Reviews of BKC - Strength & Conditioning (Gym)

Carol Hanke

Excellent work out with Shawn. Great results in a fun environment while working hard. Safe, fun and results driven. Shawn is great at motivating you. Happy with my results. Looking forward to the next class.

Downtown Barrie Live, Work, Play

Personal coaching and great positive atmosphere that will change your health and attitude. Highly recommended for all ages.

Shawn Charlebois

As a coach - my actions and intentions are pure. My goal is to empower my clients and have them while enjoy the process as much as possible.

Jessica Kukac

I love the BKC. In just a few short months I've seen my body transform. I am certainly stronger and confident in my movement and strength. I suffer from arthritis in my knees and SI joints and since joining the BKC I have noticeably less pain in my body. Strength Coach Shawn really focuses on proper form and movement to ensure safety and maximum benefit from each challenge. It's fun environment for those looking for a more efficient alternative to the big factory gyms. Shawn cares about your success, safety and goals. I'm going to have great arm and chest muscles for my sisters wedding!

Nicole Seguin-Galbraith

Coach Shawn has been a great trainer for me. His workouts are always different and he always has something new to try. He focuses on strength training. He is motivating and pushes you to achieve your goals. He just launched a book on strength training which I recommend. The gym is cozy but not crowded at all and very clean. Great gym and training facilities and coaching. Highly recommended.

Alex Newman

Shawn is a fantastic coach who fosters a great welcoming atmosphere; his classes are challenging but fun, and he really focuses on form to make sure all movements are done correctly and with intention. I was a complete beginner to kettlebell and weightlifting when I first starting working with him - now I'm in the best shape I've ever been and I'm so grateful for his class and instruction!

Kate Lillie

Shawn is the best!

Melyssa Houle

I'm so happy that to be a part of BKC! My husband & I have been going regularly for a few months now, and although the plan for us was to go only for one month, we liked the class so much that we decided to continue going. Shawn is a great teacher and has even been able to put a workout plan together for me after recently being in a fender bender. It wasn't anything serious but I have had some back pain from it so his knowledge and experience have made it so that I can still attend class without aggravating my back, which I'm grateful for. The atmosphere is great, we've made new friends and we're already seeing results. I definitely recommend this class!

S SM

It's hard to find motivation to workout early in the morning, but Shawn's sunrise kettlebell class at the Ann Green Bliss Studio makes it all worthwhile. Shawn does a great job at demonstrating the moves, and always provides positive feedback and encouragement. There is also a good variety of exercises to challenge the body and mind. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming. Watching the sunrise over the lake during class provides an extra mood boost! Overall, it's a great workout in an inspiring setting.

Vince Whiteman

As someone who was not really into fitness before, the minute I walked into Barrie Kettlebell club almost 3 years ago I was hooked. Not only did my health and fitness become a part of my lifestyle, but thanks to Shawn, it helped me to find a place in my own industry. What's more, Barrie Kettlebell Club has created many amazing friendships because of the community that has spawned thanks to the weekly classes and food drives that Shawn and his incredible crew of health and fitness experts. Whether you are a casual gym goer or training many times a week, you will always have a great and quiet place to exercise and fulfill your goals. There is no better place to realize your potential.

Blair Smith

I have been training with Shawn for 4 years now and love it. Great facility and great people. Shawn has a passion for his craft! Highly recommend Shawn and bkc!

Wyatt Chesson

With second to none coaching the Barrie Kettlebell Club is by far the best gym I have ever been apart of. This clean, 24/7 facility has everything you need to help you get stronger. As an aspiring strength coach myself Shawn and Chris have given me all the support and coaching to help me achieve my goals!

Asskicker Ink. Activewear

Shawn is a fantastic trainer. He knows his stuff and won't let you sacrifice form for speed. The classes are challenging yet fun—I feel like I'm in the best shape I've ever been in!

Magda Szwedowicz

Best gym and coaches in Barrie! Shawn really listens to your goals, motivate and drive results. His group training is very effective and for all levels of fitness – Shawn really caters the exercises to every member’s abilities and pushes you to get results. BKC hosts various free seminars around fitness, nutrition, and recovery, and has a weekly donation class for the Barrie Food Bank. All the members are friendly, the gym is never too busy, it is always clean, it is safe, and you have 24 hour access. My experience at BKC was fantastic and if I hadn’t of moved out of Canada, I would still be a member.

Heather Cramm

Barrie kettlebell club is the best. I enjoy the group classes with Coach Chris and the owner is pretty good too.

Holly Talaska

I LOVE THIS GYM!! Barrie Kettlebell Club is an amazing facility, very clean, with great equipment. The 24 hour access is so convenient. All the members are very nice and respectful and the gym has a real community feeling! The best thing about the gym though, is the coaches! Shawn, the owner, and Chris are amazing guys who are always willing to give some help and support through your training journey. They are very interested in your progress and care about your goals. For myself as a newly certified kettlebell/strength coach, Shawn and and this gym have given me lots of opportunities to practice my own skills and my coaching techniques. I LOVE THIS GYM!

Bill Cameron

Shawn is an awesome trainer. His knowledge and skill are unsurpassed in the fitness industry. I specifically have trained with Shawn for mainly Kettlebell Technique - but he is indeed a full spectrum strength coach with a ton of skills and experience . Shawn has so much to offer to all his clients. Always look forward to training with Shawn. Thanks for all the help.

Houlygan

My wife and I joined BKC earlier this year and planned to only do one month to kick us back into gear. We loved the class so much , we decided to stay for the long run. It's so much fun, surrounded by a great group of people and noticing big differences in my strength, physique and posture. Shawn is really great at guiding each member to reach their goals and creates innovating ways to do so. Always excited to see what the next class will bring.

Jessica J

Whenever shopping around for a Personal Trainer/Coach you have to take a few things into consideration like is this trainer a good fit for me? I see that they are certified but does that mean they are qualified to teach and do they practice what they preach? At the Barrie Kettlebell Club both Chris and Shawn are very knowledgeable and their passion comes from their hearts. When you walk through those doors you are not just another number but you become part of that fitness family, they care about you and strive to not just give you quantity but quality work outs that are still safe yet effective!

Brenda St Amand

Shawn teaches the Kettlebell class at Bliss Yoga Studio and gives us a great workout, always checking for proper form and encouraging us to test our limits without going past them, highly recommend!

Christy Douglas

Shawn is an awesome coach. I have lower back problems and experienced daily pain or discomfort. I was having trouble with the routine he had started me out with. He worked with my chiropractor and RMT to design a custom routine to strengthen my core, as well as mixing in some upper and lower body excercises. It has all but eliminated my pain and discomfort and I feel great! I'd recommend him to anyone, regardless of their fitness level.

Sweatglow- Carolina Belmares

Greatly equipped, comfortable, perfect location, ample free parking, an excellent space all around. And the members and clients are among the friendliest and most welcoming people I have had the pleasure of meeting. This is one supportive and hard working fitness community if there ever was one!

suzi crashley

Shawn is an awesome coach that makes you work hard and keeps you safe. He's got loads of knowledge and mixes things up to keep it fun. You get to use equipment that other gyms don't have which is pretty bad ass. I always feel great after a training session.

Drew

Shawn is an excellent strength coach. After injuring my back I set out to find a qualified and competent kettlebell instructor. I definitely found that in Shawn. After only 4 sessions Shawn was able to reach me how to properly and safely execute several kettlebell exercises such as one and two handed swings, Turkish getups, cleans, presses, deadlifts and squats. Even when I've felt somewhat stiff and restricted at the start of the session, Shawn has been able to put me through a program that has me feeling mobile and full of energy by the end. The facility is clean and has all of the equipment needed to turn you into a strong, mobile, badass! If you're looking for a knowledgeable and experienced strength coach to guide you through new exercises and give you a program that will deliver you the results you've always wanted, then look no further. Call Shawn right away and get started on your fitness journey.

H Parker

It's hard to write a review that can accurately encompass all that the Barrie Kettlebell Club and Coach Shawn provide for their clients. The atmosphere is great - a clean no nonsense gym with all the equipment you need to have fun, ever evolving workouts. As for Coach Shawn, to put it short, he is phenomenal. He has so much knowledge to share, is constantly varying his group routines to ensure that clients are always kept on their toes and enjoying workouts, but never compromising on safety. You'll work your butt off - but at your own pace and doing the movements that are right for your body at that time. He will even take the time in group training to modify exercises for clients who are injured or who are not able to participate in certain movements so they are still able to attend the gym and get a great workout in. As a 1-on-1 coach he provides unparalleled support and insight into why certain exercises or sequences are beneficial to your goals, aiding you in becoming an active participant in your own health/goals. There is no cookie cutter, one size fits all approach with Coach Shawn, whether you are working with him in group training or one on one you can rest assured that he has put sincere thought and effort into creating a plan that is 100% tailored to you and your goals. Amazing gym, in my opinion best value in Barrie by far. Thanks Shawn for providing a great place to workout and learn from the best!!

Kevin Magill

The Barrie Kettlebell Club is like no other gym I've ever trained in. Owner Shawn Charlebois is genuinely interested in his members as are the coaches. The members are a community of "friends" who look forward to group workouts together or just helping each other reach new goals all while living the BKC's motto, "earn your strength". The gym is well equipped with everything you need to improve your strength and mobility and the 24/7 access makes it very convenient for my 5:30am workouts. I can't say enough about the professionalism and passion for fitness shown by Shawn and the coaches which makes for an excellent strength and conditioning environment. I highly recommend the Barrie Kettlebell Club to anyone who is serious about earning their strength in a clean and friendly environment.

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Kelly Talaska

After many years of belonging to a commercial gym, I purchased a couple of kettlebells and started training at home and quit the gym. I felt so smug knowing I would never ever belong to a gym again. Fast forward several years and my daughter, a certified kettlebell instructor, is going on and on and on about how much she loves this new gym she has joined. How can anyone enjoy working out at a gym I thought, been there done that. Because of a promotion that was being offered, my daughters constant daily praise of Barrie Kettlebell Club and its convenient location to my place of work, I signed up. Through that promotion, I not only gained a yearly membership but I am now on my third round of 12 personal training sessions with owner and Strength Coach Shawn Charlebois and making strength gains I never believed I would achieve. I just love everything about Barrie Kettlebell Club from the gym itself and the variety of training tools available, the other members who are all very friendly, convenient location and the guidance and help I have received from both Shawn and Coach Chris Presta. Days when I am training on my own if Chris or Shawn are in the gym, they are always available to answer any questions or give some advice and are truly supportive of me reaching my goals. I now can’t imagine not belonging to Barrie Kettlebell Club.

Leslie Toms

I have belonged to the Barrie Kettlebell Club for 4 years and what a find! Being over 55 I was a bit leary when Shawn suggested I join the group strength and conditioning classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings, The group dynamic is so supportive and encouraging that I have tried things I never would have attempted otherwise. I also work with Shawn on a personal training basis. This year he really encouraged me to put down on paper the goals I wanted to accomplish within the year. He focused my training in these areas and in a couple of months I did my first strict pull-up. On my 60th birthday I was able to do 3! Shortly after that I did a 200 lb deadlift. Shawn is a very patient coach who is a stickler for good form and I was able to accomplish all these goals without injury. He has identified a number of imbalances that are working against me getting stronger and in an effort to correct these mobility issues he has produced 2 videos of exercises just for me. Now that's "personal" training! So whether you are young or old, proficient or just beginning your fitness journey, I highly recommend Shawn as a caring and proficient coach and all around good guy.

Glenda Schoebl

Supervised workouts. Correct form is #1 priority. Classes are challenging and you will feel your effort the next day. Excited to see personal growth after my 5 month goal marker.

Jolene Morrow

BKC Is an awesome spot! Whether you are looking for group classes, individualized training sessions with amazing coaches, or to simply go in on your own time this place offers it all. Great team here, as well as open 24/7. Couldn't ask for more!

Glenn Stephenson

The atmosphere at BKC is super friendly and supportive. Shawn is an incredible coach. He has created a dynamic strength and conditioning program that keeps me motivated and eager to train. Overall, this is the best results and gym experience I have ever had. Energizing. Challenging. Fun.

Jes Thompson

Shawn has been such a great coach over the last couple of months! He keeps every class interesting and changes up the routine so it never gets old. The group that I am in is awesome and everyone is supportive of each other. It is such a positive and motivating environment that it is hard not to get addicted!

Justin Doncaster

This isn't your regular gym! Shawn has a way to make you feel very welcome and on track to your fitness goals! He delivers workouts and feedback in an effective way and is very knowledgeable about several aspects of fitness. I also enjoy lifting the unique equipment such as kegs, stones and sleds. I also have learned from his book that he gave me copy of! I would recommend this gym to anybody looking to get in shape or stay in shape!

Terry H

If you're looking for a good workout program, this is the place. Great coaching, friendly atmoshere, and small groups make for a great experience.

doreen bolton

Love my Kettlebell class with Shawn at Bliss, he is very encouraging and informative.

Amy Haigh

Shawn is an excellent strength coach. I like the way he's always changing what we do in class to keep us challenged. I highly recommend him!

E Hymander

I haven't been this strong since Homer Simpson first said "D'Oh!" in 1987. Three months ago, after much careful research, I chose Shawn and brought him a small handful of very specific strength goals I had previously tried and failed to achieve, many times on my own. It is difficult to put into words the incredible feeling you get when those goals suddenly start to finally materialize, literally right before your eyes. Under Shawn's watchful eye and meticulous no-nonsense and highly personable strength coaching, I have him to thank for helping to finally take me from "D'Oh!" to " D'Ohh yaaa."

Kara Brooks

I have been a member of the Barrie Kettlebell Club since it opened. I absolutely love this gym. The atmosphere is amazing and everyone treats you like family. The gym is clean, friendly and they offer anything from personal training to group kettlebell classes. One of my favourite things about the BKC is that every Friday they offer a FREE class at 3:30pm -- all you have to do is bring in a food item for the Barrie Food Bank! -- I especially love this class because anyone/everyone can go! - Beginners never feel overwhelmed, it is just a fun way to kick off your weekend! I highly recommend giving this gym a try - you will not be disappointed!

Carole Quevillon-Daoust

Coach Shawn's calm but motivating approach to weight training was the perfect match for our 16 year old son who whas looking to gain some muscle mass before his first Junior hockey season. In a fully equipped but non-intimidating facility, Shawn knew how far to push Phil with creative and non-traditional programs. As a parent, I appreciated Shawn's emphasis on proper dietary habits. Phil started his season more confirdent because of BKC and looks forward to working with Shawn again when he gets back in town...

Mariah Tennant

Exceptional facility! Barrie Kettlebell Club has all the equipment I need and more! Most of all they have a huge selection of ketllebells, of course, which is something I have not found at any commercial gym. It is a great space, very good set up and very clean. I love that depending on the hour of day I can go there and have the whole gym to myself. However, all the members are very nice and friendly and always willing to help each other out.

Marian Brown

Shawn is an excellent coach. The classes are varied daily and weekly to keep them interesting, and are designed so each member focuses on improving their performance while enjoying the motivation and support of the others. A very fun and positive atmosphere!

Chris Presta

What makes our club special and unique is the caliber of our members. Humble, hard-working, kind people who understand "easy" and "shortcut" gets you nowhere but challenging yourself and embracing a little bit of struggle will help you demolish any of life's obstacles.

Thom Lillie

Barrie Kettlebell Club is not your typical run-of-the-mill gym. The members are great, the facility is convenient and the coaches are top-notch! Everyone at BKC is there for the same reasons: to get fit/strong and stay healthy! No BS, just good people and a great environment to be in! As a healthcare professional and someone who has trained at many different facilities in the past, I can't speak highly enough of this place.

Nancy Leach

Excellent coaching, very encouraging environment, great workouts!

Harley Cooper

Can't say enough good things about the quality of trainers here. After 8 months and counting of one on one training I appreciate most that the training isn't generic and has been focused on achieving my personal goals.

Painter Girl

Shawn is a great coach. Bliss added his class to a 6:15 am Thursday rotation in august which was just what I needed, as that's the time of year I get very bored with my routine. It's now a regular class for me because it's challenging (Shawn pays attention to what weight you are using and suggests higher ones, knowing as a coach how strong you actually are - which makes it difficult to be lazy), really nicely paced, and he has a laid back personality. I'm hooked!

Amanda Comission

I'm so glad I found BKC! The workouts are varied and challenging, and the small class sizes allow for lots of personal coaching on weight and technique. I love training with Shawn and alongside all the fantastic BKC peeps!

Ryan Furchner

I've been working out at the Barrie Kettlebell Club for the past 3 years (2 summers and a full year). I started as a lanky individual recovering from a hernia (work related) and a nagging shoulder injury, and in that time Shawn has coached and guided me into the strongest I have ever been. Not just physically strong, but mentally as well. His passion for the subject makes him beyond knowledgable, and the feedback he provides constantly plays well with the eclectic workouts he creates (keg lifts, heavy stones, sleds, tires, kettlebells, battle ropes, and of course the typical barbell and dumbbell work). His varied classes keep the work interesting and the effort you bring constant and growing. He will ensure you exercise with proper form so you can get the most out of your efforts at BKC. The classes while challenging are always in a welcoming and open environment, there's plenty of laughter, interesting conversation, and hard work. If you're looking for a gym that will produce results in a welcoming atmosphere the Barrie Kettlebell Club is the place, and Shaw is your guy, he will get you there.