Mark Joseph Limbaga

Mark is an amazing coach and his suggestions and recommendations have been pure gold for me during this year. This trainer is SFG elite for a reason, don´t hesitate to contact with him during your kettlebell journey, is one of the best thing you can do.

I heard about Mark from a good friend describing his training methodology and his pursuit of sharing his skills in Strength training and individualized movement quality. He constantly demonstrates his complex ideas and effectively communicates to all levels of students to make them simple to apply. If you want to move well and be the best version of yourself, Mark has the tools to get the job done.

I met Mark through the Strongfirst forums, he responded to some of my posts with very useful advice and videos regarding Pistol Squats, two leg squat technique ( "squatting between the legs" ), and the relationship between TGU weights and maximum press strength.
Marks video advice gave me a big improvement in my understanding of the Pistols and two leg squat.technique.

I first met Coach Mark through a special lesson on kettlebell movements for a small kettlebell competition years ago. Fast forward to the present time, I've been away from kettlebell workouts and I knew that my form had definitely deteriorated over the pandemic.

When he posted that he had online coaching available, I decided to switch things up and in just 6 weeks, there were noticeable differences in form, strength, and overall functionality. He really challenges you and also gives you a lot of pointers on how to improve your form for efficiency and to get maximum power. He is also very accommodating and patient. Definitely recommend!

I first met Mark in 2019 at my SFG2 Certification in Sydney. Up until then I had only heard about him and seen him on social media. What blew me away right from the start was his knowledge, his attention to detail and his humbleness. I picked up so many gold nuggets of information from him over that weekend. His ability to demonstrate things and explain things in a simple, effective way is amazing.
Since then I've done some regular online coaching sessions with him and I pick up even more gold nuggets every time I do. I just completed my SFG2 recertification and did so easily thanks to Mark's help.
His ability to look at your technique, analyse what can be done to improve it and explain and demonstrate it in detail is truly up there with the best.
Apart from all that he is a bloody good bloke as well.
If you are looking for a coach to help you move better, get stronger and do so in a safe and effective manner then look no further!
Highly recommended!!

For someone that takes so little credit for what he does for so many it is only right it should be known. Many of you who know me only online will understand I am not an easy person to deal with. To my suprise Mark always had time to talk and discuss training. This is a rare thing indeed. Much less for someone to do this freely.

With his suggestions and input I was able to start to address many of the problems following my injury and illness. He is a great example of what a coach should be. While he might not hold a national record or trophies the man's mind has great strength that has more use I think to most.

I would encourage anyone who has need to contact him. Keep an open mind to his words and many of your issues can be resolved or mitigated.

Mark really helped me out with my cleans and presses and TGUs as I was recovering from an injury and stuck at home during a lockdown. He also offers great advice on the forum. His form tips and programming advice were very helpful - I highly recommend working with him.

My interest in kettlebell training started when covid19 happened. Being quarantined made me realize that i do not need a gym membership to be fit. So, tried learning on my own guided by online content floating around the net. Naturally, I became aware of Pavel Tsatsouline's StrongFirst and the S&S protocol. I was stuck with the 24kg getup for a year with unguided training in my garage. So come 2022, I decided to look for an instructor who can help me improve my practice. I found Coach Mark using this website and he started coaching me online 1st week of January 2022. It is mid-feb2022 as of this writing, I'm pressing 28kg, snatching 24kg, my getup is at 32kg and started practicing with double 20kg kettlebells. In a span of a little over a month, I've definitely improved with coach Mark's guidance!
P. S. Initially, I was quite hesitant with online coaching setup, but now I'm convinced that it can work. The result speaks for itself.

I've been working with Mark for the past month now. And in the short time that we've worked together I've been able to improve my TGU form, started improving my snatch endurance, and start tweaking the programs that I have been working on and in some instance pushing me to things which I would've naturally not done. Not only do we think alike but I have found in him a great advisor to suggest and course correct me on my strength journey. He has great knowledge, is very approachable, and always gives more than what you ask for. Highly recommend getting in touch with him if you are looking for a great coach.

I met Coach Mark when he approached me while I was training for a spartan event year 2019, and we don't know each other at the time. He caught me trying to bring up a 28kg kettlebell from the ground using a squat position to train myself in carrying an atlas ball. God knows I am struggling SOOO HARD thought it was the death of me!!

He started to teach me techniques on how to bring it up without straining my back, but of course, you don't get lucky the first time. He then instructed me to carry a lighter bell at 22kg and gave me routines to strengthen my body to prepare for the 50kg atlas ball. Six weeks later, I was able to carry the atlas ball. Yayyy!

For Mark, being a coach doesn't mean you have to be on personal training with him or be in his class. He will share his knowledge, skills and strategies without hesitation. His greatest strength is his passion to empower people not just physically but mentally and emotionally.

I met Mark near the first of December, 2020. I first started working with kettlebells in the first quarter of 2020, and began the Simple and Sinister program around August or September. I think it was October when I started phasing in one or two sets with the 32k one-handed swing that problems arose. It started with some mild tightness in my lower right back. At first it was minor. Then it developed into soreness that wouldn’t go away. I started to worry about damage, so I stopped, while doing as much self analysis and research as I could. I received a lot of tips on the StrongFirst forum, and watched as many coaching videos as I could find. Several times I thought I had found the problem, but nothing I did differently would help. The moment I started swinging again, the soreness would return.

I’ve never had any professional coaching in my life. But I figured if I wanted to continue using kettlebells, I might as well take the plunge. I knew I wanted a coach with plenty of experience, and preferably who had attained StrongFirst Elite. Mark had offered some useful comments on my requests for help in the StrongFirst forums, so I messaged him and we set up a four-week plan.

I noticed a major difference in my back within the first two sessions. Mark helped me stop the major technique problems in my swing, and then helped me start building better movement patterns. I felt like I had got my money’s worth in the first week. From my previous years of training, I was fairly strong in some areas, but had some significant gaps. Mark quickly identified my specific strengths and weaknesses, and wrote me programs that filled the gaps effectively. By the end of that four-week period, I was doing 100 one-handed swings with a 36k (and feeling solid while doing it), and get-ups with a 32k.

Even without my lower back issues, there’s no way I would have progressed that quickly on my own. A major reason for my improvement was fixing my technique, but I suspect it was Mark’s customized programing that was the major engine of my progression.

Although my back issues were pretty much fixed within the four weeks, I didn’t want to stall my progress. So, Mark and I worked out a 12-week plan. That’s where I’m at now. Currently, my goal is to achieve StrongFirst’s Simple standard. I’ve completed the Get-up standard (10 32k getups in 10 minutes) multiple times, and am almost ready on the swing standard (100 32k one-handed swings in 5 minutes). I’m hoping to achieve Simple in the next few weeks.

My experience with Mark has been stellar. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t wear his knowledge on his sleeve. Nothing flashy, no big stories or attempts to impress. Just solid, personable coaching, insightful corrections, astute answers to my many questions, and programming that delivers—the kind of coaching skill that manifests in real results. Based on my experience so far, I would highly recommend Mark to anyone.

Years Ago, Mark Started me out with my journey in the field of fitness, He was the one that introduced me to much vaunted kettlebell. Through the years I have entered multiple fitness and martial arts competitions and mark was one of the coaches that helped me achieve the levels of fitness to be able to do the things that I want and love. From the gym to the wilderness of the mountain trails of the Philippines the carryover of the kettlebell has helped me alot. As a person he is very PROFESSIONAL coach always looking forward and breaking down the science of things. Highly recommended to help increase strength, work capacity and endurance. So if you are looking for a good professional coach to help your fitness journey, beginner or advance just give him a message.

I am the type who likes sports and activities that is physically draining and damaging but his teachings was able to make me somewhat bulletproof and here I am still alive and kickin doing the crazy stuff I have always loved to do

How do you sum up 8 years of a relationship in a few paragraphs? I will attempt it here:
I first met Coach Mark back in 2012 through a common friend. At that time I had already tried a few different trainers / different gyms. I also have been educating myself on strength training / muscle growth principles. I reached an epiphany when my (trainer then) insisted on having me go through sets and sets of bicep curls and leg curls, but couldn't teach me how to deadlift. We tried, but the whole arrangement felt awkward. The trainer looked great physically but I could see has was not confident. And so another search began…

I went to this very rock-and-roll powerlifting gym where Coach Mark was stationed and finally met him. The first test I think was if I could do a strict bar pull-up. And at that point I could not do a single pull-up! Lol. Under Coach's tough love no BS training (which has been mentioned here in the testimonials). What follows would be a string of first milestones (my first pull-up, pull-ups, deadlift, barbell squat, truck tire flips, etc). And eventually I would be introduced to the kettlebells and the movements which would be the main tool I would be training in for the next years. The weights of the bells would increase and I would move on from the beginner bells to certification category bells.

The confidence I gained from training would also carry over to other aspects. Milestones in work like promotions, certifications, client commendations would just appear. And overall I gained a brighter and sunnier outlook in life :) If I was a musician this is akin to winning Grammy awards left and right.
Aside from purely strength training, Coach Mark would always make it a point that I understood the principles themselves and how these are interconnected. Just like life there would be setbacks and there have been many instances where I am not in a right mental space. And then training would adjust, and it would help me navigate these as well.

There is a sweet spot between envelope pushing and care/wellness, and he has placed himself there in the goldilocks spot there adjusting as necessary in the center. In summary of all those years, Coach Mark is the closest to a martial arts mentor/sensei I have ever met. I am glad to have met and continue training with him. And I highly recommend him to both beginners and advanced / athletes as I'm sure you will learn and also enjoy training with him :)

I'm from the US but moved to the Philippines for school and work in 2016. Coach Mark helped me find quality kettlebells to buy in Metro Manila (20kg, 16kg, and 8kg). We started training in-person in 2017. He's very good at articulating proper technique. In 2020, I moved back to the US. I'm so grateful that Coach Mark offers online coaching/ programming. We have a 12 hour time difference but he's very accommodating and flexible. We train on kbs, barbell, and bodyweight. If you're looking for someone who is knowledgable in all three (plus more) I would highly recommend training with Coach Mark!

I sought out Coach Mark back in 2016. I found him through here, the strongfirst website. I was unconditioned and atrophied, recovering from a fully torn ACL
that I didn't get surgery for. I wanted to learn swings and TGUs. Reading the 4-hour body (ferriss), I was convinced that TGUs could aid in correcting my left-right asymmetries, and that swings are very potent in building "perfect posteriors". "Simple and sinister" married the two movements into a program, which further increased my desire to learn both.

I wanted to learn from someone who was 1. ) Good at these movements, and 2.) have also successfully led others to learn these. A quick glance at his blog and Instagram page shows that he was equally proficient in performing, and instructing these movements.

The only problem was, to reach him, I'd need to make a 3-4 hour pilgrimage to his gym (eclipse at the time), which I eventually did, twice a week. The rest is history.

Since then, we have done much more than swings and get-ups, including:
- How to feel good, and engage my vestibular system (Original Strength)
- Advanced single and double kettlebell techniques (e.g. double snatch)
- Advanced kettlebell complexes
- The three Powerlifts (Squat, Bench, and Deadlift)
- Worked up to a 44kg TGU (from 8kg initially)
- Worked up to a double 36kg kettlebell press (starting from 16kg)

With his guidance I am now able to deadlift 500lbs, squat 400+ lbs, and bench almost 300lbs. All of which I started from zero.
But I think the most important thing was that he showed me what a good and effective physical practice looks like. Consistency over intensity. Prioritizing safety, and technique integrity over everything else.

Coach Mark has soul in the game, and I could not have picked a better coach to start with.

P.S. he's also very knowledgeable with sneakers, and Dragonball (among other things) which makes him extra fun to talk with

I've been training with Coach Mark Limbaga for a few months now. And he has been instrumental through my fitness journey. He breaks down the lessons in a way where beginners in the strength program like me can easily digest. Giving out tips to improve technique, and always on the look out for little details in order to help out his students.

I always look forward for the next lesson that he teaches.

Most talented coach I've trained with. Not only is he technically proficient, he is also a real strength geek, who can articulate the principles of StrongFirst eloquently.

I also like the fact that Mark is patient, but that he does not coddle. His feedback is direct, no BS.

Frankly, the fitness space in the Philippines is full of hucksters and trainers who prefer quick bucks over helping people. But thank god there are people like Mark who know their shit.

StrongFirst, please consider Mark Limbaga for a leadership position!

Mark Limbaga, is an amazing inspirational coach, his knowledge and passion for his craft is next to none .. pound for pound he's one of the strongest blokes I've seen . He's pursuit in knowledge and strength and his equal passion to teach other's is mind blowing .. He's one of the most humble passionate coaches I've come across in the StrongFirst community.. He's very genuine and happy to share his knowledge...
If you ever get a chance he's definitely a coach to give a call ..

Incredibly resourceful and a stickler for safety, coach Mark’s passion for the improvement of himself and of others is very much contagious. He’s always hungry to learn more but never greedy to share the knowledge, which makes him a coach that you can easily trust indeed.

Coach Mark was very helpful when I attended the KB course in Quezon City.

He has a very positive vibe and was always accommodating with any questions.

Coach Mark Limbaga is one the best coaches I have met. He is very knowledgeable in his field of expertise and you can really see in him how passionate he is in teaching other coaches about his craft and in coaching other individuals. I just attended a kettlebell workshop/training recently wherein he is one the mentors and it is really great experience. I aspire to be a coach like him and I'm very thankful that I've met him and be able to attend his kettlebell workshops. Looking forward to more workshops in the future!

Coach Mark is a very good coach, he knows a lot about what he teaches. As a starting coach in the strength and conditioning field, I look up to coach Mark in terms of how he delivers himself to different people without compromising being professional and at the same time teaches exercise in a detailed manner. I am looking forward to more interactions with coach Mark so I can get better at this field.

I've just recently gotten into kettlebell training and it's been an awesome experience having coach mark as a mentor and teacher. Looking forward to more seminars and workshops under his tutelage!

Coach Mark is an amazing coach. As a young strength and conditioning coach, I look for other coaches who can help me get better at my craft. I am thankful to have met Coach Mark because I saw in him what it means to be a real coach. He is very knowledgeable and very generous when it comes to information. He does not coach someone by just instructing, he leads. The first time I met him I saw how passionate he is at helping people get better. He wants to help other coaches as well regardless of where they come from. That's the kind of coach that I want to be.

Coach Mark Limbaga is my go to person when it comes to strength & kettlebell. But beyond the strength skills & knowledge. His passion for seeking mastery & the wisdom to simplify the complicated is what makes him a Jedi kind.

It is unfortunate that strength & kettlebell is underrated & has not been quite understood yet here in our fitness industry. As a strength & KB practitioner we are fortunate to have an elite strong first instructor like coach Mark who can shed light on strength & KB & unlocks your potential to maximize your performance in a very simplistic way.

All you have to do is just ask him & you shall receive.

Throughout my fitness journey, Coach Mark has been, at first, a witness. Eventually, I seeked mentorship from him because of my constant and recurring injuries that needed correction. My journey up to today has been smooth sailing. Increasing my strength safely and methodically as it is the way of Coach Mark.

Coach Mark has been a big influence in my journey. He continuously encourages me along with our fellow mentees to always become stronger. Striving for more strength, Coach Mark is the perfect fit for anyone, at any age, in any condition. Competence, relatability, mentorship, and friendship are the best traits of a good coach, Coach Mark has all these and more.

As far as I can remember I was heartbroken in 2014 when I decided to hit the gym. LOL! Searching the internet for some fine gym near me, it brought me to Eclipse Fitness Gym in Mandaluyong City. Being one of the head coaches, it got more interesting to meet Coach Mark because of the excellent reviews. As a beginner, I was very shy and didn't know what to do. I cleared out the self-doubt and just let go of the fear and anxiety. Since then, I fell in love with working out. We would train together and hit unexpected PRs. I remember I'm the female student who would beta-test his programs. I loved every bit of it though! Not only I've changed physically but I've become more confident and mentally strong.

Coach Mark is a very smart, humble and professional trainer. He would sometimes impose tough love training on his students. He's an awesome friend too. I see him as the only Kettlebell Master in the Philippines but I'm also very proud that I am blessed with his exceptional knowledge in bodyweight and barbell training. I've received compliments all because of his guidance. I've learned so much from his teachings and connected with awesome people in the fitness industry.

He's one of the major influences in my life. I am consistently training, getting stronger everyday and living a good life. Keep spreading the true meaning of strength and happiness! :)

I've been following Mark's fitness advice for over 10 years now. Always reasonable, open-minded, and professional, he teaches students with no judgement and meets them where they are. And despite all his knowledge and accomplishments, he remains humble and down-to-earth.

I did not know anything about kettle bells and how to use them. But when I attended one of coach Mark's program in GI JO Fitness, I instantly fell in love. Coach Mark and the Strong First members are great instructors. Looking at those big chunk of metals was daunting at first but the way they taught us the basic and the proper way to use the kettle bells, it felt awesome that we, noobs, can also do it. Coach Mark is a great teacher. He knows your limit and how to push it. My overall strength and endurance improved. Gradually from a 10KG kettle bell, I am now comfortably using 16-18kg for strict press. I am eager to learn much more from coach Mark.

Mark is most likely the most senior (and most highly qualified) strength coach in the country. Smart, humble, and an overall great guy.

I have always been struggling to gain weight but ever since I started training with Coach Mark, my body weight improved. Never a dull moment training with him. You’ll be surprised as to what skills you’d be able to unlock after every training.

Knowledgeable in his field and constantly motivates us to achieve more

My mentor since 2014. He’s like the kung fu master on top of the mountain and I’m the apprentice who needs to go on a journey once in a while just to train with him personally. He’s a very big influence in my coaching ang training style. Very sesnible and practical. I hope to be a part of strong first and he always pushes me to be better. Good coach and an even better friend.

The best! ??

He's been my mentor and coach way back since 2012 up to now... Guided me through on how to get myself in the health and fitness industry by having the right foundation of knowledge, strength and integrity. Will always consider this man a big brother in strength.

"Never forget the people who believed in you when your potential was still in seed form"

Mark is an awesome coach apart from being a good soul and overall well informed trainer. Has helped me with prep many times. I strongly recommend him. Yusuf Khan. SFG 2.

Awesome coach! Makes sure that everyone can do the training properly. Even after class, you can ask him for advice and will proudly teach you the best that he can. And he will be thankful that you ask.

My love for kettlebells started when my sister and I randomly signed up for the Hardstyle Kettlebell Workshop with Coach Mark together with his fellow StrongFirst Kettlebell Instructors. I was fascinated with their display of strength and power that I, a certified couch potato, mindlessly signed up to train under Coach Mark’s wing.
Before, I could hardly swing a 10kg kettlebell but now, I’ve already managed to press double 10kg kettlebells effortlessly. Days, weeks, and months of training passed by yet here I am still eager to learn! What used to be scary and heavy blobs of iron are now my training constants.
What I love about training with Coach Mark is how I managed to discover and develop my inner strength at my very own pace. For a lethargic lady that I am, being able to lift heavy objects was extremely satisfying and empowering.
I always look forward to our training sessions because it is yet another opportunity for learning but as Coach Mark always say, slowly but surely.

Born for his found passion! He makes kettlebell work out equally challenging & enjoyable!

He is so strong and a very good coach