I'd start by saying that I agree with almost all of what's been conveyed in other reviews here. Please read those as well, as they are all relevant and accurate, even if older. His marketing as a kettlebell instructor unfortunately undersells his areas of expertise and what he is capable of doing for you. Kettlebells are merely a tool in his toolbelt for fitness and health. Yes, he is an incredible kettlebell instructor, but he has so much more to offer. He can and will tailor a custom program to meet your goals, with or without a focus on kettlebells. His approach and abilities hit all the buzzwords of the day - healthspan, longevity, mobility, flexibility, VO2 max, strength and resistance training, functional fitness and movement patterns, and so on, beyond whatever "kettlebells" might bring to mind. I do also want to emphasize what many reviews mention: Marty's knowledge and eye for form surpasses what I've experienced from coaches and trainers across different disciplines and sports. It's just incredible. He will make sure you are completing movements in a way that will keep you safe from injury, and will not let you proceed until you've met that bar. And he will explain it all to you, so you also learn along in the process. I'm sure for some it might feel slow and occasionally frustrating, but it's essential for staying injury free, maximizing your potential, and improving your form and body mechanics beyond exercise and into your day-to-day life. He is strict and, as some other reviews mention, "old school" - he's not going to coddle you. This comes from a place of care. If you don't follow his guidance, you won't meet the goals you set out aiming to achieve. He will know it, and he will let you know it. If you're not willing to dedicate a couple hours a week to exercise for your health and goals, he may not be the best fit for you. If his style and approach ends up being a fit for you, he will take you to the next level. read more

I've worked with Marty for several years to help correct nagging injuries and faulty movement patterns. I didn't want to go the traditional trainer route and found Marty through his certification in kettlebells. He's helped me correct the need to wear orthotics due to foot overpronation by strengthening my lower leg muscles. I've also corrected lower back and elbow pain through the use of kettlebells and Indian clubs. Marty will design a custom program for you and your needs. It won't be a quick fix, but is a long term relationship that will help you feel stronger and more in tune with how your body is feeling. read more

Marty is really more than just a personally trainer. And the way you can tell is that if there is pain in a certain areas of your body like your shoulder, he can show you some great mobility, and stretching exercises so that you don't injury yourself and he thoroughly explains the reason for these exercises. But what I liked most from our training sessions is that he gives you the fine tuning you need when you perform crucial fundamental exercises like the deadlift, or the squat. Like learning how to engage your lats when doing the deadlifts, understanding where to squeeze and use your bodies tension to protect your joints during certain exercises that will save you from injury, that you wouldn't see on a basic U-tube video on how to perform a squat. The level of experience Marty carries is huge in comparison to most trainers, from bodybuilding, which requires a very different set of skills than just being a fitness trainer. To kettlebell training, to which he incorporates some of the bodybuilding techniques. To mobility training, which you need to prevent injury. Indian club training, body weight training, the guy is a wealth of fitness knowledge. read more

I trained with Marty for a while now and it was great experience. He basically started on the basics which of course your supposed to do. For someone who has zero experience i was doing exercises wrong from the beginning. But Marty told me how to do them and then showed me new exercises that helped straighten by core. He is by far one of the most knowledgeable trainer I have seen. He also trains at your own pace, he doesn't push you and he also gets the most out of you. Also I like how we details everything so you know what and why you are doing something. read more

The Good: Knowledge. After training with Marty for 1.5 years (2x week) I found his understanding and passion for fitness to be unparalleled- he is truly an excellent trainer when he wants to be. I experienced positive changes in my physique and overall fitness level during that time. I came away with an excellent foundation for continuing on with my own fitness goals. His knowledge of kettlebell movement, functional strength, stability, and excercise is superb. The Bad: Punctuality. Over the course of 18 months Marty was late for my sessions 90% of the time, and significantly late (20-30 minutes) 75% of the time. He liked to expend considerable periods of time during his $95/hr sessions talking about non fitness related things even after consistently showing up late- to the point that he would make himself late for other clients. He then had the aggravating habit of claiming he made up for being late by spending extra time with me! The Ugly: Interpersonal and business skills. I found Marty to have a huge void in the professional integrity department. I found him to be exceptionally rude at times but decided to ignore most of it given the good training. Upon confronting him multiple times about his tardiness he eventually decided that he couldn't train an angry person person like me anymore (Imagine!!) I was left with a load of expensive equipment which he previously demanded I buy for the training and $15,000 invested in a progressive, unrepeatable training education. Marty in his own words is "not willing to give any refunds under any circumstances" even if he decides to end the training in the middle of your prepaid package. Beware. If you can stomach all of the above, I wholeheartedly recommend Marty. Merritt W. San Francisco read more

I worked with Marty over the course of 10 training sessions and let me start by saying that he is one of the toughest trainers I've worked with. He demands near perfection in your technique before moving on/loading you up with weight. This is for your own safety and also to be sure that you the building blocks down before turning it up a notch. For me, this was both great and frustrating at times. I would have liked to progress a bit further, but I also was coming to Marty having injured my shoulder some months back, so I understood the progression we took. To say that Marty is a treasure trove of techniques, both with kettlebells OR otherwise, is an understatement. He knows his stuff and will share it with you as he sees fit for your training. I went to Marty to perfect my form with the traditional kettlebell movements (two handed swings, one handed swings, hand to hand swings, cleans, presses, and snatches) so I could take my practice to the next level. Now, I didn't perfect the snatch, but I did gain a level of expertise in performing the RKC swing as well as the press. He also taught me at least 5 different mobility drills that I could use to warm up/cool down OR just perform on an off day. The only fault I can give Marty is that the fact that he doesn't work out of gym made for some interesting logistical issues at times. This was nothing we couldn't plan around but I did have to call it out. The bottom line: If you're looking to reach a new level with your training goals and want a tough as nails trainer, then Marty is your guy. read more

Training with Marty is like being on roids x 10! I trained with Marty back in the days before Marty began training with kettlebells. After going through a loss of a love one I got very depressed and as a result, I lost a lot of muscle weight. After a while, it so happen I ran into Marty at the gym. Because I loved Marty's quality work, I decided to get back to training with Marty again. I must say that training with Marty is very non-traditional. Unlike my past trainers, Marty changes my program every six weeks to keep my body from adapting. I had a trainer in the past who trained me with split body parts without changing the routines and just going through the motions and I only saw descent results; but with Marty is like being on roids x 10. We train the whole body as a single unit, we use all-round tension for maximum force, power breathing techniques etc...with a pair of kettlebells, a pull up bar, a rope, and a pair of akrowheels -that's it! Very simple, intense but definitely effective. It's been two years since I began training with Marty. My physical changes increased my confidence, and WOW the compliments and the attention became never ending. No doubt, every bucket of sweat was worth my investment, and best of all my de-sissyfication. Thank you Marty for making me a manly man. I am for ever indebeted! Pablo Parra, San Francisco , ca -- read more

I first met Marty Covault when I attended the 2009 San Jose RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge) 3-day training, where Marty was assisting Chief Instructor Pavel Tsatsouline as a Kettlebell instructor. As a student-athlete at Stanford, I came to Kettlebells to improve my general strength and conditioning, but also because they're great fun. Even though I had studied with other Bay Area KB trainers before the RKC, I was still struggling with my swing form, and Marty was incredibly helpful in fixing my Kettlebell swing. He was able to quickly see what I was doing wrong, give the appropriate correct exercise or drill, and guide my movements so that I could swing healthy and swing strong. Marty was a real professional at the RKC, and even though Pavel and other instructors gave me great guidance in fixing my KB cleans and get-ups, Marty was able to cue me in a hands-on way that I found more helpful than other personal trainers I have worked with. They say that everyone needs a coach, so six months after the RKC, even though I had learned Kettlebell basics, I gave Marty a call. He was of great help in making corrections to my get-up and single leg deadlifts, and my strength work is back on track thanks to Marty! I was especially glad to find a RKC with such a diverse set of athletic experiences who was so personable, knowledgeable, hands-on, and effective. If you live around the SF Bay Area, give Marty a call! read more

I found Marty during Covid when the gyms had closed and I was looking to experiment with new workout regimens. I wanted to learn how to properly use kettlebells and thank goodness I found an expert like Marty as he helped me discover more about functional strength training than I would have found by working with kettlebells alone. Through training with Marty, I have identified the gaps in my core strength that had been holding me back from unrealized gains, and by being more conscious about proper form I no longer get injuries which I used to think was part of the process of strength training. Marty is a passionate coach; he will not babysit you but if you are serious about strength training he will help you reach your potential. read more

I hired Marty years ago, with the initial goal of gaining muscle mass. With Marty's nutritional advice and individualized weight training program I added 10 lbs of solid and natural muscle mass in just a few weeks. I was stoked because it wasn't about pounding protein shakes and taking supplements. My gains were from eating healthy, showing up consistently, and letting Marty take the wheel in the gym. His knowledge, training, and enthusiasm was motivating and unparalleled. I still look at pictures from back then and it is clear that I was in the best shape I will probably ever be in my life. Since then, my goals have changed. I am a massage therapist and a bit older, so I am not needing to win any bodybuilding competitions. I just need workouts that will keep me healthy and are accommodating of the physical demands from my job. I am super protective of my hands and am scared at some of the workouts I see other trainers putting their clients through. Recently, however, Marty listened to my concerns and took on the task of finding something that would not only work with my hands and body, but actually help condition me so that I could continue doing the work that I love. An expert in Kettlebells, Indian Clubs, nutrition, healthy living and so much more, I would strongly recommend Marty to anyone who is looking to take their workouts to the next level. Matt Reynolds - Massage Therapist read more

I worked with Marty first to improve my technique of my kettle bell swing, and then to work on my deadlift technique. Marty was very helpful for both. As some other reviewers mentioned, Marty is so particular about getting the form right that it can be frustrating. In the end, I was happy to have my technique picked over until I really had it right. Marty takes a holistic approach to training in general, ensuring you know how to warm up and work on mobility techniques before moving on to heavy lifts. After my sessions, Marty was great about going back and forth in email with me to work out a program. He also followed up with additional articles and book suggestions since he realized I was a nerd about fitness too. I'd definitely recommend Marty for anyone looking to improve their form or put together a weight lifting / kettle bell program. read more

Marty is much more than a kettlebell instructor. His approach to exercise and fitness is holistic and inclusive and based on deep knowledge and understanding of the human body. I love his balanced approach. Marty will push you according to your abilities to that sweet spot where you get maximum benefits with out overtraining. If needed he will incorporate restorative work as well - something that is essential in a high intensity exercise program. The kettlebell is an amazing training tool but it needs to be understood and used with caution. Marty with his knowledge and passion is the kind of teacher that will help you get the full benefit of it. Recommended! read more

I did about 30 personal training sessions with Marty. From the start, I was consistently impressed with the precision and subtlety of his instruction. He is not a trainer who is just there to push you to work up a sweat. His breadth of study in a wide range of physical disciplines comes across in how he teaches each exercise, movement, or lift. I originally contacted him to work with kettlebells, which we did extensively, but he also incorporated a lot of bodyweight exercises, unusual stretches, work with indian clubs, triggerpoint massage balls, foam rollers, among other things. He is extremely perceptive and is able to observe and give extremely useful feedback on your form that is specifically attuned to your body and fitness level. The best thing is that whatever specific thing you are working on, his emphasis on the quality of the form leads to insight and growth that you can apply in other physical training areas you haven't even worked on directly. I proceeded after our sessions to do some work with barbells and found myself drawing on the same principals I had learned with Marty doing bodyweight and kettlebell work. If you want to bring serious focus and commitment to your physical training Marty would be a great choice as a guide! read more

I'd been tossing kettlebells around for quite a while before I came to Marty. I thought I knew what I was doing. Progress had come easily and steadily by working out largely on my own. Then I decided it was time to take the RKC certification. That's when Marty entered my life. Everything changed. Marty's knowledge of physical culture is unparalleled, and that knowledge was immediately put to use in diagnosing form errors and stability issues in almost every aspect of my kettlebell practice. I was impressed. I felt like Luke Skywalker just after he crash landed his X-Wing fighter on Dagobah. He thought he knew the ways of the Jedi, but it took meeting Yoda for him to unlearn all that he had learned in order to become a true Jedi Knight. Marty is my Yoda. I've got RKC in San Jose coming up in a few weeks and thanks to Marty I feel ready. Moreover, Marty has gone beyond the kettlebell and introduced Indian clubs into my workout routine, drastically improving my mobility. Lastly, I find Marty's overall fitness philosophies to be very commensurate with mine: eat clean unprocessed whole food, train hard and get plenty of sleep. Marty will help you reach your fitness goals. read more

Remember that scene out of Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Pumping Iron" that describes how straight forward Arnie was with his clients back when he was a personal trainer in Munich? He talks about how he called a client "fat" and explains why he does not sugarcoat his messages? Would you be offended by that knowing too well that you are, indeed, fat and that the great Arnold is going to kick your arse like no tomorrow to change things for good? No, you would not. You would agree and get to work. "A problem well stated is a problem half solved." I had personal training in multiple places. Toronto, New York, San Francisco, even Calgary. I always insisted on working with someone who is straight forward, fully engaged, excellently educated and interested to make me better. I did not need someone who is cozy with me in order to warm my soul. I have a puppy for that. While Marty stands in this history of great trainers I had over the years, he is offering something beyond that, beyond fitness: He is a teacher. He's an educator. Marty's deliberate choice is to advance you to become self-reliant. He is unparalleled in his strive for perfection and his demands. Think of that chain cigarette smoking, 68 year old Russian ballet trainer in Montreal kicking your behind fantastic: "Plié!!!" ... "Encore une fois!!" - and now get that thought out of your head again. Bottom line: Marty is not for everyone. He's got a big heart and is empathetic. But he's dedicated, concentrated, demanding, sometimes tough as nails and a straight talker. He's probably the most educated fitness professional I have met until today. And his website sucks, just in case you are a hipster who is religiously into User Experience Design. He's not claiming to do that well. Get over it. read more

Off the top I was not expecting all the cardiovascular training Then it don on me.... kettlebell cardiovascular training is incorporate into our strength and conditioning training. WOW how innovative! Marty's Seminar was just that. she teaches the key concepts about kettlebell training in a understanding fun manner. The concept of Linkage vs Leakage is KEY- refers to "Taming the Arc" proper hip loading whereas if you let the bell swing down closer to the ground than to you, you will end up compensating with your back and that is neither safe nor efficient meaning you can't go fast if you're inefficient. Marty's training program really forces you to hit on all your Extensors reflex Receptor. As an competitive Bodybuilder , I have always relied on proper form, speed and momentum( keeping the weight in play as we call it) training that kettlebell work not only allows but encourages. I immediately realized that the magic in the bell that Marty spoke about with so much passion and that passion of she made this seminar enjoyable and fun. Im forever hook to kettlebell thank you Marty! Alexander Dunn rate: 10 out 10 mental and physical toughness are needed, of course. read more

I started training with Marty this year to perfect my kettlebell swing form. I have been doing kettlebell swings for years starting with Tim Ferriss' book and eventually CrossFit. Marty, as an RKC instructor, was able to immediately identify issues with my form and recommended exercises that would improve my mobility and stability. Marty uses an integrative approach, using methods from multiple disciplines for training and mobility. He utilizes traditional and unconventional tools in his practice including Indian clubs and maces. We are using Indian clubs and maces to correct dysfunction and lack of mobility in my shoulders and strengthen them as well. Marty has a very strict eye for form which is important in building a foundation for long term movement and health. I highly recommend Marty to anyone who wants to invest in their health and takes physical training as a priority. read more

I am happy to be have much more freedom of movement and less back pain thanks to Marty. The initial muscle tension and restrictions from being at a desk for to many years or commuting took its toll on my flexibility. Marty addresses the core issues with my mobility and has tailored my training sessions to focus on the areas where I am in most need. Thanks Marty! We will soon be working with the kettlebells to improve my strength and stamina. read more

RKC Marty Covault is a highly-skilled trainer with a deep understanding of kettlebell techniques and resistance training. If you want to learn correct technique or clean up your form, Marty is a great choice. I started with Marty 18 months ago. At that point I'd spent 6 months trying to learn kettlebells. This started first with Tim Ferriss' cliffs notes on the swing, then Pavel's Enter The Kettlebell book, then Pavel's ETK DVD. Each of these taught me a lot, but I could tell I was still doing a lot of things wrong. I was getting injured and couldn't figure out why. I found Marty on Yelp, searching for a personal trainer that could teach me the technique in-person. This made all the difference. Form and technique are *everything* when it comes to kettlebells. Because of the ballistic movement of the iron, the body receives forces that are multiples of the weight. This is key. Sure it's only a 44 pound bell, but because you're slinging it around, it's got the force of a 132 pound weight. If your joints and muscles aren't properly aligned with these forces, they'll be injured in your first workout. Kettlebells are safe when used properly, but this depends on correct form and technique. Part of correct form is appropriate mobility and stability within the body. Marty has a solid understanding of this, and is able to quickly assess deficiencies. Upon finding stability deficiencies in my hips and shoulders, Marty removed some potentially dangerous KB moves from my program, and added a progression of strengthening exercises. This made for a few boring months, but it worked -- I was then able to learn and execute the advanced moves safely. I've now got a solid full-body routine and am in the best shape of my life. A brief note on other Yelp reviews I've seen for Marty: There is some negative feedback here and there. I've noted these same items myself, but to me they are minor. Put in perspective with Marty's top-notch skills, vast strength-training experience and drive to find the most effective techniques available, he gets my 5-star rating. read more

Marty was a great and one of the knowledgeable instructors Ive ever work with, I been very interested in the kettlebell swings for a while and he helped me to clean my swing. I loved how he is really technical on the form. I also loved those mobility exercises he gave they totally make a big difference. I am totally satisfied with this experience and I will definitely work with him again! read more

Training with Marty is kettlebell training at it's best. Marty is very pleasant but also very to the point. And the point is doing each exercise with correct form. Before meeting Marty I had done swings and done Turkish get ups but after meeting with Marty I'm really DOING the exercises. The attention to detail was what impressed me with Marty the most. Kettlebell training is an amazing way to train and Marty will show you how to get the most out of your time. I have never trained with anyone who is so knowledgeable about kettlebells and look forward to future sessions with Marty Covault. read more

Marty is an excellent, knowledgeable and fun trainer! I had been working with kettlebells for a little over a month, focused on the swing, and since I was visiting San Francisco wanted to meet with an RKC trainer who could help me with form. Marty's focus on correct form is very strict and will help you improve the effectiveness and safety of your workouts. Marty is also very passionate about fitness and provides lots of encouragement. Marty is a fun and interesting trainer, a wealth of information. Marty helped me fix my swing form, taught me the TGU and gave me a ton of helpful hints to improve my hand strength and how to reduce pain in my joints. After our two sessions Marty sent me several emails containing workouts I could do at home, links to the information we discussed and checked in several times to make sure I understood the workouts. Marty is a great example of an inspiring trainer: smart, eye for detail, fun and encouraging! It is very clear that Marty's number one priorities are your safety, health and enjoyment. I highly recommend you meet with Marty! read more

I recently completed 20 sessions with Marty and want to share an email I sent: "Marty, I want to express my appreciation for all your work with me these past 20 sessions, it really has been the best workout I have ever learned. I'm glad we ended up choosing kettle bell training over any other type of workout. You have been great and have pushed me and shown me that it's safe to go beyond my comfort zone. I have noticed that this has made my body respond better to the workout, I have definitely learned I am able to go beyond now without fear and make the best out of my workouts. I am glad my husband and I found you, and specially because you are Hispanic and we share the same language, it helped to have a better connection. Muchas Gracias!! read more

I have been training with Marty for over a year. Before I selected Marty I tried out several kettlebell instructors. In comparison, Marty is by far the most detailed and the most strict about doing all of the exercises correctly. Marty is fanatical about teaching proper form, through a series of small steps with corrective exercises along the way. In addition to building strength, Marty's program includes flexibility and stability training. These factors are very important to me because I have had injuries in the past and I wanted to ensure that I am not risking any future injuries by improper form. Marty is certified as an RKC through Pavel Tstatsouline's organization and is always reading and studying te field of fitness and exercise in order to learn more. Marty has loaned me various materials to read and study and has borrowed some books and DVDs from me that I have been interested in. If you want a very professional, knowledgeable, and strict trainer who will teach you how to do things the right way, not half way, then you will have a good experience with Marty. read more

I have recently noticed a review of Marty of 2 stars out of 5! This amazes me, as Marty is an incredible trainer with great integrity, an innate ability to recognize what each individual client needs and will benefit from, and the skills and training to make sure that they achieve their goals. Reading this gentleman's (Merritt W.) review, it seems to me that one review with a low score out of SO many reviews scoring 5 stars can only point to a personality problem between this particular client and the trainer. One has to ask WHY this Merritt W. continued to train with Marty for so long (1.5 yrs!), if there were issues that bothered him so much? There can be only ONE reason - that Marty's training is invigorating, exemplary and EFFECTIVE. Why else would someone who claims to be dissatisfied, in ANY way, stay with a trainer or teacher of any kind?! If you are serious about your fitness goals, and want a trainer that will focus on YOU as an individual, Marty Covault is the one you should call. No question. This is my personal review of Marty Covault, but also know that there are more positive reviews about Marty @ http://dragondoor.com. Dragondoor is known for their unparalleled RKC excellence with the most outstanding instructors from all over the world, and from the local instructors they chose Marty for a good reason. Marty has learned from, and assisted in seminars with, top strength coaches and kettlebell instructors such as MiIke Mahler, Steve Maxwell, and Pavel Tsatsouline. My life is pretty busy and often fairly stressful. I had wanted to get some regular exercise for a while, both in terms of basic fitness and in order to lose some weight, and I finally realized that I had to take action and take charge of my own health and well-being. However I have a distinct aversion to the gym scene and mentality, and I wanted something that I could do in my own home, but that was truly effective. After talking with a friend who was already training with Kettlebells, and was really happy with the results, I felt inspired to pursue this form of "working out". I did a Google search on Kettlebells in San Francisco, and found information on Marty Covault on the Dragondoor website (http://www.dragondoor.com). I was impressed by what I saw about Marty, and decided to send an email and arrange a meeting at my house. I was immediately put at ease by Marty, who talked with me about my general health, my goals and my needs. We started training that week, and I cannot begin to say how much I am enjoying this process - and I am NOT someone who takes easily to physical exercise! I actually really look forward to our KB sessions. Marty's training method is simple, clear and concise, focusing on good form, increasing strength and consistent progress. Marty never introduces a new movement into a session without fully explaining the benefits in a way that makes perfect sense, and never introduces a new movement until the technique is mastered safely. Also, our sessions are not limited to only kettlebells, and are varied enough to stay really interesting. Sometimes we train outside and mix kettlebells with body weight exercises, hill sprinting and body weight drills. Marty also consistently, and correctly, points out that kettlebells alone are not the key to getting strong, lean, and mean, and that the greatest key is mental toughness - the way one trains, eats, and sleeps are the keys to healthy fitness, with kettlebells or without kettlebells. In conjunction with the above, Marty gave me an eating plan that has amazed me - it is flavorful and filling, because it is basically just good wholesome food eaten on a correct schedule and in the correct proportions. This simple eating plan has not only expedited my goals but has been remarkably easy to integrate into my busy life style. I feel stronger, healthier and sharper in all aspects of my life through this steady regimen of good food and exercise - wow, who knew!!!! If you are someone, at any level of fitness, looking for an expert trainer who works in a completely healthful way, has a generous spirit, a physique that proves that this training really works, and a great sense of humor - but who will definitely kick your butt when you need it kicking - call Marty! I am SO happy that I made that first, rather nervous, contact with Marty and I am truly reaping the benefits. read more

I had 10 classes with Marty,and i learned quiet a lot, It is amazing how he ties so many edges of mobility, strength, mental toughness, etc, to very comprehensive body analysis , trough the tool of KB. Teaching of the KB was to perfectionism level,and opened for me ,great opportunity to use new fitness tool(probably the best) Marty is super knowledgeable about functional movement,strength,and joint mobility, most important is ,that he is passionate and professional in his field. Highly recommended. read more

Currently I am training with Marty, having completed 25 of 30 sessions with him. Marty Covault has a clear passion and an eye for detail when it comes to physical training and health. While the focus of his sessions are on proper form and movements, he takes a holistic approach to training. He adjusts to the needs of his clients, talking about topics like diet or mindset as needed (something I came to appreciate). In each of my sessions he would take the time to not only go over my form and give me a good workout, but also answer my questions that weren't directly related to training. I find him very approachable and easy to talk to. Other important factors are his flexibility with scheduling and training. I started with three sessions per week, lowering it to once weekly as I became more comfortable exercising on my own. He was extremely focused on getting me to achieve good form. While this may seem meticulous at first, it's worth the resulting confidence when training alone. In addition Marty drives to his clients house. This was extremely convenient for me as I owned my own equipment and had space to workout. Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed my time training with Marty and wholly recommend him to anyone wishing to train with kettlebells. I recommend taking the time to bring questions, and goals. The more you put in the more you will get out. Marty clearly loves to share his knowledge and improve the lives of others. read more

Having been an athlete at high-school and collegiate levels, and a personal trainer for the past two years, I have had the benefit of working with various coaches, as well as have been able to challenge and train myself. Needless to say, I've rarely found myself wanting or needing personal training. Lately I've been missing having a coach and was feeling like I needed someone to give me that extra push to take me to a new level of fitness. After reading through MANY reviews and websites, I happened upon Marty's site. A couple videos in, I was convinced this was the guy!! As a trainer, I pay acute attention to my clients' form when performing any exercises. Form is everything for me, and I would expect anyone who is a trainer or coach to be the same. When it comes to putting form FIRST, Marty supersedes any trainer I've ever met or worked with. He is old school strict! and for all the right reasons. If you don't perform an exercise with the EXACT form he requires from you, you stop, reset, and start again. He ensures that you learn even the simplest movement pattern with impeccable form, before he progresses you. But his attention to detail doesn't stop at just form. He walks you through every part of every exercise making sure you understand the how and why of what he asks of you. Marty will squeeze every last drop out of you during every session. I wish I would have had coaches who payed so much attention to detail as Marty, when I was an athlete in college. Marty is also INCREDIBLY knowledgeable. I am amazed at how many different styles of training he is familiar with, though, I wouldn't expect anything less from such a passionate and dedicated athlete! Marty has done it all, and his decades of experience are very apparent from the second you meet him. He leads by example and there is no substitute for that when your job is to inspire, and guide people to become a better version of themselves. If you are a beginner or an athlete looking to take yourself to the next level, Marty is the person to help you get there. Marty is a great example of what I aspire to be like when I grow up. read more

Marty is a life style trainer, not only a fitness trainer - the sleep, the wake-up hanging, the food, the stretches, and of course the hardcore progressive, persistent, precise and versatile training sessions make the difference, big difference. I am a tech guy, or what Marty likes to call a sitting person. I came in 40 years old, lean, very little muscle mass, small beer-belly, and above all struggled to maintain a consistent training lifestyle. I knew for a long time that I need to change that, but I never liked sport, not to mention gym style activity; so how do you deal with the day to day tiredness, the new pains here and there, give up to age?! Marty changed the equation - the sessions are extreme, though the system and formula are very clear, safe and a year after I can say it laud and clear - fun and definitely life changing. Phase one: Precision - Accuracy is the king, Marty focuses heavily on the technique, he won't let you move on until you'll score a flawless performance, or at least understand it. What seems to be a little annoying in the early phases, will make a big difference later on, when you'll push weights and do gymnastic sessions flawless but more importantly with zero injuries and great results. Phase two: Persistence - Marty's sessions are persistent, you learn, you repeat to perfection, but don't get confused or comfortable, phase three will mix it all up. Phase three: Versatile - The sessions keep on changing, some are kettlebell related, some are Yoga, some martial arts, some gymnastics, but they all come together, with a deep knowledge of human body, and you keep on learning, but much faster. Fast forward, I gained muscle mass, it shows, I feel much better, I do things that I never thought I am capable of doing, can it get any better? I highly recommend Marty. read more

I originally thought a Kettle Bell work would be something that would just help tune my body. I'm an old gym rat and always felt I knew how to train. What I've gained from Marty wasn't just strength and fitness it was a connection to understanding how my brain and body work together. Learning how to train through these workouts has helped me focus on me. Paying attention to the things in my life that should aid my fitness goals but also my mental and emotional ones as well. Fantastic workouts with great insight and often an education in how to take better care of yourself. What more could you ask from a trainer! read more

I worked with Marty over the course of 10 sessions, to learn to use kettle bells. As an athlete recovering from former injuries and many knee surgeries, I was looking for a new way to train that would keep me engaged, and also give me the physical challenge to stay as healthy and mobile as long as possible, now that I can no longer run to stay in shape. I am a coach and trainer in my own right, and I did quite a bit of research before settling on Marty as the option I wanted to try. My biggest priority was to find a trainer who had knowledge, but more importantly, the ability to give me a thorough education, rather than someone who would just "smoke" me during a workout. I fully expected to need to practice and do a lot of study on my own, to supplement our sessions. This combo helped get me to a point where kettle bells are a useful training tool to supplement my other physical training and conditioning. In essence, my sessions with Marty were more along the lines of taking a clinic on a particular subject, for a deeper understanding of the mechanics. True to the reviews, Marty is extremely particular about getting the form correct to the point that I was often frustrated and quite aggravated with myself for struggling with the concepts. Marty was very direct, to the point, and patient. He was very clear in the beginning that I might not progress as far as I had originally planned, because he is a stickler on getting the movement patterns down perfectly. His program is built on progressions, meaning you will not advance until you have the previous steps down perfectly. However, the depth of his knowledge on the subject is exceptional, and his explanations quite thorough. He was also open to discussions about what I thought worked, and what didn't work as well for me in terms of learning the movements. In the end, I progressed through the deadlift, the get up, two handed and single swings, the RKC plank, the clean and press. I also learned some variations and supplemental exercises, to help with the movements. While I did not progress to the snatch, I feel very confident about the exercises I did learn, to the point where I can explain them, teach the basics to others if needed, and also self-correct as I work on perfecting the form through my own training. Our last session together was particularly helpful, as it opened up some other avenues for exploration in functional movement. Because my knees are fragile, and were aggravated from other activities. I asked not to train with the bells, but to work on something that would allow for recovery. Instead, we worked on primal movement patterns, such as crawling and rolling, to reset neuromuscular pathways, and to improve linkage through the body. In this session, I realized that Marty has a lot of untapped knowledge other than kettle bells that could be very useful for people looking to explore functional movement patterns as a way to enhance their training. In the end, I took away from our sessions the most important aspect of training, which was to be able to train with understanding, and with safety when using kettle bells. Cons: True to the other reviews, training outside of a gym does make for some logistical issues, and with parking being an issue in SF, it is something to consider when scheduling a location that is outside of your home. Time management was also a challenge, but Marty was up front about this in the beginning. If you are pressed for time, this may be something you need to consider. However, if there is flexibility in your schedule, it is a minor frustration that is made up for in the knowledge you will gain. The other thing to mention is that Marty will ask you to commit to 10 or 20 sessions, in order to get the benefit of his training. Not a deal breaker, just something to consider when you ask yourself what exactly you are looking for. In conclusion, Marty's style and approach of training is not for everyone. If you are just there to have a trainer 'work you out', this may not be what you want, although Marty is capable of giving you that. Marty is well educated, and has expertise in his areas of focus. He is passionate about his approach and in teaching what he knows. He is a trainer to consider If you are serious about learning, if you want to know how to train safely, and if you are also open to new ideas and exploration of the topics he teaches. read more

I have been training with Marty since the fall of 2005. Before Marty, I had another trainer who did not understand what I wanted from a fitness program. I wanted to be challenged and be given a variety of workouts tailored to me. Marty met this need. In the spring of 2006, Marty began training me with kettlebells. Kettlebells transformed my training. They combine strength training with all-over body and cadiovascular conditioning. I love training with kettlebells because I exercise with them wherever, be it at the gym, my living room or my local park. In addition, the types of workouts I can do with the kettlebells are varied, so I never get bored with them. I started training with one 8 kg kettlebell. Later, I moved on to training with two 8 kg bells and then to a 12 kg bell. I recently began training with two 12 kg bells. Even though I am mother of two small children, I am leaner and stronger than ever. In addition, the total amount of time I spend working out per week has decreased because of the intensity and the effectiveness of kettlebell training with Marty. read more

I have trained with Marty for over 12 years. The muscle growth that I have experienced in that time has been incredible. I went from 130 lbs to 160 lbs of lean, rock hard muscle. The non traditional techniques that Marty employs really help to create a functional and beautiful physique, one that I can be very proud of! People notice, and the compliments that I get are a direct result of Marty's hard work. If you want to get really serious about your fitness and make a commitment to look and feel your best, call Marty! read more

In November 2008 my wife and I visited San Francisco to run the hosted U.S. Half Marathon. I had scheduled myself to run five half marathons in a six week period (a personal goal/reason to train hard). The San Francisco Half Marathon was race number two. I can proudly say that I finished 211th place out of 2415 runners. I love running, but it currently has one down side, as a naturally slender guy the pounds melt off quicker than I can replace them. I also have recently felt a lack of strength/power. As a police officer a lack of strength/power can get you hurt. So I decided to give Marty a call to schedule some kettlebell training during our stay in San Franciasco. My wife and I had attended a kettlebell intro workshop in the past and weren't really mesmerized, but we figured we would give it another try. We were sure glad we did. We initially asked for a real focus on the basics. Marty delivered and then some. Marty is a real kettlebell technician. Marty's attention to detail made everything come together. Actually we left the first session wanting more. It all made sense after Marty's expalnation of the basics. I was so impressed, I scheduled another unplanned training session the day after the race (post race soreness screaming inside but I didn't want to miss this wonderful opportunity to learn something from a real expert). I wanted to get as much training time with Marty as I could. Marty made it easy, she came to me, we trained in the fitness room in my Hotel three hours before I had to be at the airport on the way back to Atlanta. Marty even followed up with e-mail resource material on the execises covered during our training sessions. Marty is a real PRO. I don't plan to visit San Francisco again without scheduling some kettlebell training time with Marty... Thanks for everything Marty.... John Bauer - Atlanta, GA U.S.A read more

Thank you for your help in my preparation for the RKC Instructor Certification program. When we met I was training for the RKC Instructor Certification program and I was stock on 44 reps in the Snatch with the 24 kg KB. In one month following your advice I lost 10 pounds and I was able to do the snatch test 52 reps with no problems. In fact my left arm was my weaker arm and I did 30 reps with it before switching to my right arm. At the time I completed the 52 reps I felt that I could do at least 10 more reps. I was also able to complete a very intense 3 days program and at the end I became a Certified RKC Instructor. Following that I found a passion for KB training and continue with my training and became Level II RKC Instructor and subsequently assisted in the RKC Instructor Certification program in Dennmark. I am very grateful to Marty for her attention to details and the help she provided me on my initial training with KB's. Thanks again, Ricardo A. Nieves, M.D., RKC II, CSCS Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist Subspecialty Board Certification in Pain and Sports Medicine Previous Member of the Puerto Rico National Judo Team 3rd Dan Black Belt Judo read more

Out here on vacation, thought I would try to get a workout in... Easy to get in touch with through his website. I must have been getting complacent in my practice, as Marty quickly identified a major flaw in my get ups (which I had not been corrected on at my.home gym), and gave me some corrective exercises that were clear and concise. Ditto for my presses which have been vexing me for a while. Great instruction on maintaining and developing tension/muscle linkage to aid in strength generation. Followed up with an email sumarizing his corrective instructions, work out suggestions, and instructional videos. Would definitely recommend, either for a workout or a technique correction. read more

Marty is super knowledgable! He is the kind of trainer who pays close attention to the details of technique to make sure you are doing the form correctly and safely. When you're not doing it right he knows a corrective exercise or stretch to improve your form. Marty can help you reach your training goals and help you do things you didn't know you were able to do! read more

Marty Covault is an excellent trainer. I lost 7lbs in three weeks working with Marty three days a week and still losing more. Our sessions are not only a great full body workout they are also learning sessions about the body. With the information Marty gives me as we train, I understand what we are doing and I feel equipped to continue working out on my own. I prefer to work directly with Marty on a frequent basis to keep my form in check and have the extra motivation to push my body farther. One of Marty's greatest assets is the ability to create the proper progressive training program tailored to my goals. I have trained with several trainers with out the results or education. Marty is always studying and learning about new breakthroughs in the field and passes this knowledge on to me, making the sessions interesting, fun and effective. Marty's method is efficient and time saving. An hour workout three times a week has afforded me faster and longer lasting results than any other workout regiment I have tried. Marty also gives me great workouts to do on my own time when I cannot meet. I highly recommend Marty.... read more