I came to Queen City KettleBell in August of 2015 and have loved every minute of training. When I first started at QCKB I went through a FMS with D J and then together we came up with a training plan. I have learned so much, but more importantly, I am stronger and fitter than at anytime in my life (I am 60). I highly recommend D J to anyone looking to get stronger and gain greater mobility.

After years of a lethargic lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits I took the initiative to begin my journey to a fit self at Queen City Kettlebell. I was immediately impressed with the quality of coaching and sense of community the gym offered. I quickly transitioned from attending only beginners classes to integrating personal training sessions with DJ into my regimen. It was quite evident after only a couple of sessions that DJ was analyzing my every movement (or lack of movement), making adjustments to my form and increasing my strength and range of motion along the way. I was quite out of shape when I first walked through those doors and my safety was a concern to me, however safety has been a top priority of DJ's at the gym.

In addition to focusing on form, movement and safety, DJ has taken it upon himself to coach me from a nutritional standpoint as well. With personalized workouts, nutritional education and the ability to exemplify his teachings through his actions I have had significant improvement to my health, strength and quality of life. One gripe, all of my clothes are too big ... thanks DJ! I think my review is pretty clear, however if there is any doubt I highly recomend DJ and QC Kettlebell.

I'm an avid CrossFitter just past my 60th birthday. As I get older it seems that the margin for error in performing exercises with weights, be they barbells, dumbbells, or kettlebells, gets narrower. This is why training with DJ is so valuable for me. He has a finely tuned eye for proper body mechanics, form, and efficiency in these movements. Working with him has improved my exercise capacity and decreased my tendency to suffer minor injuries. Beyond this I should note that I am not the world's most flexible person, and DJ's additional focus on improving joint mobility has been very helpful. Some of his mobility exercises are in fact a little bit magical. It's not exactly clear how or why they work. They just do. Anyway I'm hoping to still be doing CrossFit when I'm 80, and if I am, I will have to credit DJ's training in large part.

DJ is very knowledgeable about the physiology behind conditioning, mobility, stability, and strength. I wanted to learn how to perform skills "the right way" and prevent an injury from becoming further aggravated and DJ helped me with that. DJ doesn't just preach proper diet and exercise, he is also a practitioner.

DJ is the somewhat –rare trainer/coach in that he truly practices what he preaches- in diet, training and lifestyle. He pushes his clients just as he pushes himself, expects great form, demands improvement and encourages you to progress farther than you thought possible. When I first began training at Queen City Kettlebell, I thought I was in pretty good shape- I did “cardio” and “weights” at least five times per week. However, this particular mix of conditioning and strength training is infinitely more effective, and I have never been stronger or had more lean definition. I’m never bored, the classes and complexes are constantly changing, and there is always an element of my workout that can be improved. DJ’s philosophy, integrity, personality and coaching style is very motivating. He is a trainer I highly recommend if you are looking for results, whether in terms of weight loss, muscle definition, movement or overall improved wellbeing. Sometimes it can certainly be tough love, but that’s the method from which I learn best.

I've been going to Queen City Kettlebell for a year and a half and doing personal training with DJ for 5 months. I haven't been this committed to a gym or a trainer and truly enjoy the whole experience, including the challenges. DJ is super strict about form, which I can appreciate as a physical therapist, to decrease injury and maximize performance. His attention to detail has helped me improve in every area, including helping me to be the strongest I've probably ever been in my upper body. I've had many chronic injuries that he has helped me work around and continue to challenge myself. He has a way of pushing me hard while also encouraging me, making me want to be better and go farther. Beyond that, he's always pushing himself to expand his knowledge base, then sharing that with me. In addition to strength, I've noticed improvement in ROM and he's opened my mind to other areas of health, including nutrition. I would highly recommend DJ as an instructor/trainer!

I've been working directly with DJ for roughly 12 weeks and have been attending classes at Queen City Kettlebell for about 9 months. My experience with DJ has been nothing short of outstanding. Since training with him and the staff at Queen City Kettlebell, I've surpassed nearly every strength and fitness goal of mine. I'm very pleased not only with the physical results, but with the holistic approach that DJ has had on my overall health and nutrition. He has been an excellent example to follow and proven to be extremely knowledgeable at his craft. I've also noticed that DJ has expressed a genuine interest in keeping his clients safe and injury free. This has been difficult for me in the past, since I tend to be somewhat clumsy in the gym. DJ is always scrutinizing my form and looking for ways I can improve. He has a keen eye for detail and a sound philosophy behind his instruction. Since working with him, Russian Kettlebell has become the foundation of my training and exercise regimen.

I started coming to Queen City Kettlebell following a workshop that DJ put on at the crossfit gym where I workout. I had shoulder surgery five years ago and it severely limited my mobility. I could not perform overhead squats with anything heavier than a PVC pipe because I could not get my shoulder in position. With any weight whatsoever, when I went down, the bar went forward.

Since working with DJ for about 15 sessions, my strength and mobility have improved dramatically. The trainers at my crossfit gym have noticed the improvement, as well. I can now perform overhead squats (with a 65 pound bar, and moving up). My arms are also in much better position for cleans and front squats, as well, because of the improved mobility.

DJ is a great trainer (as the heading states). He emphasizes form extensively. He challenges me, while being mindful of my limits. He is creative in the workout planning. He constantly seeks for what he can be helpful with. And, he is also a lot of fun to be with.

I began working out with DJ in June after struggling to get back to a traditional workout routine post-baby. I found that is was difficult to put forth the time towards traditional workouts and keep motivated with the same old routine.
I have found that DJs workouts are much more effective than traditional workouts and I am able to put in less time with better/amazing results. DJ adjusts his methods for each individual to keep us challenged and motivated. Each class is a little different which keeps things interesting.
Now I have finally lost my baby weight!

Let's just say that I have always been the type that hated working out. I hated taking the time to exercise and I never liked working out in big gyms full of your typical "meatheads"'. Because of this, I have been to many gyms in my lifetime. I would go for a week or two and then my interest and enthusiasm would start to fade. I started working out with DJ back in May of 2012 and haven't missed a week yet. Not only does DJ keep my interest, but pushes me so that I see the results that keep me coming back. I can now say I love working out!

Not only with me, but DJ takes an interest in every one of his clients and tailors his workouts to meet each person's needs. He is committed to each person's overall well being, and helping them reach their own personal goals. I recommend DJ to every person I come in contact with wanting to live a healthier life.

Dj is a excellent trainer. He is very knowledgable and passionate about what he does. 
He always keeps every workout challenging and fun. I have seen amazing results since i started training with Dj. 

I highly recommend Dj and Queen City Kettlebell to anyone who wants to take their training to the next level. 

Daniel (Dj) is without a doubt one of the top fitness trainers in the Cincinnati area. I started training with Dj in June 2011 and was impressed immediately by his in depth knowledge of kettlebell training, integrity, and genuine interest and concern for his clients. Dj has a keen eye for functional movement and mobility, which allows him to not only optimize training for safety and strength, but also assess, identify, and correct inefficient or broken movement patterns that often impede clients from progressing in their skill level and performance. Whether he is working with a personal client or in a class setting, Dj provides professional, one-on-one attention, teaching correct technique, and ensuring each person is progressing to reach their fitness goals. He is a great motivator and is able to simply complex subject matter in a way that is easy to understand. When I began training at Queen City Kettlebell, I knew very little about kettlebell training. Through personal sessions with Dj and classes at Queen City Kettlebell, I have reached a level of fitness that far exceeded my original goals and will continue to set new goals for personal strength and fitness. I would highly recommend Dj and Queen City Kettlebell to anyone interested in training with kettlebells to reach their personal fitness goals!

I have been involved in athletics and physical culture for over 20 years. After being disappointed by the mainstream in fitness and the trainers at many of the big box gyms, I was pleasantly surprised by Mr. Wittekind's knowledge, skill, and entrepanuerial spirit. His training philosophy is what I have been searching for and I feel I have found a home at his gym, Queen City Kettlebell.

Thanks

I started training with DJ in June. I had purchased my first class pass for kettlebell classes at his gym, Queen City Kettlebells. I intended to have one or two sessions with him so that I could perfect my form and quickly move to more advanced classes. I viewed these classes as a bit of a mix-up in my running, cycling, and weight training routine which was getting boring and monotonous.

As a former certified personal trainer, I've experienced many trainers who don't know a whole lot about what they are doing nor do they have a sincere and dedicated interest in their clients. Not so with DJ. He is a class act and after that very first session I was convinced he could help me reach my fitness goals. I had not even considered a personal trainer as I felt like I had a very good handle on my personal plan, routine and goals. However, during that session with DJ, I realized he brought a holistic understanding of my fitness "life" that I would've never been able to acquire on my own. I've been training with DJ ever since.

He challenges me and motivates me to do things I didn't think I could. He's not one of the big gym trainers who only consult on form and count reps. He truly understands all facets of health and fitness including nutrition, mobility, flexibility and functional movement. I've learned more than I could have ever imagined from DJ ... even knowing when to stop and rest (which isn't easy for me).

Kettlebells are now the foundation of my training and DJ continues to create training plans that challenge me and keep me coming back for more. He spends a great deal of time developing my personal plan and continually adapts it so I that I see constant progress. I've never had the same session twice. That's almost impossible to find anywhere else. DJ is the best and I'd recommend him to anyone who is looking for a trainer or is intersted in exploring the world of kettlebells =) .

I came to DJ thinking I was in good shape from running, yoga, and other outdoor activities I had been doing for years. I started to develop some back and mobility issues from the years of abuse. DJ really took an interest in me and my issues and really took the time to explain to me what was going on with my body and why I was going through what I was. His attention to form and body movement patterns helped to correct some of what was wrong- and we hadn't even touched a kettlebell yet! Once we got into the swing of things :) DJ showed me how strong I could be (and how strong I wasn't.) Training with him far exceeded my expectations. I still continue to train under DJ as well as enjoy the running I thought I had to give up on.

DJ's professionalism, knowledge, and sense of humor are just a few of the traits that make him stand out as a fitness professional. I would gladly refer him to anyone looking to learn the proper use of kettlebells, or just looking for an excellent, knowledgeable trainer.