BEN KOHLER

• Favorite Hobbies: Going anywhere a plane can take me, learning and studying the world of wine, and hitting up new coffee shops and restaurants around the Cities!

• Certifications: MS in Kinesiology; ACE Group Fitness Instructor, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, ACE-Certified Health Coach, Precision Nutrition Level 1

• Favorite Quote: "A ship is safe in the harbor, but that is not what ships were made for." 

PERSONAL TRAINER & COACH

BACKGROUND

After playing soccer competitively throughout childhood and high school near Milwaukee, I was ready to hang up the cleats and try something new as I ventured out to Seattle for college. Exploring new ways to stay fit outside of sport, I stumbled into an indoor cycle class at my school’s Rec Center during one of the first weeks. It was from that experience that I knew Group Fitness was going to be a part of my life. Over the next four years of school, I started teaching Group Fitness classes of multiple formats and got certified as a Personal Trainer to work with clients one on one. After graduating with my BS in Sport and Exercise Science, I worked multiple fitness jobs in Seattle, often teaching 20+ classes a week and working with 10+ clients on the side. It is safe to say that was exhilarating but didn’t last as the long hours and burnout got the best of me. I now use that personal knowledge to help my clients and participants recognize and come up with ways to find balance in their lifestyle. I began seeking new opportunities to create more balance in my life, while still holding on to my passion for Fitness. I landed in Minnesota, studying towards my master’s degree in Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity at the University of Minnesota. I now utilize that knowledge and interest in multiple roles around the Twin Cities and greater Midwest.

VISION

My motto has always been to “Create Memorable, Positive Movement Experiences for Everyone”. If I have learned anything in my career, it is that if people don’t like it, they won’t keep doing it. I use that as the foundation for all of my work with clients. We have to create spaces and relationships that make people feel safe and confident to challenge themselves and reach their goals. I am also a firm believer that it is our jobs as fitness professionals to help you find what makes you feel powerful and alive, and not every exercise or physical activity is for every one. The best part of our jobs is getting to help you find what makes you excited to move, and then continue to support that journey towards whatever goals you might have.

EXPERIENCE

I earned my Master’s Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity from the University of Minnesota in 2019. I have been certified in Group Fitness, Personal Training, and Health Coaching from the American Council on Exercise for the last 7 years, and have extensive experience in a variety of fitness settings. I have presented nationally and internationally on topics related to group fitness, exercise psychology, and fitness professional development. I am always seeking new challenges and goals for myself, as I look to provide the best experience for the people I work with and prepare the next round of fitness professionals in this awesome field.