Gym / Fitness Centers in Saint Paul, MN

It's really going to depend on where you live and what art you're interested in, but there are a number of good academies around.

It really depends on what you're looking for. I would recommend trying out a bunch of different places to get a feel for them before settling on one in particular. I train at (and am very happy with) the keishoukan dojo in Elk River. If you're interested in checking out our training, I'm happy to carpool if we can make it work. I also train in Historical European martial arts (mostly German longsword) at the Minnesota Sword club. It's a ton of fun. The only other place I've spent any real time at in the Cities is the Minnesota Kali Group, which is good but expensive, and not quite what I was looking for. Minnesota Martial Arts Academy looks really good if you want an MMA flavor. I personally would avoid any of the big chains (ATA, National Karate, etc.). I'm also happy to chat about specific schools, or go with you to check them out, since I've been planning to do a dojo hop around town for a little bit now, just to get to know the community. Let me know if you're interested and we can chat more.

I've been training Tai Chi and Hsing Yi at [Twin Cities Tai Chi](http://tctaichi.org/) for the past 7 years and they're an excellent gym. They also do Pa Kua, Liu Ho Pa Fa, and Eclectsis, so mostly internal arts if that's something that interests you.

Capoeira! If you're looking for a great expression of a form, this is it. http://www.abcapoeira.com/

Do you want something street practical? Sport oriented? If you don't know anything about martial arts, I'll at least tell you this: Stay away from dojos that focus on posing and waving your arms around in the air. You can't reasonably expect to stop a dedicated attacker from hurting you without punching them in the face or wrestling with them. It's not a dance, it's a fight. Find a place that regularly does full contact sparring or - from a self defense standpoint - you're pretty much wasting your time. If you're set on sword stuff, I've heard good things about [MN Sword Club](http://www.mnsword.com/). A jujitsu buddy of mine is a fencing coach there.

[Twin Cities Akido](http://www.tcaikido.com/)

As a note, I think MN Kali group is doing a really good deal for new students right now. They're a solid bunch, and it would be well worth your time to do their intro offer.

Fridays 1 - 3 pm is Parent and Tot time in the gym at the Merriam Park Community Center.

Kristina Mattson was trying to set something up.

I know the St. Paul Area Moms group in meetup.com is pretty active (not neighborhood specific though). They have a fb group too but I think you need to join through meetup first. Christina Owen?

I live in the neighborhood and am part of the MOMS Club of St Paul (https://sites.google.com/site/summithillmoms/). It's a great group of women, many of whom live in MacGroveland. Usually 2-5 events/playdates each week in the area. :)

Every Thursday Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has Lil' Explorers from 10-noon. While not in the neighborhood it's worth checking out. Perfect for the 1-3 yo and Free! This week's theme is "Bird Buddies".

My friend Cerresso Fort owns a boxing gym just across from Romolos off Arcade and Wheelock on the corner there!! Search him on here and shoot him a message! Im sure He'd be More than happy to helpyou out and answer and questions you may have!

http://combat-jujitsu.com/cjj/index.htm This is where my kids go. Steve is amazing. He teaches kids to be respectful and how to defend themselves. He is very patient. He is more concerned about teaching than he is about the money like some other places are. Kids classes are Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 & Saturdays from 12:30-1:30. Cost is $50 month per child. He will allow you to come check things out for a class prior to committing. Payment is month to month. No gear to buy, unless your child tests into a belt. The cost of the belt test is around $20, basically covers the cost of the belt. You can buy a Gi if you want but it is not mandatory. My son has a Gi, my daughter does not. They typically just go in gym clothes.

Element Boxing & Fitness on Fairview in St. Paul

Key Fitness and Yoga is no contract, unlimited pay-as-you-go or pay per class but we are purely group fitness and yoga so no equipment if that's what you're looking for.:( 14-day free pass for unlimited classes to all new people if you're interested. And NEVER an enrollment fee. We're happy to have you, we aren't going to charge you to sign up. Silliness. www.KeyFitnessandYoga.com All prices are listed on the website and we give a 10% discount to teachers, first responders (LE, fire, etc), military and seniors. *shameless plug* Come check it out!

Key Fitness is the best and offers several different types of exercise classes to fit your needs and to keep you mixing up your workouts.

Maybe see if Fritz Bobcat would build one? I know they do a lot of different things. The owner is Tom Fritz. Michael Schultz do you think he would be able to? You work with him lol

http://www.mcil-mn.org/index.php/programs/ramp-project This one? Ooph...

If you want - we would love for you to try Life Time. Here's a complimentary pass! https://www.lifetimefitness.com/join-life-time/life-time-request-pass-B.html?utm_source=kickfactory&utm_medium=social&utm_term=offer-1&utm_content=kickfactory&utm_campaign=kickfactory&kf_tnl=2FNLCGSUVWY8K3RHAMTJP5D67

Yup, he is! It's Von Gillette. von@vongillette.com

You can do it - we can help! Enjoy this free pass to Life Time - get your fit back today: https://www.lifetimefitness.com/join-life-time/life-time-request-pass-B.html?utm_source=kickfactory&utm_medium=social&utm_term=offer-1&utm_content=kickfactory&utm_campaign=kickfactory&kf_tnl=7KABTXUJSPYGNL5R38WVQF2DM

The problem with getting a gym membership is, you have to be really self motivated. Walking around, creepin on the machines is intimidating and its real easy to just say fuck it and watch Dr. Phil on the treadmill. That is why I love what I do, because I always have someone there who is invested in my progress and tells me to get my ass in gear when I am slackin.

courts son Adam Hawley is a personnal trainer and starting his own business. le me know if you need contact info

Whens the big day!? My friend Kaila Mussell is a personal trainer in Canada... But she has her own videos and health page you can connect with. She's freakin'Awesome!

Blast Fitness, $20 a month. Can bring a friend for free every time. Free tanning, and a private womans work out area if wanted. In Sunray

Jeremy Blake has done personal training I believe.

LA Fitness probably will give you the biggest bang for your buck. They have more locations and more equipment. $29.99/month. Downside is they are not 24 hours. The other gyms are too small for $30/month. Lifetime Fitness is too expensive.

YWCA at Selby and Western is nice. The LA Fitness by Target seems well managed and clean. I would stay away from the JCC.