Women’s Testimonials

After only 3-4 weeks I saw incredible results

I started training with Brian because we are friends so I trust him completely. Let me just say that my trust in him has only grown since I started training with him. I had my 2nd child about 6 1/2 months ago, after I had my first child (about 3.5 years ago). I tried so hard to get back into shape but never saw the results that I wanted (not even remotely close to my before any baby shape and size).

After my 2nd, I decided this was it; I’ll do whatever it takes to get back to my target size. Before I trained with Brian, I was hitting the gym 3-5 times a week for at least 1-2 hours each time. I would typically spend at least half of that time doing some sort of cardio such as the treadmill, elliptical etc., the other half I would do “light weights”. This combination was supposed to help me lose fat and tone muscle. I would hit the gym like this, then when I got home I would be starving. With this workout routine I was constantly adding one extra meal a day just to have the energy to do the workout, but I thought as long as I’m working out, I should see results, right? WRONG! I hated the results I was getting and I was getting very discouraged.

I contacted Brian about personal training about 3 months after I had my 2nd child. Brian designed an at home workout that required no special equipment for me. I did this routine about 4-5 times a week for about 20-30 minutes each time. We also had discussions about my nutrition plan and he answered all my questions. We even talked about still allowing me a few cheat meals to enjoy the unhealthy foods that I love.

After only 3-4 weeks on this routine I saw incredible results, I lost inches off my whole body! I was extremely motivated at this point because I lost 2 inches from my “tummy pooch” (anyone who has had a baby knows what I’m talking about!). I was amazed that I saw results like that in less than a month! Suddenly I had more energy and a boost of self confidence!

Since then, I have started kettlebell training with Brian about once a week. I was a little hesitant to try them until I saw a magazine article at Brian’s studio. I was so inspired by this article and realized that I didn’t have to be this big, bulging-muscles, meathead looking (insert image of Arnold Schwarzenegger) kind of guy to train with kettlebells. I’m completely amazed by the workout I receive from doing a seemingly simple thing as lifting this big, odd-looking iron ball around.

I can’t even start to tell you how many people have commented on how great I look, and to be honest, I really have been slacking in the working out department the past few months. Just imagine how smokin’ I’d be if I actually did my workout, had willpower to turn away sweets and fried foods and was able to fit more kettlebell sessions into my schedule! Brian is extremely knowledgeable, he listens to my complaints (and sometimes whining) and tailors the exercises that we do to my body, my goals and my abilities. He takes the time to show and instruct me (sometimes over and over when I’m being particularly ditzy) so that I use the proper form at all times.

Brian makes the workout fun, short and simple and I’m still busting my butt the whole time! Since I’ve been having so much fun training with kettlebells, I’ve expressed an interest to Brian about someday maybe even competing in kettlebell competitions and becoming RKC certified. I would recommend this to all that I love and care for. Recently I was cleaning my closet and stumbled upon my favorite “skinny” shorts, I thought, what the heck, let me try them on to see how much farther I have to go to fit into them. I was ecstatic when they slipped right on and I was able to button them up without sucking my gut in!

There’s nothing like the feeling of being able to fit back into those “skinny” jeans that are hiding in your closet! Bottom line is, I’m not stuck at the gym for hours, I’m having tons more fun working out and I’m seeing incredible results. I went from a size 9/10 to 4/5 in these few months. If you want results, contact Brian, he’ll do what it takes as long as you do too!

The pace of the beginner level kettlebell class was perfect!

Brian was fabulous! Every exercise we did we was demonstrated until we understood it. The pace of the beginner level class was perfect!

What I like best about kettlebell training is that it makes me stronger and the moves are simple and fun. After only 6 sessions I am stronger and more aware of how to exercise without hurting my body.

Lose Weight – Get Healthy – Feel Good

I discovered Brian through a relative who is a client of Brian’s.

Since I have started I feel stronger and I always feel great after my workouts. I don’t feel drained afterwards like I do with some personal trainers at gyms.

I always know I get a great workout with Brian, he gives you that extra individual attention you need!

If you are sitting on the fence then take my advice and just do it!

I cycled 150 miles for the first time!!

I want to thank you for your support in my very successful quest for the 2-day, 150 mile Bike MS tour. I did very little on-the-bike training this year, with only a handful of training rides under my belt. I’m convinced that it was Kettlebell training that made the difference. So thank you for all the 5 minute swing tests, all the deadlifts, pistols and front squats, all the Tabata drills (especially the Tabata’s!) 😉 and all the Z-health! My knees thank you too, as I had NO knee pain on the bike for the first time in 3 years, while clocking more miles than in my past 2 attempts at this event!!

I know you say that your KB method is not meant for training for long endurance events, but I respectfully disagree. That might be the case if I was going at really fast racing speeds, but at my personal best charity ride pace I had so much endurance, especially on the first day! I only felt winded on the climbs. And I know that it was the raw strength and confidence I’ve gained that got me up those hills with more ease than ever before! There were even times along the way where my husband had a hard time keeping up with me – which never used to happen.

I have also gained a bragging husband. A motorcycle trooper who was volunteering on the route came up next to us on one of the bigger climbs. Scott jokingly made a gesture to him about them switching bikes. The trooper said if Scott could get 5 miles ahead of me then they could switch bikes, but that he was rooting for me. My husband said, “I know, have you seen those guns on her?” He then asked me to tell the trooper what I dead lift. I’m a small-framed woman at 5’4″ and I get a kick out of shocking people by telling them that I dead lift 194 lbs, which is 1 & 1/2 times my body weight! And I love that my husband gets a kick out of bragging like that.

To top it all off, I had a massage therapist compliment me this weekend. A friend of our team captain came up to give chair massages to the team on Saturday. She told me that I was so toned it was difficult to tell on me what was a toned muscle vs. a tight muscle!!

Saying I’m thrilled with all this is an understatement. A word to the women out there who think that they can’t lift that much, or do a certain exercise – yes you can!! And you won’t get bulky, masculine muscles doing so. You’ll get people noticing and complimenting you on how toned you look and you’ll get the confidence to try things you never thought you could do.

I Never Thought I’d Be Complimented On My Abs!!!

My husband was a very happy client of Brian’s so I decided to give it a shot. I wanted to increase my strength, flexibility and tone. I also hoped to improve some chronic pain situations I had experienced for a number of years.

Now my strength has improved considerably. I am happy with the improvement in the tone and shape of my body and the chronic pain in my elbow, neck and shoulder that I have had for years has significantly decreased!

The variety and flexibility of the workouts that Brian provides keeps me interested. I find the repetitive nature of other workout regimens to be boring and I don’t tolerate boredom/repetition well.

Several friends, coworkers and family members have complemented me on my thinner, more fit appearance. Comments like, “Boy your pants are really baggy!” and “Have you lost weight?” allow me to tell them about my work with Brian. I never thought I would be complemented on my abs – but I have been.

How exciting!!!

I recommend Brian to all of my friends, family and coworkers, and to anyone reading this testimonial.

I Love My Kettlebell Classes!

I’ve worked out for years but I noticed that the older I got, the results were much slower (or non-existent). I was looking for something to shake up my body and get it pumping again. I read about kettlebells and thought that it sounded fun and maybe a little interesting. Before I met Brian, I visited another trainer who put me through a “Boot Camp” type class that incorporated kettlebells as part of the workout. It was brutal and I never went back.

I was still convinced that I should find a “real” kettlebell instructor so I searched in the area. I found Brian and his bccorefitness website. After my previous experience I perused his website diligently for days. Finally, I emailed Brian and asked a few questions. He promptly emailed me back and invited me to his Monday Beginner Level class; after I attended that session, I was hooked. He impressively managed a group of beginners and no one felt slighted; I saw the benefits of kettlebell training and I went back the next week!

Now, I attend group classes three times a week and love it. Brian’s approach is terrific; he explains and demonstrates all moves eloquently, with patience and understanding. His classes are a pleasure and full of extra tidbits (Z-Health, nutrition tips, etc.). I walk away feeling tired, but exhilarated at the same time. I’ve lost 12 pounds, feel strong, and am sleeping better than I have in years.

I can’t recommend Brian enough; he cares about his clients and is committed to helping all of his clients achieve their maximum potential, not only in fitness, but in life! My goal is to have a “sexy” back, and with Brian’s help, I’m almost there… little black dress, watch out!

Who knew working out could actually be fun!

Brian’s dedication and commitment to his clients goes above and beyond. This is evident by his genuine concern for our well being and continual push to expand his knowledge and skill set.

Aside from the personal benefits I’ve received from Kettlebells (decreased chronic low back pain, more balanced bilateral strength and improved overall core strength), if I’m not enjoying the activity, it’s hard to stay motivated. Brian always maintains a great energy in his classes. Who knew working out could actually be fun!

Brian is an amazing motivator!

After living with frequent, intense back pain for several years I took the advice of a friend and went to a kettlebell class taught by Brian Copeland. From the very beginning he taught me the “why” along with the “how” to get the most out of my workout, pain free! After two weeks in his class, my back pain was non-existent and has not returned. His philosophy concerning exercise is refreshing. I don’t have to work myself to death or feel pain to get some really fantastic results! He trains both mind and body and cares to know where you want to be. He is available at all times to help with your fitness goals. I recommend him to everyone I know!

A Year ago I would have laughed and said “no way!”

I have been following the Personalized Program that Brian developed for me since March 09 and have been thrilled with the results. I met Brian the previous year while visiting family in CO. During a 1 on 1 session he gave me great advice on improving my form and suggested the appropriate kb weights that I could handle. After working out on my own, while I was making progress and hooked on kettlebells, I wanted to get to the next level and knew that Brian’s program was the way to go to reach my goal. Brian gives excellent feedback, adjusts my program when he sees that I’m ready for more, and motivates me to keep going and does this all from ~ 1800 miles away.

I’m now performing 5 strict pullups, can military press a 35 lb kettlebell for 10 reps and am very close to hitting 100 reps in the RKC snatch test. I will be attending the RKC in April!

If you had told me a year and a half ago that I’d be at this point, I would have laughed and said “no way!”

Brian is an enthusiastic and patient instructor, he does not take a one-sized-fits-all approach to teaching. His classes gave me the knowledge and ability to use kettlebells and because he removed the fear I was willing to try new things.

Brian is a knowledgeable and skilled trainer

Brian is a knowledgeable and skilled trainer. He gives concise, clear instruction. He is concerned about correct form and working without pain. He demonstrates a technique and then has his students model the technique and observe each other for correct form. My husband and I are grateful to Brian for introducing us to Zhealth. We practice the R phase several times a week for joint mobility; this is a invaluable tool.

We look forward to taking more classes with Brian.

If only I lived in Denver!

I would definitely recommend Brian to others!

If I lived in the Denver area, I’d be a regular client of Brian’s!
I have been working out with kettlebells for about 3 months, using a video, but wasn’t sure if I had the technique and form quite right.

I was searching in Google online for kettlebell instructors or classes and ran across Brian’s Core Fitness website. There is a wealth of information on his site and when I saw where his studio is located, I thought “hmmm, I’m flying into Denver for a long weekend in Colorado Springs and maybe I can scheduled an hour session with Brian to get some personal instruction using kettlebells.” Brian was great about accommodating my flight schedule so we could fit a training session in the morning I arrived before I drove down to Colorado Springs.

My training session with Brian was amazing! He showed me where my form was off and what to do to correct it. His instruction included explaining (in layman’s terms) how improper form can result in injury. Brian gave me practice exercises to do once I returned home to reinforce the correct technique & form. It was also very helpful to get his recommendation on what size kettlebell(s) I should use. I was pretty much in the dark when I bought my kettlebells and guessed at the size to use.

After working with Brian, I discovered that I am stronger than I thought I was and can handle a heavier weight kettlebell than what I had previously been using.

Later that day, Brian sent me an email summarizing all the information we had gone over so I have it to reference now that I’m back in Virginia. I will definitely stay in touch with Brian and hopefully get a chance to work with him again in the future.

Rock Climber Feels the Power of Kettlebells

I approached Brian with a very specific request, I wanted to improve my rock climbing stamina and skills. He then suggested and proceeded to train me with the two skills that would make this happen. He recommended Z-Health for proprioception (fine motor skills/body awareness) and Kettlebell training for additional strength, flexibility and coordination.  I started out a bit skeptical because he wasn’t a climber, but I was quickly turned 180 degrees on that one. His combined instruction in these programs added a fantastic new dimension to my climbing in a very short time!

Finally, I enjoyed working with him and admire his professional, straight forward training methods.

I have a renewed excitement in exercising

I have gone to two fitness trainers in the past and they have only pushed for more reps and never really paid attention to what my body was doing. I finally quit going as I was not learning anything about my body and what it should feel like when exercising. All I ever felt was pain. Brian taught me not to move into pain, and be aware of how my body moves and what feels right.

Now I can squat with less pain in my knees. I am aware of how my joints move and what impacts them. I think about how my body moves and what feels right. I pay attention to how I exercise with the kettlebells rather than doing it by rote.

The most important experience I took away from Brian’s class is a renewed excitement in exercising. I have not been interested in being healthy and working out in years and Brian has brought me back to it. For that, I am very grateful.

I have only begun to improve my joint health but I can already tell I move better. I can squat down and pick things up with less pain.

Brian’s beginner kettlebell classes are great!

I fell on the ice at work; I had just began going to Brian for Z-Health and kettlebell instruction. Brian got me back to work faster than Physical Therapy and pain improved very quickly by using Z-Health. This allowed me to continue in his beginner kettlebell class that I had just started attending.
Brian’s beginner kettlebell classes are great!

You can’t go wrong being a part of Copeland’s Core Fitness; Brian knows his stuff!

I’ve been seeing Brian for over 2 years and have totally fallen in love with kettlebells. First, the classes are fun, you work at your own pace and keep track of your results. Second, Brian’s knowledge of kettlebells, Z-Health (which is incorporated into the classes), as well as nutrition allows the individual to get the most out of their sessions.

I’ve been weight training since 17 years of age and I feel much stronger, more toned and healthier overall doing kettlebell training than all the years of going to the gym and lifting weights.

You can’t go wrong being a part of Copeland’s Core Fitness; Brian knows his stuff!

If you are looking for pain relief, have acute or chronic injuries or desire fat loss or muscle building or even nutritional advice then Copeland’s Core Fitness is the place!

A Better Attitude Towards Fitness

Brian provided a relaxed and comfortable environment. He was very encouraging and made exercising fun. Brian has a realistic attitude towards fitness, expects us to work hard but not in such a way we get burnt out.

He focuses on form and technique and made sure we had the basic moves down before we moved on to more advanced moves.

Overall, I feel toner and more flexible, have a better attitude towards fitness, have new exercises moves to break up typical mundane workouts and my balance is better.

In addition to challenging all of us physically, you challenge us mentally to start really thinking about what we are doing with exercise! Your writing is really interesting to read. A lot of people who try to write about sports only create the z-z-z-z- factor.

I look forward to your newsletters a lot.

Helping with Pain Management

I can lift the 106 lb kettlebell!!! that is a shock to me! And the Z-Health exercises are helping me with pain management.

Performance increased

Brian’s classes improved my form on swings and other moves and my back has less pain than it used to.

I Love Training Here!

My goals were to lose weight and get stronger and I have become a lot stronger!

I have also lost 10 lbs in 5 weeks and I’m looking forward to further hard work and results. (lost 25 lbs as of 4/20/09)

What I like best about training with Brian are the whole body movements and the relative ease of the sessions compared to what I expected.

I love training here! Brian is professional, accommodating, gives lots of personal attention and it is a comfortable and fun environment.

Brian is super knowledgeable and attentive.

I see muscle definition in my arms

1. I am stronger
2. I have more confidence in myself
3. My motivation has increased
4. I look better
5. I’m better aware of my nutrition

Brian explains everything very simply making it better when doing a new exercise and I feel very comfortable.

I was going to the gym before taking this classes and I was lacking motivation after my first 2 weeks at the gym, doing my kettlebell exercises I started to see the result quickly. Also, he helps me to be very aware of wrong movements to prevent injuries.

Brian’s classes are an easy, fun and safe way to be in shape and feel great.

I already see some muscle definition on my arms!

Grandmother Gets Empowered!

I began kettlebell training with Brian because my daughter raved about it and wouldn’t leave me alone until I agreed to try it. Thank you Jenny!

When I started I wanted to lose weight, tone up and have more energy. I also wanted to find a fitness program that I wasn’t bored with after the first week. Well I found that and more!

I immediately experienced improved strength, a boost in confidence, more muscle definition, weight loss and more energy than I know what to do with!

I am not a patient person so I really like the immediate results. It is challenging and I never get bored.

I would strongly recommend Brian to anyone who is looking to get in the best shape of their lives without hesitation! I would even stand on the street corner and hold up a sign!

After years of trying just about everything I feel like I have finally found the perfect fitness program! Maximum results in minimum time.

I LOVE the atmosphere at Copeland’s Core Fitness, it is professional, friendly, never intimidating and always empowering. I feel younger, stronger and more confident every day!

Thank you Brian!

Brian is an excellent teacher

Brian is an excellent teacher. The exercises were broken down slowly and simply improving the learning process, knowledge retention and form. He offers interesting facts about fitness as we learn so we get more than just kettlebell technique.

I now have a strong back, better flexibility, coordination, stamina and strength. I have a lot more thought in my movements.

From Back Pain to Super Strength!

I suffered an SI Joint Sprain 7 years ago. I was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and pain medication which I took when needed. Lifting a grocery bag would sometimes onset discomfort. I was told by the doctor to carefully choose my activity which may cause a sudden reoccurrence in pain which I experienced up until I started training with Brian very recently. I am dedicated to exercising at the gym but, still felt discomfort after exercising. I would go to bed feeling back pain and, wake in the morning feeling stiff on my lower back.

After, a recent private session, my dead lift weight increased and, I am able to perform these exercises without any discomfort. I am also able to increase my weight in all exercises after each session. My back problems did not improve doing my regular exercises at the gym and with a personal trainer there. But I immediately felt relief after my first session with Brian and, I have dramatic improvement in each session thereafter. After a recent session my dead lift weight increased by 25 lbs. This accomplishment did not dawn on me until I went home that evening. While settling in for the evening, my eyes watered. I was in disbelief of my ability to perform this well physically after suffering many years after a back injury. I am grateful to have met a very skilled knowledgeable instructor like Brian. I would highly recommend him as a personal trainer. Thank you Brian.

Lost Over 25 lbs and 6% Body Fat!

I was at an awards ceremony for work. I was filmed on video a couple of months earlier while giving a nomination for a coworker; this was right before Brian started training me. Well when my nominee was announced as the winner they played my video showing me with my former body, I happened to be standing right next to it while it played. After the ceremony people kept coming up to me commenting on how much weight I had lost and how great I looked. I lost over 25 lbs and over 6% of body fat. My strength and muscle tone went up also. Brian rocks!

Brain Copeland is a top-notch instructor/trainer. His classes and his private instruction are life-impacting for me. He has helped remove pain from old injuries. He has given me numerous exercises, workout routines, and even recommendations for healthy food/protein drinks that help me live a very active lifestyle.

Brian is energetic which makes learning fun

Brian is energetic which makes learning fun. He makes kettlebells not intimidating and shows that everyone can use them.

In his beginner level class I learned better movement and several great exercises to do with my kettlebells. I also learned to keep a focus on a neutral long spine and now have confidence with the exercises that I won’t get hurt.

Rare gift of being able to correct and encourage at the same time

Brian is a professional. He knows more about the human body than most trainers. He has the rare gift of being able to correct and encourage at the same time. He has fresh ideas and a great attitude.

I have felt better than I have in years. I have lost inches, weight and am beginning to have shape again. My neck and back pain are gone!!! My knee has opened up and is working again.

Brian is an excellent coach, I feel comfortable and confident working with him. I am amazed at how good I feel and that I can lift and do exercises that I didn’t think I could.

My blood work when I had my physical was excellent and my Doctor complimented me on my improvements. The nurses can not usually get blood from me but now my veins don’t collapse so now they can draw blood.

Thank you Brian you are the best!!

I feel stronger every day!!!!!

Brian is really good at being able to create a program for each individual at their particular level. I have been lucky enough to find out that he is totally supportive of all the students, including me!

One of the best things about coming to class is that Brian conveys his passion and enthusiasm for Russian Kettlebells while teaching basics and making sure that we all have the proper form. And he makes the work seem like fun! The hour goes by so quickly, and when it is over, I feel as if I am truly an athlete. And when I get discouraged, Brian continually encourages and inspires me. Many thanks to Brian for the great training!

LONG LIVE THE KETTLEBELL!!!

Very good, lots of personalized attention

Training with Brian improved my strength, confidence and of course my kettlebell skills. His classes are great! The are small enough that you get plenty of individualized instruction.

My body just feels better; I had pain and numbness in my arm/hand that are now gone. I even came in one night with a really bad headache and by the end of class it was gone. A testament to the power of proper exercise!

Better Than Physical Therapy

I just discovered Kettlebell training this past July. After looking at Brian’s website, I immediately contacted him to give Kettlebells a try. At the time, I was nearing the end of physical therapy for nagging knee problems. I was drawn to Kettlebells because I needed to continue building strength in my glutes, quads and hamstrings to keep my knees strong.

The private instruction was excellent. Brian emphasized proper form and watched me closely to be sure I wasn’t doing anything to harm my knees. He is very knowledgeable about Kettlebell training, physiology and exercise in general. I later began going to the group classes, which are equally fun. Brian gives his attention to each and every person in the class while giving us fun and challenging exercises.

Now just 2 months after my first Kettlebell class, (and only being able to go once a week) I can deadlift “The Beast”, 106 lb, which is almost my body weight!! I didn’t totally believe that I could do it, but tried because of the encouragement, camaraderie and friendly competition I find in the group classes. Brian was the first to say that we are stronger than we give ourselves credit for and he knew I could do it.

I had come to class in a really bad mood from a couple tough weeks at work and with no light at the end of the tunnel. I left class with a huge smile and feeling GREAT! I can’t believe how strong I’ve gotten and in such a short amount of time.

This week, because of the stress at work, I pulled a muscle in my back and avoided going to Kettlebell. Finally, the itch got the better of me and I just had to go. Brian was very careful with my exercises yet still challenged me, and by later the same day my back pain was gone. The power of these funny looking weights still continues to amaze me.

Improve Core Strength and Reduce Low Back Pain

My Chiropractor referred me to Brian and kettlebells. I was looking to improve my core strength and reduce the pain in my lower back. I have seen definite improvements in both, as well as I have decreased the pain I had in my shoulders.

I really like the strength I get from kettlebells and how it translates into everyday activities, it makes them easier. I would absolutely recommend that you train with Brian!

Strength Flexibility and More!

I saw the description of Brian’s beginner level class and showed it to my daughter. She took the class and absolutely loved it! She recommended that I try the class also. Being older it is important to me to try to stay flexible and also incorporate strength training. This class is both of these and more. Brian is an excellent instructor who puts you at ease while ensuring that you handle the kettlebells safely.