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December 2023 by Laura Torgeson
Leigh leads a super fun group workout on Thursdays. Supportive, fun, and challenging. Had a great time highly recommend.
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October 2023 by Angie Sawyer
Hardshell is an amazing little gem in Minneapolis. It's more than a gym, it's a neighborhood hotspot and community builder. Come here to get a workout and leave with new friends.I have enjoyed the class workouts for the past 3 years and all the coaches are top notch. They help everyone understand modifications if needed and program a variety of movements. They make strength accessible to everyone.
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September 2023 by Sam DelSerra
Hardshell is a super inclusive, empathetic, and fun place to strength train and build community. As someone who hasn't had great experiences at regular gyms, I started personal training with Eli at Hardshell in December of 2022 and haven't looked back since. I've also taken a 6 week course led by Leigh, and it was fantastic! I really appreciate that the programs are built to have you go at your own pace but still create challenging workouts each week.I also really like that Ben and his team are so plugged into the community and share news, updates, and ways to help our neighbors. I'm so happy I found Hardshell last year and have the opportunity to be a part of this kind, thoughtful, and strong community!
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September 2023 by Melissa Albaugh Garcia
I really love this little gym with a big heart. I have been taking classes at hardshell for about four months and it's been really great being a part of the community Ben and Eli have built here. I have found myself getting stronger, movement becoming easier for me, and my relationship to movement improving. I love how community driven they are; talking about things happening in the neighborhood/community is a built in practice at the gym. Classes are accessible to folks at many levels of fitness as it mostly is go at your own pace. They are great at giving accommodations if needed, and are great at getting to know participants in an individual way. Finding a gym that focuses on functional fitness and strength, instead of pushing intentional weight loss/diet talk is so refreshing. As a person living in a larger body, I feel safe and welcomed in this space. I'm a tough critic of gym spaces and I give Hardshell a solid 5 stars!
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September 2023 by angela e
I knew I needed to move more, and I needed to just start with something. I drove by Hardshell, checked it out online, and emailed for more info. I got a response right away, set up a meeting to learn more. and started meeting with a fitness trainer 1:1! I was really nervous that first time, but Eli is great! He's been very encouraging and helps me see my own progress. I really enjoy the atmosphere of the gym, very laid back. Best of all its, affordable!
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September 2023 by Joseph Pena
This is the most inclusive and affirming gym I've ever joined. I love the gym's commitment to its community, and how coaches help nurture connections among members. Workouts are thoughtfully designed and challenging (with plenty of options for members to meet themselves where they're at), and coaches are knowledgeable and encouraging. I'd recommend the gym to anyone I know!
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September 2023 by Anthony Taylor-Gouge
I've been going to Hardshell for about 4 months. My experience has been better than I could have expected. Hardshell is a welcoming and judgement free gym that wants you to feel comfortable being your authentic self.I first began personal training with Eli, who has been nothing but great. I was hesitant to get back into the gym as I do physical labor for a living and have serious back issues that cause me to be cautious for fear of re-injuring my back. Eli has taken all of these factors into account in my personal training, and has put a focus on proper technique that is not only practical in the gym but also practical in my day to day job.The environment for classes are equally as positive in my experience. Class are filled with all sorts of people with different experience levels, ages and goals on any given day. The trainers always emphasize that the classes are go at your own pace. They empower people to ask questions and to feel comfortable in the space whether it's your first time stepping foot in a gym or you've bene attending classes for 2 years.I could go on about how great everyone is that is involved with Hardshell. Instead I'll just say that if you're looking for a gym that will work with you wherever you're at in your journey and whatever your goals are, then I can't recommend Hardshell enough.
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September 2023 by Kay Michael Grace-Freeman
I started with personal training with Eli about 2 years ago, and this is the best gym I've ever been to. It's a community that actually lives up to it's mission - building Strength, Resilience, Empathy and Love. I hadn't worked out in at least 3 years, yet have always felt welcome. It's clean and has great equipment - I actually have some muscles now! More than that, I feel better about myself on the inside too. A big thank you to the team: Eli, Ben, Leigh & Greg for a really good experience. I haven't met a single person there who wasn't kind, and I think that speaks for itself!
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September 2023 by Karin Ilg
Having moved to the city, I found Hardshell after having a great fitness community for 4 years - south of the river.Completely the right decision.Welcoming, inclusive, expert and supportive guidance as I continue to work on my healthspan, and my own fitness goals.
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August 2023 by Alli O'Connell
An absolutely delightful gym experience! Can’t say I’ve ever said that before. The way Ben, Eli, and team operate Hardshell gave me significant pause and wonder why more gyms don’t open class with community announcements, introductions and structure class to be accessible. Hopefully more gyms will catch on to these opportunities for community and accessibility, but no one can ever be Hardshell!
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November 2022 by Terry Kuehn
We go there for Special Olympics Power Lifting on Saturdays great place and laid back atmosphere and Ben and all the coaches are very knowledgeable and help in the training with the free weights!??
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November 2022 by Amy Wilson
Ben and Eli are simply the best - attuned, creative, kind, positive, well-informes, and not intimidating! I fell into a rut early on during the pandemic and have been training there since; I’ve never been stronger plus I’ve made some amazing like-minded friends as a bonus!Ben and Eli truly want success and accessibility for all, regardless of ability, age, starting point, knowledge. You are not just a number at this gym.
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October 2022 by Evan Frost
Over the past year, Hardshell has turned into one of my favorite places in south Minneapolis. It's a gym to get strong for life-- the workout classes are functional, challenging, and accessible for everyone. Trainers Ben and Eli are not only great at helping you hit your goals, but are the foundation of an amazing community centered around this gym. I couldn't think of a better place to get strong, have fun, and make new friends.
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October 2022 by Kristen Stoeckeler
I love being a member of Hardshell so much! I switched to this gym during the pandemic because of the opportunity to train outside. I've been going there a little more than a year, and even though I've been a physically active regular gym-goer for most of my life, I am noticeably stronger now than I've ever been and I love the feeling. It's been high gains for a modest weekly time commitment. And the people who go there are generally great, I appreciate seeing them regularly, and Ben and Eli are thoughtful, smart, attentive trainers who make a concerted effort at building and maintaining an inclusive space.
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October 2022 by Travis Sheridan
Hardshell is the best gym I've ever trained at. Ben and Eli foster a kind, inclusive community and maintain a clean, well-equipped space. Group classes are super fun and there are ample open gym slots to get solo workouts in. Ben has been programming for me for just over a year now and I've seen huge improvements in my strength, mobility, and skills. Can't say enough good things about Hardshell!
