Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

I had the privilege of having Steve Freides as my Team Leader in RKC Chicago 2011. Over the course of the weekend, Steve took my skills and capabilities to an entirely different level. Steve and his assistants took only moments to correct what I had been working on for months. Steve uses his gifts and strengths when instructing; his wisdom, knowledge, and sense of humor made the entire RKC experience even more incredible and valuable. Even months after RKC, he makes himself available constantly and answers any and all questions I may have. Overall, Steve Freides is not only an incredible instructor, but a wonderful person as well.

I had the pleasure of assisting Steve at the Philly 2011 RKC. Steve was very knowledgable and hands on with the students. I feel like I learned as much as the students from Steve's direction. He is a technical Instructor and excellent troubleshooter but he is difficult to track down. If you are lucky enough to track him down it will be worth it.

Recently, I had the opportunity to assistant instructor at an RKC Certification for the first time (Sept, 2011 in Philly) under Steve. Not only was he a highly effective team leader, but an excellent teaching mentor as well. Steve ensured that every candidate got the attention they needed and additionally took the time to impart import insights on teaching kettlebells that he has garnered through many years as and RKC.

We got a chance to work on our splits too!

I hope my headline doesn't suggest that Steve is "soft" in any way--just trying to highlight his awesome demeanor and approachability. Intimidation is not Steve's game; he's a consummate teacher and offered unfailing support to our team during the grueling weekend (Steve was my team leader at RKC Philly, fall 2011).

Steve's career is in teaching and that shows. He knew when to push us, when to let us rest, and ultimately was there in our service when we had technique questions or needed a scrutinizing eye. I'd be delighted to work with Steve again.

I attended the RKC certification course with Steve this past weekend (9/11). Steve was a fantastic Team Leader with extensive knowledge of every exercise and techniques associated with them. There were two techniques that i struggled with the entire weekend. Steve worked with me as well as his assistants. Although I wasn't able to overcome the challenge of taming the arc and getting under the bell, it had nothing to do with my leader and everything to do with my coordination. Steve stuck with me through the very end, as did his assistants. Their patience and persistence never wavered. I will prevail at these two exercise and look forward to receiving my RKC in the very near future.

If you are looking for a great instructor, I would definitely recommend Steve. He is fantastic.

I came to the RKC-Chicago workshop needing help in all facets of my kettlebell practice. Steve's form of "tough love," allowed me hone in and concentrate on those areas that needed work. His calm, cool and collected demeanor, and teaching style, resulted in increased confidence for me as the days went by. I will never forget his leadership in helping me to attain a very important goal in my life.

I met Steve at the 10th anniversary RKC certification. While he was leading the team next to mine, he went above and beyond to help me make corrections in some of my techniques. Steve is very knowledgable and personable. While he doesn't have the body shape of a linebacker, he does pack a ton of knowledge and power into his frame. He truly embodies the RKC spirit and for that I thank him.

Had the opportunity to meet Stever for the first time at a KettleBell "meeting of the minds" event a few weeks ago in Conneticut with other RKC's and HKC's from the "North-East"

Steve took us all through a variety of mobility and flexibility drills for nearly 2 hours...some of which I knew but with some slight tweaks, others I have never seen.

Learning from a good training book is ok...but having someone 55 years young showing the "young bucks" what to do and how to do it...and doing it themselves...you can't beat that...ever.

If part of your goal is to move like your 20 again...or for that matter, perhaps better than you ever have...no matter what age, I highly suggest you work with Steve...he walks his talk.

I attended Steve's flexibility workshop last week at Kettlebell Daily's Mind Meld. We spent 3 or 4 hours relaxing, stretching, and working on our splits. It was (a very good kind of) painful and effective. I stretched my hips (which have lots of old injuries) further than I have since my age was a single digit. I could suddenly do a full goblet squat, sitting back and straight and hold it indefinitely. I got about an inch away from a full front split, a huge improvement.

The next day my hips were so loose they felt like they were falling out their sockets. A week later, still working on Steve's exercises, I feel great (still keeping myself sore), and am continuing to improve my flexibility.

I'm looking forward to another workshop with Steve!

Steve put on a great workshop about flexibility... leading us up to some portion of full splits. It was clear about half way into the session that he was very clearly taking us in a very specific direction. Steve was guiding us on a journey!

While I could not achieve the full split, I re-discovered my sticky hip, it was amazing to see many in the room get closer to or actually achieve the split which eludes most athletes.

I have incorporated many of the drills that brought us to the split with renewed vigor and I am feeling more freedom in my hips.

Thanks Steve, for a great workshop!

I had a chance to attend his flexibility workshop at kettlebells daily in CT.
Steve is amazing teacher and very dedicated and giving person.
He gave us on overview of great number of flexibility drills and a lot of tips towards achieving the split.
In preparation to my upcoming RKC I also took the personal training session with him.
After my first couple movements his experienced eye noticed all my weaknesses and muscle imbalances and gave recommendations towards overcoming them.
I am very grateful for honor of being taught by him and would highly recommend
Steve to others.

Steeve is Amazing! Not only can he do amazing things, but he can help you do them also. I don't know that I ever wanted to do a split, but it was great learning how to get there. If you get a chance to work with him, don't pass it up!

I'm preparing for the RKC workshop and drove 2.5 hours to visit Steve for some expert advice. I got more than I could ask for, and on top of that, Steve is a great guy who's very easy to take instruction from.

I'm usually very good at learning things on my own, and I also have a good fitness background, but my visit with Steve made it obvious that learning proper kettlebell technique from books and videos isn't as easy as it may seem. In my opinion, many of the benefits of kettlebell training come from some of the finer details in technique, so this is an important consideration. Steve has a great eye for finding subtle technical flaws and is also great at providing the guidance needed to correct them. It's also clear to me that he's very knowledgeable about healthy physical function in general, and that made it easy to understand how his advice regarding the subtleties of kettlebell technique relate to the big picture.

Thanks, Steve!

Steve was willing to share his thoughts on how to modify my training program in the final weeks before the Tactical Strength Challenge to get the best score. The advice really helped me to come into the Saturday event ready to do my best. Thanks Steve!

After getting my HKC in November of 2010, I knew I wanted to take the next step and head for the RKC training course in September 2011. I had read some of Steve's articles about structuring training and was sure he would be able to help me get on track. And I was right. Steve has a talent for clear instruction and a great eye for technique correction, helping me very quickly feel more confident in both my own kettlebell practice and my work with my clients. His instruction, seemingly limitless patience and broad knowledge base have been invaluable. Working with him was the right way to make the next step on my journey.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

... 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.