Men’s Testimonials
National Olympic Weightlifting Competitor Feels the Power!
I recently had the privilege of training one afternoon with RKC and Z-Health instructors Jason Wood and Brian Copeland. As an Olympic-style weightlifter with national-level competition under my belt, I was already strong and flexible, but these men and their expert techniques helped spot some significant areas for improvement in my squat. The importance of this insight cannot be overstated, as the squat movement is at the heart of every Olympic-style lift. Within a few minutes of analysis they were able to spot one leg bowing in towards my center, and a few Z-health techniques later, I was able to feel the joints loosening. Under their instruction I reached the point where it was like a light flipped on in my nervous system, and I said, “Aha!” and realized what I’d been doing wrong all this time. They were able to recommend movement patterns and related drills that will undoubtedly be of great benefit in the future of my training, for both greater strength and healthier knee joints. I highly recommend instructors Jason Wood and Brian Copeland for learning how kettlebell and Z-health methods can and will work for you.
Amazing “Can Do” attitude, and he shows you how you “Can Do” as well.
This is not my first review of Brian, because the days and years continue to go by where his influence in my life continues. If you have any doubts, just go to one session with him.
There is not enough that can be said about Brian and his teaching abilities. For the past 20 years, I have had a 50lb weight limit and physical activity limitations, imposed on me by surgeons and physical therapists. After years of getting older and gaining more weight than I wanted, I was referred to Brian from a co-worker.
His style of training “to your limit, not above your limit” was exactly what I needed. Brian taught me how to break all of my bad “work-out” habits of pain, injury, bad form, loss of interest, food and health choices, and most of all, my lack of success. He helped me to work through my weak areas, physical and mental. All while working with my prior injuries, and teaching me to learn how to listen to my body, to avoid future road blocks and injuries.
It took me a while to get enough in shape, just so I could start training. I was definitely a mess when I came to Brian, but with all the knowledge he possesses in so many areas, he made it look easy. (don’t get me wrong, the work-outs were not easy) He gave me the confidence that I can improve, and I did. He gave me the drive to want to do better, and I did. He taught me how to grow with what I learn, and apply that to finding success, and I have. Since I have far exceeded any “limitations” I once had, I now consider my life limitless.
I have since moved away from Colorado, and thus lost my ability to train with Brian directly. I still call upon his expertise when I get stuck, or a new program design when I start to level out, and he has always been there for me. Brian has given me the tools and knowledge to continue improving my life, in everything I do. Every day that I am pain free, during physical activity or not, especially the activities I wouldn’t even think of doing just a couple years ago, I am able enjoy my life that much better.
I Thank Brian for helping me to become healthy, smart, confident, successful, and of course STRONG.
Brian Is The Best!
Brian Copeland is a great teacher. He keeps his focus while training and doesn’t waste any time getting down to business. He pushes you just enough and yet he makes sure that your form is perfect to keep everyone safe. But the best thing about Brian is that you can tell he is really passionate about what he is doing; he really cares. I am totally hooked on Kettlebells now!
I trained with Brian in Kettlebells and Martial Arts for several years, and it completely transformed the way I approach health, fitness, and life. Brian is an innovator and a pioneer in the field, and his training methodology is next-level. It is rare if not impossible today to find this level of quality and value.
This guy really knows his stuff!!!
Brian has been very helpful in achieving my goals in program design, heart health and preventing injury from over training. If you have an injury, Brian has the knowledge and methods to get you to your goals. After the consultation, Brian will e-mail you the important training tips to focus on.
This guy really knows his stuff!!!
You Were Dead-On
Your article in Powered by Pavel Newsletter #129 was excellent! Having had back surgery, even after a year of physical therapy I was walking with a cane. I came across Pavel Tsatsouline’s RKC training methods, took a chance, and now 5 years later I am working out and living a good life when I was told my workout days and basically my life were over. I just wanted to say you were dead on with your writings. I am sure someone out there will read it and also get their life back!
Brian’s Class is First-Rate!
Brian is awesome, very knowledgeable, an excellent instructor!
In his beginner kettlebell class I learned a lot about proper form and technique, learned quite a few kettlebell exercises. I am recommending this class to friends.
Clear and concise instruction
Brian is a gives concise, clear instruction and is concerned about correct form. He demonstrates a technique and then has his students model the technique and observe each other for correct form. My wife and I are grateful to Brian for introducing us to Z-Health in addition to the kettlebells, they have both made a difference in how we feel.
We look forward to taking more classes with Brian.
Brian taught me the skills to make my training smarter and safer
I was in Denver on a business trip and had the opportunity to train with Brian. I found Brian on Dragondoor’s RKC instructor site.
I have been training with kettlebells for about 2 months and I learned an incredible amount of technique in the short time that I had training with Brian.
Brian is an affable and knowledgeable RKC Instructor. Every move I practiced Brian was able to give instruction on how to improve and better my technique. Kettlebells are demanding, but Brian taught me the skills to make my training smarter (and safer). Training hard is good, but training smarter (and safer) is the best.
I have ETK and the Pavel’s video, but the one-on-one training with Brian brought the skills and finer points together to improve my Kettlebell experience.
I highly recommend Brian to anyone that wants to become a better KBer.
Keep up the good work.
I Sleep Better Now!
I was initially attracted to kettlebells as an activity to get back into shape after 15 years of not working out. I historically had knee problems and back problems that prohibited me from running and other hard contact sports that I had done in my 20’s. In addition, I needed something with the flexibility of training with a professional combined with the ability to do a workout on my own at home. I also wanted a situation where I could ramp up my commitment without signing an initial long term contract with a gym or a personal trainer.
As a father of two with a high stress job, one of the very first benefits I found with Brian was his ability to relate to me since he also came off a serious injury in the past and could understand the challenges of trying to get fit after a prolonged delay. By emphasizing proper technique and matching workouts to my current fitness levels, I felt real comfortable that I was progressing without putting undue strain on my body.
Within weeks, I was able to do several hours of yard work without feeling sore or real tired afterwards. In the second month, I noticed that I have slept better than I had in years. I have tried to decrease stress through long walks, lifting weights and treadmills in the past, but I believe the intensity of kettlebell workouts relieves an enormous amount of tension in comparison. I attribute these benefits to not only the kettlebell training, but Brian’s ability to teach flexibility and core development. I have also come to realize that kettlebell training is an intense cardio workout better than aerobics, with the ability to burn fat and increase stamina along with strength and flexibility.
Decreased my triglycerides and overall cholesterol by over 150 points
I took my first cholesterol test in over a year and decreased my triglycerides and overall cholesterol by over 150 points for both total cholesterol and triglycerides. this is the first big improvement I have seen in a decade. I attribute it to the kettlebells and a modified Warrior Diet that Brian gave me. I still have a ways to go in LDL’s & HDL’s, but with supplements and minor diet modifications I look to make just as major gains in the next 4-5 months.
75 days later and 15 lbs lighter
I was fortunate to work out with Brian Copeland for a week in December 2009, (5 sessions of Z-Health and kettlebell).
Using his principles, 75 days later, and 15 lbs lighter, I was able to shovel wet, heavy snow pain free. I literally felt like a thin guy in a big body as I was shoveling, because I had developed the core muscles to such an extent that shoveling for several hours was not a big deal. I used the same breathing techniques to lock and harden the core that I use in Kettlebells. Two days later, I’m moving around with no pain, while my friend 7 years younger (I am 44) looks like an old man as he collapses on the couch to watch the super bowl game lying down.
I would have never believed this was possible. Thank you, Brian.
Building Muscle While Losing Fat
Brian is a great coach, he explains difficult subjects easily and clearly.
The class atmosphere is fun and motivating.
I am building muscle while losing fat and moving better with less pain thanks to a combination of Z-Health and RKC style kettlebell training.
Saved My Job!
I was close to loosing my job due to a low back injury; I work in a warehouse lifting heavy boxes all day and the pain was affecting my ability to do my job. I was seeing a Chiropractor 3 days per week and while it offered some temporary relief, I still had pain when lifting boxes.
Brian showed me how to make a ‘virtual belt’ with my midsection and showed me the proper way to bend down and lift a box while bracing. Not only did my pain go away but I instantly felt stronger! I was picking up boxes easily that used to seem fairly heavy.
Come to find out Brian actually used to be in my shoes with a back injury and working in a warehouse moving heavy boxes. His experience was invaluable to me and I now apply what he taught me anytime I lift anything heavy.
Now I’m Pain-Free!
I originally discovered Brian because a coworker of mine was seeing phenomenal improvements in her body so I asked her how she was doing it.
When I first started training with Brian I was so out of shape that any amount of activity would cause pain. First some background. I was in a bad car accident 20 years ago and as a result my T1-T10 spine is fused and I have rods in L3-S1. On top of that I had severe shoulder pain and knee pain. Every day I would wake up wondering where I would hurt; this was before training with Brian.
I had been in physical therapy for years and as long as I kept up with it I could keep the pain manageable but that is hardly living life; I didn’t want to be in “rehab” my whole life!
After only a short time training with Brian I started to notice tremendous changes. I had no more pain all over my body. I got amazing improvement in flexibility and range of motion in my bad shoulders. My energy level has increased dramatically and my endurance is astounding.
I have learned to listen to my body and how to use that for improvement rather than it keeping me down.
It is amazing how proper kettlebell training can be so complete for overall fitness and because it is low impact I can even do it with my physical limitations. And it is so versatile that there is always something new for exercise or a great cardio workout. I’m never bored.
Brian has the ability to find the way you learn and get motivated. I do every time. Not only because he is great at training kettlebells but because of his extensive knowledge of overall fitness. Brian has helped me in so many more ways, from overall health, skin, energy, attitude, even improved my outlook on life.
There is no greater gift someone can give than to improve one’s quality of life and Brian does that for me every day. There isn’t enough that can be said about him because every day he impresses me with his knowledge, ability to teach and caring not only in regard to fitness but toward people as well.
BEFORE = Daily pain, fused spine and couldn’t lift my arm overhead
NOW = (several months later) Snatching and pressing a 44 lb kettlebell pain-free, deadlifting more than my body-weight, and squatting two 53 lb kettlebells rock bottom all pain-free! I even got my first pull-up tonight!
Stronger Faster Better!
I discovered kettlebells and Brian through my wife. (She has lost over 17 lbs so far and is getting more toned and stronger by the day!)
I notice that I am stronger, faster, better and less prone to injuries when playing my sport, Ultimate Frisbee.
Everyone must do this!
My body is noticeably more stable and comfortable
#1 I have not gone for a chiropractic or therapeutic massage session
since I had the first Z Health session with you. So, it is safe
to say that the cost of the Z Health course and my visits with
you have easily paid for themselves.
#2 The chronic “startle/clench” in my lower back is starting
to become undone. I can guarantee you that this is
really happening, I am very tuned into what is happening
in this body. I have to give the credit to Z-Health.
As you know I have tried basically everything except for
surgery, and nothing has been able to touch this
level. I am amazed and encouraged, and to be honest
with you I had pretty much given up all hope. Maybe this
‘thing’ can loosen up after all.
My body is noticeably more stable and comfortable. One of many examples is simply when I am driving, and I have to spin my head around to see what the heck is going on. I can turn my head at least an additional 30 degrees or so from a month ago. For me, that’s great.
Please feel free to use any or all of this as a true and
100% honest testimonial.
The work is hard but the results are worth it.
I began working with Brian to recover from a heart attack. Not only is my heart and cardio in great condition but I’m stronger, fitter and have more mobility in my joints.
The work is hard but the results are worth it.
Don’t wait another day to start training with Brian.
Lots more fun and effective than your last exercise program
I just completed Brian’s 6 week beginner kettlebell class and I think it is an outstanding value for the money. Brian demonstrates the proper form for the basic kettlebell lifts in a manner that is very precise and easy to understand. One thing I really appreciate about kettlebell training is the way Brian teaches, it is the way the program is highly customizable and doesn’t get bogged down in the details. I have started and abandoned some other exercise regimens and I usually stop exercising because I get caught up in minutiae like, “was I supposed to do 5 sets of 10 or 10 sets of 5 of this one?” or don’t feel I have the time to get the complete a full 1/2 hour long workout. A good kettlebell workout on the other hand, can be mostly improvised and squeezed into the 10 or 15 spare minutes that we all have and still give you some good progress.
Brian is also very knowledgeable about other topics such as Z-health, proper nutrition and even the neuroscience behind what is going on in the brain when you are exercising. He is therefore able to offer very detailed explanations of why you should never train to failure, what you need to eat depending on what your goals are (muscle gain, weight loss, etc.), and what not to eat to avoid damaging your health, and he frequently spent a lot of extra time with us after the end of the each class answering questions about these topics. One night in particular, he showed me some Z-health exercises and modified the grip I was using on the kettlebell. This dramatically (and almost instantaneously) reduced some joint pain I had in my elbow for the last couple months. Before the Z-health work, I was experiencing pain in my elbow doing the bent-over rows even with a light weight such as an 18 lb or 26 lb kettlebell. Since then, I’ve been rowing a 35 lb bell with no problems at all.
I’m looking forward to continuing to learn more at Brian’s studio and I would highly recommend his classes to anyone who wants to accomplish a fitness goal. If you’re like me and you have tried some other kind of weight training before and been disappointed, I think you’ll find that working out with kettlebells is a different animal altogether, and lots more fun and effective than your last exercise program.
Beginner to Kettlebells
Brian provides a cozy environment that allows ‘almost’ personal instruction, even in a larger group. He has a great casual and knowledgeable presentation which he augments with demonstrations to effectively teach his students.
I noticed I am developing buns of steel and can leap tall buildings in a single bound!
Training with Brian improved my fitness in 5 ways:
1. Able to feel more confident doing kettlebell exercises
2. Gained a ‘virtual belt’ approach to lifting
3. Breathing techniques decreased strain when lifting
4. Eye exercises increased my strength and range of motion
5. Able to leap tall buildings with a single bound
The training is fun, at the right level of difficulty, is organized, safe and the studio is well ventilated, has plenty of room and is easy to get to.
I noticed that I am developing buns of steel! I plan to do a survey.
10 lbs in 2 Months!
In the last two months, I have lost ten pounds, loss two inches in my waist, and have increased my upper body from a large shirt size to an xl for all the right reasons. Keep up the great work.
I completely trust Brian with my complete wellness program
Brian’s workouts have really made me feel better over the last six months. Through his comprehensive core training, I have worked out more in the last six months than the previous fifteen years combined and feel better now than I have since I was 20. Specifically, no more neck tension or back pain that has bothered me for years. This summer I went on a 3-day canoeing trip, paddling 6 hours a day, and I did not feel any pain due to Brian’s core and flexibility training.
After focusing on general fitness initially with Brian, I am now seeing results in weight loss as I clean up my diet and can target my training for weight loss, strength, and flexibility.
Brian has also taught me how to listen to my body’s feedback by varying training methods based upon any of my body’s problem areas from previous injuries or bad habits. This has made a huge difference since I am able to continue to work out consistently and see results even if one body part is feeling especially sore or particularly weak. In the past, I have just stopped working out since I was unsure on how to keep training safely.
I completely trust Brian with my complete wellness program, and for feeling even safer and more empowered, try the Navy Seal based self-defense instruction Brian offers.
Friendly, Courteous and Encouraging
Kettlebell training gives a great combination of strength and conditioning benefits. They are practical, effective and efficient.
I would highly recommend learning from Brian as he is highly friendly, courteous and encouraging!
Not Bad for a 42 Year Old Who Couldn’t Walk Up 8 Flights of Stairs Before
Yesterday I was at birthday party for my special need’s nephew, who had a seizure as we were about to go down a four-story water slide. After the seizure subsided and my nephew stabilized, I was very concerned about how I would safely carry an 80 pound, incapacitated child, down 8 flights of wet stairs full of people.
I carried him down over my shoulder, one-handed, and one hand on the rail safely and calmly. Much to my surprise, it took nominal effort and did not cause any back strain or threat responses. For a 42 year old guy who couldn’t walk 8 flights of stairs without knee and back pain before I started training with Brian, not bad…
Simple, Different, Effective!
After only 6 classes I am more tone and stronger! The 6-week beginner level class is an excellent class, good training and lots of fun!
Online Training The Best!!
Brian, has helped me reached my goals and helped designed a program
around my minor injures.
Thru his recommendation of z-health, it has helped eliminate my shoulder pain.
His program for me has meet my needs and then some.
Brian is also very knowledgeable about diet-heart health and any exercise programs that will reach your goals
Money well spent!!!!
Train with Brian!
I have my B.S. in Kinesiology, and I am familiar various exercise programs, but I was looking for a way to supercharge my workouts and renew my interest. I only just heard about Kettlebells this year. I decided that I wanted check them out in April and found Brian’s site online. I needed some expert training in this area.
Brian knows his KB exercises very well, and I recommend him to anyone for training. Since I started KB training, I haven’t fallen off the exercise wagon. I am stronger, bigger, and leaner than I was before.
Brian knows more than just Kettlebells, and I have been impressed with his knowledge and expertise in exercise and nutrition. He is also a great guy to work with, too. He offers specialized personal training and has group training programs to offer.
58 Years Old and Getting Younger!
I first read about kettlebell training in a newspaper article and I decided to try a few classes to see if I wanted to pursue it and I certainly do want to continue.
I am 58 years old, and I want a lifestyle/conditioning program that will strengthen me and improve my agility well into my later years. I have tried conventional weight training programs and sports such as handball and sculling, but kettlebells is the most practical, effective and convenient.
After 3 months of training, I am performing exercises that I would have considered almost impossible during my first week, particularly the Turkish Get-up. Getting up using the correct posture without a weight was difficult at first, and now I am doing it with a 53-pound kettlebell. Brian is also very good at prescribing particular warm-up exercises to prevent and alleviate pain.
While using conventional weight training exercises, I tended to work myself to injury and then quit. With kettlebells, I am progressing at a comfortable, injury-free rate.
I just wish I knew more people who would like to try kettlebell training; I would send them to Brian in a heartbeat.
Many people mistakenly pursue easy opportunities that promise great gains with minimal time or money investment. Whether the goal is physical conditioning or making money, all legitimate improvement programs require valuable time and effort and professional training. Kettlebell training is one such quality lifestyle improvement method.
Best Results in 10 Years!
I’ve been lifting weights for about 10 years, and I’ve been using kettlebells for about 3 years. I considered myself to be pretty knowledgeable in the ways of strength and conditioning, but I thought I’d try some professional advice.
I’ve been using Brian’s services for about 4 months and here is an example of what he’s done for me. I was in the gym on my back-off/rest week just trying to do 60% of my normal workout, and some friends of mine were jabbing at me a bit because I don’t workout “normal” like them. They sort of challenged my man hood and so I took them up on a bench press test which is supposed to be the true measure of a man. Now I haven’t done any bench press at all for about 5 months, or anything that I can imagine directly worked my chest, but I amazed even myself with the results. I put on a little weight to “warm up”, added a little more, and kept going until I benched 285lbs with relative ease and I just quit there because I didn’t really want to max and ruin my week off, or hurt myself. I didn’t get it. I never lifted that much weight with such ease even when I was doing a lot, and I mean a lot, of bench press. The weight just seemed to fly up like someone else was helping me.
In the 10 years of lifting before I started working with Brian, I’ve never been able to improve my total body strength and conditioning so effectively in such little time.
Thanks Brian.
Won the soccer tournament with no knee pain!
Ben the law student here. Just wanted to tell you that I’ve been doing Z-Health and training with the kettlebells three or four times a week for the last 6 weeks based on what you taught me when I came to Colorado and learned from you.
My old knee injury seems to have gone away, and I actually feel taller. Here’s the cool part though: this Saturday, I played in a city-wide 16 team soccer tournament with the LAW SCHOOL soccer team. We had to play 5 games of 45 minutes on Saturday.
Well, we won the thing, and I was running around all over the field right until the last minute of the 5th game. Meanwhile, everyone else was cramping, limping, slowing down. I haven’t done any running or other fitness whatsoever, but my legs just kept going. I guess kettlebell swings really do give you legs that never die. And it was pretty nice to see the looks on the faces of the 18-21 year old club teams when they got their asses kicked by the law school team. Anyway, hope all is well. I’ll see you over spring break. Maybe I can learn how to do snatches.
My Low Back is Virtually Pain-Free After 4 Years!
Brian creates a very non-threatening and casual atmosphere. He really knows his material and it shows. He knows what works and what doesn’t. I would not know how to improve his 6-session beginner kettlebell course.
Brian is a terrific teacher of fitness and of self-defense techniques that work in the real world!
Kettlebell training has definitely helped my low back pain. My back is virtually pain-free for the first time in 4 years!
I have learned a whole new way to train for strength and fitness. I no longer find ways to avoid working out. Brian has taught me I do not have to train and strain to failure to have a good effective work out.
Better results in a week & 1/2 than in 8 years!
I’ve been lifting weights for about 8 years, and the results I have seen from doing kettlebells with Brian for mere weeks are actually greater than I had from all of those years of resistance training. I’m stronger, more toned, and more flexible than before.
Leave the cables and treadmills behind. The challenge is well worth it, and with Brian as a teacher, it didn’t take long to learn how to safely and effectively utilize the kettlebells on my own.
Thanks, Brian
Brian was a fantastic teacher that showed patience and wisdom
Brian broke the components of basic kettlebell in an easy to understand method which enabled me to learn safely. Brian was a fantastic teacher that showed patience and wisdom. I would highly recommend the 6-week beginner intro course!
Awesome Trainer!
I have been working with Brian for a year now, and I continue to be amazed at his depth of knowledge and commitment to his students. Over the last year Brian has helped me change my attitude towards weight work, and exercise in general. The comments I get about how good I look and how much weight I have lost aren’t bad either.
After I had been working out for about six months my wife started coming with me, and recently our daughter also started taking some classes. Brian excels at teaching my daughter the basics, keeping her interested and at the same time making sure my wife and I get the attention we need to maintain our technique and learn new exercises. He always has a new way to terrorize us (insert evil laugh) and we continue to enjoy the class.
I have complete trust in Brian’s ability to analyze your physical condition and develop a workout the first protects you and then helps you heal as you get stronger, fitter, and toned.
Thanks Brian
Program Design is Outstanding
Thanks again Brian, like I have said, your detail put into the workouts is outstanding.
Top 1% of patients in the 50 year old bracket
Last month I had my checkup and the doc said at 57 years young I was in the top 1% of his patients in the 50 year old bracket. My left shoulder is just about 95% better thanks to your help with the joint mobility and other tips. I can finally press the 28kg for singles without any pain with my left arm, slow but sure.
By the way, keep up the great news letter, I look forward reading it every month. It always has some great tips.
Introduced me to a new form of cardio
I believe Brian is well qualified to teach kettlebells and is an encouraging instructor. I have better movement in my back, my form is better, I know how to use kettlebells now for cardio and continued development.
This is a new way of fitness, very practical, it works!
I took Brian’s 6-week beginner kettlebell class and I have noticed the following changes: decreased body fat, increased muscle tone, decreases in pain, increases in mobility/flexibility, athletic ability, confidence in myself and I’m sleeping better.
Brian is very knowledgeable, this was the best class I’ve ever taken! This is a new way of fitness, very practical, it works!
A Whole New Area of Holistic Fitness
Brian is very knowledgeable, humorous and creates a great enthusiastic class environment. He’s very attentive to form, details and provides as well additional holistic fitness knowledge to supplement the kettlebell training.
I have someone that I trust to help with kettlebells!
Proper form, how to do things safely, the little things that create more power and strength, these are just a few of the things I learned from Brian.
My eyes have also been opened to Z-Health and I have someone that I trust to ask for help with kettlebells.
I really enjoyed Brian’s teaching style. It is well paced, fun, safe, and very informative. He has many of the traits of some of the good trainers I have worked with; such as being patient, insightful, good safety focus, and an ability to distill complicated things into simple steps.
Brian is a fun, energetic, knowledgeable, and safety conscious instructor. I enjoyed the training very much.
Brian is a Kettlebell Master!
He is an excellent teacher who doesn’t push you too hard like a personal trainer. The training goes smooth. My strength is up in my shoulders, biceps, back, quads and glutes. My posture is even better and I’m stronger over all.