Hello and welcome to EDK!
I’m Ericka – kettlebell, barbell and bodyweight instructor, strength coach, fitness lover and owner of EDK Training, offering Online + In-Person Strength Coaching.
It all started with Kettlebells…
I tried my first kettlebell class in 2008 and I had no clue what I signed up for… I was at a point in my life where I needed a change and I wasn't quite sure what would keep me engaged enough to be consistent. Bring on the bells! I had never experienced a class environment so inviting, encouraging and CHALLENGING. I was completely sold on kettlebell training after only a couple classes and it absolutely changed my life for the better.
From corporate desk job to strength coach, I switched career-gears entirely and began instructing classes and training private clients after four years. I was already enthusiastic about my own training, but I also developed a strong passion for coaching and helping others embrace an inspiring and rewarding transformation for themselves. Kettlebell training and coaching has lead me to more educational opportunities and further self-development, advanced certifications, involvement in fantastic communities with individuals who empower others, and the creation of EDK Training – Ericka Darst Kettlebell Training.
I have trained and assisted under the most knowledgeable kettlebell, barbell, bodyweight and movement gurus and I continuously follow the guidance of my mentors, thankful for their wisdom. I utilize my own training experiences to bring a refreshing sense of reality to my students; the focus is on your safety and technique. I watch, analyze and correct — we PRACTICE. As your coach, I help you identify realistic training outcomes and celebrate with you as you progress through each training phase. Over the years, I have developed a niche coaching system and my progression-based instruction style is the reason why EDK Training came to be. The students of EDK are strong and supportive and this vibe brings me back to when I first started my own strength training journey.
My coaching experience is vast, having trained a wide variety of fitness populations – including myself through pregnancy strength training and postpartum recovery at the age of 40. From Iron Man and Ultra Marathon athletes to beginner students seeking strength, movement improvement and a healthier, fulfilled lifestyle… I welcome and encourage all ages, skill levels and positive attitudes! Whether you’re in need of advanced coaching with customized programming to reach specific goals, or you’re new to kettlebells and strength training, I’d love to get you going in the right direction.
“As a chiropractor, I see many sports related injuries due to lack of quality training from instructors. Ericka, however, is the highest quality kettlebell/barbell coach bar none. You will see results in your fitness, avoid injuries, and have fun while doing it. I cannot recommend her highly enough!”
my credentials
Assisting StrongFirst Master Fabio Zonin
Photo Courtesy of Extreme Training, LLC.
Certified strength coach with 16 years training experience
StrongFirst ELITE certified instructor – VIEW INSTRUCTOR PROFILE
StrongFirst Level 1 & 2 Kettlebell (SFGI & SFGII)
StrongFirst Barbell (SFL)
StrongFirst Bodyweight (SFB)StrongFirst • Programming Improv Seminar with Pavel Tsatsouline & Fabio Zonin (13hr Instruction Attendee)
StrongFirst • Strong Endurance™ Seminar with Pavel Tsatsouline (13hr Instruction Attendee)
Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) certified instructor
National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer (NASM-CPT)
Girls Gone Strong Academy Pre & Postnatal certified coach
Functional Movement Specialist (FMSC) – VIEW SPECIALIST PROFILE
Assistant SFG Level I & II Certification Instructor
Assistant SFL Certification Instructor
Assistant RKC Level I Certification Instructor
my expertise
KETTLEBELL • BARBELL • RESISTANCE • STRENGTH + ENDURANCE TRAINING
Individualized strength coaching and personal training
StrongFirst & RKC Certification individual programming and coaching
Pre/Postnatal Exercise Programs + Strength Training Specializations
Off-site Functional Movement corporate and employee training
Slow progression and modified instruction
Coaching through physical limitations and muscular imbalances
Injury recovery assistance
Functional movement assessments
Delivering a realistic approach to fitness objectives for
long-term, sustainable wellnessProviding motivational guidance – enhancing the ability to succeed!
When I’m not coaching, training, continuing my education (always a student), or designing and marketing for EDK – I spend my time chasing after my bright and energetic 4-year-old son! I enjoy a good book, witty conversation, nerding out on all things training/movement related, craft breweries and spending quality time with my little family. In the winter, you might catch me taking a cold dip at Cedar Lake in Minneapolis!
Cheers!
Ericka
Questions? Comments? Or just introduce yourself!
ERICKA@EDKTRAINING.COM
If you are interested in Individual Coaching, please schedule a call with me. I’d love to chat with you!
“Ericka is an excellent coach. She is passionate about teaching you the correct technique but also strengthening your ability to believe in what you can accomplish with the right mindset. Training with Ericka helps me approach things I thought I couldn’t do before from not only a strength perspective but a confidence perspective. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for her training and its carryover into my every day life.”
INdividual coaching sessions
TUESDAY – FRIDAY + SATURDAY • Based on coach / student availability
semi-private remote coaching SESSIONS
FRIDAY • MONTHLY • 8AM CST
VIRTUAL CLASSes
TUESDAY • KETTLEBELL X–PRESS • 630AM
SATURDAY • QUARTERLY POP-UP SKILL CLASSES • 9AM (rotation)
FEATURED ON the muscle medicine podcast
September 2019, Coach Ericka sat down with Dr. Emily Kiberd to discuss the concept of “Training Smarter, Not Harder,” and the difference between attending Group Fitness classes or hiring a coach for private training (plus, how to determine what is best for you!). Additionally, we chat all things kettlebell, barbell, strength training benefits and MORE!
Give a follow!
PERSONAL INSTAGRAM • Coach Ericka @erickadarst
EDK TRAINING INSTAGRAM @edktrainingmn
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