Coach Ben

Ben Swarts - owner and head coach

I'm Ben, Owner and Head Coach at HardShell Fitness.  My purpose is to create appropriate and equitable environments for folks to explore their capacity and strength, learning more about themselves in the process.

I've enjoyed (mostly) strength training for over 25 years.  I began working with kettlebells over 17 years ago, and barbells for more than 14 years. I founded HardShell Fitness, LLC in September 2012.

A huge part of what we do at HardShell Frost Iron Training (the gym we founded in 2020) is create opportunity for everyone to train.  Notably, I’ve spent over two decades teaching physical movement to folks with intellectual and physical disabilities, and our Special Olympics HardShell Barbenders Powerlifting team (founded in 2016) is a testament to how EVERYONE is powerful and belongs in the gym.

I've attended seminars by Juggernaut Training Systems (2 days with Chad Wesley Smith/Marisa Inda), Kabuki Movement Systems (3 days at "The Lab" learning from Chris Duffin, Brady Cable, Brandon Senn and their team) a one-week Physical Freedom Mentorship retreat (as well as 14 months mentorship) with Max Shank and his team in Costa Rica, and Stop Chasing Pain’s Lymphatic MOJO course with Dr. Perry Nickelston.

Liftapalooza in Nashville has become a staple for continuing ed for our team here at HardShell, and has included learning from Tracy Cook, Zack Henderson, Dan John, and other great coaches and strength athletes.

I am currently (for over 6 years) coached by Zack Henderson, because every great coach has a great coach.

I believe in continuous learning so that I can deliver more value to you. Good training is a relationship - we work together to meet you right where you’re at.  Learning works best when you tell me what you need or want, and I use my experience and knowledge to help you get there.  From books to seminars to working sessions with world-class professionals, I'm here to give you helpful tools, hold space for you to grow, and walk with you through challenges.