Matt McHugh

I started working with Matt because of some pain post injury and I hoped that getting stronger would help me maintain the other forms of exercise I love (skiing, biking, running etc). I did not expect to love lifting and kettlebell work as much as I do thanks to Matt's enthusiasm and coaching. I think what sets Matt apart is his ability to listen and tailor to what you like and want while still challenging you with things that were previously outside of your scope. I went from having never touched a kettlebell to looking forward to fun and challenging combos every week. I have been delighted with the process of building strength and focusing on the ways that my body beyond my musculature (nervous system, facia, breathing, etc.) fit into the equation. I'm a full kettlebell convert now and am running and skiing without pain thanks to Matt! He is approachable, funny, and really easy to work with - I highly recommend training with him.

Matt is exceptionally knowledgeable and talented. When working with him, it is clear that he has a deep understanding of everything that matters - physiology, form, motivation, programming, and so on. What truly makes him stand out, though, is his combined knowledge of classic kettlebell movements and strength training strategies, paired with his Z-Health certifications. He seamlessly balances classic kettlebell strength training with advanced brain-based movement that is deeply rooted in neurology. He frequently asks his clients to check in on their neurological response to training and knows a seemingly infinite number of "hacks" that boost the brain's response to training. I started working with Matt without ever having picked up a kettlebell before. My goal was to learn a few fundamental kettlebell movements. I started out not being able to smoothly swing or press a 16kb bell, and after working with him for two months in person and then following two months of his independent programming, I could military press a 32kg multiple times, easily complete 120+ one hand swings in 10 minutes, do snatches with great form, confidently complete double kettlebell complexes like the Armor Building Complex, and so much more. I am absolutely blown away by my progress, and Matt has helped me crush every goal I've set for myself. The key to his success as a trainer is his deep understanding of form and neurology. He knows the exact drills to employ to ensure that only the necessary muscles are firing during any exercise, when to push harder/slow down, and how to keep his clients on the cutting edge of performance. He is also very strong, and with his RKC certification, he is eager to jump in and demonstrate the movements that he teaches his clients. He's the real deal, and training with him feels genuinely authentic. It's clear that he loves working with kettlebells, and his authenticity sets him apart from trainers who talk the talk but aren't comfortable demonstrating what they teach. I also want to mention that in addition to gaining a lot of strength, Matt has also helped me become more flexible, gain mobility, and breathe better. Many of his movement drills and brain-based training strategies simultaneously improve a skill (like snatching) and mobility. Everyday movements like sitting comfortably on the ground, twisting, bending, etc have all gotten surprisingly easier. In fact, I didn't realize how inflexible I was until my mobility improved as a side effect of my training with Matt. Overall, Matt is a master of his craft. He has a massive amount of knowledge about kettlebells, strength programming, neurology, and is not afraid to demonstrate movements with perfect form and strength. He has helped me surpass every goal I've set for myself and unlocked grater mobility along the way. He is equally comfortable helping someone grind past a half body-weight military press as he is with providing gentle supplementary strength exercises to someone who practices an endurance sport. He's equally as happy demonstrating his advice as he is giving it. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn more about kettlebell training, whether they're training in preparation for a strength competition, learning lifts that complement a different primary sport, or are simply curious about what kettlebell training is all about. 10/10!