Reviews

I've been with Steve since February 2007 and can say that he's a 1st class trainer. His easy going and friendly manner make our kettlebell sessions that much more enjoyable. He's genuinely concerned about my progress and committed to my success, and that's why I've continued with our sessions (not to mention that I'm very happy with my progress!).If you are looking for a knowledgeable trainer (and a nice guy too!), then Steve's your man.

I have been training with Steve Belanger at Old School Barbell for over a year now. I met Steve at his first meeting of the Southern California Kettlebell Club, and subsequently began lifting with him that very day. While training with Steve, I was able to bring my deadlift up 100 pounds in just one year to 407# at 173 pounds body weight. Steve's knowledge of powerlifting, kettlebells, and many other aspects of strength and conditioning seem boundless. He is always willing to answer any and all of my questions and dispell suggestions and advice with an easy-going attitude. With 26-plus years of experience in the strength game, he is capable of helping anyone at any level of strength and conditioning achieve their goals, from novice to elite.

I have trained with Steve for a little while now. I have had two surgeries for shoulder dislocations in the past, and on my first visit he prompted the discussion of my shoulder health. He immediately prescribed some exercises I have not seen before, and I now perform as a warm up to all of my kettlebell workouts. My shoulders feel very healthy as a result. Under his instruction I have been able to improve my technique greatly. For instance, before seeing Steve I was stuck at the 16kg kettlebell for reps on the snatch before seeing Steve, and this last week I was able to get up to 50 total with the 24kg kettlebell in a 10 minute set, way past previous numbers. He has likewise helped me improve in many other areas: swing, clean, press, and jerk in particular. He consistently checks my form and provides valuable update even when I am performing my gasser circuits at the end of the workout, and he does this in a very easy going manner. In my opinion this is the key to a good coach, the reiteration of the basic rules throughout instruction. His workouts are not just the basics though, and he provides new and interesting ways to improve. On the last workout we concentrated on swing variations which incorporated a larger agility and hand eye coordination component. This was very fun and very hard at the same time, and I can see my kettlebell workouts reaching far beyond what I originally thought.

Steve is a great instructor, and I wish I had found him sooner.

I am 50 years old, and though I have trained with weights for years, started using kettlebells just recently. As I was getting to the point of lifting heavier, I knew I needed to get some formal instruction, to make sure I was doing the lifts correctly. There are no RKCs near where I live, so I scheduled a session with Steve while visiting Southern California. You may think one session is too little information to go on, but let me tell you that this single session has had and will continue to have a major impact on my lifting.

Steve is one of the most personable and friendly guys you could imagine. He has a easy-going, low-key style that helps you focus on the task at hand. It was obvious that he knows what is effective, and that his recommendations are based on sound research, personal experience and experience working with a wide variety of lifters of all ages.

Steve was attentive to my goals for the session, which were to check my form on basic kettlebell exercises and deadlift. I was immediately able to deadlift 25 lb. more than I had been currently lifting, just based on the changes he suggested, right then and there.

When it came to kettlebells, Steve identified improvements I needed to make to my cleans and snatches. In some cases, he had me do drills that immediately fixed the error. In other cases, he demonstrated and described the correct form and coached me through it until I had incorporated the right movement. (Or at least until I had made significant improvement and understood what I still needed to work on.) Steve also took me through new drills to help improve my flexibility, as needed. He finished up by introducing me to some KB juggling which should add some fun to future workouts!

I would recommend Steve to any of you that are looking for a great, knowledgeable, likeable instructor that will help you reach your goals. No matter what your level of experience, I am confident he can help you get there!

My kettlebell training with Steve Belanger was terrific. My son and I spent 90 minutes with Steve in his garage/gym, and were instructed on proper form and technique for the kettlebell swing as well as a number of valuable stretching exercises. By the way, don't let the fact that he uses his garage for training put you off. His garage is extremely well-equipped with gym equipment, including dozens of kettlebells, squat racks, and plenty of floor space to accommodate trainings and workouts.

Steve started us off with some slow stretching and then spent time with us on the proper technique for lifting the kettlebell, which also translates into proper form for doing the swing. He emphasized keeping a straight back, and using our hips as a pivot point, amongst other tips. He was very thorough, and patient, taking time to answer questions as we progressed.

We ended our session with me doing a hard-style 10 minute workout, consisting of 20 sets of 15 second swings - one-hand, two-hand, and switching between the two, with 15 seconds of rest in between each set.

I challenge anyone to find a more intense 10 minute full-body workout. In fact, I just read the article that equates kettlebell workouts to running a six-minute/mile pace or uphill cross-country skiing! I can't run a six-minute mile, and don't ski. But, thanks to Steve Belanger, I can get just as good of a workout in the comfort of my home. Thanks Steve!

I contacted Steve about help with my dead lift after he was recommended to me by Pavel as a top notch power lifter and RKC. He replied quickly and he worked around my schedule getting me in to see him several days later. Steve assessed my situation and said he could probably help me out in for a single session. I felt like he was more concerned with helping helping me than getting a new client.

Right away my deads started feeling "right" and the pinch in my back went away. He had me max out and my lower back(which I have had a history with) didn't bother me at all. Great experience, got exactly what I was looking for plus some. Worth every penny.

What I noticed about Steve:

He's an old school guy who hasn't stopped learning. He seemed to be as much a student as he is a teacher, and with his level of experience, that says a lot.

He loves to train. You can tell just by being around him that he has a sincere passion for everything strength related and that he is as detail oriented in his learning process as they come.

The man is as strong as he looks. He's an impressive looking guy and I witnessed him doing things that convinced me his frame isn't just for show(don't let him near your phone books!).

His home gym is something to behold. He has everything except the useless, truly something to envy.

There is no arrogance in his character to speak of and that can be very rare in the world of lifting heavy stuff. Very personable and humble guy, easy to talk to and fun to train with.

I'd recommend Steve for anything strength related. The man's knowledge is EXTREMELY well rounded and revised. Most importantly, you can tell that everything he knows isn't just something he read out of a book. This guy has applied it in real life situations, he knows what works and what doesn't because training is part of his lifestyle. In my opinion, there is nothing more inspiring and reassuring than someone who is passionate about what they're doing, and there is no question that this is the case with Steve. Rest assured you're in good hands if you're training with this guy. I feel like Steve was born to do what he does, couldn't ask for better.

I have been doing Coach Steve's workouts for the last two years. His training with kettlebells has taken my workout to the next level. I'm a highschool varsity basketball player, and I have tried many different plyometric workouts but none were as effective in improving my leg strength as coach's kettle bell workouts. After these workouts I saw a great increase in my vertical jump as well as my overall speed. Steve's workouts are intense, and he is passionate about what he does and making others better athletes.
Coach Steve is also very knowledgeable. If I have any aches or pains, I go to coach to ask about my problems. Everytime he knows what is wrong and what I need to do to heal my injuries. Coach is one of the best trainers I have ever had, and I'm glad I started working with him.

he is my football strenght coach and ive gone up in everything he likes to push you till your like i cant do anymore and he makes you dig deep with youself and push out that last rep you didnt think you had in you. he has tought me a bunch of diffrent lifts that helped change up my routine. he loves to use the kettle bells for tons of differnt things and makes it a compotishion with the other guys i workout with and it really pushs you as far as you can go
this man is pretty damn good at what he does
thanks coach

As the original 98 pound weakling, I wanted to learn kettle bells the right way with an instructor. I found Steve and started work outs with him, learning to do all the proper lifts and moves. Each of the workouts would leave me tired and exhausted. This past weekend, I was in the garden and had the opportunity to lift two bags of compost at the same time. I owned that compost! The bags were easy to lift. I have more strength and endurance because of the kettle bell training and the expert guidance I received from Steve. He's the best.

Steve is a great kettlebell RKC. He got me up to speed quickly and professionally. He is personable and takes his time with you. He keeps it light and safe. His attention to the mechanics of the kettlebell is second to none. I highly recommend him as your choice for your kettlebell instructor. Keep the Pain going Steve!! :)

I've had a great time training with Steve for the last 3 months. He is very dedicated to his craft with an encyclopedic knowledge of lifting. His passion for the sport shows and is infectious. He is also patient, listens, is generous with his time and has a sense of humor. When I came to Steve I was in a rut and he got me out of it. His coaching has increased my strength and has also improved my stretching techniques. I look forward to our workouts as a high point in my week.

I have had the pleasure of working with Steve for nearly a year now as a high school football coach. Steve has been working as our Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Varsity Football Program and his incorporation of Kettle Bell training has taken us to new levels of strength and overall conditioning. I've watched Steve work with the most novice of people to well conditioned atheletes and the results are always awesome. I'm truly lucky to have him as a part of my program!

In the amount of time I've been in and around weightlifting, I have never seen someone so excited and passionate about sharing weightlifting as Mr. Belanger. He spends so much of his time helping myself and others on the Liberty Football team to not only become stronger, but to lift in ways that are correct and safe. He has been such a blessing from the weightlifting standpoint of our football season.

Coach B has pushed me and help me reach above and beyond the goals I had for the summer. He even opened up his home and let me workout at his gym. With his help I think the football team will have greatly improved from last year. Thanks for all the help!

Are you interested in seeing noticeable progress and in having consistent progress in your personal training? Then you owe it to yourself to go with this seasoned, tested, and proven RKB professional trainer in Huntington Beach - Steve Belanger.
The members of the varsity football team at Liberty Christian School have benefited greatly since they started working with Steve back many months ago. Many teachers, parents, students, and the other coaches have noticed his patient and thorough style of instruction. Those boys who are consistently working with him are noticing significant growth, stamina, and improvement. My son, Hayden, has been working with Steve ever since he first started meeting with our team, and my wife and I have witnessed real physical results. Hayden has developed a lasting desire to lift and condition himself for his senior year.
Furthermore, Hayden is planning to go to college to study Sport Training. Steve Belanger is giving my son a first class series of lessons in how a consummate professional performs his duties. Thank you Steve for the incredible RKB instruction you are giving my son. I recommend your service to anyone who is interested in learning from the best.
Sincerely, Christopher Herring, Principal, Liberty Christian School, Huntington Beach, CA.

Coach Belanger Is Very Helpful!! He helped me Achieve Above and Beyond My Personal Goals I had for Myself. He helped me Believe in myself and i See a Big Difference in my Strength!!! I feel Much Better About myself and feel much better Physically!

i think this trainer is very knowledgeable and i defiantly see a difference in my strength and my appearance.

I have been training with Steve since DEC 2007. 1 1/2 years later I am still seeing gains. I look forward to my workouts and he can make every one different.He is attentive to how I feel any given day and can modify workouts to accomodate my personal interests.Best of all my periodic back spasms ceased since I started with Steve. His knowledge of the human body, muscle and bone structure, and how it works is impressive and he educates me as we train.I think everyone should have a trainer/teacher and Steve is the best I know.

I have trained for many years and consider my self advanced when it comes to physical fitness. I have trained for 20 years with wieghts without any time off. I have played 2 years of semi-pro football. I have completted 18 weeks training at the Camden County Police Academy. They all have pailed in comparision to Steve'S WORK OUTS! His training is subperb for the novice or any student athletes. He does a great jog and is squared away. Continued Success

Steve gives great insight and expert advice. In one session, he helped me improve my deadlift one rep max by 20 pounds! I will be recommending him to all my other power lifting friends.

Steve also introduced me to the kettlebell. He showed me a couple of techniques and moves; I can't wait to buy my first kettlebell.

If you live in Orange County, California, and want expert advice on making huge gains on the big 3 lifts, this is the man.

Steve Belanger recently assisted me at the UCLA RKC. He was not only highly motivated (taking care of me and assisting with whatever would make my job as Team Leader easier), but also extremely attentive to the students and strongly encouraging them at every step. If there was a kind word, a pat on the back, a note of encouragement, or a push to endure, Steve was there & delivering it with all his heart.

With his strong background not only as a highly ranked martial artist, grappler, and a strength coach, I can recommend him with full confidence to anyone seeking to improve their strength and conditioning abilities.

I came to Steve because I felt I needed guidance on how to lift better so I could move up in weight. I a few sessions I went from a personal max of 20kg in the get-up to 32kg, just by learning the right technique from Steve. I appreciate Steve's instruction, focusing on technique and safety. I feel confident that I can reach and exceed my goals, with his help

I have been training with Steve for a couple weeks now and have already noticed a significant difference in my strength and "work out" stamina. He is very encouraging and makes me want to be dedicated to being healthy not only by KB training but also by eating right and taking good care of my body. I appreciate Steve because he is so focused on proper technique and educating me on how to do each move correctly to produce the best quality of each exercise and ultimately avoid injury. He is extremely encouraging and always 120% positive.... He's the BEST!!!

i've had four sessions with steve belanger. in that short time, i've been impressed with how he's never given me more than i could handle, yet each session ends with me accomplishing more than in the previous one.

with steve, it's not enough to swing the weight and push the weight. it has to be done with the correct technique. that means as you're learning to move, you're learning to move correctly. and out of that correct movement comes the ability to handle more weight -- and handle it safely, without injury.

so if you want a thorough workout that enables you to build on successes, steve's your man.

something else i've noticed in training with steve is that when my energy may lag, his seems to rise, encouraging me more. it's like he can transfer his energy to me and get me over a hump.

but again, if it's clear that there's not enough energy to complete repetitions while maintaining correct technique -- meaning safely -- he'll stop that drill and move on to something else.

so there it is. increased performance. correct rkc technique. safety. full-tilt workout. energetic. and did we say safety?

that's what steve delivers.

Steve is an excellent instructor and trainer. I am relatively new to the kettlebell scene (1 month)and was very cautious when I first started, but Steve teaches in such a way as to inspire confidence and understanding. Steve's training has encouraged me to continue learning and working out with kettlebells.

I think Steve's strength lies with his ability to break down each exercise into steps. He explains the movements thoroughly and always models the movement or exercise. He places a lot of emphasis on using proper technique to ensure the exercise is done properly AND as a means of preventing injury.

On top of this, he is very easy to talk to and he listens to my concerns. He is also sensitive to my abilities and strength. He knows how far to push me to get a great workout, but is aware of my limits. I wholeheartedly recommend Steve to anyone looking to master the art of kettlebells!

About a year ago, my girlfriend bought me my first kettlebell. What a great gift! Equally great is the instruction she bought for me from Steve. He gave me expert training with great attention to detail and form, breaking it down in chunks that made the learning quick and simple. However, I also found that Steve doesn't pay very close attention to the clock as he routinely ran over the alotted hour. No complaints there. I got the better end of that deal! I look forward to referring people to "Old School"Steve Belanger.

I had the pleasure of training under Steve in a group class focusing on the swing. It was eyeopening. I am fairly new to kettlebells and Steve was a fantastic instructor. Steve is very knowledgeable and personable. I learned a lot about the subtle touches of the swing. I thought I had a good idea how they were done until yesterday. I had read in the ETK book about the hike pass, now I really understand what it means and my swings have really improved as a result. Steve was leading a large group but still gave everyone specialized individual attention they needed to really improve their performance.
I am not in the greatest shape and Steve motivated me to push harder than I had thought I could.
Watching Steve do an RKC snatch tests was amazing. He makes it look so easy and it gives me something to aspire towards.
Sadly I don't live in the area, was just a drop in. I highly recommend Steve if you are in the Orange County area. I will drop in anytime I'm in the area thats for sure.

I have attended excellent seminars conducted by Steve and I recently had the opportunity to receive private instruction. My only regret is that I did not start training with Steve sooner. He is an accomplished kettlebell instructor that not only enjoys, but is passionate about teaching his skill. He is masterful at adapting to the level of his clients. His instruction is comprehensive; he is motivating and enthusiastic. Tremendous value for the money. Thank you Steve, I can hardly wait to train with you again!

Steve is a great instructor that firmly believes in educating his clients along with training them rigerously. I have had five sessions with Steve and have on multiple occasions exceeded 90 minutes from just learning techiques and utilizing them for better gains. My goals are his number one importance when training with him, he is openly critical about flaws in performance, and requires perfection through education and practice. I will continue to train with Steve and retain my weight lifting experiences.

"give a man a kettlebell he lifts for a day, teach a man to lift a kettlebell and he'll lift for a lifetime." butchered qoute, but it fits perfectly.

Thanks Steve!
-Josh Jones

Steve Belanger is an exceptional instructor. From the moment I walked in the door, completely new to any actual KB use, Steve made me feel right at home. His Basic Kettlebell Workshop covered all the exercises from the Enter the Kettlebell book and he broke each one down to really explain the subtleties of each exercise. His knowledge of the exercises and how they apply to a variety of other trainings is fantastic. He was enthusiastic and professional for the whole seminar which was over 4 hours long. With his excellent instruction, I was able to go from book to bell quickly and with ease. I have been training for over 25 years, but he opened a whole new door of understanding in exercise and inspired me to make KBs the foundation of my own fitness training. I traveled over 500 miles to take this seminar and I will look forward to any future seminars he offers.

Steve is a true professional. He takes the time to train his clients safely and effectivly. He interviewed me to determine what my goals are, my current ability and any past injuries I have had in order to train me safely.
Steve does not use cookie-cutter approaches to training and will tailor a program to the individual which is unique. This is exactly what someone should look for in a personal trainer. I would definitly recommend Steve.
As someone with previous athletic expericence in wrestling and boxing I wish I would have trained with Steve while competing.

I just took a 4 hour beginner's course with Steve Belanger. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in getting educated regarding kettlebells. I am a writer and performance coach and found it very informative. Steve was professional, took his time to help each individual in class and I came away with the right knowledge to get me started. Thanks Steve!

I have known Steve for many years. I only recently asked him for personalized instruction because I didn't think my needs were serious enough for his training sessions. After only one visit I was hooked and was very surprisingly pleased. Steve's goals are YOUR goals. He sits down with you and makes a program to fit your needs, your physique, your goals and your body. He is constantly looking out for your well being by not forcing your body to strain itself unaturally and showing proper technique. He is constantly checking on your body's performance with each exercise by asking how you feel and adjusting accordingly. He is very patient and always lets you know what a good job you are doing which builds up your confidence. He does not get frustrated when you have to be shown more than once how to do something properly. He just comes up with another angle and voila! You have it down. You come out of his sessions feeling empowered, accomplished and ready for the next visit. His knowledge and personalization maximizes each session's potential for the student. If only all trainers could be so compassionate for their students to succeed!

Right from the onset, I believed that this workshop was going to be great! Steve did not disappoint. He was sensitive to my current level of fitness and strength and to an injury I sustained by jumping from airplanes for the good ol' USA. Steve was very professional and positive, a natural teacher. He kept me very motivated and scrutinized my style with a knowledgeable eye. I can't wait to share this experience with others. Presently, I am looking for colleagues in my teaching profession to take another workshop with me. It was off the hook!

I have only been training with Steve for a short period of time but I can honestly say that I've learned more over the last couple of months than I had in my previous 10 years of training. Steve's knowledge, expert instruction, and incredible passion for the iron game are taking my training to new heights. He is truly a master of his craft. I only wish I had found him sooner.

I just took my first k- bell course ever, with Steve this past weekend. Steve is an old school style coach and mentor, very dedicated and interested in his students. He loves what he does, and it shows. He's a former wrestler, and a martial artist. Great introductory class, yet he's equipped to coach advanced athletes, as well.

I really enjoyed Steve's Kettlebell Basics workshop! He presented each technique in a way that was easy to understand, and he made sure each participant was given helpful, personalized instruction. It is obvious that Steve is not only a talented coach, but also sincerely cares about each person's progress and overall fitness goals. Steve is truly a pleasure to learn from!

Steve is a great instructor and i'd recommend him to anyone willing to work. He has trained me now on and off for about 5 years mainly in powerlifting. Near the end of june i finally decided i would try to get back on track lifting again. With the help and guidance of such a knowledgable instructor i was able to lose 30 lbs. in less than 3 months. I started at a hefty 208. With a waist size of 46inches. With proper dieting and daily kettle bell work i dropped down to 178 and have a 39 inch waist now.

Steve knows what he is doing and knows more than just his kettlebell training. He is very knowledgable and again i recommend him to anyone who needs to get in shape and get stronger.