Tom is awesome. Just took my first kettle bell class and it was with Kettlebell Zen. Why I enjoyed the training: -Tom is rigorous about great form -The class caters to ALL fitness levels -Tom pays attention to where you might want to be pushed -Students are really encouraging -It's like having a coach take you seriously & listens VS. an instructor with an ego I HIGHLY recommend training with Tom at least once. I enjoyed the time a lot and will be back---even though I live an hour away. read more

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Uneasy about how to start strength training? Curious about that iron ball with a handle, resembling a tea kettle? Cubicle player with limited time? Cubicle evader with ample time? Athlete with a need to be stronger and more balanced? GO.SEE.TOM. He will intelligently, strategically, and swiftly challenge your body into phenomenal shape. Your strength will grow exponentially. Your body will morph in ways that will surprise you. You will laugh, bond with good community, enjoy the glory of nature, and ALWAYS leave wanting more. I met Tom 1 year ago through a fellow fitness practitioner, started training with him 5 weeks ago, and am in shock at how quickly my fitness level is growing. I am pushing more weight than ever before, and I credit his smart programming. As a trainer myself, I have not enjoyed working with someone so much. He trusts my own body awareness, but pushes me past my limits in such a natural way that I am seeing RESULTS, and looking forward to getting up to train. read more

A friend referred me to Tom following my back surgery. I was eager to start moving around again, but afraid of blowing out my back. Over the next few weeks, I met with Tom and worked on basic exercises, swings and presses mostly. Tom pushed me when I needed it, and kept me from doing something stupid on multiple occasions. He concentrates on form, drops hints about diet that are usually spot on, and is always willing to talk about your workout and how to get it, and you, where it needs to be. A few months after starting, I'm working out five days a week and feel great. I was genuinely worried I'd never be able to work out hard again, or ever lift a heavy weight over my head. It's hard to explain how devastating that feeling was. I've always been strong. Post injury and post surgery, I felt weak. And vulnerable. It sounds over the top to say that Tom helped me get my life back. But it's true. If you're looking to get strong in a comfortable environment, if you're recovering from injury and down know where to start, start here. Five stars all the way. read more

Awesome!!!! Tom is a million times better than doing kettle bells at home with a video. I highly recommend him as a trainer read more

Kettlebells. They seem intimidating - and I was intimidated at first, until a friend of mine asked me to join her for one of Tom's KettlebellZen classes. I jumped in feet first in hopes of getting stronger and building "armor" for roller derby try-outs. Tom not only listened to my goals, but helped develop a unique approach to getting me to my goals. Not only did I get through tryouts, but I've become well known for being immovable on the track when people hit me - I think Tom for all the training to keep me strong and stable. Whatever you goals are, Tom will listen, respond and push you to get to where you are going. Great community that rotates location of workout so you can enjoy different Oakland/East Bay scenery. read more

Okay so I always thought it was kettleBALLS, but proper nomenclature is not all I've learned over the last few weeks training with Coach Tom. I'm a long time, long-distance runner and play a number of other sports, but am really enjoying learning from Coach T how to swing the kettleBELLS safely and with, dare I say, aplomb... It's hard but doable, it's fun, the outdoors is great, and I've seen quick results in how my body looks, feels and performs. Don't want Tom to get too full of himself, so won't go on and on too long, but he really is a fantastic coach. In addition to the technical stuff, he's great at motivating a group of people while providing individual attention as well. Try it!! read more

I am having a love affair with this heavy little handled weighted ball called a kettlebell. Yes, you read that correctly, it is true! And I blame this wonderful coach named Tom! Prior to doing kettlebells I got my workout from running or yoga and never was really into the weights thing. Found it very, very boring and adding that to my run made for a very long workout. Since I am a newer mom who doesn't have a lot of time to devote to myself, I need quicker, productive workouts which is what I get at Tom's class. My lungs get the same workout as had I gone running and I am always sore the next day. Tom's class is very engaging. He always is mixing up the routine to keep us guessing utilizing whatever outdoor space he has found to add creativity to each workout. He also makes sure to carefully explain every move and monitor each student so that we remain injury free. Added bonus: After only attending his class a few times a week for the past month, I am seeing amazing changes to my body! Hello abs! I was worried I would never see you again after having a baby. So nice of you to make an appearance. Quads, I see you too! Thank you Tom! read more

Tom's kettlebell instruction has been transformative! It's always a tough workout and you can see the impact the iron has on your body quickly. Tom is always about safety and help us push our limits, but never to the point of injury. And on top of all that, his classes are dog friendly and in some of the most beautiful settings in the bay area. He's gathered a great community of like-minded individuals who are all interested in getting stronger. read more

Not many things in life will get me out of my warm bed at 5:00am - Tom's kettlebell instruction is it. Not only has his instruction incited a love of this practice, but I'm stronger than I've ever been. Tom offers a great workout and more. He becomes a great friend and mentor after the first class it seems. Each class is challenging without causing injuries. Each workout is varied and incorporates pretty much every muscle in your body. And they are fun! Trust me - I've tried it all - and this is by far one of the most fun and challenging workouts around. And you'll see results! read more

I love swinging the kettlebell with Tom in Oakland. He's very knowledgeable, patient, and makes me feel very comfortable when I'm swinging some serious iron. The work outs he puts together for me push me to my limit in a good way. I feel sore after I work out with him, and while he doesn't push to far, he does make sure that you're continually making progress. That's a skill that's tough to get right. My favorite excessive with Tom are one handed bell press, regular swing, and the Turkish get-ups. If you get the chance to work out with him I highly recommend it. You'll feel good about the work out, and about Tom. read more

It's a pleasure training with Coach Tom. What's more, I'm getting stronger each class, and noticing it! It has been about 6 weeks now that I've been coming to class regularly, and the effect is remarkable. I feel more put-together, more comfortable in my own body, more lively. The central concept of this pastime is that building strength provides a foundation for all these benefits, and I'm starting to see it in myself. The idea isn't impatient pursuit of feats of strength or muscular size, more about cultivating my well-being, more about the inner-brain pleasure that comes from being able to comfortably move, focus, lift heavy things, control my posture, breathe and pay attention to my body. This might sound esoteric, but, well much of my favorite benefits so far are the intangible ones. In other words, I believe I'm not merely training muscles, but training the nervous system too. Strong body -- strong mind. Well how can you really separate the body from the mind? (Maybe that's where the Zen enters into "Kettlebell Zen") Tom has some best-in-industry certifications, so my wife and I feel quite safe and well-looked-after, and he puts his knowledge and skill as a trainer to good use, making a novice like me feel welcome, encouraged, spurred on. For example, speaking of certifications and the nervous system, in my last class, we took a look at flexibility with some esoteric movements from Tom's new Z-Health curriculum, and after a half hour of incremental-physical-neurological "loosening up" I was able to touch my toes (with straight legs) for the first time in I can't remember how long. I could hardly believe it, great thrill! I should also say, it's real nice to train in a group setting, good for socialization and making new friends! Come say hi next class, Jeremy S. read more

I first met Tom through an interesting roundabout way that I suspect many people use these days. After reading about the benefits of kettlebells from a book, I figured it might be a good idea to look up on YouTube the correct way to perform a kettlebell swing. After looking over about a half-dozen videos, a bunch of websites and several days later, I still wasn't doing it right, because my lower back and neck were very angry with me afterwards. So another internet search and here was this guy that built an entire training program around kettlebells, in Oakland! Tom is an inspiring dude. He's got a laser focused and friendly way of dealing with your problems - and there will be problems! The form in any kettlebell routine is extremely important, and having a certified instructor watch you is awesome. It will take me quite a while to perfect the Swing, Turkish Get Up, Goblet Squat and many other routines that I've learned through Tom. One worry was feeling ridiculous flailing around in front of someone else, obviously not knowing what you are doing. Yup, no worries there. Like the others reviewers have said here - he's the right guy to give you motivation. Thanks Tom! read more

I've been working with Tom for a little over a month now. It had been year since I had last seriously strength trained. Tom has been able to quickly evaluate my skill level and has helped me focus on form and technique and I already feel much strong only a month in. Work with Tom feels like having a personal trainer even on days with big attendance. The community at Kettlebell Zen is encouraging and uplifting with a dose of health competition. I would recommend Kettlebell Zen for anyone looking to get back into strength training or for those who are looking to mix up their routine, work hard and spend time with a very friendly and diverse group of people. read more

I started Kettlebellzen about three weeks ago. I have already gotten stronger and my cardio has already improved. Tom does an excellent job of watching form and providing inspiration. The group feels like family and is very encouraging. I hope to stick with Tom for the long-haul. My ultimate goal is to become stronger and fitter. Thanks to Tom I just purchased my own 2 kettlebells so I can swing when i am unable to attend class. Tom keep up the great work! read more

Tom's KettlebellZen program has everything a person needs to get in shape. It's fun. It's affordable. It's challenging, but it keeps you motivated to show up class after class, week after week. There are no frills and no gimmicks -- just a friendly, supportive atmosphere to get strong and stay healthy. Tom is a great teacher. He pushes without parodying a drill instructor and he motivates without cheerleading. He's passionate about fitness and the craft of kettlebelling, and his enthusiasm is infectious. Most workouts are an hour long, and each subtly builds in intensity as the session progresses. Individual exercises and complexes are thoughtful and deliberate, with a focus on form and correct movement. There's no mistake, though, that this is an intense workout. By the end of a class, everyone is drenched in sweat and feeling great. read more

Tom's classes are the best. He's a great instructor, the fellow students are very friendly, and the classes take place in a series of beautiful East Bay locations (including the Tom Foley "dojo" itself). I've found the workouts to be both challenging and accessible, and it's really fun to learn tricky moves like the "Turkish get-up." Great community feel and an all-around good vibe. Highly recommended. read more

I've recently become interested in kettlebell workouts, but wanted to have a professional check on my form and give me pointers because it's a little bit difficult to learn proper form and technique through just watching youtube videos. I met Tom this weekend for a personal training session, and it was well worth it. He showed me a number of different exercises, like kettlebell swings, sumo deadlifts, squats, and press-ups, and gave me direction on what I need to focus/work on (hip hinging, breathing technique, flexibility). He even followed up with an email detailing a weekly workout routine, including what weights I should try for each exercise. I already have a gym membership, but I still plan on either doing another personal training session or dropping by Tom's small group classes every once and a while to check in. read more

I've worked with Tom now for six months. Prior to working with Tom, I had lower back discomfort, mobility issues. Within several weeks, back pain was gone, increased mobility and my strength all surround had increased. Highly recommend. Thanks Tom! read more

My wife and I have been taking classes from Tom for about two months now and have been loving it! He focuses on what you want to improve and makes classes challenging while fun. My wife had a hurt wrist, and Tom took the time to tailor the workouts for her. We've had such a great experience and would recommend his classes to anyone! read more

Tom is a very patient and good at what he does. I have been training/learning with him for about 3 months and I am going to stick with him for a little bit more. My doctor said that since I have osteoporosis, so I have to lift some weights and I need to be a little stronger. Thanks Tom. read more

Love this workout! Tom is friendly, very knowledgable, diligent in monitoring every participant for appropriate form and position. The workouts vary and are always challenging and the hour goes by very quickly. We always warm up and warm down. Hands down - my favorite trainer and exercise. read more

Tom is an amazing trainer. I have been working with him since November and have seen a transformation in my body, mind and spirit. I am excited about working out again and addicted to kettlebells. He pushes you, but also makes sure your form is correct and understands your limits. The workouts are fun and varied focusing on different parts of your body. It is such a complete body workout. I don't want to do anything else. If you want a trainer who trains you hard but makes you feel good about your progress then Tom is the one. read more

I wasn't sure about taking Kettlebell training when I first started, but have done a complete 180 since then and have been continuing in classes for over a year now. Wanted to restore muscle tone after being away from weight training for more than a year, and have not only been able to do that but received a lot more from the classes: higher level of strength, a great aerobic workout, increased balance and an overall sense of fitness that I didn't have before. Tom is an outstanding trainer, taking a person to person approach that meets the needs of each person in a class and moving people along as appropriate for each to the next stage of training. Don't be intimidated by the iron, it comes in all sizes and as you move ahead you'll look forward to each training (and maybe train at home or work as well...). Highly recommended. read more