Hardshell Fitness, LLC

Over the past year, Hardshell has turned into one of my favorite places in south Minneapolis. It's a gym to get strong for life-- the workout classes are functional, challenging, and accessible for everyone. Trainers Ben and Eli are not only great at helping you hit your goals, but are the foundation of an amazing community centered around this gym. I couldn't think of a better place to get strong, have fun, and make new friends.

Hardshell is a super inclusive, empathetic, and fun place to strength train and build community. As someone who hasn't had great experiences at regular gyms, I started personal training with Eli at Hardshell in December of 2022 and haven't looked back since. I've also taken a 6 week course led by Leigh, and it was fantastic! I really appreciate that the programs are built to have you go at your own pace but still create challenging workouts each week.

I also really like that Ben and his team are so plugged into the community and share news, updates, and ways to help our neighbors. I'm so happy I found Hardshell last year and have the opportunity to be a part of this kind, thoughtful, and strong community!

Leigh leads a super fun group workout on Thursdays. Supportive, fun, and challenging. Had a great time highly recommend.

I really love this little gym with a big heart. I have been taking classes at hardshell for about four months and it's been really great being a part of the community Ben and Eli have built here. I have found myself getting stronger, movement becoming easier for me, and my relationship to movement improving. I love how community driven they are; talking about things happening in the neighborhood/community is a built in practice at the gym. Classes are accessible to folks at many levels of fitness as it mostly is go at your own pace. They are great at giving accommodations if needed, and are great at getting to know participants in an individual way. Finding a gym that focuses on functional fitness and strength, instead of pushing intentional weight loss/diet talk is so refreshing. As a person living in a larger body, I feel safe and welcomed in this space. I'm a tough critic of gym spaces and I give Hardshell a solid 5 stars!

Hardshell is an amazing little gem in Minneapolis. It's more than a gym, it's a neighborhood hotspot and community builder. Come here to get a workout and leave with new friends.

I have enjoyed the class workouts for the past 3 years and all the coaches are top notch. They help everyone understand modifications if needed and program a variety of movements. They make strength accessible to everyone.

I started with personal training with Eli about 2 years ago, and this is the best gym I've ever been to. It's a community that actually lives up to it's mission - building Strength, Resilience, Empathy and Love. I hadn't worked out in at least 3 years, yet have always felt welcome. It's clean and has great equipment - I actually have some muscles now! More than that, I feel better about myself on the inside too. A big thank you to the team: Eli, Ben, Leigh & Greg for a really good experience. I haven't met a single person there who wasn't kind, and I think that speaks for itself!

I knew I needed to move more, and I needed to just start with something. I drove by Hardshell, checked it out online, and emailed for more info. I got a response right away, set up a meeting to learn more. and started meeting with a fitness trainer 1:1! I was really nervous that first time, but Eli is great! He's been very encouraging and helps me see my own progress. I really enjoy the atmosphere of the gym, very laid back. Best of all its, affordable!

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 Hardshell enough.

This is the most inclusive and affirming gym I've ever joined. I love the gym's commitment to its community, and how coaches help nurture connections among members. Workouts are thoughtfully designed and challenging (with plenty of options for members to meet themselves where they're at), and coaches are knowledgeable and encouraging. I'd recommend the gym to anyone I know!

An absolutely delightful gym experience! Can’t say I’ve ever said that before. The way Ben, Eli, and team operate Hardshell gave me significant pause and wonder why more gyms don’t open class with community announcements, introductions and structure class to be accessible. Hopefully more gyms will catch on to these opportunities for community and accessibility, but no one can ever be Hardshell!

Hardshell is the best gym I've ever trained at. Ben and Eli foster a kind, inclusive community and maintain a clean, well-equipped space. Group classes are super fun and there are ample open gym slots to get solo workouts in. Ben has been programming for me for just over a year now and I've seen huge improvements in my strength, mobility, and skills. Can't say enough good things about Hardshell!

Ben Swarts is far more than an amazing trainer. He is a relationship builder that cares for the hearts and souls of his members as much as he cares about their health and strengthening their bodies. This is so much more than a gym. It is community.

I love being a member of Hardshell so much! I switched to this gym during the pandemic because of the opportunity to train outside. I've been going there a little more than a year, and even though I've been a physically active regular gym-goer for most of my life, I am noticeably stronger now than I've ever been and I love the feeling. It's been high gains for a modest weekly time commitment. And the people who go there are generally great, I appreciate seeing them regularly, and Ben and Eli are thoughtful, smart, attentive trainers who make a concerted effort at building and maintaining an inclusive space.

Having moved to the city, I found Hardshell after having a great fitness community for 4 years - south of the river.
Completely the right decision.
Welcoming, inclusive, expert and supportive guidance as I continue to work on my healthspan, and my own fitness goals.

More than a gym, a community. Before joining, I had never lifted weights and was very intimidated about the whole process. When I joined, Ben welcomed me and my family into an amazing community. I learn something new every time I go to a class and I am stronger person. The community is amazing, welcoming and non-judgmental, something that I really was looking for. If you want to get strong among a diverse group of people then this is the place for you.

I started going to Hardshell a little less than a year ago and am so happy to have found such a welcoming place in my neighborhood. I started with some personal training and moved to the group classes, which are both fun and challenging. Everyone at the gym is super friendly, and I always feel like I get personal attention when I have questions even as part of the group classes.

I’ve frequented a lot of gyms but Hardshell is my absolute favorite! I’ve been a dedicated member for almost a year now for good reason. Hardshell talks a lot about resilience, community and empathy and they truly demonstrate these values on the daily. I can’t emphasize enough what an amazing community Hardshell holds.

Ben and Eli are always working to accommodate every persons needs with the perfect balance of empathy and encouragement. I always feel supported by the trainers as well as the other members. I look forward to every class I attend and I know I can always work at my own pace and never feel pressured to compare myself to others or push myself to burnout. This is a sustainable kind of training program that will patiently guide and listen to you without sugar coating anything. I feel strong and capable and intend to keep Hardshell as a permanent fixture in my life.

I feel lucky to have found this community and I always encourage everyone to come join me for a class! 10/10 would recommend.

Before coming here, I was never great at getting into a good gym routine. The small group format and fantastic training have been a huge motivator. Ben is a great coach and gives constructive advice without judgment. The community of the gym is inclusive and welcoming, and Ben is continually looking for ways to invest and give back to the neighborhood as well.

I have been training with Ben and HardShell Fitness for quite a few years now and love it. The workouts are a great mix and Ben really stresses to meet yourself where you are at for that day because each day is different. He clearly demonstrates the exercises as well as modifications in case something is sore or your abilities are just not there yet for the full on movement. There is also the great community piece that Ben has built. It great to see everybody root for each other and lift each other up. I hope I can continue to train with Ben and HardShell Fitness for many more years.

This is hands down the best gym experience I've ever had. Ben is a patient, empathetic, inclusive, practiced coach who gives individual attention to every member (and, I suspect, to every person he interacts with.) This place is more than a gym, it's a community. The equipment is easy to use, clean, and in great shape. Ben does an incredible job of teaching us how to use weights and equipment in an equitable and safe way. There are in-person and online options for classes! In short, this place is epic. Come check it out!