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Gentle Strength for Life

Extra Small Group Training
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Improve balance and strength with specialized programming and support.

You know that resistance training can improve balance and mobility while reducing your risk of falls and injuries, but you aren't sure where to start.

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In this semi-private small group program, I will be alongside you every step of the way as we follow an evidence-based program to build muscle and bone density and improve your overall quality of life. 

Join a semi-private group in progress now!

"Anne cares. When I started I was hesitant due to the rheumatoid arthritis I fight with daily. I knew I needed to get stronger and the kid I hired to show me around a local gym was not my jam. I joined this small group and Anne offers all kinds of options to make the workouts work for everyone in a kind and supportive way. It has helped me feel confident in myself on top of actually getting stronger."

~Bobbi-Jo

Join us in building strength for life!

Semi-private training combines the personalized feedback and attention of personal training at a more affordable cost and with a supportive community. 

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The details

Who

Gentle Strength for Life participants:

  • Are looking to improve balance and stability to reduce the risk of falls.

  • Hope to maintain or restore an active and independent lifestyle through ongoing training. 

  • May struggle to get up and down from the floor without assistance. 

  • May have mobility limitations such as difficulty reaching straight overhead, limited knee flexion, etc. 

  • May have chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, etc. 

Where

The F.I.T. Lab

1583 Hamline Ave N, Falcon Heights, MN 55108

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The F.I.T. Lab is a small, independent, Black-owned, neighborhood gym. 

When

Mondays and Fridays at 2:30 pm. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 pm.

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Each session lasts 30-40 minutes.

What

Each semi-private group will consist of 2-4 individuals with similar support needs and goals.

 

During our time together, we will move through warm-up and mobility drills, strength-focused circuits including balance and core strengthening, and accessory movements to target specific needs. We will use a variety of implements including dumbbells, cable machines, resistance bands, and body weight.

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Before you join a group, we will set up at least two one-on-one sessions to go through some movement assessments and ensure that this program will be the best fit for you. 

Price

$100 for two initial one-on-one sessions, then $250 per month for 2 x week training. 

Apply now to schedule your initial consultation.

"Anne has created a truly "judgement free zone" with time to learn movements and ask questions.  She provides alternatives and I can go at my own pace.  As an older person balance is very challenging so it's great to have options."

~ Bonnie

"Anne creates a supportive atmosphere that affirms where I am at and how I can get better. I feel she creates a safe and healthy space that gives me the confidence I need to try to gently challenge myself."

~ Mary

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Meet your coach

Hi, I'm Anne (She/Her). I've spent most of my career researching education and public health initiatives, but I was ready to get away from data and spreadsheets and have an impact on people in real life. 

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I believe that strength training is one of the best things you can do for your overall well-being and quality of life. I especially love working with older adults who have never had the opportunity to try strength training or are coming back to training after a long time away. It is absolutely never too late to get stronger and improve your quality of life through training!

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After becoming a NASM-certified personal trainer I sought out specialized courses to better support older adults in my programs. I have completed  the following trainings:

  • How often will we meet?
    Gentle Strength Small Group Training includes two training sessions per week on most weeks. The exact number of sessions will vary by month based on days in the month, holidays, and planned breaks. There will typically be 6-9 sessions each month, averaging around 7 sessions per month over the year. I will maintain and share a calendar of session dates updated at least a month in advance (the current calendar is here.) For personal training clients, training frequency is entirely up to you! We can meet anywhere from mulitiple times per week to once a quarter. I also offer single personal training sessions with no further commitment.
  • Can I just drop in for a class or two?
    Genterally, no. These are multi-week programs structured to progress over time in response to the individuals in the group. My goal is to build a sense of trust, comfort, and community among a consistent small group of people. Some of my programs, such as Neighborhood Workouts through Falcon Heights, do have drop in options. I also offer a complementary 20 minute consult to anyone interested in meeting me or seeing the space before committing to a program.
  • Do I have to commit to one time slot?
    I ask that participants commit to primarily attending one time-slot. This helps to build community and trust within each small group. However, there is some flexiblity if things come up and you need to switch class times occasionally. Just contact me beforehand to confirm that there will be space.
  • What if I miss a session?
    While I hope this program helps participants to get in the groove of a consistent strength practice, I know that life is unpredictable and things will come up. I’m here to help you keep moving in whatever way works best for you. I will offer a few options for missed sessions: I can provide a programmed-for-you at-home workout with whatever equipment you have available (including bodyweight). If you can make it to a different group time in the same week, send me a message and you can switch times. Most months, I will schedule a monthly open gym session on a weekend date that you can attend to get in the workout you missed.
  • What if you have to cancel a class?
    This is a one-woman operation and I, unfortunately, do not have substitute coaches available at this time. If I have to cancel a class, I’ll send everyone an at-home workout option. If I need to cancel more than two classes during a month, I will do my best to schedule a make-up session at a time that works for as many participants as possible. If the make-up session doesn’t work for you, or I am unable to schedule a make-up session, I will offer a discount of $20 for each cancelled session to an upcoming monthly payment.
  • What do I need to bring/wear for in-person classes?
    The FIT Lab has all the equipment we will need for class, no need to bring any. Bring a small notebook or your phone to track your workouts. Writing down your reps and weights is helpful to see your progress and plan future workouts. Bring a water bottle. Wear comfy workout clothes you feel good in. Shoes: I prefer to wear minimal/barefoot style shoes while lifting weights, but any type of athletic shoes will work just fine.
  • How do I pay for training?
    Small group and semi-private training programs have a flat monthly payment rate. I will send you a recurring invoice to pay online by credit card or PayPal. Once you have made your first payment, your montly payments will recur automatically. After your first three months, you can cancel your suscirption at any time with at least 30 days notice before your next payment. For personal training, I offer subsciptions or pay-as-you-go options. Apply to discuss what will work best for you.
  • Do you have payment plan options or discounts?
    If you are unable to pay the full cost of a program up front, please contact me and we can discuss options.
  • Are your programs refundable?
    When you join a small group program, I ask that you commit to at least three months of training, which is non-refundable. After that, you can cancel at any time with at least 30 days notice before your next monthly payment. I will make exeptions upon request for unforseen illness, injury, or family emergencies.
  • How do I cancel my training package?
    If you are on a monthly recurring payment plan, you can cancel at any time (after your first three months) with at least 30 days notice before your next payment. Email me at anne@gentlestrength.info to cancel. If you are cancelling a group training program package, this will open up your spot and you may not be able to re-join.
  • What are your COVID/Illness Protocols?
    We’re all in this to feel strong and healthy in our bodies - the last thing I want it to spread any illnesses around! I hope we can all be cautious and respectful to reduce risk of illness. These are some guidelines for us to follow, please let me know if you aren’t comfortable with this or have suggested changes: Participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In-person classes will be capped at 8-9 participants. There will sometimes be other trainers with personal training/small group clients in the space with us. Use courteous gym hygiene - wash hands, wipe off equipment promptly, be aware of others’ space. Masks are not required, but are welcome. If you have any symptoms (congestion, fever, headache, etc), please stay home, rest, and take a COVID test. Once you are feeling well enough to workout and have tested negative, you can return to class. If you have been in close contact with someone who has has tested positive, please wear a mask to class for at least 5 days after contact and test for COVID. If you get COVID (or any illness really!), stay home from class until you are feeling fully well and testing negative.

Start building Gentle Strength with me!

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