"I thought fitness was something that had to be painful, difficult, and grueling. [Kevin showed me] it's something that you can enjoy the fluidity and the rhythm of building it into your daily life.
I can't believe here I am 8 weeks later... I've signed up for my local gym, I've been going 3 days a week, and I'm enjoying it."
"I would let [running thoughts] overwhelm me to the point where I wouldn't do anything, prior to Flex & Paint. Now I've really just learned to breathe, pick one of the things I'm thinking about, do it, and I'm able to push through the rest of my day.
I just wasn't happy, or as happy as I could have been. I feel like I was missing something, and I just didn't know how to get there. And that's when you came out with the program, and I was like, 'hello, this is it— this is exactly what I'm looking for!'"
👋 My name is Kevin Koza and I'm an artist and a personal trainer (certified NASM). I was a software engineer for nearly 7 years. I've been lifting for over a decade and painting since graduating college after studying computer science.
Since then, I've realized the impact of expression and embodiment on my life. These are core tenets of my painting courses and personal training programs which fuel artistic and fitness gains for my clients. I know they're better combined, so I made this program.
I think there's a lack of proper support for people who struggle with feeling anxious, disconnected, and lacking confidence. It isn't a question of more knowledge, it's about how to build a lifestyle with healthy practices as a foundation.
Beginner fitness programs are cookie-cutter and don't teach you the skills to build sustainable practices that will actually drive gains. Art courses can build techniques, but they don't articulate how to even enjoy the act of creation without judgment. Neither are viewed from the lens of why even lift/create in the first place-- you're directing yourself towards the healthiest, most confident, and embodied version of yourself possible.
This isn't about painting techniques-- you won't learn how to paint anything in particular. At the end of the program, if you want to extend your practice, I'd be happy to help. My approach to art is 80% subjective and 20% objective-- start with how to enjoy the process, reducing friction and building consistency, and building sensations around the medium itself. Only after these foundations have been established should you approach learning "how."
The reason that we're starting with painting is because it offers a physical medium with ample tactile and visual stimulus-- essential elements of getting out of your head.
When you mix paint and place it on canvas, you have the opportunity for both embodiment and expression-- you can focus on the feelings of the brush or knife, how paint moves around canvas, and other sensations. You also make choices which have an impact-- the crux of expression.
No. I'm not a licensed therapist or medical professional. Flex & Paint is a coaching program that combines fitness and creative practices. While many people find it helpful for managing anxiety and improving their mental health, it's not a substitute for professional mental health care or medical treatment. If you're experiencing severe symptoms, please consult with a licensed healthcare provider.
Yes. This course will utilize a single kettlebell and a small painting setup. I make suggestions at Week 1.
I want to put you on the path to achieve the body you desire, sustainably.
Fitness is what you make of it. My approach, again, is to not initially chase objective measures; the physical outcome takes time to develop (definitely more than 8 weeks).
However, you will notice changes begin to appear if you don't already have a weightlifting habit. The primary focus is on the experience-- using movement to get into your body and quiet running thoughts.
I'm happy to tailor the program to your current fitness level. I want to set you up on your journey to get fit, embodied, expressive, and confident.