Avatar Private Training Studio

10/27/09

Great training and honest people

by leedstaylor at Citysearch

I only went to Avatar for 6 sessions and worked with Eric the owner. Other studios I went to actually told me that if I couldn't buy a large package that I was wasting my money and their time. Eric actually listened to me needs and financial constraint and designed a program that met my goals and needs within the 6 session.

Eric spaced my sessions out to last over 5 weeks so I was able to get the most from my investment. The service was wonderful and the training was top notch. Best of all he helped me with plans of things to do outside of his studio. I would recommend Avatar to everyone!

• Pros: Knowledge, skill and they actually listen to you!

09/17/09

Best kept secret

by northlooplover at Citysearch

Went to Avatar for 3 months and worked with Andrea and Eric. Great workouts and guidance on how to change my life around. I wish I could still go 3 times a week, but even at once a week they keep me motivated and going! Best of it that they make certain that I know how to workout and be active without them. Had to write a review as these were the reason I called in the first place. Definitively the best decision for health I have made in years was to call Avatar.

• Pros: quatlity trainers, great atmosphere
• Cons: a little quite

09/15/09

Not what I was hoping for...

by W1200 at Citysearch

I had a great initial consultation with Eric but felt like my subsequent sessions really lacked substance. The workouts were just okay - not great, and I didn't come away with any useful tools/techniques as I had hoped and had specifically asked for. I think this is the type of place where a VERY significant financial (and studio time) commitment is required. If you are looking for basic instruction and guidance to help in your independent fitness efforts, this is not the place for you. I wish I had known this before I committed to multiple sessions because, overall, I felt like it was a waste of money for my personal goals for the training. I also feel like gyrotonic is pushed over other disciplines (again, with a significant financial commitment).

• Pros: Nice facility, smart staff
• Cons: big financial commitment required, very specific focus

09/14/09

Regained contol of my life with Avatar!

by tomalchris at Citysearch

Training at Avatar is different, The staff here is extremely knowledgeable and cares so much about each client. I have never felt like a number or 'just a client' but Eric and the staff have been dedicated to helping me archive my goals and regain control of my diet and body. The process has not been easy, nor smooth, but throughout each obstacles they were there to help my succeed. I am still a client and will be for life, not because I need them anymore, but because I choose to and they earned it!!

• Pros: Service and Skill
• Cons: DT Location, but worth it!

05/29/09

Avatar Studios Made Me a Swimming Champion

by 1650Free at Citysearch

As a US Masters Swimmer, age 50, I set a goal this past year of winning the State Masters Swimming Championships, then going onto the USMS National Championships. Avatar's kettlebell and indian club training this Winter and Spring along with flexibility and core training, made me an animal. Lost 8 lbs of flab, got down to 10% body fat, my swim sprinting became explosive, and it worked. In May, 2009, I took 5th, 6th, and 7th at the national level in three US Masters Swimming events. I was in the final heats with Rowdy Gaines, former Olympian and multiple gold medalist! Eric and Spencer -- friggin' awesome. Way to go, and thank you!

• Pros: Personal trainer made the difference for me
• Cons: No cons; great place

04/24/09

15 lbs down and counting

by mplsphotogirl at Citysearch

I have been working out here for the past 4 months, typically new years resolution stuff. I started at 3 times a week and now I go 1-2 times per week. Eric and Andrea have me doing things that I did not think a women my age could do. Swinging ketlebels, intense ab stuff, balancing: They keep me moving, energized and are a large part of me achieving my goals so far. Although they have a dietician, I chose to go with weight watchers, but having done the WW program without the exercise before and not had much success, I can tell you that exercise and proper guidance is the key!

• Pros: Non intimidating environment
• Cons: bit of a drive for me

02/25/09

Good, but not great.

by SSB77 at Citysearch

Based on the reviews on here, I decided to give Avatar a try. I have to say that I was disappointed. I generally found the personal trainers at Avatar to be good, but not great. The workouts were challenging, but I didn't feel like they were tailored to help me meet my personal goals. The gym looks nice and neat, but in my 20+ sessions, I never once saw anyone wipe down a single piece of equipment after it had been used -- including exercise mats, which were just rolled back up and stored for the next person to use. You'll get a good workout here, but I'm not sure if it's worth the expense.

Editorial Review

by Contributor at Citysearch

Offers no contract, personal training sessions grounded on biomechanics, form and stimulation; provides yoga, massage therapy and nutritional counseling.

11/30/08

Best shape in years thanks to this studio!

by tcn22 at Citysearch

This facility is two companies in one. Avatar is for personal training and gyrotonic Minneapolis is for gyrotonic. I work with both personal trainers and gyrotonic teachers here. I had my first session 5 months ago and am very pleased with the progress my body has made. The workouts are fun but intense. I am more flexible and stronger now then I have been in years and I attribute this solely to this studio?s teaching.

11/19/08

Outstanding!

by techieguy at Citysearch

Everything I can write has already been written, but here it goes. I never thought that I could get my physical health under control, most times I didn't care. I had hired a trainer in the 90's but had a very negative experience. When I was diagnosed with type II diabetes I knew something had to change. After researching quite a bit, I contacted Avatar. From the start I knew that the experience would be radically different. Eric took the time to listen to me and educate me about health, posture and nutrition. The initial consultation took close to two hours! At no time was I being rushed in and rushed out. I was amazed. From there they created a plan was realistic for me. It gradually let activity become a part of my life. It made the process enjoyable and something that I wanted to do, not something that my trainer mandated. This place is amazing. They truly care about your health and wellness, not only while you?re a client, but for the rest of your life!

• Pros: Flexible Schedule, Studio is warm and welcoming, knowledge of trainers
• Cons: Parking is on street