Andrea DuCane is a Master RKC Instructor and ZHealth-Level 4 Certified. She recently wrote, produced and starred in The Kettlebell Goddess Workout. Her latest DVD, Working with Special Populations, was filmed at the RKC Level II course. She is featured in Pavel's "From Russia With Tough Love" video and book. She recently published an article on Russian Kettlebells for Best Body Magazine:
See www.kettlebellfitness.com/html/article10.shtml
She was interviewed and photographed for an article introducing kettlebells for Oxygen Magazine. She is also a Pilates instructor:
See www.kettlebellfitness.com/html/pilatesclasses.shtml
She currently teaches classes in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has nearly 20 years of aerobics, weight training and fitness experience, with an additional background in classical ballet, jazz dance and Argentinean tango:
See www.kettlebellfitness.com/html/tangoclasses.shtml
Andrea trains many different types of clients. She has trained High School coaches and students for Track and Field. She works with people coming back from injury; older clients starting a fitness program; housewives and young athletes; Chiropractors; Acupuncturists; Osteopaths and Medical Doctors; Pilates Instructors; Dancers and other Personal Trainers, among others that she counts as her clients. She is experienced working with large groups or on a one-to-one basis. For more information, contact Andrea through her website's contact link:
www.kettlebellfitness.com/html/contact.shtml
Russian Kettlebell Group Training
For more information and class schedule, visit her website:
www.kettlebellfitness.com/html/kbclasses.shtml
Russian Kettlebells combine cutting-edge core stability training with a twist on old-fashioned equipment. Developed by Russian fitness trainer Pavel Tsatsouline and introduced to the Twin Cities by Andrea Du Cane. Kettlebell training complements any fitness or sports training program.
The Kettlebell is a weighted iron ball varying from 9 to 88 pounds with a handle that acts to offset the balance of the weight -- picture a bowling ball with a handle.
Full-body low-repetition workouts require participants' attention to both technique and safety while they use deliberate positioning of the Kettlebell.
The workout is great for cardio AND fat-burning. If you have tried everything and want to boost your fitness level, this is the class for you.
Offered in a group training format (limited to ten students), Andrea's Kettlebell training emphasizes proper technique, thorough and detailed instruction, which maximizes results.
Andrea's background in many different "technique" driven movement/exercise programs, gives her an incredible eye and expertise for training people of all levels of experience. She has many years of physical training, including classical ballet, jazz dance, brown belt in a Martial Arts system, Yoga, Tai Chi, trained in Stott Pilates (currently teaching) and teaching/performing Argentine Tango.
Testimonials
“It was a pleasure to meet you at the Olympia weekend in Vegas. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk and coach for a few minutes even though you were very busy working the booth. Your tip about arching the back has helped my one-leg deadlifts. Best of all, when I got back home I tried out your idea of "punching through" to finish out the snatch, and I finally got the hang of it. Cool!
"One of the fun things about the Olympia weekend was an opportunity to see what people you see in magazines or videos look like in person. Unlike many of the bodybuilding and fitness "personalities" at the Olympia weekend, you look just as good in person as you do in print. You're a terrific example of what women can really achieve through a healthy lifestyle and effective fitness program."
– Michelle Kilikauskas, California“Working with Andrea Du Cane has been my first experience with fitness training. She is able to work with me, a rank beginner, as well as very experience students, always adapting her lessons to reflect her rich and profound skills, inspiring us all."
– Catherine Pruszynski, California“I met Andrea Du Cane today and got far more than my money's worth! Not only did she critique my form on exercises that I have been performing, I learned a few new tricks as well! Here's a breakdown for those that may be interested:
I thought I had a good, tight back arch . . . Now I know what a good tight back arch really is! . . . I'm not putting enough power into my hip-snap . . . Windmill, SP, BP: OK Comrades, sometimes I can be such a Homer! I've been doing these three movements with my toes pointed in the OPPOSITE direction of where they should be. Doing them the right way made all three movements MUCH easier than what I've been doing. I showed Andrea my Side Press, and I think she thought it was some sort of funny, circus strongman stunt, or worse! =)! -She's just too professional to laugh at a client! But I had to laugh at myself when I learned how to do it the right way, WHICH IS MUCH EASIER!!!! She was surprised that I haven't complained of knee pain the way I was doing it. This one adjustment was worth the fee of the entire lesson! The Polish part of my brain must be interpreting my RKC book. =)!
If you are new to KB's and haven't been to an RKC Instructor, I heartily recommend that you do so, chop-chop and forthwith. Although I had just a 30 minute drive, it's easily worth a full day trip if you are serious about using KB's and want to learn how to do things the right way."
– Jim H., Shakopee, Minnesota
Created: January 30, 2003.
Last modified: October 18, 2006.
Andrea Du Cane: Images
Customer reviews of:
Andrea Du Cane
Average Rating: 10.0 in 23 reviews
Technique Master
Rated 10 out of 10
I orginally sought out Andrea for expertise in helping me prepare for the RKC certification. I am very glad I did. In my opinion, Andrea has the best eye for technique and a personal solution to help anyone perform kettlebell exercises with precision and maximum benefit. As a result, as a practicing RKC with many happy clients, I am able to deliver quality instruction at the highest level. I continue to seek advisement from Andrea because I know it will be the best.
In preparation for the RKC 2 certification, I once again sought out Andrea. We practiced Z-health techniques. This one session releived the painful symptoms and restored mobility to an ankle joint I severely sprained several years ago that physical therapists, podiatrists, and other therapists have not had succes in treating. I can not wait to see Andrea again for more gains. Furthermore, there is tremendous potential to my own competitive cross country skiing as a result of this technique. I am a former national caliber athlete (participant in 2 Olympic Trials) and readily see what improved ankle flexion could add to my performance.
Finally, getting back to RKC 2 certification readiness. I was able to perform a pistol the day after one session. The technique I had orginally sought Andrea for. Without her input, I am certain I would still be struggling with pistols. Andrea is the Technique Master.
John Rock - Arden Hills, MN USA
Outstanding
Rated 10 out of 10
I've been working out with kettlebells coming up to two years in May, during which time I have had a variety of instructors. I recently took two two hour classes from Andrea DuCane and I almost felt like I was in a beginner's class. What I mean about that is that I certainly didn't think that my form was perfect, but I thought I was pretty close. The number of nuances she found and adjustments she made were pretty amazing. She is truely a Master Instructor.
Ron Wetzell - Minneapolis, MN.
Andrea is the bomb!
Rated 10 out of 10
I have had a lot of trainers in my time--but if I could only pick one, it would be Andrea. She is unbelievable and has me totally hooked on kettlebells. You can't go wrong with this gal--be prepared for the workout of your life.
Katherine Vessenes - Shorewood, Minnesota
KB Goddess DVD - Excellent!
Rated 10 out of 10
I find Andrea's "Kettlebell Goddess Workout" DVD extremely helpful even though I train with a great RKC instructor. I can review the exercises between training sessions or any time I feel like I need a refresher on something. I can double check to be sure I'm doing the exercises correctly.
Her instructions are great. They are clear, easy to follow and well demonstrated. I especially like the fact that she designed the tape to hear the correct breathing for the exercises. Getting your breath right is an important part of each exercise. She makes it easy to follow her breathing as well as easy to follow her movements.
Andrea has also done a great job laying out a variety of structured workouts plus upper body, lower body and cardio exercises so you can design your own workout. The DVD is full of useful information!
I've never had the opportunity to train with her personally, but I would love to! Based on what I've seen on her DVD, she's terrific!
Lee Edwards - Portland, Maine
Inspiring technique for great results
Rated 10 out of 10
Wish I lived close enough to receive in person instruction from Anrdrea DuCane. However, the Goddess workout DVD is amazing and I feel like I am right there in a class. The varations of the exercises are very helpful as well as her thorough cuing. The workouts are challenging and I can grow into them, as my form and strength keep improving. I hope to one day go to a workshop. I am hooked!
After just a few weeks, everything is firming & tightening up plus I feel stronger in every day tasks. No more jiggly arms!
I will be telling my friends about Andrea and kettlebell workouts. The fact that she was willing to answer my question (via email) and give me some great tips was very motivating. I actually look forward to the workouts every day and feel energized afterward.
Thank you!
T, Johnson - Bend, OR
Thanks from a "senior citizen"
Rated 10 out of 10
Many thanks to Andrea for introducing me to KB and Z-Health. Her insistence on proper form and individual student attention rate her far superior to all other fitness instructors I've ever had--and at age 68, I've had quite a few.
Although I attended only 3 KB classes (because of distance) I have been KBing at home. It's one of the few exercise routines I don't dread, maybe because I can feel the benefits so quickly.
I have also been doing the Z-Health routine 2-3x per week, and I feel noticeable improvement--especially in knees and shoulders. Although I never experienced major pain in either area, both feel more flexible and "younger."
A benefit I didn't expect is the nearly total disappearance of pain,
numbness and tingling from shoulders to fingers in both arms which
I've had for 20+ years. Both a neurologist and homeopathic dr. said
nothing could be done. Acupuncture partially helped, but I've been much better since starting Z-Health. Have not had any acupuncture for four months.
I've been spreading the word about my success and about your excellent instruction. Thanks again, Andrea.
Jo Johnson - Champlin, MN USA
Wish I could learn from her more often.
Rated 10 out of 10
Andrea was my Team Leader at the October, 2007 RKC. Her instruction was very valuable. Even if you are very proficient, Andrea can fine tune your technique to enhance your performance.
Andrea's presentations on snatch and the get up broke each exercise down to their essence. Also, not only can she talk the talk, but she walk the walk - as proven by her workout at the RKC where we were all sweating and panting while she was doing them in street clothes.
Very impressive!
Faizal S. Enu - Tampa, FL
Professional, Soft Spoken, Masterful!
Rated 10 out of 10
I had heard mixed reviews of the RKC before I attented from not so desireable sources. I know now that is was all a lot of baloney! I learned so much during the 3 day workshop that my head is still spinning! I am amazed at how such simple exercises are not that simple! As my team leader, Andrea critiqued and tweaked my form to give me the finnesse to do the lifts instead of the brute force I had been using. I will use this masterful instruction to propel myself to higher levels of fitness and pass on the knowledge to my future students! Thank you so much Andrea!
Jason Turko, RKC - Canonsburg, PA
Andrea DuCane; The Teacher's Teacher
Rated 10 out of 10
Andrea DuCane is my primary instructor. After receiving my RKC certification, I continue to train with Andrea regularly to improve my conditioning and refine my technique. She focuses on precise alignment and movement, and her classes are creative and fun! Although she is a Senior Instructor who can certainly help advanced practitioners reach a higher level, she is also quite good with beginning students -- making them feel comfortable as she introduces them to the training.
Fawn Friday RKC; NSCA - CPT - Saint Paul, MN
Andrea DuCane: Doctor recommended--Top KB instructor!
Rated 10 out of 10
Two years ago, my physician recommended that I try Kettlebells as a way of helping me strengthen my core to alleviate chronic back pain. He told me that he was studying with Andrea Du Cane, and that she was absolutely tops. That is an understatement! Andrea has worked with me weekly for almost two years, and I am pain free. Not only does Andrea have extensive knowledge about KB, nutrition, physiology, anatomy, Pilates, martial arts, yoga, and Z Health, she is also one fabulous teacher! Andrea knows how to explain and to pace KB sessions in a manner that is appropriate for each student. I worked with a different teacher for a few sessions, and he offered me a fraction of what I learn from Andrea. She is a dynamic and highly knowledgeable professional. Working with Andrea and KB has changed my life.
Leah Golberstein - Minneapolis, MN USA
Andrea Makes Class Fun and Welcoming for Everyone
Rated 10 out of 10
I like kettlebells because they are a fun and fast way to get fit. But more than that, I like kettlebells because of Andrea Du Cane. She is a great teacher in every respect. Classes with Andrea are fun and rewarding, and I am always glad that I came.
Andrea has the gift for making all of her students feel at home. Often her classes include everyone from absolute beginners --- to mid-level 'swingers' --- to other RKC instructors who come for the workout. Yet everyone leaves with a smile on their face.
As for me, I am a somewhat unlikely kettlebells enthusiast: a fifty-five year old lawyer with two children who grew up long before girls were expected or encouraged to be physically fit. Yet I feel completely at home in Andrea's classes. I always get immersed in the fun of swinging; Andrea often has exactly the right hint to make a particular exercise 'click' for me; and I enjoy class so much that I always look forward to coming back.
Teresa Patton - St. Paul, MN USA
Diligent in Duty
Rated 10 out of 10
Andrea is a presence in the RKC program from printed page to the scorched fields of the UCLA campus. She has given solid instruction in video and on live fire exercises as well. I have studied under Andrea, Brett, and Pavel since 2005 and could not picture my strength career as strong had she not been integral to the program. I look forward to future endeavors.
Will Williams - United States
A "No Nonsense" approach to fitness
Rated 10 out of 10
I wish I had the "Goddess Workouts" a long time ago. I've tried everything from karate, weight training and aerobics, but Andrea's work out is by far the best and most intense out there. Her instruction is clear and concise; her movements perfect. She makes me feel as if I am in one of her live work out sessions and, of course, she looks great. Kettlebell training got me out of a terrible exercise rut. After years of aerobic weight training I just wasn't seeing any results anymore. Plus, I was just tired of devoting an hour to a work out that didn't get me anywhere. When I found kettlebells and Andrea DuCane, I felt like "queen of the mountain". I sure hope another DVD is in the making.
Linda B. - Bay Village, Ohio
Andrea is OUTSTANDING!!
Rated 10 out of 10
I had the honor and privilege to be on "Team Du Pain" for September's RKC in St. Paul 2008. Andrea is an inspiration to anyone who is serious about being a kettlebell instructor and a fitness professional. She is a true professional, shares her wealth of knowledge and experience, and a class act! I will never forget my experience at RKC and I hope to work with Andrea again. She is a MASTER INSTRUCTOR!!!
Christine Bagioti RKC - Dania Beach, FL USA
One Word, "Heart"
Rated 10 out of 10
Hi Dragon Door,
I have a testimonial for a very special individual that I adore and respect very much as a person, friend, and a well known expert in her field. This person is Andrea DuCane. She possesses life skills that can not be taught and only comes with experience and a natural ability that is given to a person. Andrea uplifts everyone that she encounters along with her positive encouragement, influential skills, knowledge and timely aggressiveness to get things done.
Well, I should know and I attended the 2004 RKC Challenge in June and she was the senior instructor in my group. I attended the RKC Challenge while being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the early stages. I persevered through with my own persistence and mental training. However, along with Andrea's positive encouragement and leadership it made my time more enjoyable for the weekend. After the weekend was over, I was given an opportunity to send in my video tape for a review of my snatches and other exercises to evaluate if I would obtain my certification. To be honest I actually purchased the 24kg kettlebells a month prior to the RKC weekend thinking it was a breeze with no familiarity of kettlebells. Lets just say I've always done things the hard way in life! I was definitely wrong with the RKC Challenge and it was more challenging than I thought but with Andrea's precision coaching, it made my movements smooth and synchronized. As a result, I did not send in my tape since I had many things to take care of with myself. But knowing that I had the opportunity of sending in my tape made my confidence very strong internally. I did a lot of mental training over the year along with deep meditation which helped me overcome the M.S. As of today, my journey has led me to focus my attention in healing people and teaching them how to heal themselves with exercising, Qi Gong, and more importantly with their mind. Remember, the mind is a powerful tool and our mind is limitless.
Andrea's personality is similar to an infection and it will spread onto others but this infection is actually a cure. This cure is of "goodness from her heart". Andrea has a positive outcome on people and her energy is something that has a profound effect on everyone that comes across her. Words can not describe how special this woman is and how strong she presents herself to people she connects with. A person that can connect with another individual and feel what they feel is someone that is more than a senior instructor but a person who is very special in my books.
This is my love to my dear friend Andrea.
Richard Chan Flex Fitness Nation F.L.E.X (Focus Lifestyle Energy Xercise) http://www.flexfitnessnation.com
Richard Chan - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Andrea DuCane is a Class Act!
Rated 10 out of 10
I'm not sure I can accurately articulate how lucky I feel, or how much I value having Andrea working with me. But, I'll try.
First, I'm a single dad, my child has a disability, and my job is pretty demanding. Needless to say I have a busy schedule. I was getting back into lifting and discovered kettlebells about a year ago. I bought the books and the DVD's and followed the threads in the forum. I thought I had absorbed a lot of information, but there came a point last summer when I was wondering if I was on the right track. About the time of the first FMS weekend I inquired about local instructors who might be able to run me through an assessment, help with my goal of becoming injury proof, and provide some guidance on my technique. I got in touch with Andrea and she was willing to work within my scheduling restrictions (this is of immense value to me).
Our first two sessions were spent on Functional Movement Screening, Z Health Screening (Andrea is a Level 4 Certified Instructor), and corrective drills. During one of those sessions she asked if I knew I had a limp. I didn't. In fact the only thing I could attribute it to was a sprain from over a year prior. Amazing. Subsequent sessions have been equally amazing and enlightening with the wealth of knowledge Andrea brings to the table and her attention to detail.
During yesterday's session we covered a huge array of topics: Irradiation, breathing behind the shield, greasing the grove, Janda sit-ups, ideas for changes to my program, assistance exercises for my abs, my clean technique, front squats (and knee stabilization), and Z-health drills for a troublesome wrist. That's a lot to take in an hour.
I've had plenty of coaches, instructors, and masters and few were worthy of my time. Andrea is definitely an exception. She doesn't just tell me what to do. She partners with me where I am at, within my abilities and limitations, and helps me to actually see and understand the areas that need attention and why. She has been an incredible source of instruction and has added to my tool box of drills and techniques. So much so that it's been a challenge for me to incorporate all the things I've been taught in the short time we've been working together. Luckily another of Andrea's strengths is being an encourager. She is diligent in her hawking of my technique, but I've never felt frustrated, belittled, or overwhelmed only motivated.
Andrea is exceptionally knowledgeable and extremely generous with that knowledge. She has demonstrated to me that she is indeed a master of her craft. Dragon Door is lucky to have her as one of their Master Instructors, and I am fortunate to have her as my instructor.
Rob Peterson - Rosemount, MN
Lasting Impressions
Rated 10 out of 10
I met Andrea DuCane a few years back when I was lucky enough to have her as a Team Leader at my RKC. I will never forget how demanding she was, how every detail, no matter how small seemed importnat to her. Funny, how when the greatest gifts are given to you, you appreciate them the least.
I have been priviledged to serve as an assistant to Andrea since then. Just being with her in a teaching enviornment, watching her and following her example has been one of the best learning experiences I could hope for.
I led my first team at the 2009 San Jose RKC. I can say with all honesty that without Andrea's example of leadership, without her commitment to me as, first as a student, and then as an instructor, I would never have had the opportunity to grow within the RKC community.
Thank you, Andrea.
Mark Toomey, RKC Team Leader - Reno, Nevada
Sane Voice In Testosterone Fog
Rated 10 out of 10
Amid grunts,groans and displays of what it means to be "a man among men," of the others around us, Andrea focused our RKC certification team on safety and perfecting our form. She challenged us to use all of our techniques rather than worry about how much weight we were swinging. Most of our future clients are going to be regular people with varying degrees of experience who will be more interested in how prepared we are and how well we can communicate what needs to be done. Very few will be interested in the size of our bells. Thank you Andrea for your personal attention and a great experience.
April L. Spas - Minneapolis, MN USA
Certification prep class Minneapolis
Rated 10 out of 10
I recently had the pleasure of training with Andrea. I took her prep class in Minneapolis before my RKC certification..The class pin-pointed my weaknesses and strengths and it helped me to perfect my movements.
At the certification her husband John, presented a class. I gained many great ideas from the class and it also motivated me to add more to my income. Both Andrea and her husband truly have a passion to add to the family of RKC .
I am truly proud to be part of the RKC, and my family is proud of my warrior spirit to set a goal and achieve it.
Roxanne Altmeyer
Roxanne Altmeyer , RKC - NE Minneapolis
Tough Love
Rated 10 out of 10
I was fortunate to meet Andrea DuCane for the first time in November, 2008; where she taught three workshops at FireBellz in Albuquerque, NM. It was here where I was introduced to her wealth of knowledge about kettlebell form and technique.
I just attended the April 2009 RKC, where Andrea was my team leader (Go Team Dirt). She is a stickler of safety, good form and technique. I gained insight on how to work with special populations and she gave out lots of tough love. I look forward to working with and for her again. Andrea ROCKS!
Marla Diener, RKC - Albuquerque, NM
Best Instructor for RKC Certification Preperation
Rated 10 out of 10
Andrea is a phenomenal instructor for preparing individuals for the RKC certification. Andrea not only helped me to meticulously tweak my form on all the major kettlebell movements, but she also helped me to fully understand the principles behind working with the kettlebell. While listening to the lectures at the RKC certification, I found myself constantly remembering specific things that Andrea taught me that backed up the techniques being taught. This helped me to grasp the concepts that were taught to a much greater level than I would have, if had I come into the training without the knowledge and experience I gained from working with Andrea. I very highly recommend doing group and/or one-on-one training with Andrea prior to your RKC certification.
Leslie Branham Paulsen - St. Paul, MN
AMAZING!
Rated 10 out of 10
Hello Andrea,
I attended your kettlebell workshop on Saturday 5/9 in Seattle and it was amazing. I learned so much, both what I had been doing wrong (oops) and much more importantly, how to do it right! You and the assistant instructors were great, correcting form and encouraging when done right. I appreciate the "Tough Love" approach, too. I am excited to keep learning more and apply what I am learning to both my own workouts and with my clients.
Thank you again for all you do!
Stephanie Lathrop
Premier Personal Trainer
Vision Quest Sport & Fitness, Kent, WA
Stephanie Lathrop - Kent, WA
AWESOME HKC
Rated 10 out of 10
I just finished the HKC Certification in St. Paul, this past weekend (9/26). My team leader was Mrs. Du Cane, what an honor. Her expertise was evident from the start. She made the course fun yet challenging. She gave her expectations and help everyone to achieve them. I can't begin to say how happy I am with being on team Du Cane!
