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Life Strength Fitness LLC

Hopkins, MN, Hennepin

(21)
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‘19 Certificate of Excellence, 2019

About

Life Strength Fitness is a one of a kind gym where small groups of up to 8 people per session come and train together in a fun, supportive, and personalized environment doing individualized training programs to improve physical performance, how they move, lose weight, and reduce pain.

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Reviews (21)

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5/5

21 customer reviews

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7 November 2019

Life Strength Fitness is great because I know exactly what to do (and how to do it) to get the best possible workout for my current fitness level. Being able to track progress over time is encouraging - it shows that the time I spend working out is actually making me measurably better! The workouts change over time so you don't just build strength but also power, endurance, speed, and more. There are even exercises for your wrists and neck and ankles so it's truly a full-body workout! It's much more exciting (and more useful) than just jumping on an elliptical machine at the gym like I used to do. You just follow the program and it'll help you get stronger, fitter, and live a healthier life. It's that simple. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

28 October 2019

I am impressed by the completeness of the system generated here. Gone are the days of random grab bag workouts at box gyms or boxes. Each day is targeted to you. Then week over week is targeted to your goals and your strengths. At the end of several weeks, you're tested, and improvement noted. This moves the weights you do. Likewise, range of motion and injuries are accounted for with other exercises to repair and correct. Diet, sleep, macro-nutrients, fasting, even how you shower are all taken into account and best practices are recommended in the Warrior Diet. Also train Aerobic threshold, or whatever. If you need it trained, Andrew can tailor a program to you. Online or in person. In person at the gym, people are friendly and supportive. Everyone shares the gear, and everyone is on their tailored individual programs. It literally blew my mind how much better this is than any other gym or trainer experience out there. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

26 February 2019

Great community of members and staff. They take the time to teach and develop athletes. Very caring, positive gym atmosphere.

Reviewed on Google Maps

28 December 2018

Great workout! The studio is clean, well appointed and upbeat. Very convenient location

Reviewed on Google Maps

28 December 2018

Defensive Fittness has to be one of the very best things I’ve ever done for myself! Aside from the workouts being practical to anyone’s life, Andrew truly wants the best for each and every person that comes through the doors. In Andrews programs, he designs what is best for each and every person. The amazing part of all his programs is this, no matter your age, limitation(s), or, goals, he has a plan for you! The even better part of this, just when you think you can’t do more, you can, because Andrew helps you believe it too! You become exhilarated and find yourself amazed and excited to keep going! Not only is Andrew great in his knowledge of fitness, he can do nutrition, and work with injuries, and, modify for your needs. He is brilliant! The classes are small, but, don’t kid yourself, even when he is assisting someone else in the group, he can still see what you are doing! Andrew will correct you so you don’t hurt yourself, he will also cheer you on through a tough exercise. He does not give up on you and he won’t let you give up on yourself.As for the other people in the classes, I can say from my own experience, they are a group that cares too. Phenomenal, unlike a big gym, a fitness place, people actually talk to each other and help each other. It’s a social arena, but, a workout at the same time. No matter how often you train here, it’s worth it on so many levels!Defensive Fittness LLC with Andrew, it’s a personal adventure you won’t regret, ever! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

28 December 2018

Best gym around, hands down. The professionals here are knowledgeable and kind and they work hard to keep members happy.

Reviewed on Google Maps

18 December 2018

Defensive Fittness has to be one of the very best things I’ve ever done for myself!

Aside from the workouts being practical to anyone’s life, Andrew truly wants the best for each and every person that comes through the doors.

In Andrews programs, he designs what is best for each and every person. The amazing part of all his programs is this, no matter your age, limitation(s), or, goals, he has a plan for you! The even better part of this, just when you think you can’t do more, you can, because Andrew helps you believe it too! You become exhilarated and find yourself amazed and excited to keep going!

Not only is Andrew great in his knowledge of fitness, he can do nutrition, and work with injuries, and, modify for your needs. He is brilliant!

The classes are small, but, don’t kid yourself, even when he is assisting someone else in the group, he can still see what you are doing! Andrew will correct you so you don’t hurt yourself, he will also cheer you on through a tough exercise. He does not give up on you and he won’t let you give up on yourself.

As for the other people in the classes, I can say from my own experience, they are a group that cares too. Phenomenal, unlike a big gym, a fitness place, people actually talk to each other and help each other. It’s a social arena, but, a workout at the same time. No matter how often you train here, it’s worth it on so many levels!

Defensive Fittness LLC with Andrew, it’s a personal adventure you won’t regret, ever!
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1 July 2018

This is a great place to workout, with helpful coaches, and fun, diverse routines that ensure progress if you’re willing to put in the work.

Reviewed on Google Maps

27 May 2018

I have been training with Andrew since May of 2014, and at Defensive Fitness for two years. My goals have been to both lose weight and to tone and become stronger and healthier as I get older. I have always been active and worked out consistently, but what I lacked was a structured program tailored to me and to gaining results I wanted to see. Since I have been working with Andrew I have noticed my stamina, energy and especially strength increase far beyond anything I could do on my own. I have had bad tendonitis in many joints my entire life, but with Andrew’s knowledge and help I have almost eliminated the pain that would come from a long day on my feet, or overuse of a joint through daily living. Also, having the scheduled workout times and Andrew’s attentiveness to every member and being sure they are working out consistently, I am able to get in three to four workouts a week with a crazy work/personal life schedule. That in and of itself is a miracle! Finally, you will never find a more supportive group of people who I enjoy seeing and working out with each week. It really is a family, and that is something you’ll never find at a large gym. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

27 May 2018

The unofficial moto at the gym is, "It'll change your life" and that's simply what it's done for me. Andrew has a deep understanding of fitness and how it impacts our bodies. He developed a detailed scientific workout program and nutrition guide that simply gets results, and more importantly, since the class sizes are limited, he's able to spend quality time with each participant. Lastly, it doesn't matter your age, because there are participants from 17 to 70 years old. If you want to make a change, my advice is take advantage of the FREE ONE WEEK trial. I did and it's definitely "changed my life" for the better. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

27 May 2018

Knowledgeable trainers who customize workouts to fit your goals. Also keeps up on nutrition and supplements. I've been part of the DF family for 2+ years and have had great results in gaining strength and recovering from a past running injury.

Reviewed on Google Maps

27 May 2018

Andrew's online training program, as well as the 10-day detox, was truly a life changer for me. I have always been active, a runner, and completed some other video- based programs, but still felt like I was not balanced and as fit as I could be. I struggled to find something that worked for me, especially as a Mom of three and a full-time teacher! Andrew was able to assess my body's imbalances, mis-alignments, as well as weaknesses, and structure a program that I could complete at home. Andrew even put together a modified workout program for me while I recover from a recent surgery. My surgical team said that my healing and recovery was way ahead of schedule and due to being so physically fit. I am so thankful for this program and how I feel! I highly recommend Defensive Fitness. Integrity, knowledge, motivation, and a results driven mindset are all words I would use to describe Andrew and this program. Thank you, Andrew!!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

27 May 2018

I highly recommend Andrew Heaton’s Defensive Fitness. I’m a middle aged male who used to be resigned to a beer-belly future of declining physical potential. Even regular work with other trainers failed to make significant progress. With Andrew’s assistance, however, I am stronger, faster, and mentally healthier than I have been in years, and I am still making significant improvement.Andrew gives each of us as much personal attention as we require. He is clearly an expert in his field and customizes our routines to our individual requirements. I enjoy working out under his direction, and am grateful for the community that he has built.But don’t take just my word for it. Within less than a year of working out with Andrew, friends, family, and acquaintances have commented on how much more fit I have become. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

15 May 2018

Andrew's online training program, as well as the 10-day detox, was truly a life changer for me. I have always been active, a runner, and completed some other video- based programs, but still felt like I was not balanced and as fit as I could be. I struggled to find something that worked for me, especially as a Mom of three and a full-time teacher! Andrew was able to assess my body's imbalances, mis-alignments, as well as weaknesses, and structure a program that I could complete at home. Andrew even put together a modified workout program for me while I recover from a recent surgery. My surgical team said that my healing and recovery was way ahead of schedule and due to being so physically fit. I am so thankful for this program and how I feel! I highly recommend Defensive Fitness. Integrity, knowledge, motivation, and a results driven mindset are all words I would use to describe Andrew and this program. Thank you, Andrew!!! More...

1 January 2018

Great program and awesome trainer!

Everyone goes through the same core program at their own pace. This program was designed for MMA athletes, so every move is designed to maximize adaptations needed for defensive techniques. If you're in any sort of martial art or combative program, this program will definitely benefit you! I do jiujitsu and boxing outside of my DF workouts, and I can see the difference in my abilities! I've also seen a huge change in my body physically. I have much more muscle definition, less fat, and I am so much stronger!

The classes have a limited number of spots available, so everyone gets enough attention from the trainer, Andrew. Andrew will push you to improve, and modify exercises for you so you can progress as your body adapts. I've asked Andrew to modify my program so I can hit specific goals, and he was more than willing!

All of the members are encouraging and friendly. I attend a few different class times and workout with almost all of the members - everyone has a great attitude and is also there to get stronger, faster, and have a little fun. I've never felt uncomfortable working hard, learning new moves, and sweating here. This is a great group of people to workout with as you reach your goals.
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Life Strength Fitness LLC
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Reply from Life Strength Fitness LLC

You're strength has nearly tripled over the past 3 years which is amazing. I'm glad that you have gotten to see the true impact my program can make in your self-defense potential. I know you saw the benefit when you got the top PT score in your graduating glass for law enforcement. I'm also glad that you are getting the performance transfer to boxing and jujitsu. Thanks for your dedication to the gym, your contribution to the great community of members at DF, and for investing in yourself so you reap the rewards from your training.

1 January 2018

Great program and awesome trainer!

Everyone goes through the same core program at their own pace. This program was designed for MMA athletes, so every move is designed to maximize adaptations needed for defensive techniques. If you're in any sort of martial art or combative program, this program will definitely benefit you! I do jiujitsu and boxing outside of my DF workouts, and I can see the difference in my abilities! I've also seen a huge change in my body physically. I have much more muscle definition, less fat, and I am so much stronger!

The classes have a limited number of spots available, so everyone gets enough attention from the trainer, Andrew. Andrew will push you to improve, and modify exercises for you so you can progress as your body adapts. I've asked Andrew to modify my program so I can hit specific goals, and he was more than willing!

All of the members are encouraging and friendly. I attend a few different class times and workout with almost all of the members - everyone has a great attitude and is also there to get stronger, faster, and have a little fun. I've never felt uncomfortable working hard, learning new moves, and sweating here. This is a great group of people to workout with as you reach your goals.
More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

15 December 2017

Middle aged guy with a little extra padding around the tummy, low energy and inflexible back & shoulder muscles. That was me in the spring when I started taking classes with Andrew. This isn't some story of instant physical fitness, because that's the 3 min Ab info commercial...

Nope, this is a story of following a well developed fitness and nutrition program created by the owner and trainer, Andrew Heaton. As you will read in other reviews, Andrew earned his master degree from the U of M, and he isn't the LA Fitness trainer, who just walks you from machine to machine. He is engaged, knowledgeable and more importantly encouraging.

While I still have progress to make, my results in the first six months are better than anything I could do alone. My flexibility is much better, my nutritional habits are light-years better (looking at you soda!), my energy is sky rocketing and I'm as strong as I've been in 15 years.

My suggestion is take advantage of the one free week. I did it and never looked back!

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Life Strength Fitness LLC
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Reply from Life Strength Fitness LLC

Thanks Paul for the very kind review. It has been fun returning your strength to what it use to be when you were in your prime military shape. Imagine how much stronger and flexible you will be in 6 more months...For anyone that reads this, my career did start at LA Fitness, however looking back on my programs then = they sucked. However they never consisted on moving from machine to machine. They always were science based and after working at LA Fitness for 1 year I was training 80 clients on a weekly basis and was the head trainer of the Apple Valley, MN club. I then moved on to training youth, college, and some pro athletes at the U of M and other private facilities. My depth of knowledge and experience has evolved a lot over the past decade and delivers the best series of fitness programs that were published for my masters thesis. Paul and many others get to experience the benefits when they come train with me or do my programs online. I invite you to come and get started on the best fitness journey of your life.

14 December 2017

I would highly recommend Defensive Fitness LLC to anyone interested in a personally tailored strength and conditioning program simply unavailable at "big box" studios. Andrew has a Masters Degree in Kinesiology from the U of M, a very demanding and well regarded program.He constructs programs based on your specific goals which might emphasize a particular sport or strength, endurance, speed and general conditioning.The self defense component also includes specific exercises for those in the firearms community.

I have been very impressed by the nutritional program at Defensive Fitness. Andrew has an incredible knowledge of nutrition and is constantly researching the area. He absolutely loves to share his knowledge. Go to the website and read his blogs. He can provide weekly dietary plans for those who need to lose weight. Andrew is a strong advocate of the work of Dr. Mark Hyman of the Cleveland Clinic. It is the "eat fat, get thin" approach to training and conditioning. Tastes great and works.

Defensive Fitness LLC is the real deal. It is fun, the people are great and the workout formats change as you progress so it stays fresh and challenging.
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11 December 2017

I highly recommend Andrew Heaton’s Defensive Fitness. I’m a middle aged male that used to be resigned to a beer-belly future of declining physical potential. Even regular work with other trainers failed to make significant progress. With Andrew’s assistance, however, I am stronger, faster, and mentally healthier than I have been in years, and I am still making significant improvement.

Andrew gives each of us as much personal attention as we require. He is clearly an expert in his field and customizes our routines to our individual requirements. I enjoy working out under his direction, and am grateful for the community that he has built.

But don’t take just my word for it. Within less than a year of working out with Andrew, friends, family, and acquaintances have commented on how much more fit I have become.
More...

Life Strength Fitness LLC
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Reply from Life Strength Fitness LLC

Thanks Ian for your very kind recommendation. I'm very excited about all of the progress you've made so far. Getting your body fully functional and injury resistant was one of your first mile stones. I'm so happy that you love the community of people that come to the fitness and knife classes here as well. Your progress here definitely motivates others to keep training hard and that the results will happen for those that follow the program.

16 August 2016

Great workout with excellent trainers. They work with you to find problems/weak or compensating muscles and help you train to correct them, getting the most of your workout.

Reviewed on Google Maps

13 August 2016

I came to Defensive Fitness late. Suffice it to say I am one of the older members, but found a program and supportive welcoming environment that met my physical needs and improved my life. It has been “Life Changing”. The small group setting, comprised of men & women, young & old, those that are truly fit & those that have a way to go, had a way of pulling me in and supporting me on my journey. For me, the depth of the program, the one on one attention, the small venue and price value cannot be beaten. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Q&As

I don't like the word diet because that is a short term lifestyle. Eating healthy and cycling your macronutrients throughout the year is important for accomplishing goals, improving your blood work, improving your energy, and keeping life interesting.

I assess their functional movement with a series of tests that I've developed over the past 10 years which has gotten great recognition by various chiropractors and physical therapists. This allows me to design specific stretches and exercises each person needs to make their body work functionally and prevent injury in life and in the gym. I design programs that target specific performance or health adaptations using lots of exercises, strength methods, and conditioning methods. We test pre and post results of every program so you can see that the program worked for you. I have 16 years worth of programs already designed for anyone who wants to get started. These programs are appropriate for any fitness level and any age.

Knowing what you want out of a fitness program. Understanding that it is a lifelong commitment and not a short term quick fix. Wanting to put in the time and do what has to be done to make a difference in your fitness and health markers, not just doing the things that you think will work. Focusing and enjoying the process vs being impatient and stressed out through the entire process.

I love coming to my gym where everyone feels like they are at home not some uncomfortable place where they are going to get stared at for the next hour. I love designing effective programs that are heavily based in science. I love teaching people new exercises and training methods that get them freakish results, and then doing performance tests that reveal how much progress they are making. The emotional journey of fitness is fun to take with each person that I work with and makes it a career that isn't work, just plane fun.

After working for so many big box gyms and private facilities that went out of business, the hardest and most stressful part wasn't trying to find a new job. It was having to tell my clients that the owners have ended our relationship and you have to find another gym and trainer. I opened my own gym that has all of the elements and freedoms that people really want in a gym. The training schedule is created by the members, the amenities are what the members want, the training equipment is everything that works and nothing else, the instructors love people and are phenomenal at what they do, and the community is like a family so everyone feels like they belong there.

I put the individual fitness and health needs of my members above my own. I've been training people for 10 years that have every fitness or health goal that you could think of and I always deliver effective programs that work. You don't need to get in any sort of shape before coming to me. Contact me today and I'll change your life.

Services

Life Strength Fitness is a long term and progressive strength and endurance program that will make you stronger for life.
Train up to 4 days per week.
Sign up fee includes baseline performance testing, functional movement assessment, and individualized program design.
Membership includes pre and post testing as you progress through our programs, access to 381 professionally designed exercise videos, and access to your program anywhere in the world.
-Fitness here is only the beginning
-We progressively teach you how to train safely and effectively for long term strength and fitness development
-The exercises improve performance and prevent injury
-We use scientific testing to individualize your program and measure improvement
-We use specialized training methods that work regardless of age

Life Strength Fitness is a long term and progressive strength and endurance program that will make you stronger for life.
The program is designed and distributed to you privately via google sheets application. There is a complimentary membership given to you to access 381 videos that you will use for various programs. These videos will show you the warm up, program exercises, functional stretching exercises, and functional strength exercises, educate you on the training methods, and teach you how to read and use the spreadsheets.
Sign up fee includes baseline performance testing, functional movement assessment, individualized program design.
Pre and post testing is filmed by you and sent to us for analysis and your new program is designed from that data. Your data can always be viewed through the member login on our website. Membership also includes access to your program anywhere in the world.
-Fitness here is only the beginning
-We progressively teach you how to train safely and effectively for long term strength and fitness development
-The exercises improve performance and prevent injury
-We use scientific testing to individualize your program and measure improvement
-We use specialized training methods that work regardless of age

This class uses multiple fighting systems to equip you with the skills that you need to survive a lethal encounter. The class is conducted in a safe but challenging environment where you will learn how to utilize knives, impact weapons, and your body to defend yourself against one or multiple attackers. Whether you carry a knife yourself and want to learn how to use it more effectively or want to know how to defend yourself against one, this class is for you.

Edged weapon drills and movement generators are designed to get you, the defender, ready to run your knife as close to reality as possible. In a life and death encounter, there are limbs and weapons flying everywhere. Learning, within the chaos, to place your weapon in the most effective target areas possible can be done within these patterns. Drills like Palasut (below) help the defender find target areas, defend against incoming attacks, and learn to continue to function even during extreme situations.

Our empty hand drills are skills that you can use to defend yourself, should you find yourself in a life or death fight without a weapon, or before you can deploy it. This is not competition martial arts. This isn't for the octagon of MMA. These skills are banned in that environment because they are designed to cause dabilitating damage as quickly as possible.

Do you know and plan what to eat and when to eat to change your body composition?

What do you eat pre and post workout to improve your performance?

The Defensive Fitness Nutrition Plans take all of the guess work out of what to eat/drink, and when to have it for the next month.
The plan comes with a recommended supplement list for optimal health with links of where to purchase the best products.
Pre and Post circumference measurements and body fat % testing are included.

We also have a 10 day detox and warrior diet nutrition plan

Defensive Fitness Training and Online Training members get this service complimentary. However anyone can gain access to these videos for a very affordable monthly or annual membership with us.

Gain access to 381 professionally made exercise videos with coaching tips included! You can even access them on the go using your phone, tablet, or laptop. This is a perfect system for those who travel, train at home, or like to design their own programs, but might feel they're missing out on portions of their body or skill development. Defensive Fitness' online video library is constantly expanding, and the videos use a wide range of strength training equipment and methodologies.

Video Categories:

Corrective Stretches
Corrective Exercises
Warm Up Exercises
Warm Up Routines
Exercises Organized by Body Part
Battle Rope Exercises
Acceleration Training
Repeat Acceleration Training
Training Method Education