Hardshell Fitness, LLC — Attraction in Minneapolis

Finding Hardshell Fitness quite literally changed the trajectory of my life.

I first started training one-on-one with Eli in summer 2023, having spent decades with a complicated, often painful relationship to exercise. From the very beginning, Eli approached our work with empathy, humor, and expertise. I never felt judged or pressured; only supported. Under his guidance, I grew stronger, more confident, and developed a healthy, joyful relationship with movement for the first time in my adult life. That transformation has carried me through some of the hardest chapters of my personal life with mental and physical resilience I didn’t know I had.

I transitioned to small group training with Ben in summer 2024. From day one, Ben has made me feel seen, safe, and strong. The care and attention he brings to each session -- from thoughtfully adjusting workouts based on individual needs to offering support between sessions -- reflects his deep commitment to every member's growth and well-being. Training alongside the other folks in my group has been equally powerful. They’re not just supportive workout partners. They’re kind, funny, grounded people who reflect everything I love about the South Minneapolis community: authenticity, mutual respect, and a shared belief that we’re all better when we lift each other up.

What sets Hardshell apart from any other gym I’ve experienced isn’t just the top-tier coaching (though that’s a huge part of it); it’s the culture of care and community that infuses every corner of the space. This is a place where people come not only to train, but also to heal, to grow, to laugh, and to rebuild. That sense of purpose extends far beyond individual fitness goals. Hardshell walks the walk when it comes to community engagement. Whether it’s sponsoring Barbenders (a Special Olympics powerlifting team I’m proud to help coach) or creating space for important conversations about social justice and inclusion, at Hardshell your personal progress is celebrated right alongside your contributions to something larger than yourself. It’s a gym, yes, but it’s also a hub for human connection and collective strength.

If you’re looking for a gym that meets you where you are, helps you get where you want to go, and walks alongside you the whole way, this is it. Thank you, Ben, Eli, and everyone at Hardshell for being a source of strength in all senses of the...

This gym is discriminatory and ageist. Owner and trainer (very physically inflexible themselves), align against customer without owner having even met customer. White Bro culture at its worst. We don’t support this in my neighborhood.

Haha. Ben does remember me. Notice the invalidation and snark. This is the problem. Show some maturity and address valid concerns, instead of telling critics you hope they have a better day. Grow up. Maybe my honest review will speak to many reading these reviews. Maybe it’s the one that isn’t so positive that could give you an opportunity to grow, not the one that strokes your ego. Btw, I’m not the only one in the n’hood who feels this way. I’ll suggest others who feel the same write reviews as well. You don’t get to act like this in our neighborhood. We like businesses that treat all our neighbors with respect and kindness, and that care about customers concerns enough to address them in person. We dislike lack of accountability, cowardice, rudeness, invalidation and misogyny. Hope you have a better, more respectful responses to criticism in the future, and that you find a neighborhood that feels like home. We don’t need disrespectful businesses here. Take a yoga class. It increases both mental and physical flexibility. Too much lifting can contribute to aggression. Have...

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...