The Back Yard

I hate working out. I’ve never enjoyed it. I’ve never been able to keep myself to any kind of consistent schedule. I usually go for a couple weeks and sputter out. I have now been working out with Kevin three times a week for over three months and have no intention on stopping. It’s the real deal.
Kevin has the ability to motivate and inspire without making you feel guilty or lame. I have had a trainer previously– it didn’t last long. I threw up almost every time and didn’t take to getting yelled at while working out. Kevin does not do this in any way. Don’t get me wrong– the workouts are tough and definitely push you, but his attentiveness to form, breathing technique, etc… make it intense yet non destructive. Also, his private personal gym could not be a more comfortable place to workout.
Bottom line is Kevin is a great human being. He’s inspiring. He cares. He makes you a better person– physically and mentally. I couldn’t recommend him and Back Yard Training more.

I am not a Unilocal man, and before writing this I decided to take a little time to read some of the reviews other clients of Kevin’s had posted. I knew no one could justly bash a guy as genuine, direct, passionate and driven to help a client succeed as Kevin is, but I wanted to see if everyone who had trained with Kevin saw not only the physical results I see, but also the balance and drive I was finding throughout aspects of my life from starting with Kevin.
…I was not at all surprised to see that I’m not alone. Not by a long shot! I had been lucky enough to find Kevin and «The Backyard» through a friend. Never written a review on Unilocal but needed to join to make sure another voice could be added to the… As you can see, the countless people that have been uplifted, changed, grounded, metamorphosed, and inspired by Kevin.
Just to talk about the physical side of things… I’ve been training with Kevin for only 2 month. A minor amount of time with a major amount physical change. And trust me I’m a guy that fluctuates like crazy, and never counts a couple pounds down as a visible success cause it usually bounces back up. Through Kevin’s completely personalized and completely structured by your own pace program I’ve for the first time seen a steady weight loss and durable strengthening of even some muscles I never knew were there. I’ve trained for football in high school, worked with many other trainers, biked 23miles back and forth for months on end, boxed, did T25 and, insanity, but never saw the direct and specific results that I’m seeing from Kevin and «The Backyard training.» And best part! I’m never completely burnt out, drained to the point of exhaustion and then frustration like I would be with the others. I think I’m actually more focused and working harder, cause it’s so specific and his attention is so direct. Rather then ending up after an hr workout expending energy in a less productive way.
Off of that, I need specify what makes Kevin unlike any other calm but direct, personalized and detailed incredible trainer in vast city of LA, he creates a indisputable sense of drive an balance with in you. And from reading other clients reviews I could see that it was the common tread. I’m not sure if it’s his joy for training and helping others, his personal technique, or just his infectious and overall incredible spirit but, I can definitely say for myself and from what I see on Unilocal,his work brings you further then just to abs and a new confidence, he rebuilds patterns and ushers in new possibilities. He makes you learn how to enjoy pushing yourself! Like an Eskimo learning to fish! And that lesson is one that I can apply anywhere!
I can’t thank him enough already, in the 2 months I’ve been training with Kevin for all that I see and feel changing, but most importantly, for the long haul.
I would confidently suggest him to any colleague, loved one, friend, or foe regardless of age, gender, or physical ability!

Kevin is a great guy and a professional in every sense of the word. I started going to him in preparation for my wedding about a month ago and I’m already well on my way to being in the best shape I’ve ever been in. After he gains an understanding of your goals, he tailors your workout to accomplish them in a way that is very obtainable. He’s incredibly attentive to your form (a lot of trainers aren’t), supportive in a way that doesn’t involve meathead-​ish yelling, and is always positive. Whatever your goals are, I highly recommend Kevin.

Kevin is an incredible trainer. I have a leg injury that required a smart, individually tailored program. Kevin provided that and I’m happily regaining my normal strength. And his positive energy is infectious. Book a session at The Back Yard, just not while I’m there!

Kevin is a tremendous trainer and a great guy. He’s very knowledgable about training techniques, very flexible, and always stays positive and encouraging.
I’ve been in and out of gyms and training programs, but have never used a trainer consistently. After training six months with kevin 2−3x/week, my strength, endurance and posture have all improved hugely. At age 42, I feel healthier and stronger than ever.
Aside from his enthusiasm and positivity, Kevin does a few things to get great results. First, he changes up every workout and finds endless variations – you and your muscles never get used to a routine. He’s fanatical about form too, which means through sheer repetition you will instinctively use proper form no matter where you train. He also develops safe training routines to address injuries and long-​term conditions – he’s helped me through plantar fasciitis, neck pain, and various pulled muscles.
The gym itself is clean and very private, with parking too. I can’t recommend Kevin and The Back Yard enough.

Kevin is not only a nice guy but he is a true professional and good at what he does. He’s very responsive, helpful and knowledgeable. Super easy to talk to about your goals and he creates a fitness program designed around your needs and what works best for you body type. I started seeing Kevin about 6 months before my wedding and I was very happy with my results on the big day! I really can’t find one bad thing to say about his service. His studio is spotless and doesn’t smell like most sweaty gyms, plus it’s located right in the heart of Venice in a very safe and private neighborhood. He’s also great about making time to fit me in which works perfect with my unpredictable schedule. I referred my husband to him and now we may start a tandem training session which is awesome and even more affordable.

i’ve been training with kevin for nearly 4 years now. he has been awesome to work with. so knowledgable and his great sense of humor means there’s never a dull moment. i’m in my late forties and occasionally suffer from basic knee, back or shoulder injuries. kevin has been able to effectively help guide me through each healing process. i highly recommend his low impact training pool work outs. water is the way to go!

Kevin is like a breath of fresh air… He is always in top form and prepared with a personal workout geared to my specific needs. Kevin is always energetic and in a positive state of mind. He makes me feel like I matter and personally enjoys and celebrates all of my incremental improvements. Kevin is someone who really enjoys his work and he is well suited for being a trainer. He is living his dream… his enthusiasm and workout program inspires me to function at my highest potential.

My boyfriend trains with Kevin and while I was in town visiting, Kevin was nice enough to let me crash a sweat session. Best workout I have had in a long time! Kevin is incredibly knowledgeable and explains the «whys» behind everything he has you do and is all about proper form and technique. Kevins enthusiasm and energy are contagious and he is truely passionate about the work he does!

Kevin and his badass self will whip any body into shape. Just look at the testimonials.
He’s had his business for years now, and is a true professional. Make no mistake; he won’t hold your hand along the way to perfecting your ultimate goal, but this is one of those times when push comes to shove works.
No pain, no gain should be the official motto.
You’ll be happy you did–

Kevin is incredible! I came across The Back Yard Training on Unilocal and decided to check it out as I’m a former college athlete with back issues. I work out with a lot of trainers & gyms (as part of my job) and Kevin is definitely up there at the top. He’s extremely knowledgeable, energetic and most importantly a great person. All around great experience, and I would highly recommend working out with Kevin and The Back Yard Training!

Kevin is incredibly knowledgeable. Not only have the workouts I’ve done been challenging, but I’ve learned a ton. Being a former college athlete, I have worked with tons of trainers and Kevin is one of the best. I appreciate his attention to detail, his organization of the workout, and that he truly is passionate about what he does. You are missing out if you don’t at least try a workout with him.

It was really important to me as a professionel hockey player to stay in shape during my vacation in LA. I was looking for a gym but found something better than that! The back yard is a really good place to get some awesome workouts. Kevin really knows what he is doing. He corrects false posture right away and all his exercises were very well chosen to fit my needs. The training sessions definitely pushed me to my limits but Kevin made sure that we always had a good time and positive energy while working out. Because of my job I have a lot of knowledge myself when it comes to working out but I profited a lot from Kevin and will absolutely continue what he has shown me when i return to germany. I would strongly recommend Kevin to anyone looking for a outstanding personal trainer — you won’t regret it!

Cant say enough about this place. Once again, i am back in the grove of working out with Kevin and its been amazing. I’ve never repeated the same workout. Everytime its different. and his concern about techinque is amazing. He truly wants you to know that More is not always more. Sometimes less is more. and it works! This is what training is all about.

The Back Yard is located right off of Lincoln Blvd in Venice.
The pictures show the size of the gym, and you will always have that space for just you and the trainer, Kevin. You can park in a designated spot and walk right in. You can also bring your own iPod or music to plug in to the speaker he has there.
I had a back injury a while ago, and I had lost a lot of strength and had become very lopsided. Kevin has a very personalized approach to training, and I have been building my strength back up in a holistic manner, which is what we discussed as being my initial goal when I met with him for my initial visit. Kevin has a reason for each exercise I do, and he is always paying attention, helping critique form, and explaining the importance of different things. He has lots of variations of exercises so no day feels like a repeat of another day.
He keeps tracks of all the weights and reps you do so it is easy to see progressions over a long period of time, but I honestly haven’t needed to look at them to see the progressions in my first month.
Just signed up for my second month.
Would recommend this for anyone who is looking for a personal trainer.

I have been training with Kevin for few months now, I don’t remember the time I have felt this healthier and stronger, if you are looking for a personal trainer, the Back Yard training is definitely the place to go!

Kevin has been training our teenage son for 6 months now. He has developed a personalized regimen specifically designed to improve his beach volleyball skills.
Kevin is an excellent trainer in all respects. He is knowledgeable and professional. He focuses on form which is so important when starting out. He is always very positive and encouraging without pushing too far. Our sons primary focus was to improve his vertical (which he has done and continues to improve), but he has gained so much more than that. He continues to improve his core, balance, endurance and overall strength! He is truly invested in his clients-​he has even been known to come out and watch our son’s games when possible.

I live in San Francisco and wanted to have a workout while I was visiting in LA. I have a great trainer in SF, so I have a basis for comparison. Kevin is a really helpful and nice guy, who gave me an intelligent, well designed workout. If I lived in LA, he would be my trainer. Highly recommended.

I have been training with Kevin since his early years at Equinox back in 2009. Kevin helped me meet my strength needs for my first full Ironman in 2010. He was there with my family and I being supportive during the entire race. I have since competed in dozens of other Ironman events including many other endurance races.
The type of workout you will receive by Kevin is life changing something you cannot achieve with other trainers or at your local gym. Kevin offers a one hour session that is specifically catered to your athletic needs and ability. You will leave the session feeling new strength throughout your entire body and not just your legs or beach muscles. If you are looking for a fad workout or injuries than one should consider Crossfit or some other infomercial workout. If you are looking for new levels of physical fitness than strength train with Kevin Walner @ The Back Yard and incorporate other activities such as cycling, swimming, indoor spin, running, hiking, and mountain biking into your weekly training program.
I recently came off a tough off season after competing in Ironman Canada in 2014. Kevin helped re-​build my strength during the winter months and I am back at it again racing in Kona Hawaii with a full race schedule ahead of me. Besides strength training, Kevin has a short list of professionals that can assist in deep therapy massage recovery and nutrition which goes hand in hand with training. THANKS KEVIN!!!

I’ve known Kevin a long time, through thick and (my) thin. LOL. Until I met him I was actually averse to the idea of a trainer. I had seen all of the other trainers at the various gyms where I was a member. None of them seemed to be very invested in their cleints, or even interested in them. Anyway, I didn’t want to spend the money. I thought, «Why should I?» I [was] in okay shape” (so I thought). Kevin changed all of that after someone gifted me a few sessions with him. It changed my whole perception not just of trainers but of fitness and training in general.
When we met the first thing he asked me was what my goals where. Accepted everything and declared that we’ll get there together. He was right. We got there, and beyond. Far far beyond. It was hard work but it was worth it. Kevin is a very warm and engaging individual. He never literally said it out loud but I’d say the secret ingredient to his fitness coaching is DEFINITELY Kindness. It’s a primary component to his training style and his philosophy of life too (also he has a very finely tuned bullshit meter!). He brings his clients into his circle while he’s training them in his studio and keeps them there long afterward. Whenever there’s activities he thinks they’d benefit from outside the gym he sends out invites. He regularly organizes «just for fun» activities locally, such as Ultimate Frisbee meet-​ups, volleyball gettogethers, and (at least in several cases I know of) he shows up to run along side you at events like the Spartan Race or whathaveyou (he ran the Spartan Race with me and a Tough Mudder with anther client). You will meet his friends. You will meet his other clients. You will be invited into his community. You will be inspired. You will be glad that you hired him.
Enough of the mushy stuff though (even though you’ll be mushy too, if you ever hire Kevin to help you reach your goals). I’m sure what you want is to hear about real results. You want results? Here’s the results I saw while training with Kevin at his personal and private studio The Back Yard…
I increased my strength by more than double, in terms of heavy lifting – it was thanks to his challenging me at every session (and not letting me back down from his challenges). Mind you I told him in the beginning my goal was not to gain the build of a power-​lifting body builder. His training helped me put EXACTLY the amount of mass on in exactly the right places. My goals were achieved.
I dropped my body fat from 16.5% down to 9.0%. Those measurements were taken from an independent company too, not Kevin, I found my own hydrostatic water bath body fat measuring company to track my own progress – they are in no way connected to Kevin. It was amazing to hit the 9.0% (Thank you again, Kevin!)
I was basically inflexible when I met him but Kevin’s daily warm up and cool down regiments (and what he recommended I do while working out on my own) got me all my range of motion back. I have a physical therapist friend who was horrified by my limited range of motion before Kevin and stunned by the change after I worked with Kevin. Standing hand plants, high kicks, etc. I am a bendy-​body more than I ever remember having been before Kevin.
I’m 6′ 2″ tall and was lanky. I was a terrible vertical jumper. He started me at 10 vertical box hops on a 12″ high box. By the time we finished working out together I was vertical jumping onto platforms 47″ high. I was pulling off 16 hops per minute (1 minute rest between each set) doing three 1-​minute intervals. I was doing this at the gym on the days I wasn’t seeing Kevin. Every time I did it I had at least one or two people approach me to see if I was a professional athlete. It felt amazing to be thought of that way and honestly, until they started asking, I hadn’t ever thought of myself as an athlete (not even when I was running on a team). But looking at myself in the mirror, suddenly there I was, an athlete by accident!
But honestly He trains athletes too. Like I said, you’ll meet his other clients. Anyway, if I haven’t sold you on Kevin yet you won’t be sold. Which of course would be a shame for you, because he’s incredible enough to help everyone else be incredible too. Everyone. Even you. :)

This will probably be a different kind of workout than you’re used to.
It will almost certainly be a better workout than you’re used to.
Your program may not be the same as mine as Kevin tailors the routine (which changes every time) to you but I’m sure the principles will be the same.
An emphasis on perfect form over sloppily lifting heavier weights.
A full body work out every time. (and that’s the big difference for me. This approach rather than a traditional back&bis day, followed by a chest&tris day etc.)
Working on endurance and strength before moving to more challenging exercises or heavier weights.
I have belonged to gyms and used them consistently pretty much since high school. (I’m almost 40 now) I have had numerous trainers and done a wide variety of routines so I am pretty familiar with most exercises. Even so, when Kevin is keeping your form perfect you’ll be surprised how heavy a 30 pound weight can feel. Or a 10 pound weight for that matter.
I’m living in LA for a couple months to escape Brooklyn’s winter.
I ‘ve been going for about a month, five days a week. The first week I was struggling.
It’s gotten consistently better (though not easier) each week. Better endurance. Heavier weights. It’s a good feeling. I’ll miss it when I go back to Brooklyn.
Long story short:
Kevin is a nice guy who really knows what he’s doing.
If you commit to it you will see results and feel great.
There is a reason every review is 5 stars.

Recently, for the first time since my birthday, I had to enter my age on a form. It shocked me that the first digit was an «8» (followed by a 0) !! For a guy with bilateral total knee and shoulder joint replacements I am in very good physical condition… thanks largely to Kevin’s skill in adapting challenging exercise routines to my limitations without overusing/​abusing my body. We have learned a great deal about keeping aging bodies fit over the 3+ years we have worked together. I was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis in my RH hip joint. Now it is more important than ever for me to not only strengthen the muscles supporting my joints but also to optimize balance and agility to minimize risk of falls, and allow me to continue dancing and playing in ways that maintain overall vitality in my life. My objective is to demonstrate that I am not defined by my chronological age. I feel successful in achieving that with Kevin’s help. He’s really entitled to a 10 star rating.