Testimonials
Expert Testimonials
“I personally admire Ben three dimensionally . . . he physically practices what he preaches and enjoys functional movements to enhance his life. His inquisitive mind is always engaged, as he constantly seeks more truth and develops additional strategies to help us understand and implement various techniques and exercises. However, it is his spirit that makes him even more special, always seeking to encourage and enlighten.”Gary Gray, Physical Therapist (Father of Function)
“Ben Dearman and KDR Fitness Systems are not only the single best fitness training resource in NH, they are rapidly becoming one of THE BEST in the country. With the rare ability to combine cutting edge science with time proven in-the-trenches results KDR is the real deal.” Alwyn Cosgrove – Owner Results Fitness, voted top ten gyms in the country by Men’s Health 2 years running.
“Ben is one of the rare professionals that can seamlessly integrate the art and science necessary to successfully transform the physical and mental wellbeing of anyone on any level. The combination of knowledge, skills and abilities he possesses is unsurpassed in the many, many years I have spent in academia as well as in the field. I consult with clients, organizations, athletes, teams, police officers, military personnel, fitness professionals and world renowned researches on a daily basis, so the fact that I use Ben as one of my resources is a significant credit to him as a professional. I give him my highest recommendation and will gladly offer a reference to anyone interested in learning more about his services.”
Eric Marsh B.S., ACSM-CPT
In SHAPE Coordinator, Riverbend CMHC
Owner: Fun Intelligent Training LLC
funintelligenttraining.com
Client Testimonials
“I’ve been training with Ben three times per week since October ‘06. My objectives are:
- To get stronger
- To lose body fat
- To do 1 and 2 above without injury
Ben’s a movement specialist. His training style is an integrated approach based largely on how we move in our daily lives. Time is devoted to whole body or related muscle group training. Cardio and strength training are often combined in timed circuits, which keep me moving for the entire session. At any given time I might be slamming weighted balls into the floor or against the wall, hefting beer kegs over my head or flipping tractor tires – things we do in our daily lives. In the last four months Ben’s been helping me with a new nutrition program that has changed not only what I eat, but how and when I eat and even how I think about food. We all know that nutrition is inexorably linked to successful training. I want to lose weight, but it’s got to be fat, not muscle that I’m losing. Since Ben knows the level/intensity of my training he’s in a perfect position to get my diet and training program in sync. We get together twice a month for nutrition counseling, article review, and assessment (weight, body fat composition, body measurement), and then we make corrections if necessary. This approach has worked very well. I’m steadily losing weight without losing muscle. I can’t even imagine working out without a personal trainer. It’s like getting a tooth fixed without a dentist. There’s a lot at stake here – my safety, my health (physical and mental) and my performance at work and at play. For such an awesome responsibility I want a trainer who is an expert in his field, and Ben’s the best. He’s a good educator. He has the knowledge and experience required to develop a program specific to my needs. He can communicate well which helps me to be an active participant in my training, but more importantly I can use what I’ve learned outside the gym. He’s a good motivator, attentive enough to keep me safe and pushy enough to challenge me beyond what I think I can do. He makes training fun (most of the time) and always has an encouraging word at the end of the hour. He’s a good listener and observer. He can tell when I’m off and is genuinely interested in knowing how I’m feeling; changing the day’s training session as needed. We frequently revisit goals, something hard to do unless you’ve kept good records on where we’ve been. Ben’s constantly reassessing how my program is going. My goals are being met. I’m much stronger. I’ve lost body fat. I eat differently. I even move differently. Ben is largely responsible for this. He is passionate about what he’s doing, an essential trait for achieving excellence in any endeavor. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with him.
The short version: Ben kicks my butt.”
Elaine Neal M.D., Dentist (Professional Wake Boarder)
“Coach… therapist… great sense of humor…
encourages me to do… “Just one more”. (Grunt)
scolding me when necessary… “Did you cheat on that
one?” (Whimper)
no matter how stressful my day has been, I always feel
better after our session… “Good job” (smack… high
five)”G.Gray-Buchanan art director (Amateur Bare Knuckle Fighter)
“I have been training with Ben for about four months. Prior to this I had been working out on my own for three years. I trained hard, but whenever I would go out to play rugby or soccer I would always end up pulling my hamstrings and getting sidelined for at least a couple of weeks. Like most people these days, I spend most of the work day sitting on my ass. Over the last ten years or so my body had adapted to life in a chair. Despite working out all of the time, I continued to injure myself when I played sports.
Ben approached me during one of my typical days of over training myself, and asked me if I had been reaching my goals.I realized then that I had been spending five or more hours a week lifting without a specific goal or any way of knowing how to reach them. I realized my goals were to be able to play the sports I wanted without getting recurrent injuries, and to gain strength. I was a little skeptical to start training, as I thought that I already knew how to train.
Taking an objective view of my strengths and weaknesses, Ben formulated a plan to increase the strength and flexibility of my gluteal’s, adductors, and hamstrings. The workouts were difficult, as I had been neglecting my weak areas while I worked on my strong areas. Ben took me through the entire process of thorough and appropriate warm up, training and recovery; concepts of which I had little understanding.
Under Ben’s guidance I have been able to make great strides towards my goal. It has been months since I have had a hamstring pull, and since he has made me stop overtraining, I started gaining a lot of muscle mass. As a physician, I have been impressed with Ben’s knowledge of anatomy and physiology and how this is melded into our workouts. Our workouts continue to push me, inform me and make my stronger. I would recommend his Ben’s approach and his guidance to anyone, without hesitation.”
Jeremy Hopkin M.D. (Strongman Competitor)
“During the 4 months I trained with Ben I not only took steps towards achieving my goals, but I also learned how to adjust my habits for a healthy lifestyle. He helped me train for what my body was able to handle instead of trying to push me to train in a cookie cutter way. Even now that I have moved away I still follow the program he set up for me.”
I am (was) the kind of woman that needed to be inspired to work out. I had reached a serious level of self-loathing and hated my body – at least from the waist down. Diet and exercise on my own just didn’t cut it. I decided to bite the bullet and enlist the services of a personal trainer and that is when I met Ben Dearman. Our first session was an overall assessment and goal setting. It was Ben’s genuine interest in my overall health that convinced me to give him a shot. Ben was very clear about what we needed to do to see results and that the physical workout was only part of what was needed so he covered proper diet and nutrition, put me on a plan and continually guides me with bi-weekly nutrition meetings. Ben has done more for my self-esteem and fitness than I could have ever done on my own. I have noticed changes in my body and I have increased energy, strength and my stress has been reduced. What has impressed me most about Ben as a trainer is the way he stays focused on me during our training sessions. He watches every rep of every set to make sure I am getting the most out of every movement. Ben also makes sure I know exactly how the exercise is done properly. Ben not only instructs he listens. He is very aware of my ability as well as my limitations and works within those parameters knowing when to push and when to let me slide. I can’t thank Ben enough for the changes both inside and out and highly recommend him and the balance of head and heart he lends to his training sessions.”
Ann Fraser, (Chef to the Stars)
Hartford, Vermont
“Ben really did a tremendous amount to get our son, Kevin, in fantastic shape for
the 2006-2007 snowboarding season.
The results they achieved, while working out at the RVC, translated into by far
the best season Kevin has ever had in his professional snowboarding career…
Kevin told us he got a lot stronger and that Ben knows how to make the sessions
fun in spite of the hard work!”Pia and Simon Pearce
“I have been working out with Ben for a year and a half now and have seen great results. I recently increased my workouts to twice a week and I have dropped body fat percentage and gained a great deal of strength in the process. As a distance runner, I never really pictured myself strength training or doing Olympic lifts but Ben has broadened my horizons past just cardio runs. If you are looking for a serious workout with great results, you’d be hard pressed to find someone better able to design a workout for you.”
Heather Low, Teacher (Power Lifter)
“I first met Ben Dearman three years ago in Ft. Benning, Ga when he was working as the strength and conditioning coach for the Army Rangers. We trained together in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and while this was going on I noticed his uncanny ability to teach. I also was impressed with his vast amount of knowledge when it came to functional strength training.
At the time I was nursing a knee injury that I attained from training that wouldn’t seem to go away with whatever I tried to do to make it go away but to no avail. Ben agreed to evaluate my biomechanics, and He also showed me some stretches I had never seen or even heard of before while providing me a rehab program for my knee. He said the stretches were three- dimensional, meaning that they were functional to the way the body moves in all three planes of movement. I was skeptical when I first started doing them, thinking that they wouldn’t help with my knee pain, but after about two weeks I felt a huge difference when I got into the pool to do some laps. Not only did the tension in my knee feel a lot looser, but my hips and lower back also felt more limber. Since then I’ve made those stretches a staple in my workout program, and I’ve also had a good friend of mine remark on how much the stretches helped with his lower back pain he acquired from being an infantry officer in the U.S. Army.
Ben has a gift for teaching, and still to this day I go to him for any questions I may have regarding injury prevention and improved athletic performance.”A1C Michael Wright
United States Air Force
“Ben has a unique combination of intensity, humanity, knowledge, and an ability to impart it. He is willing and able to find new perspectives on the knowledge he holds and uses that quality to ensure that one knows not only how to do something, but why. In working with Ben I’ve found that he knew just how far to push myself and the people I trained with to allow us to transcend our pre-conceived limits. I would gladly work with Ben anytime.”
-Sean Padgett (Cage Fighter…against Bears)
Integrated Martial Arts Club
Dartmouth College
“Choosing to work with Ben as a trainer has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my athletic career. As a rower, I need help from someone who will take the time to understand the specifics of the sport and find ways for me to achieve greater peak power and strength; Ben has done just that. He listens to what my goals are—for the week, the season, or just in general—and then comes up with strength training routines to help me achieve them, even if it’s just helping me prepare for an erg test I’m panicking about.
I’m constantly impressed with the thought he puts in to finding new exercises that will be the most beneficial for me. If after the first set of a new exercise he’s come up with, Ben doesn’t like how it’s working for me; he’ll tweak it and switch things around until it’s accomplishing exactly what he wants it to. When I’m working with him, I don’t feel like he’s just going through the steps because it’s his job, I feel like he really cares about my success and making the most out of my time at the gym. If I feel like something isn’t working, Ben takes the time to help me make sure I’m doing it right. He also makes sure I understand the purpose of each exercise so I have a better understanding of how my body works. Another thing that really impresses me about Ben is just how knowledgeable he is. He understands exactly what the body is capable of, and all of the minute connections between different muscles and groups. He’s taken the time to go above and beyond what’s expected, and I know that I’m working with a real professional in whom I have the utmost confidence.
It’s clear to me that Ben is truly passionate about what he does and making sure he helps clients achieve their maximum potential. Training with someone who cares that much about their job makes a huge difference, and Ben has been great to work with—he is easygoing and funny, and I always have a good time when I’m lifting; it’s a big plus to be able to look forward to seeing your trainer. Not only do we chat and joke around, but I get a lot done at the same time, and I’ve really noticed a difference in my performance since I’ve been working with Ben. He has made me a better rower, and helped me go beyond just preparing for college crew—I feel that he’s given me a great foundation for strength training in the future while I am away, and I will continue to come to him for help and advice when I am at home. I don’t think anybody can surpass Ben.”Catie Steidl, Student (Jump Rope Champion…of the Universe)
“To those who need to know!!
We hired Ben Dearman on recommendation as a personal trainer for our teenager, who was not particularly motivated. Our son is a solid ski racer, although his coaches felt he could do better if… x, y, and z. He was pretty tight muscularly, which is one thing we wanted Ben to work on with him, along with just trying to motivate him to understand what work outs could do for him athletically.
In a word, Ben was fantastic!! He took the time to think about the ski racing aspect of it for our son, and then rolled with the punches that were needed to motivate and excite our son about exercise and the importance of stretching. At the same time, he was personalizing the program for downhill skiing.
Although we only did this short term, it helped our son tremendously. Other things going on in his life have helped with his motivation, as well as the personal training. But, it is certainly safe to say that his training with Ben taught him a lot that he can carry with him, as he continues to grow. We can unequivocally and without reservation recommend Ben. We are grateful he was recommended to us to help our son at this time.”
Thanks Ben!Melody and Robert Blake
“I witnessed Ben Dearman in live action at the Army Ranger base in Fort Benning, GA. Not a clinic, not an exhibit, simply his everyday handling of building elite infantry men and women.
What amazed me was the complexity of his program design. Beyond strength and conditioning, Ben orchestrated repair work on injured soldiers. I witnessed his forging of new enlistees into chaotic conditioning levels. And most importantly I saw him prime our front-line soldiers into fierce, functional warriors.
I would not call Ben a specialist because that would limit the concept of what he is capable of. Ben Dearman is one of the most sophisticated, well-rounded training experts I have ever met.”
Marty Mitchell (The Mart-Gyver of Exercise)
www.strengthmill.com
www.ironwoodyfitness.com
Trainer
Strength Equipment Design and Sales
“I love Ben! On the days I go in to work out with him, I am confident that I will leave the gym overly satisfied with our work out. Even though I moved to Burlington I still come back to New Hampshire to work with Ben, because he comes up with the most creative and fun work out for me while I am busy at school. Ben’s knowledge about athletic training is very clear. He is also a good teacher, because every time I go in to work out with Ben, I learn new exercises every time!”
Jana Cutler, Student (Model)
“Cynics might say that Ben has just trained great athletes, but I think he just sees great things in ordinary people and then makes them see what he does. That’s the kind of vision I want in a coach.”
Amanda Virginia Heywood Thornton, Student (Women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu New England Champion)
Training with Ben is never boring. He knows how to challenge his clients while keeping them motivated and focused.
Nancy, Gemini (Retired American Gladiator)
“Training with Ben has been a life changing experience. He has showed me how to get serious about my workouts and the dedication that is needed to achieve the kind of goals that I have. Without Ben I would still be stuck in the same routine that was leading me nowhere in terms of weight loss and becoming a fitter athlete. He makes training an addictive experience through his wonderful sense of humor and creativity. As a trainer I can greatly appreciate the thought process that goes into his program design. The energy, the laughing, the motivation, the education he gives me are all a big reason why I am hooked for life with Ben. It does not matter who you are if you have a goal Ben will help you achieve it in the shortest amount of time.”
Jen Poljacik, Master trainer, River Valley Club (Lion Tamer)
“Before I started training with Ben, I felt that I had reached a good level of fitness that I maintained for a few years, but I had been struggling with lower back pain for over a year. I sought various therapies for treatment, but nothing seemed to help. Since I started training with Ben, my overall level of fitness has improved, and I have reached a strength level that I didn’t think I was capable of. I no longer have lower back pain and feel like my body is finally balanced. I spend less time working out now, but because of the intensity of the workouts with Ben; I’m achieving a greater level of fitness in less time. Ben is not only a personal trainer he is an educator, one of the things I have learned is the importance of how a really good warm-up can make all the difference in the quality of the workout. I always look forward to my workouts with Ben, I know that I will always be challenged and I never know what to expect with each workout.”
Erin Thibedeau, Massage Therapist (New England Female Arm Wrestling Champion)
“I’ve been working with Ben for almost 2 years now. I started out having little, if any, experience in a gym environment. Ben has pushed me so that I now feel a great sense of overall fitness. I am amazed at the variety of the routines that he comes up with for each session. His good humor and positive outlook have made the entire process very enjoyable; in fact, I really look forward to seeing what he has in store for me at the start of each meeting!”
Jack Taylor (Beast Master)
“I have been working with Ben since January 2007. I had made a commitment to myself that I needed to get into better shape while there was still hope – you know how we just go from bad to worse if left of our own accord. I realized that my work would be more successful if an expert guided me in this……….. ………..and Ben entered the picture!!!
Ben’s first questions were – “well, what do you want to accomplish”. He did a thorough review of my goals and my abilities, and my current condition (poor!!). We then started on a journey of building my condition and strength. Ben provides just the right mix of encouragement and expectation, and he changes the workout in a way that always keeps it interesting. For some number of weeks we will do a certain set of things, and then suddenly he will announce, “OK – we are starting something different today” I am a nurse so I understand anatomy and muscle structure and movement………but Ben is incredible in figuring out how to work a certain muscle, in a certain way, to get optimum results. There are these little quirks about my muscles – one side stronger than the other, one side more flexible than the other. Ben will stop, sort of stare into the distance, begin to move his muscles in a certain way and then say – “OK, try this – this is what you do”
I am still working to reach my final goals, but the improvements I am making in muscle strength and conditioning get more obvious all the time. One of the best things about Ben is that he likes what he does and is upbeat and positive. More importantly, he will make a commitment to you. As long as you are willing to do the work, Ben is there for you ……to help you get it done!”
Linda Von Reyn, (Professional, Full Contact, Dirt Bike Racer)
“I work as a trainer in the same club as Ben Dearman and had watched with
interest his “unique” training styles with his clients. They seemed to have a
tremendous amount of fun while still working ridiculously hard. I had grown
bored with the same old routines of my own programs and decided to hire Ben as a
trainer to try something different. Almost a year later, I am in the best shape
of my life and stronger than I have ever been throughout 15 years of exercising
(all this even though my body fat falls within the obese range). I would
recommend Ben Dearman as a trainer for anyone looking to get leaner, faster,
stronger and have fun while they’re doing it!!”Bonnie McDonald, Chek III, Movement Specialist, River Valley Club (Strongest woman in New England)
