Unique methods, exceptional results…
Steel Will Training, LLC, specializes in helping you build strength and improve athletic performance.
Regardless of whether you’re an elite athlete who needs the competitive edge, a law enforcement officer who needs to handle physical threats regularly, or someone who’s been looking to be more in touch with his or her own body, Steel Will can provide you with unique means and guide you towards unparallelled results!
Unlike standard gyms, treadmills, and weight machines, the Steel Will Training methodology incorporates a finely tuned synthesis of body weight exercise techniques, strength and power stretching drills, and non-traditional weight applications (such as Russian Kettlebells, sandbags, clubbells, and Indian Clubs). Depending on your background, your current condition, and your short and long term goals, Steel Will Training interweaves these different sciences to create highly personalized fitness plans to give you the best possible results.
Mark Toomey, BS, RKC TL, NSCA CSCS, is the owner and Chief Instructor of Steel Will Training. Mark is a certified and high-ranking Russian Kettlebell and body weight exercise instructor directly under former Russian Spec-Ops trainer, Pavel Tsatsouline. As an experienced martial artist with a black belt in traditional Shotokan Karate as well as extensive training in other systems of combatives, Mark has provided strength training workshops to other instructors, giving them and their students the technology to improve physical power, increase stamina, and safely maximize their overall performance. A Subject Matter Expert for the United States Marine Corps, Mark has trained employees from many of America’s largest corporations as well as active duty law enforcement and military personnel.
Mark has also worked with severely deconditioned clients recovering from injuries and illness. His knowledge of several different functional training methodologies allows him to craft gentle, progressive regimens that helped bring clients from walking with difficulty to moving with confidence! Each training session is carefully tuned to each individual client and the client’s daily condition. This allows Steel Will clientele to enjoy maximum benefits with minimum risk of injury from overtraining.
Whether you want to hit the ball another 50 yards on the golf course, ski with greater endurance and ease, pick up your children without the fear of pain, or simply burn off the flab that’s keeping you from wearing your favorite two-piece swimsuit, Steel Will will help you attain your goals. It won’t take hours in a gym, the latest new gimmick on TV, or tons of money…. it just takes you and Steel Will!
Mark Toomey: Images
Customer reviews of:
Mark Toomey
Average Rating: 10.0 in 19 reviews
At the top of his trade .. unsurpassed!
Rated 10 out of 10
I recently had an unique opportunity to work on my snatch technique with Mark. He began with an evaluation of my form and then in a very supportive fashion proceeded to provide me with numerous assistance drills to address areas in need of improvement. A superb, modest athlete himself, he also demonstrated perfect technique with both the snatch and its associated assistance drills and further had the uncanny ability to mimic my form, thus allowing me to directly see the areas requiring further work.
I was also very impressed with how clearly he was able to articulate a number of subtleties that I had heard, read and seen previously but never really understood until now. At a minimum, this was an extremely powerful and practical learning experience and one that I can immediately put to use. I left the session feeling I was well on the way towards a more efficient powerful snatch allowing me close in on my goal of obtaining an RKC Certification.
As I reflect further on the experience it is now very transparent to me as to why the RKC is such a successful organization. Namely, because of the wide spread success of its Kettlebell training methodology, it has attracted the highest caliber training talent as exemplified by leaders like Mark.
Franklin B. Herman - Boston, MA USA
Leader of the Pack
Rated 10 out of 10
I was introduced to kettlebells about a year ago, but my technique was bad and caused me pain. I started to train with Mark in Nov. 07 and he immediately helped me out in the first 5 mins. For every issue I have had he has had a solution or remedial drill to help with form. I cannot believe the progress I have made in the last 3 months and I am looking forward to 2008! Mark can help anyone with kettlebells and any strength aspect. I would highly recommend him for the newbie and seasoned veteran.
Tim - Reno, NV
THANK-YOU Mark!!!!
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark recently played a HUGE roll in my quest to becoming an RKC. I borrowed from Him, His strength, courage,and Kettlebell knowlege all weekend and without it I would not have made it! Thank-You!!!! your humble student, jim
Jim Mortimer - Forest Lake, Minnesota
Leading all levels
Rated 10 out of 10
I attended a workshop Mark lead in Elko, NV. Mark was very informative and demonstrated his knowledge of Kettlebell training to a multi-level class. Mark effectively lead a discussion and presented a demonstration that both novice and intermediate students were able to participate in. I was most impressed with Mark's ability to modify exercises for physical restrictions that were presented during the workshop. He also is quite skilled in his interviewing skills. (KENV, our local newstation, was present during part of this workshop and interviewed Mark)
Terri Covert - Elko, Nevada
Very commited
Rated 10 out of 10
I met Mark at the Reno training he coordinated for Pavel in late August of this year. Today,09/12/07 he traveled out to Elko(over 275 miles) to do a Kettlebell demonstration for Great Basin Instructors and students. He is extremely knowledgeable about teaching the correct techniques in the lifting of Kettlebells and is patient in always demonstrating the correct techniques. He is a great role model in teaching and demonstrating Kettlebells for anyone taking his class. I am glad I met Mark and had the opportunity to learn more about kettlebells...I am planning on adding a Kettlebell class to the Physical Education curriculum at the Great Basin College.
Norm Cavanaugh - GBC, Elko, Nevada
He can teach anyone
Rated 10 out of 10
I came to Mark with no kettlebell experience and very little free weights. Mark clearly explains what is expected and always follows with a demonstration. What's more his critiques our focused and nondemeaning allowing one to develop quickly. As a novice I have trouble with some of the moves and Mark always adapts the days work out accordingly and gives appropriate homework to improve the weak areas. That being said he always works to push you to a point where you can see growth. In just a few months I've noticed improved strength, stamina and tone.
Matthew - Reno, NV
worth the pain
Rated 10 out of 10
I started working with K.B.s near the end of my deployment,upon returning home i dicovered that there was an actual R.K.C. in reno, i've been working with Mark evern since and i'm still getting stronger,i learned alot of bad habits in Iraq because i was taught by some one who didn't know what they were doing, Mark was able to fix my techniques very quikly, his teaching style is very easy follow, and unlike some trainers his critisim is always more helpful than demeaning and he is not affraid to demonstrate. for anyone who is considering entering the kettle bell worl i highly suggest starting with a genuine R.K.C. its safer faster and more motivating when you can see your self getting stronger. these guys realy know thier stuff.
Tyson - Reno Nv
the guy know his stuff
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark was an assistant instructor at my RKC certification class in April of this year. He was filled with helpful information that helped me with the fine points of my techniques during the 3 day class. He is very approachable and the way he delivers the information makes it easy to learn. Mark should definetly be a part of your KB training. You will learn from this experienced instructor and have fun doing it in the process.
Brian Thompson RKC - Des Moines, Iowa USA
Very knowledgable and approachable
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark is a great instructor. He presents information in an easy to understand and more importantly easy to apply fashion. I appreciate his science background and ability to present the research and scientific data but keep things at a level that everybody can understand.
I applied his goblet squat the day after I learned it to a patient of mine who had a terrible looking squat. After just a few attempts with the goblet squat we had his air squat pretty much cleaned up.
Thanks again Mark.
Dan Hollingsworth - Oceanside, CA
Passion and Genius for the iron
Rated 10 out of 10
I have worked with Mark Toomey in a variety of settings, most recently teaching the USMC RKC at Camp Pendleton. Mark is an amazing teacher. Every time I am around him my abilities as athlete and trainer increase substantially. Pendleton was rough, hot sun, loud helicopters and a frantic pace set to cram 3 days instruction into 2. In several presentations Mark totally engaged our sixty plus Marines, giving examples of how what we were teaching had led directly to lives saved in combat. The effect of Mark's instruction was instantaneous, The Marines were doing much more powerful pull-ups among other drills, in minutes. The Marines, a tough audience, were deeply impressed. On the first day of 2009 my wife Alison and I had a sort of training jam session with Mark. It was fun, exhausting and exhilarating. Most of all it was highly educational. Alison had tears in her eyes and threw up in her mouth a little bit, there is no higher praise. I believe it is the force of Mark's passion that makes him the instructor he is. Mark is totally committed to excellence in his athletic endeavors and especially in the journeys of his students, he loves what he does. If you get a chance to train with Mark Toomey, DO IT!
Apply the rule ... Do it once and do it perfectly ... to Kettlebells and you get Mark Toomey, incredible trainer!
For most of us mere mortals, it will take us a few million reps to get to the single perfect rep but trust me, Mark will be none to happy to coach you through a VO2 Max hoping any minute the light will turn on for you! The single concept of do it once right, then do that one over again will forever ring in my ears and has completely changed my perspective in my training and beyond.
I had the privilege of being trained by Mark at my RKC Instructor course. Be specific in what you want to accomplish, be diligent in the focus and intensity of your workout, and train like your life depended on it ... now track down Mark and he will help you reach your goal. Mark's training style breaks down the complex so you can get your mind and body around the key elements.
I extend my gratitude to Mark for his incredible patience and compassion with this novice victim. I will be forever proud to say, See the guy over there in the kilt that just finished 1 perfect pullup 50 times with the moisturizer in his bag? That's MY RKC Trainer and I've got his back!
Karen - Tucson, AZ
I learned soooo much from Mark at the RKC ...
Rated 10 out of 10
I had the incredible opportunity to have Mark as my Team Leader at The RKC seminar in San Jose last weekend. He shows nothing but real passion for pasing along his knowledge in kettlebell training. I even had the privilige to work out a bit with him and that was nothing but a lot of fun- quite an educational experience. I returned home with a much better technique, with a higher level of understanding the essence of 'hard style' kettlebell training, and more refined teaching skills. Mark Toomey is quality time. Period.
Thank you Mark
Marty Covault RKC - San Francisco, ca
The real deal
Rated 10 out of 10
After a 30 minute conversation with Mark the world is much clearer then it was 30 minutes prior. Mark is a good friend and a great kettlebell instructor. You need to train with this man he will change your life and you will enjoy every minute of it!!
Doug Nepodal, Senior RKC - Ventura, CA
Therein Lies a Tactical Application
Rated 10 out of 10
When I was introduced to my RKC Team Leader, I was proud to see that his kilt and accessories were completely of the Marine influence. This Feb '09 RKC in San Jose I had the distinct honor of being part of Team Toomey, the gaggle of Jarheads and law enforcement personnel. Mark made sense of each technique presented and tied them directly to a tactical combat application.
I was most impressed by the level of professionalism and dedication Mark and his RKC Assistants had in ensuring correctness and understanding from each of us victims.
Mark's background and knowledge make him a subject matter expert in all aspects tactical and physical. His instructing style - along with his wit and calm demeanor - make him approachable and easily understood, no matter your professional or personal background.
Thank you for holding the standard high.
Semper Fidelis.
Eric Fleming, Capt USMC, RKC - Encinitas, CA USA
Tough Love
Rated 10 out of 10
I had the pleasure to have Toomey as my Team Leader at the RKC 2009 in Denmark. He really lives the tough love.
I often thought that's a enough, my body is done and now I stop, but Toomey look told me: "Sorry, you are not done, there is more!" So i went on and found out my real limits. I owe him so much for teaching me at the RKC. I learned so much and improved my technique to a RKC worth in just three days.
He really knows how to teach and what to do if something not correct. But not with just saying: "Do it different like this" but with associated assistance drills so you corrected the targeted excercise automaticly.
And while he's a tough guy, you notice that he cares about you and really wants you to improve.
Thanks for all you did to me at the RKC-Seminar.
Sven - Hamburg, Germany
First class instructions!
Rated 10 out of 10
For me to have Mark Toomey as my team leader at the RKC in Denmark 2009 was a great experience. I work with high school althletes and often struggle to put the right words in the instructions that I give them. Mark is probably one of the best people there is in this aspect. If he sees a thechnique problem he will make you visualize something and chooses perfect words to describe how you should feel when doing a perticular exersice. This is truly a joy to watch someone with this level of skill just eliminating errors in your technique this way. Truly an inspiration and it has to be experiensed to appriciate the importnace of this.
I learned as much about teaching skills by watching Mark as I did with kettlebell technique.
I would gladly recomend Mark to anyone who want first class coaching!
Emanuel Widmark, a proud RKC - Stockholm, Sweden
Walks the Talk
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark is the real deal. He showed up on a 45 degree morning for a 12 hour day. The next day was nicer with rain. He taught a short notice outdoor certification course to 28 of the best America has to offer. All are deployed at this time hunting in some of the harshest terrain and against some of the most dedicated enemies America has encountered.The average time of service is over 10 years with some nearing 20. I can speak for all of us that this was some of the best, most challenging, most useful training we have recieved. Through kettlebells we were trained in full body training, breathing techniques under stress, and the proper way to explosively move weight while incorporating endurance. One of the most important take aways was the focus in operational durability. As the number of tours mounts, a more critical decision making process is required on the battle field. America needs to retain the experience of the seasoned operator and the training that we recieved allows the operator to strenghten and rehab our bodies in austere environments. Mark exemplifies the training and theories Pavel and his training brought to our command.
Reid Mangan - Virginia Beach, VA
An Amazing Teacher
Rated 10 out of 10
I recently had the pleasure to have Mark Toomey as my Team Leader at the Philadelphia RKC in October 2009.
RKC is a tough course and it's called "Challenge" for a reason. Mark's presence throughout the three days of blood, sweat and tears was inspiring and reassuring at the same time without being intimidating. His wit and sense of humour did not hurt either.
Mark demonstrates perfect technique in the basic and corrective kettlebell drills that is easy to grasp.
I was impressed by the respect he commands from his fellow instructors and the Chief himself and I only hope that some of his passion for kettlebell perfection has rubbed on me.
Mark and his assistants want you to succeed and whatever your training goal is his Steel Will will help you get there.
An amazing teacher.
Dr. Michael Gonevski, RKC - Toronto, ON Canada
For the Women Too
Rated 10 out of 10
I also had the pleasure of becoming an RKC victim at the Philadelphia RKC October 2009. Not having had training with an RKC instructor prior to the challenge had me second guessing if I should attend in October. Could imagine the attendees being mostly comprised of the extreme athlete, and male demographic. My goal was to learn precisely how to use kettlebells from the best. Fortunately, I was assigned to Team Toomey and hold this event as the top learning experience in my fitness career! Mark wanted us to understand all the many skills and techniques but also why the principles were developed and then add the kettlebell tool to make this Hardstyle techique work for good. A truly challenging and rewarding experience. Thank you for the double complex workout with the lighter KBs. Comes in handy when traveling to train clients!
Tana Lambert - Alexandria, VA USA
