Reviews

I’ve been taking Mike’s class for about 6 months. His knowledge and skills are incredible. I had never taken the class before and he really takes the time to explain how each move works and breaks it down. He’s always willing to answer any questions we have, given us one on one to make sure we have the correct form.
I look forward to his class every week, because I know in that ½ hour period I will get great workout, not only strength but also cardio. I wish there was more than one class a week! I’ve definitely toned and gained muscle strength throughout the class. Mike pushes you in a way where you are not intimidated by him or pressured but in a way that you want to do the best you can and to the best of your ability.
In comparison to other physical exercise and fitness instructors, I’ve gotten the best results with this class and instructor. Other workouts I’ve done I get bored and loose interest. Mike’s class is the first one I’ve stuck with and actually enjoyed!

Over the past several years I have been working out at the gym more regularly, something I had not done much before . While I have not trained with Mike on a one-on-one basis, I came to know him and his training style while taking one of his classes. i was disappointed when that class ended, but soon heard about his kettle bell class. Mike was very encouraging about learning this new exercise program, and while leading a group of individuals at different levels of experience and ability, he explains the movements and benefits and quietly moves around the room providing guidance and individual attention as needed. I have been amazed at the difference this training has made in my energy level and body toning in such a short period. I attribute this to Mike's training style and commitment to helping individuals lead a healthy lifestyle.

A couple of months back my wife and I started to search for a new gym, we were looking for something different and we really wanted to improve our overall health. By chance we found Health Plex in Clifton Park and my wife talked to Mike. She was so impressed with his attitude and what he had to say we made an appointment and met with him a couple of days later. We were immediately interested in kettlebell classes, but Mike suggested that we hold off until we were able to improve our core strength. Once our trainer Erin felt we had made enough improvement in our core strength, we jumped at the opportunity to take Mikes kettlebell class. After just a couple of classes we are completely hooked, we are amazed by the full body workout you get from kettlebell training. Mike is a passionate instructor who truly cares about his clients. If anyone is looking for a great instructor and great workout out we highly recommend Mikes kettlebell classes.

I had never heard of kettlebells prior to meeting Mike. I am almost 55 and have obtained a third degree black belt and been a gym guy most of my life. In the last five years I had dropped my workout schedule for other responsibilities. I put on some weight and was feeling sluggish. I tried to start back at the gym a few times during the last couple of years only to lose interest. Mike has reinvigorated my desire to regain my former self and even improve on it ! His knowledge and enthusiasm for kettlebell has made me embrace this form of exercise ! I find it amazing that the kettlebell workout can be such a whole body toner . Mike offers many insights into the kettlebell workout routine to improve the results. He is very cognisant and observant while participants in his classes perform to his instructions and corrects and instructs whenever he sees someone out of form. I truly enjoy Mike's kettlebell classes and feel I am not only getting a great workout but enhancing my fitness knowledge at the same time ! Mike's enthusiasm for kettlebell is contagious. I know in talking to others after our time with him, that they too all share my admiration for him as an instructor AND as a person !

When I go to the gym, I like to have a routine that will maximize my time there. As a result, I keep an eye on other classes and the trainers. From this process, I realized that Mike had a great reputation at the gym and that people were talking about his kettleball training in particular. It looked like something that I thought would be too hard for me, but I decided to give it a try. From the first class, I knew that it would be the type of full body workout that I had been looking to add to my routine. Within a few weeks, I was amazed at the noticeabe difference in my core and upper body strength. Mike provides a program that is carefully designed to cover a complete workout through a series of kettlebell excersizes that cover both strength training and cardiovascuar conditioning, Adding kettlebell training with Mike was one of the smartest moves I have ever made.

I play a sport at a highly competitive level. I needed something to keep my edge against the other players and I didn't know what to do. Then I found Mike, and he introduced me to kettle bells . I've tried many other workout routines and none of them gave me the sense of accomplishment that Mike got me. Like most people, I used to not like to work out, but going to Mike motivated me and made me want to work out with him. I highly recommend Mike as a personal trainer to anyone looking for a workout that, when you leave, you feel a sense of accomplishment like no other and you have the sweat all over your body to prove it...Mike is your guy

After discovering kettlebells about a year ago and doing a several month long stint training on my own, I decided to look to an RKC-certified instructor to help check my form on some of the core lifts. I had only planned on doing a few lessons to get my basics down, but after meeting with Mike for a free session, I knew I wanted to train more extensively with him. In the few months since I started training once a week with Mike, I have seen huge gains in my strength, endurance, and mobility. I've also become very comfortable with the core lifts, which was my original goal, as well as pushing past my physical limits each and every workout. It's almost as if Mike has better insight into what I'm capable than I do myself! When I started training with him, I had a bulging disc in my lumbar spine from a previous injury, so Mike was very careful when designing my workouts so that we could work around this problem. In addition to that, he carefully monitors my form on each rep with his full attention (something I could never do training by myself in the backyard.) After a few corrections from him here and there, I can confidently say that my form is strong enough to leave me pain-free every workout, which is absolutely crucial to me. I have been injury prone since I took up fitness as my personal passion, so having someone as knowledgeable and focused as Mike instructing me has been invaluable. Besides being a very talented trainer, Mike is a genuinely nice person. As many others have said before, he is extremely friendly and personable, and he never forgets to ask me how my week was or how my schooling is going. I am extremely impressed with my progress and I know that when I one day start training for my own RKC-certification, I'll know who to call. Not only would I highly recommend Mike to anyone interested in training with kettlebells, I would recommend him to anybody who wants to see how far they can go in the world of fitness. Mike is the definition of a 10/10 trainer.

I?ve played sports competitively throughout my life until recently. I needed to find something that gave me that same sense of accomplishment and exhaustive feeling after a good workout - I found that by working out with Mike and using Kettle Bells. Initially, I worked out with Mike and another person and even though we were stronger in different areas Mike designed workouts to challenge us both. Our workout group then grew to four people and Mike capitalized on all of our competitive natures in a positive way?We would work out on Friday for just a half an hour but left feeling like we had been at the gym the whole day ? the best part of the workout was at the end when we?d high five each other while trying to catch our breath. Mike?s workouts are excellent, fulfilling and I?d highly recommend training with him.

Training with Mike has been the most positive, engaging and supportive exercise program. Mike preparedness for each session, his teaching style is kind and supportive while pushing you to your maximum and is a wealth of knowledge from training to nutrition. My favorite aspect about training with Mike is Mike. Mike is truly engaged with your progress, supportive and inquisitive even when not training with him and genuinely wants to see you achieve the goals that you both set. I had never worked with kettle bells before and Mike?s programs designed around me using kettle bells to achieve my goals were perfect ? I?ve never felt stronger. I?ve worked with other trainers and I just found Mike?s soft spoken approach to do your best motivating and his constant smiling makes it difficult to get mad when he?s make you do something you don?t want to do. Train with him and experience the same positive results.

I have been working with Mike for over a year and when I started, I was suffering from pain in my hip and weakness in my knee which resulted from torn ligaments in my knee the previous year. I can't believe how great I feel and how much I have learned from Mike; I had always worked with a variety of traners and considered myself to be in good shape but Mile takes it to a different level. It is so obvious how knowledgeable he is regarding the use of the kettlebells and his enthusiasm is infectious. Mike's no nonsense - calm approach is a perfect fit for me--he alwyas has the answers to all of my questions regarding this form of working out and I do ask alot of questions! I went to months of physical therapy for my knee with very little improvement but working with Mike far surpassed my expectations and the positive results were almost immediate with my strength and body balance -- it is amazing!

I have been taking Mike?s core classes for over a year, and I have kept coming back. Close to 7 months ago, I signed up for Mike?s kettle ball training class. I will unequivocally tell you that Mike is one of the best if not the best trainers there is in the Capital district. His attitude, interpersonal and communication skills towards physical fitness have impressed me over the years that I have known him. His professionalism as a trainer is unmatched. Ever since I started training with him with kettle balls, I have toned down, gained more strength and increased my flexibility. What a fun way to exercise!
Mike?s analytical skills to diagnose functional movement deficiencies in a human with simple exercises, have allowed him to help many, but most recently me, with my shoulder and pain and out of alignment that I have had for years. He showed me a few simple exercises to do on a daily basis to straighten out my shoulder without causing any further injuries, and I feel way much better

After years of low back pain a friend introduced me to Mike. I soon realized that a consistent program, taking into consideration my individual strengths and weaknesses, was the path to follow. I also had serious neck pain that was beginning to interfere with driving, reading, watching TV, life! Mike explained that I had been using my neck muscles when I lifted weights. Within two weeks my neck pain was gone. We knew that my back was going to be more of a challenge. Mike explained the importance of consistently following his advice to correct my posture and imbalances. He makes sure that I am ready for new challenges and readjusts when necessary. One of my most exciting days was when I got to use a kettle bell for the first time! Mike knows more about the human body and how it is meant to move than any physical therapist, doctor or chiropractor I have ever worked with. I am thrilled with his dedication to helping me improve my strength, posture, and confidence.

For several years, I have been committed to fitness but had never used kettle bells. To fend off boredom, I like to vary my workouts and decided to try kettlebells. Love them !
Mike manages to make even the most difficult workouts enjoyable. His enthusiasm is contagious and motivating. I have trained 1:1 with Mike but for the past 5 months, have trained with 3 other people as a group. Mike always uses his knowledge and expertise to develop a plan for our session that allows all of us to get a great workout. (We usually discuss later, what we thought was the most difficult !). He is very skillful in using our competitive spirits to improve our endurance,strength and overall level of fitness. Mike would be a huge asset to anyone who has any level of fitness goals. I would highly recommend him.

I have been a State Trooper and in law enforcement for close to five years. Before working with Mike I considered myself to be a fit person. I would train with free weights often and run on a regular basis. After the first training session with Mike I quickly realized how I much I could improve my overall strength. Mike has consistently pushed me past my fitness expectations. As I now go into my thirties, I am in the best shape of my life and have Mike to thank.

For several years I have been suffering from psoriatic arthritis and the effects of injuries incurred as a soccer goalkeeper that significantly affect my right knee and shoulder. These issues cause significant pain, and severely hamper my mobility on and off the field. I've tried several approaches to addressing the problems with a number of different physical therapists and trainers, with limited success at best. When my parents suggested I make an appointment with Mike when I was in Clifton Park for the holidays, I was therefore skeptical that he could help, especially with just one visit while I was in town. Suffice it to say, I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. Mike graciously fit me into his busy schedule, and from the beginning of the session it was clear that he was different than others I have worked with. First off, his manner put me immediately at ease, and the way he expressed himself gave me confidence in his approach. Mike put me through his functional movement assessment, from which he was able to identify several issues he thought were at the heart of my physical challenges. After considering the results, Mike was able to suggest some stretches and exercises that he believed would be helpful, explained the rationale, and patiently walked me through them so that I would remember exactly what to do after I left. He also took the time to instruct my wife how she could help me in ways that would substantially improve the results. I could tell right away that the recommendations he made were targeting pain points that none of my other trainers and PTs have been able to do. Upon returning home to Virginia, I have religiously followed Mike's plan of action and I'm happy to say that after just one month, I have less pain in my joints and a great deal more mobility, and now have renewed hope that I can raise my level of play on the soccer field to where it was before and just improve my quality of life overall. Even after I left, Mike went the extra mile, locating and contacting an FMS trainer in my area to help me continue my progress. I am grateful to Mike for fitting me into his day, and am incredibly impressed with his professionalism and expertise, and the results that I've been able to achieve. My only regret is that I don't live locally, because he is hands down the best person I have gone to and I would love to continue working with him regularly.

I have been working with Mike for just about a year now...did take the summer off..and can not say enough about his skills as an instructor, his professional appearance and approach, the level of his knowledge, his commitment to his work and to his clients. He provides a wonderful balance between pushing past where you think your limit is, and what he knows you can do. He provides the right amount of challenge, encouragement, and support. In short, he is the best.

I have been working with Mike off and on for the last 12 months- more on than off. I never worked with Kettle Bells before and have found that they are the best all around workout. And without Mike's experience, professionalism, excellent instruction, knowledge and skillful way of working with his clients, I am sure that I would not enjoy, nor look forward to working out. I am surprised at my stamina and increased strength. Mike came highly recommended, and after working with him, I know why. Thank you Mike.

As a police officer and SCUBA diver, my physical shape is of utmost importance to me. When I began working with Mike, I was somewhat skeptical of working with kettle bells. This skepticism disappeared quite shortly after the first full workout with them. I was most imprerssed - and indeed humbled - by the experience. Mike's expertise and patience were and continue to be invaluable. As someone who never envisioned working out in this way, it would be difficult for me to go back to my old routine. It would be even more difficult to imagine making the amount of progress I have without Mike's guidance.

I drove almost THREE HOURS from my home to work with Mike. I wanted him to critique my Kettlebell form and help me develop a workout program for RKC prep. Without a doubt, every minute of the trip was worth it! I had the benefit of his undivided attention as he shared his insights into the RKC program and as he provided "tough love" to correct errors in my exercise technique...errors that he spotted immediately and eliminated quickly. Mike clearly knows what he's doing, he's an excellent communicator and I highly recommend him. And yes, I'll be making another three hour drive at some point in the future to work with him again.

Twelve weeks ago, I walked into Mike's office and told him how I feel like I am 90 years old, hurt all over, need a release from stress, tired of being tired, etc. Since then I have followed Mike's suggestions faithfully. My results have been life changing. Mike is truly dedicated to my outcomes and encourages me every step of the way. Mike is mindful of my body's weaknesses and injuries and he works around them while gently strengthening them without harm. He accommodates my insane life schedule and keeps me faithful to my goal of training twice a week. I feel he is my partner in this venture of coming back to my former life. As a teacher myself I feel his teaching skills are spot on. He encourages and motivates as only the most successful of teachers can achieve. The workouts are always different so no need for boredom or complacency. He is so knowledgeable as to use multiple methods to accomplish the same goal. Mike takes stock of my achievements and keeps my future goals in check by having me weighed and measured, both motivating and gratifying. Without fail there is always a positive loss somewhere! As an instructor I think he is top notch and totally intent on form as well as repetition. He stops you to get form back to where it is appropriate. I hope he knows how much I appreciate his gift that he is giving me in helping me achieve my very large goal of coming back to my former life. He is a true 10!

I recently started my personal training with Mike and find him very knowledgeable. His teaching skills are impeccable. He has worked very hard to become a Kettlebell instructor. His drive for excellence in his training shows every time when he presents each exercise,showing exactly how it's done. Mike encourages perfection with each and every session. Working with the Kettlebells has given me power I thought I never had. My strength and endurance has improved remarkably. I have had the opportunity to notice Mike train young,middle-aged and older clients. All get his undivided attention. I like training with Mike because his passion and enthusiasm spills over to me and I just naturally work harder and harder to achieve my goals of staying physically and emotionally fit. I can't wait to train with Mike. Although I have had other trainers in the past, I would rate Mike a 10, the best of the best.

Mike displays a rare combination of youth, knowledge of his subject matter, commitment to hard work, and a passion for fitness in general, and kettlebells in particular. He has put an exceptional amount of time and effort in study and training in his field; he combines this knowledge with excellent teaching skills to guide clients of different ages and at varied levels of physical ability. For those of us who value extremely high standards and hard work to reach a successful outcome, Mike is a role model. At times I have questioned my own sanity for actually enjoying the challenges he presents to me during training sessions, but my increased strength and improved fitness have been worth his demands for "perfect practice and perfect form" following his instruction. Since retirement gave me the opportunity to seriously pursue physical fitness for the first time in my life, with Mike's encouragement, I have extended my personal belief system to undertake challenges that Mike regularly presents to me because I now know that I can. My increased strength is both physical and emotional because Mike's teaching style includes patience, "tough love," and an expectation that I will achieve. Although I have benefited greatly from previous sessions using other equipment with another personal trainer, I am thrilled that Mike introduced me to serious kettlebell training. His passion for kettlebells is contagious and I appreciate his patience and expertise in helping me to set goals and work hard to achieve them with this powerful fitness equipment.