Client Testimonials
As someone who has been an instructor (Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, taught various classes to recruits both in the classroom and practical exercises) for close to 10 years, I can say I was very impressed with your ability to explain each movement and then correct any problems any of the students were having with the movement, usually with a very concise tip to clear it up for them (especially me).
There were more then enough exercises taught and the pacing of the class did not allow anyone to get bored or too tired to perform the movements safely.
– Scott Bromley 712
Special Operations Division, K9
Irving Police Department
I just want to say “Thank You” for a great class. I came away knowing where I was weak in technique and how to correct it. Accomplishing the Rock Bottom Squat was a great feeling and it would have taken me forever to learn what I was missing in the movement doing it on my own. I was practicing snatches today and can honestly say that I’ve got them down. You are a terrific instructor. Your patience is second to none. I felt that I received a lot of one-on-one and all of my questions were answered. I wish that you were in Denver!
– Debra
“I was one of the Troopers at the West Virginia State Police Academy workshop. I was the one that achieved my best time on the run in our PT test after using the kettlebells. High rep snatches and C&J’s. It’s the best workout anyone can get. The workshop was top notch and i really enjoyed the pain and tweaks to my form. I had to lower reps on some things and the day after the workshop I really feel where the form changes worked. Lisa and Jeff were top notch and really fun to learn from and would recommend them to anyone wanting to learn more about the use of this fantastic tool for total fitness.
Thank you Lisa and Jeff and if you are ever back in the Mountain State look us up.”
– Donnie
“Lisa, I very much enjoyed meeting you and Jeff in Institute last Friday! The course content and demonstration of technique was outstanding. I have been lifting kettlebells for about three years, but the fine points of technique and tips, as well as the new exercises introduced were amazing! Like we talked about, you miss the subtle nuances of technique without personal instruction. I would strongly encourage anyone to participate in one of your seminars/workshops. Thanks again!”
– Kenny Burner, F/Sgt. West Virginia State Police, retired
“I had a great time at the workshop! I really felt that the reinforcement of the basic techniques will be a huge benenfit to my workouts. The quality of instruction was excellent. It really shows that you care about what you are doing and the people you train.”
– Jackie Yowell
“The quality of instruction was excellent.”
– Alison Yowell
“You were very informative and made the class very enjoyable. What I found most helpful was the description of the exercises, the correcting of the movements, the ability to ask questions and the booklet.”
– Benita Eckberg
“Your descriptions of how to do the excercises were very helpful and informative. It was helpful how you went around to each person to make sure everyone had correct form when doing the exercises and how you gave feedback to everyone. It was definitely obvious that you are very knowlegeable about this type of exercise.”
– Deanna Taylor
Lisa is a superb RKC instructor. I have received one-on-one instruction from her, have attended her workshops and have consulted her help on may occasions. She has consistently helped me improve my form, allowing me to lift heavier and injury-free. In addition, Lisa has introduced me to many new and challenging kettlebell exercises, allowing me to formulate a more well-rounded, complete training program. She teaches with great enthusiasm, offering words of encouragement while giving a critical eye to safety and proper exercise from. I would highly recommend her for both beginner and intermediate kettlebell enthusiasts.
– Brian Abrams (a.k.a. dark_horse)
Thanks for a day of excellent instruction. I learned a ton. It was fun to learn some new exercises as well, such as Dragon Walk. Also, the notebook handouts were very helpful. It especially helped me to mentally review the exercises post-workshop; otherwise I would have forgotten much of what we did.
– Bill Soloman
I’ve had the opportunity to work with Lisa in person and know what a phenomenal instructor she is. She is excellent at making you feel at ease, listening to your goals and individualizing a program that suits your specific needs.
I just want to say thank you for all of your support, friendship and the workouts that you have created for me. The workouts you have designed work around my time constraints and interests.
With sincere respect and appreciation,
– Jeanie
Lisa:
I can’t tell you HOW MUCH I appreciated the time, expertise, and attention you gave to me and everyone else in the class. You are truly an inspiration and it was a pleasure to work with you. As I said in my evaluation, having Tanya there also brought another dimension to the drills and really gave me a feel for what a total body workout I can get using these incredibly effective tools!!
THANK YOU so much and I certainly hope to work with you again.
Also – I LOVE your book – I’ve started using it – as you said it is very detailed but at the same time easy to use!!!
Thanks again.
– Carolyn
Lisa, I thoroughly enjoyed the class. You are an excellent teacher. I worked out yesterday (under the tree in my backyard). I took a quick look at the manual to remind myself of the tips and I felt like I did a good job. Tell Tawyna thanks for the working out in the backyard tip. I would never have tried it if she had not mentioned it. Please keep me on your mailing list, because I will definately want to take other classes!
Thanks so much.
– Pam Bassel
I just got my haircut-same person Ive gone to for years-she took one look at me and said “You’ve lost weight!” Not according to the scale. However, in the last few days I’ve noticed my clothes getting looser and I’ve just tried on some clothes I had I thought I’d never get into and while they’re still a little tight it won’t be long. This is amazing!! I haven’t had much time to execise so “in the meantime” I’ve been doing Lisa Shaffer’s beginner plan. It’s been about two weeks and I thought I was just basically learning the moves(which I am)and didn’t realize it would have these results. And it only takes 5-10 minutes a day. Now I’m going to have to buy new clothes!!
– Ann
Product Testimonials
I enjoyed your KB workshop DVD. Great precise instruction and an outstanding companion for people that attend your workshops. Also an excellent resource for people that cannot make it to your workshops. Great job.
— Mike Mahler, Renowned Kettlebell and Strength Coach
“I received this DVD (Kettlebell Foundation) about 3 days ago and first I have to say again I love the cover art But purples and blues are my favorite colors. Between holidays, guests, and work I have not had time to do it yet–but last night I had some time and decided to preview some of the DVD since it is over 2 hours and 20 minutes long LOL.
Wow. First each area is chaptered, i.e., Joint Mobility, Cleans, Squats (not in this order necessarily) etc. so you can choose a section to work on daily as I’m sure most of us don’t have 2-1/2 hours of time or soak in that much information at once–but unlike going to a workshop or clinic with a trainer you can rewind, save, and do it again LOL.
Now I know it starts with joint mobility and goes through to the TGU again with 2 hours and 21 minutes of content–way worth the price. It is more of a workshop DVD because well obviously it’s filmed at a workshop and I don’t feel it’s a follow along workout more so a follow-along clinic or workout. It reminds me of fitness workshops I’ve been to and obviously the personal training I’ve had with Lisa, except for well more people and a gym.
Each exercise chapter has about 15-25 minutes of instruction using clinic participants, Lisa herself and her demonstrators/helpers at the clinic, as well as little snippets (reminiscent of her first DVD but these are newly filmed sequences) showing proper technique throughout with pointers on the screen typed out so you can read the pointers on screen and hear her audio pointers to remind you…I don’t think she could get any more specific except for being there in person lol. My husband, who doesn’t do kettlebells yet, even loved the bullets. He said “there it’s to the point and us guys like that.” I knew he would… I also want to give props to the camera people because they filmed people at different angles and what not, so you can “see” what Lisa saw and what she’s talking about versus setting up a camera on a stand and having her walk around…these people really knew how to film this so the at-home viewer CAN see what’s going on.
One thing I loved in this DVD is Lisa shows how to get the kettlebell up so as not to bang up your forearms. I learned this from her in person and I have to say I’ve had MAYBE 2 bruises ever from the bells without ever using wrist bands or anything. She does this utilizing a wall like I’d estimate 15-20 inches in front of you. I feel she teaches that in a way it truly “clicks” for a lot of people.
There is music in the DVD and it’s very low key, but energetic. I like the music choices a lot, and even my DH (who rarely watches a fitness-related DVD unless he knows the people or is making fun of something like the old 20 minute workouts from the 80s) liked the music…although we do have similar tastes in music anyway.
I feel this is a MUST HAVE to master a lot of exercises for those who can’t get to a kettlebell trainer, won’t for whatever reason, or can’t afford it..it’s WAY worth the price. I’ve got another set of kettlebell clinic on DVD, which are good as well, but about $50 more and I really believe that it’s good to have a variety of good trainers to choose from as we all learn differently and things click for different people different ways.”
— Stephanie Bridges
“I got your book yesterday from Dragondoor and I really liked it…excellent work. I think the method of teaching is outstanding… you do a very nice job here.”
— Dan John, Strength Coach, Master Highland Games athlete
“I work at a high profile gym in an upscale market and it takes a lot to impress me. Your gaurds are the best idea in a long time. Leave it to a woman to formulate an effective solution to a problem. My clients thank you. I look forward to vol.2 of your dvd. You have the absolute best products on the market. Most of the other trainers at my gym will be ordering gaurds for thier clients as well.”
— Tertuliano Delgado
I’ve been watching your DVD and going through your book and I think it’s starting (finally) to sink in. Today before I went running I picked up a kb to warm up and for some reason decided to try doing snatches. I’ve stayed away from them for the most part up to now because the occasional times I’ve tried them I might as well have been beating myself on the wrist with a sledgehammer. Today I tried them and much to my amazement I was able to do them without the wrecking ball effect (most of the time anyway). I almost bagged the running because I wanted to stay and do snatches. That feeling I had of the light bulb suddenly coming on is a little like the first time I heard Bruce Springsteen on the radio. Thanks again.
— John Summit
I got this DVD at your seminar Lisa. Thank you so much for making it and for making sure to remind me to take one home! It is AWESOME!! You ROCK Coach Lisa!
— Regina Hurley
Wow!!!!! This is an awesome DVD! I got the DVD in the mail on Saturday and watched it twice over the weekend. It is just filled with detailed high quality instruction. There is something like 18 or 20 of the basic exercises covered. And Lisa’s experience as a trainer is very evident in the amount of detail that she covered and the many little tips that she provides in the instruction. This isn’t a dvd that will be watched once and set aside, I can see it being used as a refresher course and reference guide for experienced KB lifters and a great learning tool for those that are new to KBs. There is as much detail covered as in a workshop, with the same highest quality that Lisa always provides.
A great complement to her “Best Shape of Your Life” KB workbook. The DVD was actually done in the same style as the workbook with the same use of arrows and tips inserted as graphics into the DVD, a preview of each exercise with difficulty level and muscles used in the exercise, and a cool “Tips to Remember” summary at the end.
Awesome DVD overall. Something I’ll need to watch several times just to get all the information that is covered, and also because it is just plain cool. I actually think it is better than her workbook, so if you liked the workbook, I think you would love this DVD! A++, very highly recommended!
— John Starego, RKC
Watched it this weekend and it was the all round best instructional DVD for KBs I have seen. The slow motion with important tips is a great innovation, watch it become standard in KB DVDs. Who here, that teaches KB’s doesn’t use a light KB and do a slow mo snatch to explain key points during the movement? Well in this DVD you get just that. I can see this helping those who can’t get with an instructor, but more importantly, it can help you re enforce key aspects of KB technique. It’s a great value, and is indispensable if you have her manual.
— Dylan Thomas, RKC
Hi Lisa,
I just got your DVD and it’s great! I hope you do very well with it and the book.
— Debra Berger, Denver, CO
The quality of the dvd was very good with respect to the visual presentation, the knowledge of the instructor and the use of music. It exceeds expectations and is a useful product.
— Jim, Arizona
Just received the DVD and watched it last night. Nice work, Lisa. Well done. I bought it to share with my wife and the ladies at work who think the treadmill is the answer to all of their fitness dreams.
— hayes959, DD forum reader
Hi Lisa! I just got the DVD. I think it is a great learning tool!!
— Becky Wilbanks
“Wonderful instruction on the DVD! I look forward to learning more and really priming my KB workouts. Thanks!”
— Julie Nuzzo
“I received your DVD last night and was very impressed with the quality. I’m excited to start incorporating kb training into my routine with your DVD as a guide. Thanks for getting the DVD to me so quickly.”
— Mike Eastland
“I just purchased your DVD. I have owned the book for over a year and I just want to thank you for a great product. It is great and has already helped me correct some flaws in my technique.”
— Charles R.
“I’m a veteran lurker and occasional poster here for almost three years now. I arrived in Baghdad, Iraq three weeks ago and ordered Lisa’s manual two weeks ago. She got it in the mail right away–the first one sent to Iraq–and now I’ve had a chance to skim through it.
If you didn’t know it already, Lisa is an outstanding instructor, both in person and now in print. In our e-mail correspondence she mentioned a walking workout (dragon walk that is), so when the manual arrived I turned right to it. Then I turned to the dragon walk page and tried it.
Now I’ve tried the DW before and always ended up tripping myself or flailing wildly to keep my balance. This time, something about her photos and text clicked with me and I immediately fired off 5 steps each leg. Not a lot, I know, but much better than falling on my rear.
I’ve picked up similar tips from some of her other exercises. Something about her explanations just clicks with me. Additionally, the manual is professionally compiled with great photos and “animation.” I love the spiral-bound format. It’s easy to open and lay flat for study while executing a drill.
As soon as I finish up my 1-month of Westside-inspired powerlifting training from Mens Journal, I’m going to start on the walking workout along the cool, shaded banks of Saddam H’s former lake in sight of his former palace. (Of course if I don’t do this by 6AM it’s neither cool nor shady.)
I think two days per week of Pavel’s “Commando PT” and three of Lisa’s walking workout should allow me to keep the strength I gained in the powerlifting cycle and allow me to master the dragon walk.
I’ll keep you posted.”
— Charles Lee, Major, USAF
“I have to say that my clients love this book. I ordered copies when it first came out and am about sold out. My clients buy it to have a reference for when they travel and want to continue their workout on the road. Clients who don’t live close enough to Iron Core to come three days a week for classes, buy it to train at home after we have given them some instruction. Our local police department just bought it for a reference to train with their unit. Everyone has commented about its ease of use and detailed, colorful photos. Excellent resource, buy it!”
— Sarah Lurie, RKC
“Wow, Wow, Wow. Lisa, your workbook ROCKS!
I just got this today and can say without a doubt if you are a trainer working with clients in kettlebells you want them to have this book. or at least have access to it. Great organization, very user friendly and such a great amount of information and DETAIL!
Photos and diagrams clear concise points of interest are excellent! Very visual and very well done.
For those training without RKC instruction this would also be a great thing to have as a reference tool. Mine will get tons of use. Well done Lisa, congratulations on a superior product.”
— Mark Reifkind, RKC
“I was taking a nap when my lady, Gina, came in and told me I had some mail from Texas. It was an advanced copy of Lisa Shaffer’s KB Workbook. I’ve been waiting for it, so I got up, made some coffee and sat down with it and started to check it out. This thing is first class all the way, great pictures, excellent descriptions, loads of programs and professional layout speaks well of Lisa’s KB knowledge. She makes no bloated, off the wall claims. She don’t have to. It’s just her story and exp. gained as a pro KB instructor.
Lisa’s unique perspective, based on her exp. on KB training during and after pregnancy, interested Gina quite a bit. (We’re expecting our 2nd child in early Sept.) Gina really never got into KBs, even with me slinging them around and her tripping over them in the house, but seeing Lisa in the book and the fact that Lisa looks so great (after 5 months from her 3rd child-Wow!) in the pictures got her interested in K’belling herself. I guess she always looked at it as this hardcore, martial thing her crazy man and his buddies did, not something that she should do.
This is a great product and is well worth it for any gender K’beller. I am going to buy a copy when it goes on sale to give to one of my client’s pregnant wife. I am suggesting this book to all my clients and fellow K’bellers.
Great job Lisa, I always thought you had it together and you’re a great friend, but after this I am double glad we are going to be teaming up on projects in the future.”
— Dylan Thomas, RKC
“Wow Lisa! Your book turned out awesome. After seeing some of the pages that you sent softcopy, I knew it was going to be a really great book. But I can’t even begin to tell you how blown away I am by seeing the entire book bound and printed. Great idea with making it workbook style with the spiral binding. It will be really easy to use while working out and the notes section is a great idea as well to jot down observations and goals.
Hope I’m not stealing too much of your thunder, but the 1, 2, and 3 kettlebell rankings for each of the exercises was clever and really useful, looks cool too! The articles are all really good and informative. I especially like the “No Excuses” article. You hit the nail on the head with that one and something that I’ll read often when I need a good shot in the butt to get me out of a workout rut. Pictures, graphics, the zoom ins and boxes, the step by step instruction to go with the step by step pictures, all great stuff. Something for everyone with all of the beginner to advanced exercises you cover. The crossing side lunges and all of its variants look really tough and something I haven’t seen before. And the pictures of you speak for themselves that KBs are an effective training tool and they speak volumes of your hard work with them. (You look great!)
Your work and instruction has always been high quality, and it’s easy to expect that all the time, but you really outdid yourself on this book. Awesome, awesome, awesome. Way to go Lisa, I’m incredibly proud of you!”
— John Starego, RKC
Hi Lisa,
The manual arrived safely this morning. Thank you very much, its the best kettlebell resource i have ever seen!!. Am looking forward to trying all the routines. Once again thank you.
— Darren
Hi Lisa,
Carrie and Chris Koelzer here again. We purchased your workout and just wanted to tell you how much we love it.
We’ve progressed through the beginners workouts and have delved into creating our own workouts with the guidance you provided in the book. We are doing HOC 3x/ week and circuit 2x/week as you’d recommended. We’re going to do this for the next two weeks (using different workouts for each week). What a kick in the butt! We love it, love it, love it.
I am feeling much stronger and my pants are slightly looser. I’ve got about 15 pounds I’m still trying to take off from my pregnancy. (My son is now 13 months.) The bottom line is that I am working out 5 times a week and doing yoga 1 day a week.
Thanks for putting together such a fun and functional workbook!
— Carrie & Chris Koelzer
“Hello Lisa,
I was away at camp this weekend, and I was very pleasantly surprised to find your workbook waiting for me today! Thanks so much for printing it in color, I really appreciate it! To say that it exceeded the high expectations that I had of any product with your name on it is no small accomplishment. I think it is the finest KB training book I have ever seen, and I’ve seen almost all of them.
I especially liked the “No Excuses!” excerpt. I’m glad that this kettlebell workbook is just that–it is equal parts “work” and “book.” I think your book addresses training the heart (and not the one that is trained with cardio) much moreso than some of the other books. This is so important, because I think having heart, courage, and passion in your training is just as important (in most cases more important) as having great knowledge of training. I also like all the generous space allowed to write notes (this is the “work” part of “workbook”). There are also plenty of drills I haven’t seen before and lots of tips and illustrations that I haven’t thought about before (the “book” part of “workbook”). This is a good thing, because like so many KBers, I’m a somewhat cerebral, overthinking type. I love adding a new wrinkle or two to the kettlebell section of my brain (another training benefit)!
You’ve done an amazing job, just as I knew you would! The workbook is beyond awesome, and I know I’m going to get a whole lot of benefit out of it. I’m going to start doing the “Walking Workout” to see if I can’t shed a few pounds from the effort.
Thanks again for producing such a masterpiece!”
— Matt
“Lisa Shaffer, RKC has published a workbook, “Get In The Best Shape of Your Life!, A Complete Guide to Kettlebell Exercises & Kettlebell Training”.
The word “complete” is an understatement! There must be hundreds of pictures. (I can’t imagine what her photographer charged.) She must average 6 pictures for each drill. The pictures are annotated with instruction nuance & detail. The descriptions are well written, with obvious attention to detail. It is well organized & covers not just individual drills, but workout structure & plans. The book was written with lot’s care.
Although a women wrote it, & several pages deal with pregnancy & after, no man should shy away. There is more instructional value in this little encyclopedia then one could get in even 10 individual sessions with an RKC instructor. Great job Lisa.”
— Len
“Her book is very thorough, offers great information – some of which I have not seen in other books, and is especially great for women. She has provided great pictures and very good descriptions of a broad range of KB exercises.
If you are trying to get your wife involved with KB’s, get her this book. (Lisa got my wife loving KB’s!) Lisa – she can press the 26lbs 3 times on both sides now!”
— John Daniel
“Lisa,
I just got your book today. Great stuff as it is so user-friendly. You do a stellar job of depicting dynamic motions in a two-dimensional format.”
— Jeanine
“I received mine yesterday and dug right into it. Even changed my workout this morning and can I already feel it. Excellent book Lisa and well worth the wait and the money.”
— Jeb Pein
“I got it today and have only looked through it but am very impressed. Loads of information, pictures, and text. I think this is extremely well done and a good model for anyone offering training manuals in the future. I haven’t had a chance to really read any of it yet, but again, I am very impressed. Definitely worth the money. Well done!!”
— Jonathan Frost
“Very, very, very thorough, wildly crazy amounts of illustrations of more exercises than I ever would have imagined, very good advice on workouts. Lisa, really great job, THIS is a great workbook for working out with kettlebells.”
— JLB
“I’d seen one of my instructors with this book and decided to get it. I take classes and needed a little help in polishing up my techniques. This book is excellent! It has the exercises organized from Basics to the different types of exercise(push, pull,core and leg) as well as the level of difficulty for each exercise. The pictures are in color and very easy to follow. There’s also a detailed plan for those ladies who wish to do kettlebell during pregnancy.
The book is very well written and I saw some things I was doing wrong. My classes have quite a few students so the instructor can’t always tweak everyone. If you go to her site, she also offers a video of the exercises, though for now I prefer the book.
It’s definitely worth the price and gives great information for someone really wanting to get into kettlebell.”
— E Chapa, San Antonio, TX
I just finished your walking workout, URGH!!
I don’t consider myself a true beginner, but 2 rounds doing the high number of reps and steps, kicked my butt! I followed your beginner’s plan for three weeks, then started making my own workouts using your guidlines, I can really tell a difference.
Your book is great, it’s actually easier to follow than Pavel’s ( no discredit to him, he’s awesome too! His books and a trainer at our local gym got me started a couple of years ago). I’ve been able to stay steady since I got your book, well our weather has been pretty crappy too, so it’s been hard to mountain bike, or jog much since fall. I also ride cutting and reining horses, and this really helps my riding too!!
Thanks for writing your book!!!!
Lovin my KB’s!
— Deb Cox
Testimony from Training Professionals
“There are four things that make a trainer a great trainer. One, enthusiasm for working out. Two enthusiasm for teaching. Three, knowlegde of effective training protocols. Four, the ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely. Lisa embodies all of these qualities. In addition to being an excellent athlete, Lisa is a great teacher that is passionate about getting results for her clients. I recommend her services highly.”
-Mike Mahler, Senior RKC, Strength Coach and writer for several Men’s Fitness and Hardcore Muscle Magazines
“As an instructor for the Russian Kettlebell Challenge course, the world’s foremost certification program for kettlebell training, I literally work hands-on with hundreds of trainers a year. In these courses, there is an occasional trainer whose skills stand out above all others. Lisa Shaffer is one of these gifted trainers.
What I admire about Lisa is that I see the same high standard in her practice as I hold for myself. Most people are content to just get through the course with ‘passable’ form. Not Lisa—she is meticulous in every regard–a true perfectionist. This is important because a trainer is the ultimate model to the student. Lisa’ form is flawless in every technique. Not only that, she has the patience, discipline and experience to teach a wide variety of clients, from stay-at-home moms to law enforcement personnel to athletes.
For men, Lisa’s strength and skill can be a bit intimidating, because upon first appearance, one would think it impossible for such a slender woman to be so powerful. For women, Lisa presents the ideal model–a strong, sleek figure, with energy to spare! (Did I mention she has 3 kids–you’d never know by looking at her top notch conditioning)
I give Lisa Shaffer my highest recommendation. If you are in the Dallas area, or want to put together a workgroup for proper Kettlebell instruction, Lisa is who you should work with.”
-Steve Cotter, Senior RKC/ 2 Time USA Full Contact Martial Arts Champion