★ 5

I’m a retired cardiologist with shoulder issues that affect my weightlifting. Kirk has eased the discomfort with his stretching and mobility work to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. He also employs the Kaatsu blood flow restriction technique to build strength and muscle mass. He’s certified in this technique, as well as exercising with kettle bells.

Source: Google

★ 5

After my recent milestone birthday, I finally decided it was time to take the plunge and invest in myself. I had wanted to get healthier for quite some time but felt overwhelmed and lost as to which way to accomplish that. I came to the conclusion that working with a personal trainer would be ideal for me but nothing I came across seemed quite right. That’s when I stumbled upon Fireside Fitness. I contacted Kirk via his website and to be completely transparent, the nervous/scared part of me thought, “Eh, maybe he won’t see it” and I could at least say to myself, “Hey, I tried.” But (fortunately) I was wrong. Kirk was very prompt at contacting me back and we quickly set up a consultation. Working with Kirk and investing in myself has been one of the best things I’ve done for myself in a long time. I feel stronger, have more energy, and just today put on an old pair of jeans that are 2 sizes smaller than a pair of pants I bought this summer (all while eating more and consistently throughout the day). It’s been a challenge to let go of archaic, diet-culture ways of thinking; that if I just reached a certain number on the scale, I’d be healthy. As Kirk says, “Trust the process. Trust the science.” I’ve been working with Kirk for about 8 weeks now and I can confidently say I’m no longer chasing a made-up number on the scale. I’m more interested in my increased strength, energy, confidence, and how I feel. If you’re looking for someone to help you achieve your goals, look no further than Kirk.

Source: Google

★ 5

As a rugby player, creating a program that develops strength and mass without losing speed has been really helpful during my in-season play. I'm Looking forward to the off season workouts next!

Source: Google

★ 5

i would like to say thank you Kirk for helping me for last couple months, amazing person, friendly, full of life and knowledge. for last 10 years i HAD high blood pressure, been on 3 different medications for last 10 years, last 3months I've been working with him and for the first time i DO NOT have to take ant blood pressure pills, amazing how someone could care so much from the start and know how to help.....working in a clean environment with good conversation and good schedule make working out so much easy and smooth and clearly with amazing results. i would recommend him and his training for everyone who like to do better in life and health. thank you again

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training with Kirk for a while now. My experience with him has been nothing but pleasant. Being a Police Officer, my work schedule is very unpredictable and Kirk have been very accommodating and understanding. He tries his best to accommodate my schedule according to my work week and convenience. Kirk works very hard with you to get you the best results using his years of experience and knowledge.

Source: Google

★ 5

After 6 months of workouts and talking to Kirk you can tell he has a great knowledge of body mechanics and anatomy and how they all go hand and hand.

They say trust the process and I did with Kirk. I have seen significant physical changes while being injury free. I have learned techniques that provide similar results as my previous workouts at other gyms while being taught how to prevent unnecessary injuries.

Kirk scales to your abilities and physical capabilities. He provides and is trained in many disciplines such as weight lifting, kettle bells, KAATSU, and much more. This for me has been beneficial as it provides me a larger range of training options and helps target muscle groups I previously may have taken for granted.

I will continue my journey at Fireside and can’t wait to see the results in another 6 months!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Ive known Kirk for years. His dedication to the fitness industry and his clients is unmatched. Hes a strict disciplinarian in his approach and methods of training. He never stops learning and applying his education in the training of his clients. To this day hes my first recommendation.

Source: Google

★ 5

Kirk is good at listening and tailoring a fitness plan to your particular needs and concerns. I have neck issues that just doing push-ups would cause my neck to flare up, he was able to help me work in my technique to reduce the tension on my neck. Very patient and knows his stuff.

Source: Google

★ 5

THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO!! I am 60 yrs old with a LOT of physical challenges right now due to back related injuries and multiple surgeries. I wasn’t sure a fitness trainer could even help me, but I knew I had to get moving more or I’d become even weaker. I am now five weeks into working with Kirk, the owner. I am SO EXCITED to share with anyone looking for the PERFECT “FIT” for a trainer! He’s your guy! He really knows what he’s doing. Never have I left feeling he over did it- works all the right muscles in just the right way- I feel just enough to tell we worked those muscles and I’m telling you, I already have the benefits of feeling stronger, moving around so much more, people noticing and getting positive feedback. I highly recommend calling Kirk and set up a consult. His fitness studio is private, which I like, and if you are LOOKING FOR A GREAT PLACE TO GET FIT AND STRONG, Kirk can help you ACHIEVE ANY GOAL you have!!! My prayer answered!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I was coming upon a “milestone” birthday and decided this would be the year I make fitness a priority in my life. I had never been comfortable doing any weight training on my own; in fact, I had injured myself trying. I also had felt intimidated by trainers in the past and didn't get much beyond a few lessons before I quit, unmotivated and defeated. Then I read about Kirk Orelup and Fireside Fitness, and I found the most wonderful path to reach my goals.

Kirk is so unlike most trainers. You know that from the very beginning when he asks you to complete a unique personal questionnaire. He is really interested in who you are as a person--what motivates you? what are you proud of? what makes you happy? He then uses what he learns about the inner you and combines it with what he observes about your physical abilities to design a fitness program uniquely for you. What a concept! I truly believe this approach is why I have, for the first time in my life, stuck with a workout program and feel strong. I am making great progress and am truly proud of myself!

Kirk has taught me so much because he doesn't just tell you what to do, he explains why and exactly how to use each part of your body for maximum results and to prevent injury. This has given me the confidence to use weights at home on my own as well. He is a gifted instructor.

Training with Kirk is such a positive experience. If you are looking for a fitness coach who will help you to achieve the results you're seeking and do it in a supportive, yet challenging manner, then Fireside Fitness will be the Godsend for you that it has been for me. Thanks to Kirk, I reached that "milestone birthday" stronger and healthier than ever before, and I'm clamoring for more. What a gift!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I've worked with a number of trainers from various disciplines over the past 20 years, and Kirk is one of the best. I started working with Kirk because I wanted a knowledgeable, professional trainer who would challenge me AND "protect me from myself." I'm a little Type A, and I push myself hard during workouts. Sadly, that means that once or twice a year, I injure myself--usually my low back. Kirk's approach has been flexible, methodical and careful, and he has managed to create a regimen that's challenging. I've been working with Kirk since late last summer (about 6 months post a low back injury), and I've since returned to exercises (e.g., dead lifts) that I thought were "off the table" forever!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great trainer. He cares about the well-being of the individual. His fees are competitive and the environment is private.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am 36 years old and I have been a client of Kirk's on and off over the last 3 years. When I first met Kirk I was living the typical unhealthy fast food no exercise lifestyle. Kirk really helped me see the forest through the trees by being patient and working on not only strength but "Functional Fitness." He helped me just literally move and feel better all around because he teaches you more than just the exercises but a healthier lifestyle. This last weekend I went to a birthday party with my kids and had the chance to do some obstacles you see on the American Ninja Warrior type shows and much to my surprise I was able to do quite a few of them; run up the 12' wall, leap with my hands from one parallel bar to another, shimmy up the walls in a skinny pathway . Things that I never thought I'd be able to do ever again really, and this was after rocking the new Grayslake Sledding Hill with my kids (hadn't gone sledding in years either!)

I am so grateful for the time Kirk has put into listening to me and training me and working with my own unique set of exercising needs. He really has given me some good quality years back that I was pretty certain I had lost.

Jeff Haroldson

Source: Google

★ 5

Kirk is an excellent trainer. He tailors the training regimen to meet the clients desired outcomes. Highly recommend!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Kirk does an extensive assessment of your lifestyle, your habits, and your goals. He then provides customized training to help you achieve those goals. His experience is obvious and he makes modifications with your workout as needed - for pain, for emphasis on weak areas or to focus on what YOU want to work on. You don't need to already be fit. Kirk works with all levels and all types of bodies. I highly encourage anyone to give him a try.

Source: Google

★ 5

Kirk is very knowledgeable and really has a passion for helping change people for the better. He really helped me understand different aspects about fitness that I never thought of, would recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Kirk is an expert at fitness and nutrition. When I adhere to his direction, I ALWAYS have excellent results. His location and personalized instruction is superb!

Source: Google

★ 5

I truly believe Kirk is one of the best in the business. He is highly motivated to help YOU on your journey and will tailor to your specific needs. Kirk has a strong commitment, attitude and knowledge base to help you achieve your goals. Look no further than Fireside Fitness.

Source: Google

★ 5

Kirk at Firside Fitness is great!! He is perfect for those who are afraid of gyms, trainers, or exercise in general. He starts at your level of ability and ups the challenge as you adapt so that you can continue to grow. He understands what it takes to encourage growth and that excess is not ever as effective as keeping you working at a level that is achievable but challenging. And he gets results! You'll have fun, feel great, and will see your fitness improve.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the first workout regime I have been able to stick with....3 years and counting. I am stronger than ever at 52. My blood pressure has come down and is in control without medication...and despite gaving 2 parents with high blood pressure most of their lives.

2 years ago, I fell down some cement steps and broke my right arm badly...i needed surgery. Workout were on hold for 6 months replaced by therapy elsewhere. When the doctor was ok with it, Kirk met with my therapist and developed routines to get back my full strength and range of motion. My therapist was stunned with the full recovery.

Kirk makes sure I am challenged and do not get bored, but he also is encouraging and adapts the plan for my ability.

If you want to truly improve your fitness, Fireside Fitness is a great choice!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've known Kirk for a few years now. He has a home workout center and provides great one on one training. Get what you want in fitness or strength training with the instruction and support you need. I highly recommend Kirk's training program.

Source: Google

★ 5

Kirk was great! An exercise program was tailored specifically for my needs which was easy to follow. I have been to numerous gyms, trainers, and "bootcamps" that did not offer the one on one efficiency that Fireside could. I also finally learned how to CORRECTLY use kettle bells, which most cross-fit or boot camps fail to teach. Highly recommend to anyone looking for quality corrective work and/or personalized exercise!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been training with Kirk for roughly 8 years. There's a reason that I've remained with Kirk so long, and it's not that I haven't met my goals. My goal is to be healthy and Kirk is far and away the best person to help you meet this kind of goal. Without Kirk, I know I would not make the time to exercise. My life, like everyone else's, is crammed full of appointments, meetings, shuffling children from place to place, and taking care of a house. Kirk makes working out enjoyable. He's a wonderful conversationalist and has a way of convincing me to eek out just a couple more reps. He not only works within your physical means, he also challenges you within those means. He is a fabulous resource for nutritional issues and makes every effort to determine what might be making your body feel less than cooperative. If a simple fix isn't able to cure what ails you, he will refer you to one of the medical and nutritional professionals within his network. Would I love to look like a model? Sure. Am I 100 percent happy being as healthy as I can possible be? YES! Without Kirk's guidance and support, I'm not sure I could do that.

Source: Google

★ 5

Kirk's main goal is to increase your fitness level without hurting you. I've had workouts with other trainers that I merely tried to survive. Kirk's workouts let you thrive. I go in knowing that I'll leave energized and better than when I came in. Kirk's philosophy is the opposite of "No Pain, No Gain". Kirk knows that good form makes for a more efficient workout. I get a good workout, practice good form and don't have to crawl out of the gym when it's over. As an experienced athlete exposed to many theories of fitness, I can't endorse Kirk's program highly enough. It's exactly what I was looking for.

Source: Google

★ 5

Every session at Fireside Fitness is exhilarating. Kirk works with you to find that perfect balance of "wow-I really worked hard today" and "really?- this seems way too easy to be getting me fit". I'm always willing to try one or two more reps because he doesn't push you beyond your limits, instead he encouragingly mentions how much progress you have made. I haven't once thought about giving up on my goal under Kirk's guidance. His knowledge of all things exercise, fitness and nutrition is extensive and I recommend Fireside Fitness to anyone looking for a comprehensive training experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was able to attain my three goals of building strength, increasing lean body mass and endurance with Kirk Orelup in just a few sessions. He has a way of motivating you to increase strength and endurance without pushing you too far. He knows what he’s doing and what you’re capable of. What sets him apart from other fitness trainers as that he delves deeply into nutrition and lifestyle choices. We all know that exercise isn’t the only ingredient for health. Kirk gives sound advice on a whole foods based diet as well as lifestyle choices that sets you up to be stronger, leaner and healthier.

Source: Google