Reviews

I had the pleasure of working with Eric during my month-long sabbatical in OKC . He is extremely knowledgable about the body, balance, movement etc. and taught me things about myself I didn't know. His focus is on builiding skills not just how much weight you can lift or how many repetitions you can do. I would recommend him without hesitation; he is the best personal trainer I have ever worked with. I wish he lived here...

Eric and I met many years ago via beach and indoor volleyball. In late 2005 we began to train together for volleyball. Then I found the kettlebell and the RKC. Around the same time Eric had found another bodyweight training writer/instructor. By mid 2009 Eric decided to learn the Kettlebell with/from me in earnest. By 2011 he head become an RKC and CK-FMS and was starting to design and direct our training.
Simply put Eric is a great student and instructor in the world of physical movement, strength and conditioning.
To this day we share program design and coach one-another toward better movement and strength.

I am proud to call Eric my friend and even more proud to know that he is living the life he wants to live because he's an RKC, CK-FMS and personal fitness mechanic.

I was referred to Eric several months ago because I was looking for someone from whom to learn kettlebell training. Eric evaluated my overall physical condition and quickly realized that, like most American men in their mid-50's, I had huge problems with joint mobility, flexibility, balance and core strength. He has developed an evolving training program for me addressing these areas while gradually incorporating the use of kettlebells. Eric has a very clear vision of what my deficits are and how to correct them.
For years I knew I had these deficits, but I really didn’t know how to address them. I have worked with other trainers but all they seemed to care about was lifting weights and getting stronger. Eric sees the big picture. He knows that I need improved functional strength. But I now understand, for optimal health, what I need first is greatly improved flexibility, balance and core strength.
Presently, I work with Eric three times a week and (if he doesn’t fire me as a client) I foresee this continuing indefinitely. I hope so; I look forward to our sessions. At my age, progress doesn’t come easily or quickly. You have to work for it. But I have seen tangible results and I am committed to this path.
BayEric always has an upbeat attitude and has more patience with me than what I deserve. Eric is professional, knowledgeable and committed to what he is doing -- helping his clients achieve their health and fitness goals. I feel very fortunate to work with Eric Skinner.

What I liked most was the customized training program that focused on my needs. By doing joint mobility training, I was able to improve my flexibility, strength and lose weight. I would definitely recommend Eric to anyone who is interested in better health and who wants to improve your quality of life. Eric makes it easy, because he will spend the time to make sure you know the correct way to do each movement. My wife and I have both seen great improvements working with Eric.

I knew the first time I met with Eric that it was a good fit. My goals were many. Improve my flexibility and strength; reduce pain in my back, neck, knees, and shoulders; and of course to lose weight and look more youthful.
For the past few years I have been struggling with low back pain upon rising each morning. It would improve once I began moving. Cervical stenosis has resulted in neck, shoulder and elbow pain for many years. I would gain temporary relief from chiropractic treatments, steroid injections, massage therapists and heat/ice treatments, but nothing lasting. My knees have dislocated numerous times since childhood, causing me to slow down and avoid activities that could result in injury.
Eric was confident training would help me. He developed a customized training program that focused first on correctives and joint mobility. It only took a few sessions to make me a believer. Within a month I no longer experienced back pain. I can work in the yard without suffering for days with migraines, neck or shoulder pain. My knees are improving.
Eric encourages me to do my best without injuring or over-exerting myself. When my body has responded with new pain, he has taught me how to relieve that pain. I especially appreciate his patience. He is not critical and never makes me feel bad about my limitations. He takes the time to demonstrate each new exercise and reminds me of the correct form as often as needed. Our sessions are never boring as he continually challenges my mind and body.
Eric likes to say that "our body is a strange place to live." True. But it can be a much better place with the right mentor. I would encourage anyone, regardless of their fitness level to work with Eric.

If a “blessing” is the infusion of something with holiness, redemption, divine will, or one’s hope or approval, then Eric Skinner is of the priestly order. Eric imparts holiness with his sacred respect for the human body and all of its capability and limitations. Additionally, there is a devotion to proper form and pace that is transfigurative, practical, and safe. I feel safe with Eric. Redemption is conferred in his determination to absolve our body’s limitations utilizing restorative techniques that are nonviolent. I met Eric for the first time as a 36-year old that had never in my life touched my toes. As a child, I never received the Presidential Physical Fitness Award as my V-Sit Reaches were subpar. As an 8th grader, I was penalized two letter grades in physical education after failing to achieve a standard toe touch from a standing and seated position after a year of effort. It has always been a goal of mine, and I have periodically renewed my efforts through Yoga and other exercises. The first time I met with Eric was on a Monday and he shepherded me through the FMS screening. He asked me to touch my toes, and as I began to laugh, the following conversation was exchanged: Me(M): I can’t. Eric(E): Do your best. M: No, I can’t. E: You can’t now, but you will. M: No! I *can’t*. I’ve been trying my whole life, and I’m unable to. E: You *can*, and you *will*, or I won’t train you. M: You think so, eh? E: No doubt in my mind. Needless to say, I was touching my toes by Thursday. Four days later. Bestowment of divine will and hope? Eric’s got that, too. I could go on and on and on about all the tangible ways that Eric’s methodology is balanced in mind, soul and body, and delineates a path to lifelong health, but you should discover him yourself. I recommend him highly to anyone: male or female, young or old, debilitated or Ironman triathlete. I’m proud that he’s my trainer; I’m proud that he’s my friend.

I have been a Dragondoor follower for about 10 years. I made great progress on PTP and ETK, then my shoulder injury(broken scapula and socket healed crooked) finally caught up to me. I had a shoulder replacement surgery to fix it 4 years ago and have been struggling to get back to my prior ability. Its hard to stay as motivated when your shoulder wont allow 70% of what you use to do. I had a 90 degree range with my left shoulder. After 3 sessions Eric had me raising my shoulder at the 135 degree to 155 degree angles depending on at what plane i was using my shoulder in. Why didnt the PT or doctor have me there is what i thought, after the first week with Eric. Its the first time in almost 10 years, that i feel a true hope; that I will have a good shoulder again. I have learned a lot from my books and videos, i love them and use them all the time. However, i found out that proper instruction in person can not be substituted by anything. I spent a lot of time with doctors and physical therapist and their style or dogma did close to nothing for me. Eric, with his knowledge and great attitude has made me a believer in what teaches. He understands movement and strength. He found my weaknesses and has me on the road to a more balanced (and a two shouldered) ability. I wish i had used him sooner and its been great working with a true RKC. Soon maybe i can become one as well. Eric also uses the FMS to help me. The fact that he also can bring the functional movement experience to my training is critical. I believe Eric could add something to your training no matter what level or focus you are looking for. I owe Eric a bit thanks for helping me in a way that other professionals did not. Thanks Eric. We are only getting started and have already made great strides. I look forward to where i can go from here.

Eric has been my kettlebell trainer since August 2010. I love working out with Eric because he is passionate about what he is doing. His passion shows through his discipline and his commitment in helping me setting reasonable goals and in teaching me ways to achieve those goals. Within the first month training with Eric I noticed the improvement in my posture, the strength in my wrists and back and the overall confidence. Eric always takes the time to explain and educate me when he starts a new exercise and that helps me understand why it's important to focus on the correct technique, the quality of my efforts not how many reps i can do. The journey i took with Eric to get my body ready for Kettlebell work out was so amazing and exhilarating. We continue to explore once I started doing exercises with the kettlebells and continue to improve on my posture and progress to the next level. There is no ending with kettlebell.
Eric has helped me becoming a giant in believing in kettlebell workout and what it can do for my long term health. I finished my first marathon by doing kettlebell training, running once a week and of course with Eric's encouragement and dedicated training program. Finishing a marathon seemed like a long shot at first for a 3-mile average runner like me. But Eric helped me make that fantasy a reality. I would definitely recommend Eric to anyone who wants to better your health physically and mentally, who loves to challenge your body, who wants to invest in long term health to improve your quality of life. I deeply believe with all my heart that Eric will make your investment so worthwhile because of his ethic, integrity, and his passion in helping others having better health. I feel like i could write a book about how much i love Kettlebell workout and training with Eric because this combination has really changed me. I'm a better person in body and soul because of this experience which will be continued as my way of life.