Avatar Private Training Studio
Offers no contract, personal training sessions grounded on biomechanics, form and stimulation; provides yoga, massage therapy and nutritional counseling.
(612) 284-3654
311 5th Avenue N
Minneapolis,
MN
55401
44.985186
-93.276004
Neighborhoods: North Loop, Central
Reviews & Ratings for Avatar Private Training Studio
45 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 45 reviews
Avatar Studios Made Me a Swimming Champion
by 1650Free
May 29, 2009
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
15 lbs down and counting
by mplsphotogirl
April 24, 2009
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
Good, but not great.
by SSB77
February 25, 2009
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
by Contributor
January 06, 2009
Offers no contract, personal training sessions grounded on biomechanics, form and stimulation; provides yoga, massage therapy and nutritional counseling.
Best shape in years thanks to this studio!
by tcn22
November 30, 2008
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.
Outstanding!
by techieguy
November 19, 2008
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
People who care
by dwntowngirl
October 09, 2008
I have been at Avatar for the past 3 months. I called due to the reviews and a personal need for change, but I stayed due to the service and care of the entire staff! My first month my weight did not change, but by working with Lori (their dietician) and increasing my activity level outside of the sessions, this has turned around. As of today I feel stronger, more confident and have lost 10 lbs!!!!!
Nothing but great things to say!
by Wisco
August 07, 2008
From the first consultation with Eric, it was clear that that this was a different kind of training experience and a different kind of gym than those I was familiar with. To begin with, it's a great space -- a lot of time, care, and consideration has gone into designing a gym in which you feel comfortable, safe, and motivated to train. The trainers are amazing. Their knowledge, range of experience, expertise, friendliness, and non-judgmental approach (particularly important for those of us whose experience in gyms isn't always so positive) impressed me every time I came in. I worked mainly with Eric and Stephen, both of whom were great. I really like the experience of working with more than one trainer -- they push you in different ways but the communication among all the members of the Avatar team means that they're always aware of what you've been doing with the other trainer. Maybe the most impressive thing about Avatar is that everyone there is committed to helping you move forward. Rather than reproaching you for less-than-ideal choices in the past, the question is always, "Where do you want to go? and "How can we help you get there?" This is not a one-size-fits-all training experience -- this is individualized attention. The trainers at Avatar listen to you, focus on you, and help you push yourself forward to meet your goals.
A number of people have mentioned that it's expensive. That's true. But you're getting an unparalleled level of expertise, individual attention, and commitment and that's worth a lot. Beyond that, if you can only afford x sessions, I still recommend working with the trainers to learn good form and to develop a routine that can work for you at home/in the gym.
Lastly, while we're talking workouts that had me dripping sweat from every pore and feeling muscles I didn't know existed, we're also talking about a whole lot of fun.
- Pros: Amazing trainers, great facilities.
- Cons: None
Couldn't be happier
by pknxUMN
July 25, 2008
Motivated by the great reviews here, I called avatar. All I can say is have been a client for the past 14 weeks now and all the reviews are true. The staff there is wonderful, supportive and truly cares about my health and goals. I have worked with Andrea, Spencer and Eric and they all provide unique and fun workouts. They also provide clear direction as to how I can adapt the sessions into my life and what activity I need to do to attain my goals. I could not be happier with my decision to call avatar.
- Pros: Staff?s commitment to health, relaxed atmosphere
- Cons: A little hard to get downtown during rush hour
Customer Service!
by allancourgan
July 15, 2008
I was in town for 2 weeks and work out with a trainer at home. While in Minneapolis I contact Avatar and a few other places to see if I could train a few times while there. I have done this before when I am in a city for a while and it has helped keep in me active and motivated. Within an hour after emailing Avatar, I received a response. Some places I am still wait to here from after 4 weeks. Eric went out of his way to make his schedule meet mine. Despite only being a client for a few sessions, we went through a full evaluation. He made certain that my time in Minneapolis was productive and that I went home in better shape then when I arrived. This is not normally the case when you travel. He even offered to talk to my trainer at home to discuss what we worked on to ensure that the progress continued. I will definitely call Eric when I return to Minneapolis and would highly recommend Avatar to everyone.
- Pros: Great Customer Service! Owner take personal interest in health of every client!
- Cons: Sreet Parking, but I always found a spot
