TESTIMONIALS

> Mobility Work/Z Health/Pain Relief

I had experienced periodic lower back issues ever since being in a car accident at
the age of 15 (I’m now 55).  Chiropractic worked to a point, but it did not prevent my
back from “going out”.  I started kettlebells with Marty in hopes that strengthening
muscles would keep my back in alignment.  Marty suggested that joint mobility
would help provide the stability I was seeking.  A year ago I met with her for five
individual sessions over the course of a couple months in which she gave me
individualized joint mobility exercises, which I do three times daily.  I now see my
chiropractor about every two months for a minor adjustment.  My back has “gone
out” (a disc pops out of place causing a rather severe twist in my spine) only once
while I was exercising.  I immediately started doing my joint mobility exercises and
was able to “adjust” my spine myself without going to the chiropractor.  Joint
mobility has made a huge difference in how I feel daily, in my ability to engage in
physical activities, and for my long-term health and mobility as I age.
Kathy B., Somerset

I ‘m an active person who takes my health seriously, but this winter, I found myself
drained of energy. I wondered if something was wrong, or if this was finally the bill
for age and injuries coming due.  My MD treated me for a variety of issues, trying to
figure out the problem, and I found that it only exacerbated how I felt, or created
new problems.  After meeting with Marty 5 times, my fatigue is gone, my range of
motion is improved, and I’m keeping up in her accelerated Kettlebell class.  At 67
years of age, I feel like I have learned a useful strategy to prolong an active
lifestyle into my 70’s. Through specific mobility movements, as well as Marty
mobilizing some scar tissue that I had long forgotten about, I have increased my
range of motion and I feel strong again.  I was so happy with my results that I sent
my daughter to her.  After one session, she was able to get down into the last
inches of  the splits, something that she has been working on and was unable to
achieve through traditional stretching.  I understand the logic behind why this
system works, but it is still amazes me how fast it kicked in and how much better I
feel.  I highly recommend Marty!
Chuck L., Stillwater

Marty has totally changed my mind set on how to deal with the aches and pains of
middle age. Instead of reaching for the Tylenol if I feel a twinge of pain, I do some
mobility exercises that Marty has shown me. I can’t claim to know why they work
(that’s why Marty gets her certification), I just know that they do work – amazingly
and reliably. I recently had some pain at a specific point in my shoulder, and by
manipulating and mobilizing some scars in my midsection, Marty eliminated the pain
and restored maximum range of motion in that shoulder. It would be one thing if I
was predisposed to believe it would work, but I’m the biggest skeptic –and it still
works!
Bob, Stillwater

I have been working out with Marty for three years - more or less.  I say this as I
had a serious hamstring injury that sidelined me for a while.  Marty kept in touch
and encouraged me to try the Z-health method.  I was somewhat skeptical, but
"traditional" therapies were not really working for me.  After working with Marty just
a very short time, I was able to move in ways I had not been able to for months,  
returning to bells with gusto much earlier than I ever thought I could.  Then, I think
this has to do with aging, I hurt my shoulder.  No idea how or why it wouldn't "go
back to normal".  I asked Marty if she had just a little time to work with me to see if
she could figure out what I had done, or, more importantly, what I could do.  Once
again, while she watched me walk, asked a few questions, she figured out what I
had been suffering with for weeks.  Inside a week, the shoulder (which was not
really a shoulder, but a neck issue) felt so much better I could operate normally.
The biggest plus with recovering from both of these injuries was the ease of the
exercises and the lack of equipment required.  The most important item is an open
mind!  I would recommend this method and Marty to anyone.  It worked for me and
it can work for you.
Charlie H. Stillwater

After a year and a half in Marty’s kettlebell class, I am at my ideal weight, toned,
healthy and look forward to each class.  I just turned 40 so this is a great way to
start a new decade.  Recently Marty introduced Moblity work to the kettlebell class.  
Honestly, I was skeptical until I saw what it can do.  On a Friday morning I woke up
with low back pain, possibly sciatic.  I could only bend over an inch before the pain
was too much.  The following morning I went to Marty’s class only participating in
those exercises that I could do without causing pain.  After class she worked with
me by first watching me walk and then trying a joint mobility move.  We tried one,
then two.  I still had the pain.  Then she tried a third – I could bend all the way over
and touch my toes without pain!!  After doing this same mobility move at home over
two days I was pain free and still am.  I can’t tell you exactly how it works but I can
tell you that it DOES work.  I am a true believer in Mobility work and Z Health!
Julie, Stillwater


For more than a year, I suffered with a painful tail bone, which made it highly
uncomfortable every time I sat down or got in and out of my car.  I saw an
orthopedic specialist who told me it was stress related. I saw a chiropractor who
provided great relief that proved to be temporary, and I saw a physical therapist—
all at great expense with no results.

Because I am a student in Marty’s kettlebell class, she was aware of the situation
and the limitations it caused me. When she asked if I would let her help, I was
skeptical, but at that point, willing to try anything.  After her assessment, which
included a comprehensive health history, she asked me to do some simple joint
mobility exercises that I really didn’t think would make a difference. But I can
honestly say that my relief was immediate. I could not believe that such simple
exercises would do the trick. After five sessions with Marty over a two-month time
frame, I am pain free. I am a believer in Z Health and I am a believer in Marty. She
is a miracle worker who has made a true difference in the quality of my life.
MM
Lake Elmo        

>body awareness, strength and confidence

Marty, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for all you have done for me.  I
so appreciate your willingness to listen, your gentle guidance and encouragement.  
This class and your insights have impacted so many aspects of my life, including
my self esteem, self image, and general joy that I find in everyday life because I
can do so much more and feel so much better than I ever have.  I look forward to
each class, and am quite disgruntled when I have to miss an evening.  You truly
are exceptional in what you do and I'm thankful for everyday I can share with you.
A.B., Stillwater

It’s not an overstatement to say that Marty has changed my life. I was approaching
50 and giving in to what I thought was inevitable – slowing down, doing less
strenuous activities, putting on a few pounds and tolerating the little aches and
pains.  I hadn’t been to a health club in years and I was an off and on runner. I was
bored with fitness. And then, a couple of years ago, Marty introduced me to
kettlebells.  I’ve never done anything like it, and I’ve never benefited so much from
any other fitness routine. I’d say it’s like turning the clock back, but the truth is I feel
stronger and more stable now than I’ve ever felt. I only wish I felt like this in my 20s,
30s and 40s.

Marty is unlike any other trainer or instructor. She injects pure joy into what could
be drudgery. She’s a positive motivator whose upbeat attitude and enthusiasm are
genuine, not canned. She has totally changed my perceptions of what I thought I
could do and has brightened my outlook on being fit in my 50s and beyond.
Bob K - Stillwater, MN

Marty's enthusiasm and patience produces results and makes kettlebell training
fun. She keeps you coming back for more! During my first month of training Marty
spent a lot of time on technique as she encouraged me to push harder. Even when
she's leading a large class she takes the time to give each of us individual
attention. I'd recommend Marty to anyone who wants to improve their level of
fitness.
Peter Quinn - St. Paul, MN

I'd been working out for 20-something years before I learned about kettlebells last
summer. I was immediately hooked. I landed in Marty's classes last fall. I thought I
was a toughened veteran, but in the beginning the challenge of kettlebells
blindsided me with a large dose of humbleness. Because of Marty's empathy and
encouragement, I learned some new things about myself, and stuck around for
more. Her forte is blending her obvious physical expertise with superb kettlebell
training techniques and upbeat leadership that motivates both genders. Every
student is made to feel welcome regardless of age or previous exercise experience,
creating a secondary supportive layer of camaraderie among fellow students.

I look forward to being in Marty's classes because I feel better about myself...not
only for getting myself to classes every week, but especially as I go through my day
knowing I'm taking care of myself as I preserve and improve my overall fitness.
Yeah!
Ella Menendez - Lake Elmo, MN

My wife and I have been students in Marty's classes for about nine months. Our
average age is 60. We both have added strength especially to our core muscles
and have reduced our waistlines and flattened our stomachs. We like to play golf
and find that the improvement in muscle tone is making a difference in the ease
with which we swing the club. I have been able to take lessons and practice without
back problems which have limited my playing time in the past.

Marty is a person who makes coming to class fun, has a keen eye for detail with
each student even in large classes, and knows when to push her students without
going too far. She is always aware of individual limitations so is careful with each
person in avoiding injury. We highly recommend kettlebells and Marty.
Dean and Cindy Tibbetts - Stillwater, MN

I first learned of Pilates through Olympic swim coaches, and wondered about the
magic of ‘strengthening your core body.’  Finally I got the opportunity to take
classes w/ Marty.  Pilates is not something you can learn in a season or a year or
two.  It’s a continual process of getting to know how to use your muscles to your
advantage in so many daily ways.  I’ve transferred many things I’ve learned in
Pilates to my work with kids in competitive swimming and noticed real differences in
them as well.  

With Marty, I've now started using Kettlebells along with Pilates.  The feeling of
power when using the Russian Kettlebells is phenomenal!  Besides adding a great
cardio component to a workout, the Kettle Bells offer strength.  There isn’t
noticeable bulk that you add to your physique, but beneficial and complementary
muscle and tone.   It’s just a different and wonderful feeling to walk around in your
skin and feel stronger and more confident.
Lynn H.,  age 45
High School Swim Coach


> recovering from injury

Marty has a detailed knowledge of anatomy. I'm very impressed with her ability to
work with each student individually and she always offers modifications to the
exercises. Marty is fun, energetic and caring. She has this great laugh that
somehow keeps us going and coming back for more!!
Shelley, age 40
Massage Therapist


> a more active life

My first time on water skis for the year I was thrilled to make over 20 slalom course
runs in 2 sets on one day and still have energy left.  That’s more than 20 times
getting pulled out of the water, too.  This was early March with a coach in Florida
(not frozen WI lakes!), after having been off skis since the end of September.  I just
turned 52 and our daughter, who water skis on a college team, was amazed as she
was exhausted.

I know that my increased strength is a result of the (18 months??) in Marty’s Pilates
class.  I’m more toned, balanced, and stronger.  My friends and family hear
regularly how happy I am with Pilates and Marty’s approach, and know that class is
really important to me.
Michelle Hermanson

Having just turned 50, I made a vow to myself to find a way to build some physical
strength for the sake of my own healthy future. Shortly after that, I heard about
kettlebells and knew I had to explore it. I had never joined a health club or even
taken an exercise class beyond high school gym (which I hated), so I was truly a
beginner. It is now almost a year later and I am still committed to kettlebells. Marty
made all the difference in the world. She is a highly skilled instructor who clearly
has a deep expertise of the human anatomy, but more important, she knows how to
work a crowd! She is motivating, creative and she makes the classes fun while
pushing us to our limits. She often has more faith in our ability than we have in
ourselves and she deftly encourages us to reach that potential.
Maureen - Lake Elmo, MN

> mind, body, spirit

I was lucky enough to have Marty as one of my instructors for the June 2007 RKC.
Marty was so helpful and patient. She took special time with each one of us and
made sure we were each doing all we could to make our form perfect. She has so
much to offer and I would recommend her as an instructor to anyone.
Jenny Rossilli - Livingston, NJ

Thinking this morning about being grateful; the first thing I thought of was your
class.  I leave your class each time energized. I am so very thankful you teach a
class that works on my body, mind, and soul.
Just wanted you to know how grateful I am for you, your class, and knowledge.
Linda Johnson

> eliminating back pain

One of the things I think about is how much better I feel and how much more
energy I have every day from doing Pilates on a regular basis.  I had lower back
pain for years and would have a hard time straightening up sometimes or I would
limit some activities because my back couldn't take it.  I tried doing sit ups and
would get bored with doing the same thing over and over. Your Pilates training has
shown me that there is so much more a person can do to stay fit and it is fun too.  It
wasn't easy, but it took me only a couple of months to see the positive change in
the health of my back.  

The other thing I noticed was how your Pilates training fits into other sports
activities.  I have better balance and core strength which helps my inline skating.  
Your Pilates training has given me more self confidence because I feel stronger
from the inside out!
Jon Smits age 43
River Falls

I am 100% sold on Pilates. It has been a terrific strengthening program.  Marty
makes it fun as well as educational, constantly checking with us that she is keeping
the directions clear and easy to understand, and that we are performing the move
correctly.  I have learned to understand the actions and moves and not just how,
but why they work.  The importance of strengthening your core to support and aid
the rest of your body has been made clear.  I apply that knowledge to my daily life,
and my back and neck (former trouble areas) have never been better.  I am
amazed at how my strength and ability continue to improve, even if I attend only
one class a week.

Kettlebells...to tell you the truth, they scared me to death at first.  I am not a
"weights" kinda person.  I don't like the thought of not having control and I am not
interested in muscle building.  Plus, with my weak wrists and periodic lower back
discomfort, I was worried about injury.  Under Marty's guidance, adding the
Kettlebell gradually and increasing the work load gently, I have been pleasantly
surprised with the results.  For me, fine tuning the skills and finesse of the moves
has helped lead to success.  I'm a convert now!  Kettlebells gives me a great cardio
and strengthening workout... a terrific complement to my Pilates program.  Thanks
Marty for pushing me to understand my body and work to my best potential.
Wendy H. (age 49)
River Falls

> attention to detail

Marty Larson has the eye for form and the discipline of good technique that makes
a great RKC instructor.
Andrea DuCane
Master RKC

Marty was one of my instructors at the June 2007 RKC and she was awesome. She
pays great attention to detail. Really helped hone my technique. I would definitely
recommend her as an instructor.
Nate Black, RKC - Cleveland, OH

My wife and I took a weekly class from Marty for six months until the summer break
and we learned something new every time. She does a fantastic job of working with
both beginners and advanced students in the same class. Marty has a knack for
making the class fun while at the same time pushing you to your limits. She pays
attention to each student to ensure proper form and has a lot variety in each
workout. I have greater strength, flexibility, and cardio endurance than I have had
in 20 years, so I'm definitely looking forward to returning to class in the fall.
Bob Nelson - Lino Lakes, MN
RESULTS

The true value of
being fit is to lead a
more
satisfying life.
For some clients,
that means
removing pain.

Others value active
lifestyles.  And
others simply like
the way they feel
about
their bodies.

My clients
have good reasons
to feel great.

What
will yours be?
serving the st. croix river valley           tel. 651.430.0077