back.

I have not been injured in this class- Mike teaches us well to prevent that. I would watch the more experienced in this class just keep progressing and wish I could match that. I am not the strongest female in class but it is gratifying to have had so much progress and growth in my own level of strength accomplishments over the last 3 years. THANK YOU, Michael & Pavel !!!!

Thank you Michael!! Thanks for being part of Team Ross, and for providing excellent instruction, correction, support and tape!! Ha!
That was a most awesome experience- and I look forward to working with you again!!

I came to Michael's studio just over 5 months ago with very few expectations and little motivation besides the fact that I was simply bored doing push-ups and pull-ups. I have always considered myself in decent shape, and wrote off the aches in my back as the inevitable result of reaching my mid 30's. I had no idea how much I was about to learn about myself.

Upon coming to Michael's class I found out two things. First, this was not going to be similar to any exercise experience I've previously had. Michael's focus on proper technique and knowledge of my body's mechanics was something I was unaccustomed to. Second, I was definitely NOT in shape. Yes, Michael showed me the correct way to physically execute a move. By example, though, he showed(and still shows) how to push through the normal pain and discomfort of exercise and take it to a place where results are actually achieved. Praise given is praise deserved.

I have been training at NE with Mr. Rendle for 10 months and the results have been way beyond what I expected. As an x athlete now in my 40's it was time to get the body back in business. Rendle and NE were recommended by a friend and now I am passing on the recomm with no reservations. The instruction provided is amazing and the atmosphere welcomes anyone who is willing to join! I love it.

Michael is the rare combination of both coach and instructor.

In other words, Michael offers specific guidance on technical moves in a knowledgeable and patient manner. And yet, when we need to be pushed, he can bark a bit and tell you to step it up. what a combo

Great pleasure to work with

I've been training in Michael's class for a year now, and can attest that his is the best strength training program I have ever been involved with. He starts most classes with some thoughts about the training we're doing and the purpose behind it. He shares his insights on what's effective in building strength, movement, and overall fitness. I've been working out for over 20 years, but have learned more about effective training in the last year than any time prior.

When I joined, my strength had been depleted by a few years of triathlon training. I had gained some of it back with Crossfit, but hard style training in Michael's class has offered me a higher level of strength, flexibility and fitness than I've ever had before.

RKC training is hard, but Michael is excellent at motivating people and getting them to stick with it. The rate of attrition in our class is very low. It's a diverse group, but what we all have in common are the results Michael has helped us attain.

I joined NE Kettlebells almost a year ago. Previously I had been exposed to kettlebells in bootcamps by trainers who were not nearly as knowledgeable as Michael. From day one, I was exposed to the correct, hard-style, movements and have achieved a number of personal records.

More importantly for me, Michael has created an environment at NE Kettlebells that is so welcoming to any and all that it feels like my second home. It's a place that celebrates successes, picks you up after failures and challenges you to "bring it" every class.

I've played sports and weight trained since I was 10 or 12 years old. After multiple shoulder separations, back injuries, neck injuries, two severe high ankle sprains, and various other sports injuries, my body was a wreck. I was fortunate enough to meet Michael and hear his story. He introduced me to kettlebells and my whole world changed! He is dedicated to "Hard Style" training, and through his teachings, I am again able to lead an active (and virtually pain-free) lifestyle. The low impact nature of kettlebells has allowed me to improve the strength and stability of my entire body. Also, because of Michael's teachings, I too have passed the RKC level I certification as have several of my fellow classmates. He is a great mentor!

I had been training on my own in your 'standard' gym with resistance machines and cardio; your basic mind numbing workout. Michael's ingeniously placed sign for N.E. Kettlebells just off 18th and Johnson caught my eye. I made no contact and dropped in for a Saturday morning class; I was hooked. Michael walked a couple others and I through basic moves, safety and threw us to the wolves. That was early October and I successfully completed my RKC in April, six months later.

It's not always about exposure, but context. Michael has built a Kettlebell community from all walks of life: high School to retirement, fit and those working to get there. He stresses form, focus, strength and endurance and his workouts can be done by anyone in class, with results. It's hard to argue with his philosophy and approach, because it works. His classes change and evolve with his research and new findings, but most importantly stay true to 'Hardstyle.' You'll never get bored and you will see results.

He encouraged me when I mentioned that I would like to complete the RKC and was eager to help me through the process and celebrate my success. Without his knowledge, expertise (not to mention awesome workouts!), I would have not made the transition from, 'what's a Kettlebell' to RKC in six months. Those of us who have stumbled on Michael and N.E. Kettlebells are lucky to have such an impressive and effective force to motivate us.

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!

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.

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!

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!!!

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.

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!!!

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...

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 !

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.

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!"