Reviews

Franz is very passionate about his life and especially his work. He is passionate about training, teaching, learning, nutrition and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. He is on a constant search for knowledge and perfection which is why he is in great demand to teach and train. His ability is outstanding. The only other trainer in southern California who is his equal but has different strengths is Yoana Snideman. They are truly dynamic partners.

Franz differs from most trainers because of his broad KNOWLEDGE of the subject, as well as the science behind exercise and conditioning. Not only does he know simple things like muscle groups, but he understand the details of conditioning, force application, fatique effects, nutrition and overall wellness.

He is an excellent one on one trainer who will not only help you get in shape, you will never get board and humor will play active roll in your exercise session

excellent

Without ever raising his voice Franz kept our team at the RKC weekend focused on hard work, learning, and safety. I would trust him completely as a trainer because under his coaching at the event, I did a snatch workout using a weight I'd never snatched before. He is able to teach and encourage in a comfortable, expert way.

Franz has a wealth of knowledge. He treats his clients as individuals and is totally committed to their success. His blend of old school and cutting edge techniques brings a whole new meaning to the development of kinesiology. If you want to reclaim or improve your health through exercise and diet, Franz is the guy.

Mr. Snideman lead my HKC certification course. Let me just say that my life changed. Mr. Snideman gives you new insight on the fundamental techniques of kettlebell lifting as well as a goldmine of secrets that he as accumulated during his endless experience teaching and traveling across the world. With all of his credentials (RKC TL, author, fitness expert) one may expect that Mr. Snideman may be totally unapproachable... nothing could be further from the truth. Mr. Snideman has a single goal: to make you an expert at what you're learning. Mission accomplished. I look forward to meeting with Mr. Snideman in the future. Don't miss your chance when it comes you way!

I attended an HKC cert lead by Franz and his wife, Yoana. His mad methods are not mad at all. As a Military careerist for the past 30 years, I have never been instructed with such care. His corrections to things I could not see helped me in ways that could not have been done on my own. His tough love will help me remember everything he taught me. I can still hear his voice telling me to 'end strong'! So now, I always do!

I have had the pleasure of working with Franz a few times over the past year. He is hands down one of the best trainers I have met. He can not only teach you the how but the why...and that is a very rare qualilty. Franz's passion for knowledge is expressed in his teachings. His love for improving movement and strength is contagious. I highly reccomend everybody stop in and work with Franz if they happen to be in the area. Thank you Franz. I look forward to working with you again in the near future!

It's clear to anyone that with Franz's years of experience and various certifications he has the fitness knowledge. What sets him apart from other trainers are his passion, enthusiasm, and willingness to help. When working with him, it is clear that helping others reach their goals is his passion. Every time we worked together he went above and beyond what he had to do to help me with fitness and life goals.
I trained with him for months preparing to get my RKC certification and I can say with total confidence I COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT HIM. Thank you, Franz, you have really made a difference for me.

I had the great honor to have Franz as my Instructor in the HKC cert I attended. He is a first class gentleman, a knowledgable and relatable teacher, and a temendous leader, I would run through a wall for him. There were several amazing RKC instructors who came to the workshop and they all seemed to hold him in such high esteem, it was incredible to see. Despite all of his tremendous qualities, he is as humble and down to earth and approachable as they come, which speaks to his unparalleled character. I have such high esteem for him, I could rave for days about him after only meeting him once.

I attended the HKC in Tempe last month and learned a great deal about honing in technique and teaching proper progressions. I had been using kettlebells for a couple years prior and was really impressed with the teaching style of Franz. He was able to spot some minor flaws in several of my exercises and with good coaching I was able to correct them rather quickly.

Franz was also big on giving us ways we can relate the benefits of kettle bells and the RKC methodology to our clients. His teaching style was very professional and he was able to include lots of humor to keep the atmosphere fun. I would recommend Franz to any level of kettle bell user.

I have been working with Franz over the past 7 months preparing for the RKC this past weekend in San Diego. And because of the work I did with him I passed! I really have Franz to thank for helping me along in this journey. He is an exceptional teacher and a genuine person. As his student, learning from him was both easy and fun. His teaching ability is almost an understated part of his personality.

In learning any skill, good teachers are hard to find and excellent teachers are even more scarce. Looking back on my experience and work with Franz, my eyes have been opened to how deep a wealth of knowledge Franz has and his excellent his teaching skills. He teaches very effortlessly and has taken my technique from terrible in some area, I could barely snatch the 16kg bell when I came to him, to passing my snatch test with plenty of time left over. I feel extremely fortunate to have been mentored through the preparation for the RKC with Franz. I hope one day to be able to mirror even a fraction of his teaching ability. I HIGHLY recommend him.

My Wife

Franz Snideman led my team at the recent Orlando RKC weekend - and demonstrated fantastic leadership. The thing that stands out the most (to me at least) is his ability to have a "big picture" viewpoint. When coaching he's taking everything into account - and this makes for very meaningful exercise correction that STICKS. His realistic approach with a given student/client assures a safe, effective, and educational experience. Our team performed extremely well at the RKC, and I know that this has a lot to do with Franz Snideman's clear communication, wealth of RKC knowledge, and responsible leadership. I hope to work with him again!

Franz was my head instructor at the RKC workshop in Orlando, October 2010. His calm demeanor along with his drive and passion to get the absolute best of his victims was incredibly rewarding and challenging. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with him.

I don't think that it would've mattered which team leader I had this weekend at the Orlando RKC because they're all amazing but I'm happy to say that Franz was my instructor. We certainly clicked and he made my experience at RKC very memorable. He's was patient with me and and a real expert in "Hard Style" kettlebell training. His technique with kettlebells are flawless and I hope to emulate him someday. Thank you Franz for an awesome weekend.

I have found Franz's Youtube videos to be top-notch and extremely helpful. Whenever I get emails from people who have kettebell or pistol related questions, I send them over to Franz's Youtube page. Franz is a great speaker and teacher. Thanks Franz!

During a recent vacation in the San Diego area I had the pleasure of attending a couple of kettlebell conditioning classes with Franz. Although they are group classes, Franz is very attentive and has a keen eye for spotting and correcting even minor issues in technique. I've now got a whole new perspective on the Turkish Get Up. Franz is very motivating and full of energy. A workout with Franz is a "must do" if you live in the area or on your next trip to San Diego/La Jolla. Enjoy the pain!

I had the pleasure of working with Franz in two private sessions, and I am excited about all the things he taught me in such a short time. He has an infectious enthusiasm for kettlebells, fitness and good human movement skills. He worked hard to evaluate, educate and inspire me to take my fitness program to the next level. His comprehensive knowledge of the human body is impressive, and his teaching and communication skills are superb.

Franz wrote a terrific article about learning the pistol from the ground up. I struggled with these for months, and after spending some time working just the bottom position and switching feet back and forth as Franz recommended, I gave it a go and suddenly drove upward on one leg. After my shock wore off, I attempted a clean pistol on each leg to prove to myself that it wasn't a fluke. Sure enough it was the real deal, and to my surprise it seemed easier than it ever had before. Thank you Franz for the top-notch article - it was a huge help to me, and very much appreciated!

Franz took me through some mobility drills after we had chatted for a while and in less than 5 minutes I was taking notes and my shoulder mobility went from a normal 13"L 8"R to a near symmetrical 7"R, 8" L.
The next day I used some of the drills he showed me and managed a few very solid singles bottom up pressing the 40kg bell and it felt easier and smoother than it ever has.
Can't wait to work with you again soon!
Thanks, Franz!

Franz is an excellent coach: he sees a lot, and more particularly knows how to focus on what's important to improve technique. And even more, he knows how to convey that tuning of form into models a person can understand, apply and test.

It was an honour/gift to have Franz's assistance during the recent RKC II weekend to help many of us with just such technique points. Much appreciated. If you get the chance to connect with Franz for a tune up at the very least, you'll be pleased you did.

There are just not words big enough that would describe Franz.
The closest that i can come out with is just plain outstanding.
i just had a session with Franz, and he hust made me feel at home.
very detail oriented, and made everything look really easy.
this is the first time i have been to an RKC, and he had just set a very high bar.

Return of the Kettlebell Workshop - Jan. 2010, LaJolla - This was one great workshop that Franz and Yoana put on with Pavel, and after having had a chance to go home and try out the movements we learned, I realize just how good it actually was. It was very professionally run - very organized, well staffed and efficient. The level of instruction was nothing short of superb; there were plenty of instructors to go around and each was dedicated to making sure you were learning what to do and how to do it correctly. While I was worried that I wouldn't fit it due to my age, 60+, I found just the opposite. The pacing was just right as we moved constantly with time for breaks. It started on time and ended on time and by the end of the day, you knew you had been Pavelized!

Presentation, knowledge and personality. Doesn't sound original for a review, maybe, but these 3 qualities, among the many others presented by other reviewers, make Franz a great teacher.
Not only is Franz precise in his teaching skills, displaying his knowledge, he makes it fun, easy and motivating to learn from him. No pretention, self-deprecation and boosting others, everyone should be so lucky as to either train with him, or like him.

Franz was my Team Leader for the San Diego RKC. He is a very patient, skillful instructor. He took the time to make sure that the entire team was getting the most out of the workshop that we could. It was a pleasure to work with him, I look foward to training with Franz again!

Franz, was my RKC team leader this past weekend in San Diego. Franz was exceptional in his teaching, his critique's and his help. Franz actually took his time to teach me and correct my technique in a very positive way. No yelling or screaming just patience and respect. I can not thank him enough for his help this weekend and I would highly reccomend him to anyone in search of a true professional.

With Sincere Thanks,

Before I started working with Franz, I had taken some kettlebell classes, and done some strength training, but could not snatch a 16 kg kettlebell even once. Then, within 9 weeks of his coaching, my strength and technique had improved immensely, and I was so encouraged by my progress that I attended the RKC in San Jose, and successfully completed all three days (I passed the snatch test with the 16 kg in 3 minutes and 40 seconds!). And I did not just pass the RKC, Franz's expert program design, conditioning drills and enthusiastic support prepared me to the point where I could really enjoy each day of the intense RKC experience - without any puking, crying, injuries or excessive soreness! Working with Franz has shown me the potential of my inner athlete, and I am excited to continue working with him to fully develop that potential!

In the last few years, and as a fellow RKC Instructor, I have had the happy opportunity to work with Franz in a number of workshops and Dragon Door events. Several things stand out each time - his incredible ability to synthesize information, to model the correct movement or exercise, and then to effectively teach and motivate.

Not ONLY is Franz incredibly articulate in his own movement practice - he is whipcord strong, and tough as nails - but in his communication style as well. The test of a true coach and gifted instructor is the desire to lead by example, to model the perfection of proper form, and to inspire success through positive reinforcement, humor and constructive feedback.

If you are interested in making your fitness goals a reality, whether it be weight loss or performance training, corrective functional movements and/or rehab, Franz is the man for you!!!

I highly recommend him for any level of ability, from novice to high level athlete... BUT...BE WARNED YOU MAY NOT BE PREPARED FOR WHAT HAPPENS...RESULTS, RESULTS AND MORE RESULTS!!!

I attended the Level I and II Workshops in Irvine, CA where Franz assisted Pavel during the Level I and then lead the Level II. He is not only proficient at demonstrating what he wants you to do, but also at coaching you in how to accomplish it. He is very encouraging and knows how to point out little details to help you with your technique without overwhelming you. His passion for fitness and teaching is not only obvious it is contagious. He is a true leader in our industry. I know I am a better practitioner of kettlebells because of Franz and will one day soon pass the RKC.

For anyone in the La Jolla area who is looking for an accomplished, inspiring, and passionate trainer to help him/her achieve greatness in fitness, Franz is the trainer you are looking for. If like myself you are not so fortunate to be in the area, all of the Revolution Fitness DVDs are the next best thing.

I just got done with the RKC certification course at UCLA and what an experience. Franz was my team leader and he along with is assts. did an excellent job. The skill level displayed was as expected. What really impressed me was the way Franz presented himself and RKC. I did not pass the certification but got an attendance cert. and I am in now way sad or bitter about it. He explained what my problems were and how to fix it. Franz made me want to do better and to continue my quest for certification with RKC. Like I said I am not poetic so I will just say Franz is the MAN!!!!

I was in San Diego for a weeks vacation and needed to stay in shape, my trainer had been raving about kettlebells for some time so I was anxious to try them out. As a boxer, my trainer advises that explosive strength is the best strength to have and kettlebells really develope explosive power and keep you loose. Franz has a ton of knowledge about not only kettlebells but fitness in general and really knows how to contour a workout for you. His ability to keep things fresh, exciting and fast paced makes the excruciating pain almost melt away. In the classes that I participated in Franz had a great command of the 12 or so people, knew everyone's limitations and strengths and altered the workout to fit their individual levels. His energy is contagious and is very attentive and passionate. Franz went over and above to explain the physics and science behind the workouts with me even though I was only around for a week. He is professional, knowledge and his passion and energy are contagious, I only wish I had a Franz back on the east coast.

Franz is the complete package when it comes to instructors. He's articulate, devoted, and highly skilled. At the recent RKC in San Jose, he and wife Yoana came up to volunteer their skills as Team Leader level instructors to the students, even though they weren't on the teaching roster. That kind of depth of spirit and those kinds of high level corrections that both he & Yoana were giving were absolutely priceless. I can't recommend Franz highly enough and count myself lucky to have him as a colleague.

Over 8 years ago I met Franz! Since then my life changed forever! Let's just say I was stuck in the stone age with my career and personal health as he opened my eyes to an entirely new WORLD of training. He impressed me with his knowledge and professionalism right from the beginning. He has the ability to see someone and immediately pinpoint what that person's strengths and weaknesses are. Some of the qualities that I admire are his patience and his ability to train any type of person, from the housewife to the weekend warrior golfer to the elite level athlete. He trained me for the TSC twice in which I was able to win both on a national level. Franz is also a natural teacher and is able to take complicated principles and bring them down to the level of the common person. Again, he changed my life so MUCH that I ended up marrying him!

Franz has devoted his life to fitness and health. He is a cutting edge trainer as well as a nutritionist. Unlike many trainers who stop their education once certified, he is constantly attending seminars and classes to gain the latest theories and techniques. I particularily appreciate his background in track as he incorporates it into our sesions. His classes offer a terrific combination of strength and flexibility routines. If a good session is indicated by the sweat level, I usually leave drenched.

Franz makes absolutly sure you are geting the best training and workout designed specificaly for you. His professionalism and personality is amazing. He has such a great ability to motivate, and has all the energy and attention to make sure you get the finest training and workout. He is the greatest reason for my good health today. Franz is exceptional!

Having all the proper equipment, being extremely educated and supportive, and having a passionate outlook on life that is surpassed by none, Franz makes exercise a pleasure and a challenge for my father and me. Before coming to Franz's gym I would spend hours pushing weights which didn't do a whole lot for me besides waste time. Training with Franz only 2 times a week will bring anybody to the next level. I look forward to our sessions everytime I come home from college.

I spent a couple of weeks in San Diego and decided to stop by the Revolution Fitness Center while I was there and boy am I glad I did!!!! Franz and his wife run a very professional studio out of the La Jolla suburb. He is a natural teacher with a very open and friendly personality. He is a genuinely nice guy and actually cares about his students which is evident when he spends as much time as necessary with them to make sure they understand and do things correctly. He has a passion for his job and is definitely not in it for the money. He's a small guy (I'm in the "small guy" club too), but is very strong. Don't let his stature fool you.

Franz and Yoanna were very hospitable during my stay in San Diego and were accomadating to my schedule by allowing me to use their facility outside of class time. Although they never met me, their naturally friendly and welcoming personalities made me feel right at home like I've known them for years. The next time I'm in San Diego, I'm heading straight to La Jolla for some more pain!!

Working with Franz is an incredible experience. In my many years of training I have never encountered someone so knowledgeable about the human body. He is also a wonderful person and a lot of fun to boot!

While working away from home in San Diego, I was in need of a workout and the use of some Kettlebells. So I took Franz and Yoana up on their invitation to visit their fitness center, Revolution Fitness Center in La Jolla, CA. Well needless to say, Franz and Yoana invited me to attend their 6PM class at no charge. I accepted and got the workout of my life, next to my RKC weekend of course. Franz challenged the class and me during the entire workout. His ability to motivate and encourage the class during tough sets was exceptional. These two world-class RKC???s showed me the best hospitality I???ve ever experienced at a privately owned fitness center. They opened up their business to me in the fullest and offered support in enhancing my own business, my website, and much more. These two RKC???s showed RKC courtesy like no one else, truly world-class people.

Franz is a world class trainer who I have worked with for the past 8 years. I am in my mid fifties now and I have never been stronger. I met Franz when I had a bad back and he has strengthened my core and the rest of my body so well that I have not had any back issues since I started working out with him. By changing my program every 2 months, he continues to strengthen my entire body and I feel great!

I am a sixty year old healthy woman who came to Franz 2 years ago looking to increase my strength and fitness. I was nervous about using a young trainer who may not understand the body of an older woman. From the beginning I was impressed with Franz's knowledge of the human body and his attention to my particular needs. He never overworked me and yet little by little he has pushed me beyond what I ever thought possible for myself. I love to compare the weights I was lifting at the beginning and what I can do now(although this is not necessary)I like having a personal best! Franz teaches and explains everything we do and this is invaluable. In 2 years I have gained strength in my arms,legs,back and other places. My balance has improved considerably and my overall feeling of empowerment is greater. I walk tall and feel strong and plan to stick with Franz for a long long time.

I've never had a boring workout with Franz. He has a "right for me" approach to training that ensures that I get the maximum benefit from the exercises in my personalized progam. I love the fact that the exerices that I'm given are dynamic, challenging, therapeutic and specially tailored for my needs and abilities. Having worked with Franz on and off for 6 years, I've learned the importance of having a strong core, maintaining good form, and that anything can be used as an exercise torture device (smile). Franz is always on the cutting edge of exercise equipment. Long before the balance balls appeared in gyms, Franz had me working out with one. Since then I've learned how to use kettlebells, tornado balls, and balance boards. Franz talks the talk and walks the walk. He comes up with his own innovative exercises and he's always attending seminars to further his knowledge. The biggest bonus is that Franz is easy to approach and talk with. He is a great coach and an even more excellent trainer.

I had the good fortune of having Franz as my Team Leader at the June 2K7 RKC. His instructing style is the perfect blend of supportive/knowledgable/firm. He's there to help you, but at the same time it's made clear that there's work to do. He does this with out ever being negative in any way, shape or form. No yelling, no "hard-@ss" scare tactics, just open communication and solid work ethic. If you're in the La Jolla area and are looking for a good instructor, hit him up. I know I will. Thank Franz!