Ryan has been the only person in this world who has been able to convince me to like exercising—truly something I never thought would happen! In the 2+ years that I’ve been training with Ryan my weight has gone down significantly, I have muscles I’ve never seen on my middle-aged body before, and I can fit into clothes that I hadn’t dared to try on in years. But beyond the physical benefits, he has taught me a lot: that we all are athletes in some way, that I can always do more than I think I can (even if burpees are involved), and that a friend who challenges you to … Keep Reading

– K.B., age 46

“My name is Michael, I am 40 years old and I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I was the “husky” kid in school, and grew into the “big guy” in adulthood. I hated being overweight, tried various diets and would lose some weight, but gained it all back and then some. After the birth of my two boys, I started getting scared that my weight would cut my time short with them as I have a history of heart attacks in my family. I also wanted to set a good example for them, so they wouldn’t fall into the obesity trap I had struggled with for so … Keep Reading

– Michael Dunnington

“Kettlebells are the tools I used to lose (and keep off) 20 pounds. I am leaner, stronger and my range of motion has greatly increased. The results I have seen from using kettlebells definitely show up on the tennis court. They are great fitness tools but you must learn proper technique and form in order to get the maximum benefit from kettlebells. Ryan is the guy to teach you how to use kettlebells correctly. He combines the basics with variations to keep things interesting and challenging. Ryan’s positive outlook and love of the sport of kettlebells are contagious.”

– Kevin, 52, kettlebeller since 2009

“A better quality of life from a video? Not only possible, but probable! I started working out with Ryan Thomson and Fitness Forged 3 years ago. I never would have imaged that simple movements with a simple ball with a handle (kettlebell) could be so life changing. It’s funny when we take a moment to reflect back on who we were and who we might have become. Prior to meeting and working out with Ryan, I had tried all of the different exercise programs. From running, to group classes to swimming etc. You name it, I most likely tried it. For whatever reason, my interest waned after time, or worse … Keep Reading

– Anne Sleeman

“Kettlebells have changed my life. I have always managed to maintain an active lifestyle, but never seemed to preform to my highest potential. I always knew there was something missing, but was unable to determine just what this was..that is, until I met Ryan Thomson. Ryan encouraged, inspired, and shaped me into the athlete I always wanted to be. Ryan brings a dynamite combination of functional fitness and kettlebell expertise to every workout, determined to help you achieve goals you never dreamt possible. At the end of a workout, I finally feel that I have accomplished what I set out to do. I am left feeling proud of myself for … Keep Reading

– Sarah Tozier, RN, age 22

“My long term training relationship continues with Ryan due to his unlimited passion and extensive knowledge of fitness along with his ability to keep my workouts fresh and challenging.When Ryan introduced me to kettlebells I was amazed I could as good an entire body workout in 20 minutes as I could with 60minutes of strength training or cardio session! I’m in better physical condition now than I was 10 years ago, and that says a lot about my trainer!”

– Gail Godbout

“I grew up in Maine, but live in Oregon now. Ryan’s classes are so fun and challenging that I make a point to take his Kettlebell/TRX class at Zuja whenever I come home for a visit. I workout on my own every day, and never get a workout like I do in his classes. He keeps everyone moving and provides great insights into technique and form. I’ve worked with other trainers in the past, and Ryan is hands down my favorite. He is passionate about what he does, and it shows.”

– Margaret Barber, Economic Development Consultant