Hillcrest Kettlebells

Farrah and George are awesome instructors! The group workouts are small, so you will get plenty of feedback. The workouts are challenging but doable.
If you’ve been thinking about trying kettle bells, I highly recommend this place. Try it! You won’t be sorry you did.

Farrah is AWESOME, and I’m definitely addicted to kettlebell workouts now.
You start off with two 1-​hour private lessons from her at $ 45 each. The value is worth every penny because she watches your form very carefully, and tailors the weight to you. I love how it’s set up because having this proper instruction truly minimizes your risk of injury from using improper form to lift heavy weight. This 2-​class «pre-​instruction» is required before the group classes, but seriously worth every penny for the safety of your body!
On top of that, she is super encouraging and knows how to give you constructive feedback without making you feel defensive. As a former group exercise instructor, having that skill is an art!
The group classes are also awesome — at most, there are 7 people so you still get personal attention. Sometimes, there’s only 3 – 4. There is also plenty of equipment for everyone so you don’t have to wait to weight (see what I did there?). The group classes are about 45 minutes each, so a super efficient way to get a great workout. Depending on the class package, you can pay about $ 13 – 15, which is totally reasonable. They have wrist guards, chalk, and water for you there, too.
Finally, parking is not too bad; you can park for free at the Vons next door. I haven’t had a problem with it.
Also, be prepared to take the class either barefoot or in socks! Not having the shoes gives you better sensory input with your feet so you can make tweaks to your form more easily.
If you’re looking for an incredible lat, core, glut, and hamstring workout, try the kettlebell workout with Farrah! She is the best!

If you are looking to change your workout routine and want to learn kettle bells safely and with exceptional form, call Farrah today. They are wonderful and truly care about every single client individually. This studio will completely change how you feel about exercise, and classes are always challenging yet enjoyable because you are constantly improving!

This review is long over due. Farrah and George are fantastic! The knowledge, attention to detail, and small class size cannot be beat. Not only that, but you’ll get results. I moved to the east coast and I am sorely missing these workouts. Nothing out here compares. If you think you want to give it a try, do it!

When I walked into my first appointment with Farrah three years ago little did I know that she was about to change my life. After shoulder surgeries on both arms and never being a big fan of gyms I had very low expectations for a long term commitment to kettlebells. Farrah and George quickly changed my attitude. I found their teaching style thoughtful and intelligent. They were very attentive to my needs and I never felt lost during classes. My fitness level improved dramatically in a very short amount of time and I was having fun. Now I am handling heavier weights than I ever imagined.
The gym itself is great. Small classes and super-​friendly people make every visit enjoyable. It is a great place for those seeking refuge from mindless over-​testosteroned gym. I cannot say enough good things about Hillcrest Kettlebells.
It is truly a hidden gym! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself)

Farrah and George are easily some of the best instructors/​trainers I’ve worked with. They take time to explain the movements, and it’s never rushed. I was new to kettlebells, and now I’m hooked. The studio is small, so you really get personalized attention, even in a class. The people who attend are fun and supportive. I can’t say enough nice things about them.
Online registration makes it so easy to schedule your classes. At first I was skeptical about paying by the class, but it’s made me super accountable, not that I’d ever want to miss a class anyway. I think the price is on par with other kettlebell gyms in San Diego.
Bottom Line: Go for it. You won’t regret it!

If you want to get fit relatively quickly while having a fun time, Hillcrest Kettlebells is the place for you. Owners George and Farrah Lihn and are passionate about kettlebells and bring enthusiasm to their classes. They are down to earth, friendly, and tailor classes to meet your needs.
Farrah will start you off with a couple of private sessions to make sure you know how to properly preform the exercises you will be doing in class. From there you will be ready to join any one of their classes.
The class environment is friendly, non-​judgmental, and non-​competitive. Class sizes are limited to seven so you will always receive personal attention. Farrah and George will push you, but never beyond your ability.
I’ve started and stopped exercise regimens since I was a teenager: gym memberships, jogging, treadmills, swimming, and even P90X. But I’ve never had the motivation to continue with any program long enough to see real results. Farrah’s motivation – and the results I have seen – keep me coming to class. I’ve been working out at Hillcrest Kettlebells for almost a year now. I’m 51 and haven’t been in this good of shape in 30 years.

Farrah and George are awesome! I’m usually not one for group workouts, but their classes are fantastic. Classes are small enough that you basically get one on one training. If you are looking for a great workout with great trainers, look no further!

If you want a work out that focuses on perfecting form and working hard, this is it! Farrah is an enthusiastic and encouraging instructor and her classes are always fun.
Signing up for classes is easy, everything is done online, and they are affordable.

Hillcrest Kettlebells sets the standard for kettlebell training and instruction. The instructors, Farrah and George, have created an environment conducive to all levels of training so as to accelerate the progress of more advanced students, all the while encouraging and inspiring students who may lack experience in weight related forms of exercise. In any given set of exercises, the focus is not just on the quantity of reps performed, but on the quality and technique. Hillcrest Kettlebells thus provides a well rounded and comprehensive review and engagement of this unique yet challenging form of weight training. I have personally noted a significant increase in strength and overall fitness since beginning with Hillcrest Kettlebells, and have developed a long standing affinity for the instructors.
It is for these reasons that I would, without hesitation, recommend Hillcrest Kettlebells to any prospective student and trainee.

Farrah is an excellent instructor: passionate about fitness (and kettlebells), knowledgeable, and friendly. Her studio is within walking distance of my old home, so the location was excellent and central.
I wish we had a studio like Hillcrest Kettlebells here in Bellevue.
Parking: On street.
Class schedule: Online.
Class registration: Online.
Classes: 5 stars.
Class Prices: 5 stars, very affordable (individual and group classes).

Farrah and George are incredibly conscientious and dedicated trainers who really know the science of body movement! They perfect and tailor your work out so that you get the maximum results for every effort that you put in: No sweat is wasted in their work outs! Their work outs are great for all body types; whether you want to lose weight or gain more muscles, you will absolutely find results with them.
As a new mom, I have found that doing personal training with Farrah is the best work out. A new parent herself, Farrah always has great advice! I appreciate that Farrah is cautious about preventing injury and reassuring about making progress. She will push you so gracefully that one day you will suddenly say to yourself «Did I really just lift that thing?»
Having never done kettlebells or any kind of weight training in my life, I currently train with Farrah 1−2x per week After training for 20 weeks consistently, I am stronger, more toned, have better posture and less back problems than BEFORE I had a baby. Thank you Farrah and George!

I keep trying to make this about Farrah at Hillcrest Kettlebells, but all I can think is, «Dang I look great!»
The program is low-​impact on my old bones and highly efficient and effective. Strength, cardio and core all in one. And Farrah is the best.
Thanks Farrah!

I have been coming to Hillcrest Kettlebells weekly for almost a year, and it is awesome! Farrah is a great instructor, the classes are small enough to get plenty of one-​on-​one instruction, to ensure that I’m doing all the exercises with proper form (to keep my back healthy and strong!). Also, the online scheduling system is a dream to use!

I started Kettlebell classes here about 9 months ago and was unsure at first that it was for me. But Farrah’s encouragement and enthusiasm, and my newly developed muscles convinced me to stay! Her classes are excellent — small class sizes, individual attention, enough variety to stay interesting, and enough repetition to be able to really see the difference in your strength/​skill level over time. Plus, the parking is super easy :)

I’m two months into it, feeling a lot stronger and getting better at the techniques all the time. I signed up at Hillcrest Kettlebells to learn how to use them safely. Although they have kettlebells at my local YMCA, there’s nobody there to instruct on their use. I have some weight loss goals that I’m going for, and although I haven’t lost a lot of weight yet I’m building muscle and my cardio is getting a lot better.
The 45 minute classes are a great workout, and George and Farrah keep it interesting by changing up the routine all the time. The small class environment is nice because you get personal attention and feedback on how you are doing, as well as inspiration to push yourself to your limits and beyond.
Bravo!

I discovered kettlebells about 3 years ago when my roommate at the time referred me to a friend of his that was a trainer and I was hooked after the first swing! I can honestly say kettlebell training has changed my life. I had hit a plateau on my weight loss journey and after being introduced to this addictive and wonderful workout, I lost over 100 pounds! I’ve never felt better in my life! Kettlebells combines cardio and strength in such an efficient manner, that you immediately see an impact!
I was devastated when a little over a year ago my trainer told me he was closing his practice and moving to San Francisco. I thought that would be the end of my kettlebell days. Much to my satisfaction, though, I learned that his fellow trainer and friend, Farrah, was opening her own kettlebell studio and taking on his clients. I had heard nothing but great things about Farrah and was absolutely excited to see what she had to offer!
I can tell you, I was not disappointed at all! It’s been about a year now that I have been training with Farrah and I could honestly say if she ever moved, I would follow her anywhere to keep training with her! Farrah is enthusiastic and inspiring and she really motivates you to take your training to the next level and to continuously improve yourself. She gives you that extra special attention and honestly cares about your goals and works with you to achieve them. She takes special care to work with your injuries or challenges and ensures that your form and technique is perfect!
I have struggled with back issues, knee issues and many other issues… and kettlebells along with Farrah’s excellent training and guidance, has helped to improve all of my conditions. I am stronger, leaner and healthier than I have ever been in my life.
I highly recommend Hillcrest Kettlebells and guarantee you that no other workout or trainer can match the experience you will get with Farrah and kettlebell training!
What are you waiting for?! Online scheduling is so easy too!

Kettlebells are a great workout! The class combines cardio and strength training into one efficient workout. I’m definitely a beginner, but I’ve gotten so much stronger over the three months that I’ve been doing this.
Farrah and her hubby George are totally focused on form, making sure that everyone does the exercises correctly for the maximum benefits and to make sure no one gets injured. They’re also both RKC certified — SO IMPORTANT! Lots of folks «teach» kettlebell, but you definitely want to learn from certified instructors.
The classes are tough, but they’re go-​at-​your-​own-​pace, so I never feel bad if I have to sit something out and catch my breath for a minute.
Farrah offfers individual personal training sessions and group classes, and the prices are so affordable. It’s a great deal for the workout you get!
Farrah and George have perfect personalities for being trainers. They’re upbeat, friendly, and totaly encourage you to do your own personal best. I love these classes and plan on keeping with it! I recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a great workout.

After building a kettlebell training practice in San Diego (the now defunct
), my life took me to San Francisco. The first trainer I called to take over all of my clients was Farrah Lin. I had been regularly taking her classes myself for over a year, and I knew that my clients would love training with her and that she would take them to the next level of fitness.
It’s very rare to find a trainer with as much passion, energy, and technical expertise as Farrah. She inspires while she trains, and she does it with love (and great music!). Her sparkling personality and inventive workouts make it both highly effective and fun! Plus she is continually educating herself on the latest info on exercise and nutrition. That’s why I chose her to represent me.
Almost a year later, I have received awesome feedback from my former clients about their continued training with Farrah. And I’m not surprised. She’s the best!
Give her a call… you won’t regret it!

Jenny–
I have been training with Farrah with kettlebells since May 2010, and I thought another review was due, since last summer she has moved into a good sized studio which holds a variety of equipment including BOSUs, a pull up bar and heavy ropes and can accommodate classes as well.
I believe kettlebells are the and most fun and efficient workout ever! I would say that I’m pretty fit, as before coming to train with Farrah, I worked out about 5 hours a week pretty intensely, doing circuit training and running. At first I thought 30 minutes was too short, but my heart rate goes way up during most of the session. I can hardly catch my breath and it is an awesome workout which combines strength and cardio exercise! Farrah never lets me be lazy (I like to sandbag!) and always challenges me with heavier weights if she thinks I am ready to move up. Since starting to train with Farrah last year, I have actually decreased the amount of time spent working out to about 4 hours a week and my body fat percentage has gone from 22% to 18%. A healthy diet of course, is also necessary. I also noticed that I got a lot stronger because I bowl in a league and went from a 12-​lb ball to a 14-​lb ball because the 12-​lb got to be way light for me!
I try to train with Farrah twice a week, 30 minutes at a time. She has 45-​minute group classes too, which are very challenging too, but since the times are a little too late for me, I prefer the personal sessions which I can do starting as early as 5:30 am before work. It is very easy to schedule classes or personal training online.
Farrah is a certified personal trainer and Russian Kettlebell trainer. She is the main trainer, but her husband George is certified also and will help her with classes. She watches my form very closely throughout the training session and gives me feedback often, even if I’m already doing an exercise well. She will also do exercises with me when she thinks that it will help my timing. Also, she doesn’t just give pick a workout and have all her clients do the same one on a particular day. She keeps records of what she’s done with me and always challenges me with new exercises and/​or heavier weights.
I do a few workouts elsewhere during the week since I like variety and like to see my friends who train elsewhere, but training with Farrah twice a week has really challenged my body, and I feel great! If you are often crunched for time, like most people are, going to Farrah for personal training and/​or classes will really be effective and efficient. Her prices are very reasonable too, especially since she is such an attentive trainer. I definitely recommend at least trying out the free teaser session. My 61 year-​old coworker did, and now she’s hooked! You will love Farrah!