My primary training was boxing but I felt like I had plateaued with my power. Kettlebell training excited me because it required me to be at a constant pace, like boxing, but added the benefit of resistance training with heavy weight. Janelle was the perfect trainer to work with because she helped me understand the fundamentals of body mechanics when working with the bells. I especially liked this because it provided a safe way to train and taught me a lot more about my own strength. I highly recommend this training for anyone looking to push to the next level!

I was lucky enough to have the amazing Janelle Pica write 3 months worth of programming for me in preparation for my RKC level 1 certificate. I felt confident in entrusting my certificate preparation to Janelle as she is an experienced coach that has completed this certification herself. Janelle's program was structured in such away that I was able to increase the volume of work that I was doing in preparation for my 3 day course. During this time I not only successfully increased the volume of work that my body could handle but I also made strength gains during this time. During the three months I had weekly calls with Janelle. In these calls Janelle expressed an interest in my progress. She answered all my questions, discussed any difficulties I was having and encouraged me. The week of my certification Janelle ensured that I had the right mindset going in to my certification. My trust in Janelle contributed significantly to my positive mindset going in to the certification. I would definitely work with Janelle in the future as she is easy to get on with and listens to her clients. She has a positive 'can do'attitude and is able write personalised programs that are extremely effective.

I came to Primal Fitness Pittsburgh in February of 2014 looking to get back into peak physical condition. For the past few years I had not routinely or seriously worked out and I wasn’t happy with that. I had been introduced to kettlebells a few years ago and was excited to find a place where I would be using them again. The classes as Primal Fitness Pittsburgh are geared to all levels and specific desired outcomes and since I wanted to into the best shape of my life I really latched onto the power class. Double kettlebells, a quick workout and I’m done, but the real benefit is the strength that class developed in me.

Wow! I never expected to feel this good and confident in just 6 months. Thanks so much to Janelle and Ryan at Primal Fitness Pittsburgh! I had my fears of being a 40 something guy with a back problem going to a gym, but I had to do something. I have a physically demanding job with lots of repetitious lifting, reaching, pulling, pushing and squatting( I used to bend over a lot which I now know wasn't proper form for lifting at all). I had a sciatica back issue that left me sitting around for 8 months gaining weight and being idle, that truly sucked! after reading an ad for Primal Fitness Pittsburgh I took the first step hesitantly. Janelle got back to me immediately and saved me. She taught me how to eat better and when to eat to fuel my body for our workouts. At the beginning I still had a twinge in my back from the sciatica that I would baby. As time went on it disappeared! Janelle had me building my core up and slimming down, which made my life and work feel so much better. This isn't easy, but after each visit you know you gained something because Janelle has the knowledge and patience to see you achieve your goals. The workouts are new and different each session keeping things interesting and wondering to myself " what does she have up her sleeve today". Thanks Janelle for the guidance and knowledge you passed on to me. Forever grateful! You have to start working with everyone at Primal Fitness Pittsburgh! If I can do it at my age, so can you!

Within a few hours, I was on the phone with Janelle; and within a few days, I was at my first kettlebell evaluation at Primal Fitness. Instead of an evaluation on strength and mobility, we got carried away and ended up doing a 45 minute ad hoc workout. In a nut shell, she showed me most of the exercises we do in CrossFit in kettlebell form. Mother of God. I discovered muscles I didn’t even know I had. And they weren’t happy about it! This is it. This is the workout I’d been looking for. And the next 2 months were filled with cleans, jerks, snatches, presses, squats, swings, windmills, getups, and rows performed with cannonballs measured in kilograms. I loved every rep. Every single one. For anyone planning to work with Janelle with kettlebells, bodyweight exercises, mobility, understand this — Janelle expects you to get stronger. She will expect that of you until you expect the same of yourself — until you’re twitching with excitement in your day-job-cubicle wonder what todays strength training will bring — wondering what you’ll learn about yourself doing it. And if you train with her, you will get stronger. You will get healthier. And you will come to expect nothing less. This is training, and it’s no different from what professional athletes or lifters or soldiers or cops or firefighters do. You are not going to a gym. You are not picking up a new hobby. You are making yourself better — into an ideal version of yourself — and to apply the same work ethic and dedication toward anything else in life: to your family, to your friends, to the hardships you face, and everything in between, “because it is strength that makes all other values possible.” Mental and physical. Remember that. I’m back in Portsmouth, NH, and I’ve got a Russian Kettlebell Challenege Level 1 Certification in January. And yes, I’m back at my CrossFit gym, but I’m secretly turning it into my own personal kettlebell circuit training facility. Just the other day I substituted two 24 KG bells instead of the 95 LBS bar for the Fran WOD. Oh, I am sneaky :) And hopefully, in the near future, I’ll be able to shed the office-cubicle for good, and have the opportunity to teach people about their own inner strength — strength they never thought possible — with a kettlebell and a RKC Certification…just like Janelle did for me.

I first met Janelle looking for a way to kick myself back into shape. I had absolutely no experience with kettlebell training so I was apprehensive about this new activity. I shouldn’t have worried, Janelle is great at taking something as intimidating as swinging heavy metal and turning it into a fun and approachable exercise. Her guidance, expertise, and motivation have turned me into a full-fledged kettlebell addict. Janelle is meticulous about form and safety, and makes sure that each session builds upon the previous one. In the past six months I’ve made huge strength gains and feel better than ever. Janelle even helped me to fix my diet so I could maximize results and keep my energy up. She leads through example and has a passion that is contagious. If only I could bottle her up and take her with me everywhere – she is the perfect example of a great coach!

I recently trained with Janelle for a three month period in preparation for my Progressive Calisthenics Certification (PCC) workshop, and during that time I was genuinely excited to step into the facility for each and every session. Whether you are new to exercise or have been working out for years, Janelle’s knowledge and experience can help you achieve your goals. Solid programming and her meticulous adherence to using proper form, will allow you to workout effectively over the long term.

Janelle has been coaching me on my journey to RKC for the last few months, using her RKC prep program! The way it is structured has helped me make serious progress both mentally and physically. I enjoyed the variety "same but different" approach during each month and that she strategically gives you plenty of time to gradually get stronger as you progress week by week. Originally, I was deciding to test with the 12kg bell, and focus on keeping my weight down. But as I began to see such progress in my training and snatch game, I decided to stop sweating the weight class and focus more on proper technique with her guidance. Now after 3 months of being on her program, I am snatching the 16kg bell with ease, which was something I thought I wouldn't be doing for at least another year or so! I have seen how strong she is and was inspired that this was a girl who knew the secret to strength gains! Mentally it has helped me push harder than ever in my workouts but to also train smart and intuitively! She was easily accessible for inquiries I had at almost any time of the day which was a huge plus for me as I would constantly contact her mid-workout and ask for her counsel! The program is fun! I always looked forward to training, and more so after I started to see how strong I was getting! She is super knowledgeable about all the movements, nutrition, and has a super friendly and approachable attitude! Even if you aren't looking to take the RKC, but you are in the market to get lean, fit, and strong, Janelle is one of the best personal trainers in this industry!

There are people who don’t exercise, then there is me. I knew i had to do something to get into shape, but I was at a loss for where to start and who I could turn to for advice. I found Janelle through her original blog and followed her over the years while she trained for her RKC. After I saw her go through her RKC with such success, I decided to step out and contact her for training help. I reached out to her at end of a work day and the very next day we had a meeting. She listened to all of my concerns about moving forward, but I just knew that we would be a great fit. Janelle has an incredible personality and really encourages you to make positive changes in your life. I signed up with her the very next day!

I started training with Janelle six months ago on a whim. I did have a few limitations with back and knee issues. We started with fundamentals and worked build up my strength and endurance. There was so much my body forgot it could do. Kneeling up and down was something I was not able to do for many years. Now I can do with without a problem! My strength in my entire body is even better than I ever imagined it would be. I can do pushups which was something I was not even able to do in high school! Last week I was able to do a full Turkish getup which is something at the beginning I never imagined I would do. I love Janelle's training style. It's always positive and fun. Don't get me wrong you work HARD but you work smart! Janelle really focuses on moving correctly to lay the foundation for gaining strength. I think that is something that really sets her apart from other trainers.

If you are in Pittsburgh you simply must work with Janelle! I cannot speak highly enough of her!

I had the pleasure of both meeting and training Janelle at my RkC in Philly. It quickly became apparent that Janelle had the potential to be in-humanly strong! I of course was right seeing her exploits over the past 1/2 of year, she has been nothing short of amazing! If you live in her area and are interested in getting incredible results you WILL WANT to train with her. However move quickly because before you know it she want have room for more clients!

There are many things that make Janelle a great instructor to have. Some of which include, her knowledge, and dedication to kettlebell instruction.

After working with Janelle, I felt confident that I'd be getting a great work out, but also doing everything correctly so I wouldn't risk causing myself injury.

I've had a drastic change in health, and fitness since getting instruction from Janelle, and highly recommend her to anyone in the Pittsburgh area.

If there is one thing that stands out about Janelle is her attention to detail in both learning and teaching. She always looks for precision in her craft. Pittsburgh is fortunate to have a high level instructor like her