I am 53 years old and not a stranger to exercise. However, I found myself in a rut with my exercise program and concerned about the possibility of injury. While reluctant to begin strength training, all the research I read stressed the importance of strength and mobility as we age. The Starting Strength program and Cassi’s tutelage have proven perfect for me. Cassi takes the time to explain the physics behind the lifts and watches …
If you’re serious about strength gains then you should hire Alex. For the last 3 years he’s helped get me consistent strength gains that still continue to grow. He gives a no-nonsense, goal-oriented approach to strength training that produces positive results. Don’t expect to come in every session and do a random workout with no purpose. Each session is designed to get you one step closer to your desired outcome. One of the many great …
I came to Atlanta Barbell October 2015 wanting to lift heavier and get stronger. After participating in various outdoor bootcamps and crossfit gyms, my lifts were stagnant and my numbers hadn’t changed in over a year. Under Niki’s guidance,my squat has already gone up 60lbs, my deadlift 40lbs, and I am still working my way up. I am blown away by what I have accomplished in such a short time. Niki is an amazing coach …
When it comes to getting out of my comfort zone, those are the qualities I look for in a trainer. I’ve been injured many times and I need to know I’m working with someone I trust and who has a high level of expertise. Alex’s watchful eye is consistently finding ways to improve, offering big tips and little cues, there is no settling. Alex has kept me lifting safe and strong without compromising any of …
I have learned more about how to lift properly and seen more progress building strength in about 2 months of working with Alex than I did in over 2 years of doing CrossFit. Alex explains technique thoroughly but in an easy to understand way. He does not throw out generic cues; he watches closely and determines exactly what you need to do to progress or fix a problem. I’ve worked out with a lot of …
Niki is a remarkably insightful coach. In addition to her expertise in form and technique she is skillfully adept at communicating the how’s and why’s of each lift. She is tough, incredibly patient, listens intently, never judges, and most importantly is a gifted teacher. Her solid and sound coaching has me not only getting stronger but is fostering a greater confidence in my technique. I am a non-competitive but enthusiastic lifter and Niki has pushed …
Cassi has been fantastic to work with! I was a collegiate rower, so I knew a lot about cardio, but very little about strength training until I started working with her. Cassi does a great job explaining how to perform each lift and why it is necessary as part of my training plan. She has kept my technique in focus as I get stronger and has been flexible with my irregular work & travel hours. …
I’ve been strength training with Dee for about 2 years. She is an awesome trainer. I’d never lifted weights before, and now I love doing things that I never thought I would do. Dee is incredibly knowledgeable and attentive to proper form. I am so much stronger than I was a year ago, and I feel really good about my program. I sing her praises to my family and friends, and now my husband works …
I started weight training with Alex 2 months ago and, I can’t say enough about how positive and professional he is. I’ve learned what strength really is on so many levels. When you start to strength train not only does it transform your physical body, but you learn so much about yourself mentally in the process. Alex is a serious perfectionist when it comes to form, technique and safety. He points out traits you exhibit, …
I have trained with Dee ever since having my second child six years ago. And just as it was back then, one of the highlights of my week is working out with Dee. She is incredibly knowledgeable about strength training and the body generally, and patiently explains each exercise and why we’re doing it. She also watches my form like a hawk. I’ve seen other trainers looking around the gym, seemingly preoccupied, during their clients’ …
I was referred to Cassi Niemann for help with a Concept 2 Rower from the Concept 2 website. Cassi is extremely passionate about rowing as well as personal training. I came in having zero training on a Concept 2 Rower and subsequently terrible form. In addition to training in person, Cassi analyzed a video of my form and sent screenshots outlining proper and improper form. Cassi not only helped correct my form but also provided …
I’m a 47-year-old soccer mom. I’d been doggedly strength training for years, but I was stuck in a sad rut of sloppy form and faulty movement patterns leading to nagging injuries and a lack of progress. Then I started working with Niki. She was able to pinpoint my mistakes quickly, brainstorm solutions creatively, and communicate corrections effectively with clear, simple cues. It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks—it just takes a …
I started training with Alex when I was 33 years old. I’d trained for years, but never with a trainer, and never in the Olympic lifts. In a year with Alex, I added 100 pounds to my squat and deadlift, made better progress in my other lifts than ever before, and even got decent at cleaning and snatching. I’ve never had results like that, even when I was much younger. At 34, I’m stronger, better …
I’d been lifting semi-seriously for a couple years when I decided to get coaching to make sure I was doing it right. From the very first squat rep I did in my sessions with Niki, she had great and useful advice that has helped me start making good progress again after a long plateau. Niki knows her stuff and knows how to explain it. She’s also a cool and friendly person which makes the rest …
For years I neglected one important aspect of my life, my health and well being. For years i bought into fitness and health fads that took me nowhere. Then I met Alex Kennedy. His knowledge of the human body is astounding. With his help I have dropped close to 40 pounds and counting. His non-sense approach to health and fitness has turned my life around. I have never been happier. I feel anyone that works …
Niki worked with me in her Starting Strength 101 class and, soon, I will be in her 102 class. She’s a really solid trainer. She doesn’t sugarcoat anything, yet she’s really nice. She makes sure you get it right. She understands the science behind everything you’re doing and has the ability to explain it to you thoroughly. I look forward to working with Niki more in the future.
I started strength training with Alex almost two years ago. I have always been in good shape and as a long distance runner I felt I was strong and could endure anything. However, I broke my leg two weeks after running my fifth half-marathon and learned that maybe I was not as strong as I thought. Recovery was quick and at 129 lbs I started training with Alex. Now almost two years later and at …
I have trained with Alex for almost 2 years. I am a competitive marathon runner and for years I have messed around with weight training. I was hesitant to start training with Alex because lots of talking running heads claim that heavy weight lifting such as squats, dead lifts, etc. is not beneficial and, in fact, bad for endurance athletes. They are wrong. Although it is difficult for me to build muscle mass because of …
Niki has been an amazing guide into the world of strength training. Since I’m a complete novice and the extents of my strength training only included my body weight and kettlebells, I really needed some help with barbell basics. She has taught me what I need to know to walk into a gym and lift weights confidently. She continues to show me the ropes in a way that’s empowering, plus she hasn’t made fun of …
As an an avid gym goer over the past decade, I never realized how inefficient and ineffective my work out program was until I started training with Alex. Within three months of working out with Alex I experienced more gains than I had in the prior three years while spending half the time at the gym. Training with Alex changed my entire outlook on weight lifting and I highly recommend him for anyone looking to …
I have trained with Dee for 7 years. I value her advanced education and extensive experience. She is meticulous about form so that I am confident she will never put me at risk for injury. Because I am an older client, she emphasizes balance and practical strength. She and I have done all sorts of workouts, but I especially am enjoying barbell training. I feel energized and my posture and body have improved rapidly. Best …
If you’ve learned barbell movements from your own bros, other gym bros or even another trainer who does not preach in the church of barbell, then Niki is for you. I learned some barbell movements a while back, then had my first child, so I was super rusty and nervous getting under a barbell again. But I saw the class on this website, and signed up at the last minute to get the last spot. …
A little over a year ago I came to Alex for help with an achy back and extra skinny legs. Now I’m dead lifting and squatting 2X my body weight and three months ago medaled in my first power lifting competition. At 37 I’m in better shape and stronger than ever. Alex is an awesome trainer and an awesome guy.
Niki is a phenomenal coach and a wonderful person. She will help you get to your goals by understanding where you are coming from and where you want to go, then make recommendations accordingly. I feel very lucky to have her as my coach and look forward to a stronger future with her on my team.
When I first approached Alex Kennedy about training me I hadn’t been to a gym regularly in maybe 15 years. I was active so not totally out of shape but not really close to where I wanted to be either and I didn’t know what I needed to do to get there. Like many people, I’d had some exposure to a weight room in high school and college and again in the Army. I’d seen …
Niki is a great coach. I started the Starting Strength class unsure of what I was getting into. Niki does a fantastic job of explaining the lifts and the mechanics of the lifts. She is very knowledgeable in the lifts and also in the anatomy of the body. She really knows her stuff!! You can tell that strength is something she is really passionate about. While she is tough and wants to push you to …
I worked with Alex with the goal to focus on strengthening my back and firming up my backside. As a woman, I was somewhat intimidated by the rack exercises, but found them to quickly deliver results. Alex’s focus on form and mapping out an individualized plan, taking into consideration any injuries or medical conditions, was key. Not only am I stronger, but I am no longer intimidated by the exercises. I love the squats!
Working with Alex, I couldn’t have asked for a better strength and conditioning coach. Alex helped guide me in my lifting technique, and was always able to provide a clear rationale for the efficacy of certain exercises. He is thoughtful, knowledgeable and friendly! Ask him to introduce you to the Prowler!
I have been working out with Dee since 2006. Originally I started working with her after my back surgery to help me get back to performing at the athletic level I had grown to expect. She did an excellent job of building back my strength, balance and power. Over the past 9 years she has been able to help me become an even better athlete even as I have aged. She has always been extremely …