Training, competing and an obsession with movement have been my passions and my life
for over 40 years. From the moment I stepped foot in a gymnastics gymnasium at age
14 I knew I had found home.
Gymnastics taught me a love of pure movement and an appreciation for what the human
body can do. As well as its frailties. It also taught me to look at movement with a
discerning, disciplined eye.
Endurance training taught me to breathe and to keep going on, no matter what. Marathons,
ultra marathons and triathlons were tests of the mind as well as the body and showed
me the power of asceticism and how much the body can really do.
Strength training and powerlifting taught me focus and power and intent. The creation
of force from a single thought and how to bring that force to bear in an instant.
And how hard heavy loads can be to a simple human frame.
Coaching and teaching have always been as natural to me as breathing. I love to help
others experience the joy of strong movement and physical courage.
And now back full circle with kettlebells. Back to swings and the weightlessness of
gymnastics, the heart pounding cardio intensity of climbing hills on a race bike and
the focused grinding strength of the powerlifts. And, best of all, the simplicity and
purity of running, where all one needs is some shoes and some road all I need is one
kettlebell and some floor.
Resume
2017
Author: An Ounce of prevention is worth a kilogram of cure
2016
Author: The Triple Progressions system explained
2015
Chief Instructor GiryaStrength
2014
Author: Body Maintenance, the Users Guide
Nov 2012
Master SFG Instructor with StrongFirst
2011
Author: Mastering the Hardstyle Kettlebell Swing DVD
2008
Master RKC Instructor
2007
Author: Restoring Lost Physical Function DVD
2002-Present
Owner - Girya Kettlebell Training, Senior Russian Kettlebell Instructor.
217 California Ave, Palo Alto, Ca. 94306
2002-1998
Head Trainer, No Excuses Personal Training, 905 Middlefield Rd Palo Alto Ca
1989-1998
Owner, World Gym, 2295 Winchester Blvd, Campbell, Ca
1982-1998
Owner, Elite Training Systems Personal Training
Certifications/ Course Work
International Sports Science Association Certified Personal Trainer
Paul Chek Certified Scientific Back Training
Paul Chek Certified Core Conditioning Training
Publications
The Origins of the Dead Swing
The Repetitions within a Single Repetition
There are no strong people with weak hands
An Explanation of the Athletic Hip Hinge
The Triple Progressions system explained
An Ounce of prevention is worth a kilogram of cure
Body Maintenance, the Users Guide
DVD: Mastering the Hardstyle Kettlebell Swing, 2011
DVD: Restoring Lost Physical Function, 2007
Book: Training The Chest
Runners World Publication 1983 Getting Strong Series
Velo News: 1 article, 1981
Iron man Magazine: 6 articles, 1979-1985
Muscle Mag International: 2 articles, 1984/1986
Milo Magazine: 5 articles, 1990-1997
Videos
The Complete Mans Body Training Videos; Parts 1&2, American Sport Network, 1985-1987
Rich Gaspari’s New Age Training Series( 4 videos)
Directing
5 episodes American Muscle Magazine, 1987-1989
Coaching
Head Coach, 1st Pan Am Powerlifting Championships , 2000
Head Coach, USAPL Women National Team, World Championships Chiba Japan ,1995
Assistant Coach, USPF Women National team, World Championships, Jonkoping Sweden,
1993
Personal Coach, Catherine Kelii 5X I.P.F World Championships Competitor/ Gold Medalist
and Best Lifter 2000 Pan Am Games, 1989-2000
Personal Coach/Training partner Scott Wilson, Professional bodybuilder , AAU Mr.
America, Night Of Champions Winner, Bodybuilding Legen, 1985-1989
Personal Coach, Sue Ann McKean Ms Olympia Finalist(3X), 1981-1985
Head Coach, Gymnastics West Palo Alto, 1981-1984 Assistant Elite Coach; Oregon Academy
of Artistic Gymnastics, 1979-1980
Athletic Accomplishments
2002
Ranked in top 40 in USA 181 lb division Bench Press( 435 #) 45-49 division
Mark
at The Ironman Competition 1985. There are many ways to build strength.
After years of athletic competition Mark has concluded that Kettlebell Training
offers the best path to overall fitness, physical stability and stamina.
2000
3rd Place Masters Nationals Powerlifting (1485 total)
1997
3rd Place Masters Nationals Powerlifting ( 573 # squat)
1993
2nd Place SubMasters Nationals
1985-1989
Competitor and consistent top 3 finisher in state level bodybuilding competitions.
1978-1985
Marathon, ultramarathon and triathlon competitor
1975-1978
University of Iowa Gymnast
Full Scholarship Freshman Scholar Athlete Award 1975
Team Captain 1976-1978
Big Ten Championship Finalist 1978,Parallel bars
1972-1975
Nationally Ranked High School Gymnast Florida State All Around Record 1975
State Champion ( gold in 5/6 events)
All City( 2 years) All State( 2 years)
Team Captain ( 3 years)
Athletic Directors Award for Accomplishment
