Kettlebells | Testimonials

Thank you Lionel for improving my life! When I came to you I had back and leg pain. I had weakness in my right wrist,and I could not turn my neck without pain. I had limited flexibility, and I failed my first mobility test. Lionel you had a project on your hands! You first worked with me by giving me some simple stretching exercises, to help me with my overall flexibility. You offered a way of reducing my weight and started giving me weight training using Russian Kettle Bells five months later, my overall strength and endurance has never been better, and I am in the best shape I have been in for over thirty years!

- Reggie Weide, Madison

I've been in Lionel Martin's kettlebell class for over two months and am amazed by the results. My core is stronger, my balance and flexibility has improved and my cardiovascular conditioning is strong.

Lionel is an excellent teacher and mentor. He knows when to push people and when to let off. His bottom line is safety and he will not train someone beyond their ability. He's able to articulate concepts in an understandable manner and uses humor to keep things light.

I highly recommend Lionel's class and encourage others to give it a try.

- Bill Bender, Madison

Beginning in November of 2009, I began attending Lionel's weekly kettle bell class. I was able to purchase kettle bells from Lionel which made getting started very easy. During our first couple of classes, we practiced basic fundamentals, such as a breathing and proper body movement. Lionel took the time to ensure the basics were understood before we even picked up the weights. His focus on the fundamentals helped my body gain strength and flexibility without causing muscle and joint strain due to incorrect movements. Once we mastered these fundamentals, Lionel offered a workout to perform throughout the week. These workouts covered what we learned that week in class in addition to introducing a new set of movements. His demonstrated knowledge of the human body's possibilities and limitations is what makes his classes a must for all.

Since November, I have noticed great gain in my flexibility, explosive power and strength. I have been an athlete on an amateur level for many years, so I have been exposed to many different types of weight lifting and cross training. The thing I enjoy most about the kettle bell is its versatility. A 300-pound set of Olympic weights, a bench, different weight bars and a large area to train become unnecessary. With only one or two different kettle bells, one can focus on any aspect of training. Regardless of the end goal - to build strength, improve flexibility, add muscle mass or improve cardio - the kettle bell is a small and powerful tool with the proper training. I have a long road to meet my physical goals but am confident that I can achieve them with this tool and Lionel's thorough, knowledgeable instruction.

- RJ

I have been taking the Kettlebell class at Snapfitness in Waunakee. When I started I had no clue of what a Kettlebell was. I saw that there were classes available so I thought I would give one a try. Now I'm a month into it and I find Kettlebells amazing. I could not believe the technique that goes into a workout. At first, the class seems to start out slow, but when you get further into it, you really understand on how important it is to take the class and have the proper technique because one Kettlebell exercise works on so many different muscles at once. Lionel is a great instructor. He really takes the time for each of his clients to make sure they are breathing and doing the exercise correctly. Its great. Give it a try - you will love it.

-Bert Schwab

Some background first. I am now 67 years old but remain quite physically active and have always been interested in physical training. As a member of the 1968 US Winter Olympic Ski-Jumping Team I trained for many years leading up to that high point and continued on after.

I met Lionel Martin this past year and decided to take part in his kettle bell classes a few months ago. It has been a wonderful experience. It is regretable that this type of training was not presented to me and my team mates 50 years ago! -- more --> Click here to read whole story.

- Dave Norby