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WHEEL MEMBER spotlight
Mitch McCallson
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
A: I do video work, curling, frisbee golfing (frolfing if you are cool. "Disc Golfing" is a term that people who take that sport too seriously use). My favorite bands be Metallica, LCD Soundsystem, and St. Vincent in no particular order. Nascar is one my favorite sport to watch, followed closely by football. Also, video games are cool.
Q: How did you first hear about The Wheel?
A: My teammate Jenny at work launched the business, and a year later I saw a post promoting ((Bounce)) classes and I like trampolines! Jumping is fun, and I love rhythm, so I started taking classes.
Q: When did you start working out?
A: Before my wedding last Summer
Q: What are your favorite classes? Favorite time of day to work out?
A: Bounce is the best! I hate mornings, so I do the evenings throughout the week. Spin classes are fun, and I will do those here and there...but I love Bounce. There's something about the combination of the jumping, the moody lighting, and great music that makes my day better.
Q: Why do you enjoy The Wheel and what keeps you coming back?
A: The whole atmosphere about "pushing yourself at your own pace." Other gyms have this macho, super competitive mindset and at The Wheel, we don't have that. We're all at a different level, and we're just trying to get better. And we're not full of ourselves! Some gyms really love how "cool" they are, and the people at The Wheel are actually cool yet humble.
Q: Anything else?
A: I will shamelessly plug Bounce class. Even if it ends up not being your thing, you should still try it. It is a very unique workout, it is fun. If you got exercise buddies who are bored or looking something new, get 'em on over to Bounce.
WHEEL MEMBER spotlight
Kara Schaefer
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
A: I have lived in Brainerd for many years with my husband Henry. We don't have any kids, but our two small businesses keep us busy.
Q: How did you first hear about The Wheel?
A: I first heard about The Wheel in April of 2021 from Jenny.
Q: What are your favorite classes? Favorite time of day to work out?
A: I love all of the classes! I am an early riser, just for workouts, so I love the 5:30 am classes. You will also catch me at an afternoon class after a long day at work. It is my stress reliever.
Q: Why do you enjoy The Wheel and what keeps you coming back?
A: I love The Wheel and the community of people that attend. The instructors care about you and get to know you. The other participants are all friendly and we are all there for our own purpose but cheering each other on in our journeys. The music is a huge piece for me, too! A great play list in class can really help push you.
I had never done a spin class until April 2021. I was able to jump in and learn and feel no judgement from the other members or participants. We all start somewhere! Come check out a class!
WHEEL MEMBER spotlight
Ashley Powers
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
A: I have been married to my wonderful husband and best friend for 10 years. We have so much fun being parents to two awesome girls and two troublesome (but cute) dogs. I enjoy reading, working out, and pretending to garden.
Q: How did you first hear about The Wheel?
A: I work with Jenny and when I found out she was opening The Wheel, I knew I had to check it out.
Q: When did you start working out at The Wheel?
A: I started in the summer of 2021.
Q: What are your favorite classes? Favorite time of day to work out?
A: Bike boot camp and yoga are my favorite classes. My favorite time to work out is 5:30 in the morning. It is a great way to start the day!
Q: Why do you enjoy The Wheel and what keeps you coming back?
A: The classes at The Wheel are more than just a boring exercise routine. I sweat my butt off, but it doesn’t suck because it is actually fun! The owners and instructors truly seem to care about the members here. People of all fitness levels and body types work out here and everyone is very supportive of each other.
The Wheel has not only helped me with my physical health, but my mental health as well. I work from home and don’t always get the social interaction that a person needs…The Wheel is fun and the people are great…it is one of the few things that gets me out of the house so I don’t feel like a hermit!
WHEEL MEMBER spotlight
Kara Patrick
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
A: I am a mom of two boys and a girl. They have kept me on my toes for the last 23 years. I have been married for 28 years with many more to come. We have two labs that are just like having two more children but cuddle more often than our human children do!
I am a high school science teacher in Pierz (MN) so I spend about three hours of my day in the car. This is good, in a way, because I spend my time planning in the car instead of when I am home with my family.
Teenagers continue to open my eyes about the world we live in. I like to do all sorts of things like mountain biking, snowshoeing, boating, walking; but mostly just being with family and friends.
Q: How did you first hear about The Wheel?
A: I heard about The Wheel from a friend who just loved it, and then I connected with Jenny. The rest is history and my new adventure began.
Q: When did you start working out at The Wheel?
A: I started in June of 2021 and I haven't slowed down since!
Q: What are your favorite classes? Favorite time of day to work out?
A: I guess I would say spin classes are my favorite, but I have to admit that there has not been a "bad" class here at The Wheel. There is such a variety in classes offered that you can work the whole body. All the instructors are so amazing and keep me motivated to keep coming.
My favorite time to workout is 4:30 in the afternoon with Jenny. It is a great way to wind down from work to get rid of that stress and get ready for the rest of the evening.
Q: Why do you enjoy The Wheel and what keeps you coming back?
A: There are so many things that I enjoy about The Wheel. First and foremost are the people that workout there. Everyone is so fun to be with in class. There is no judgement, just acceptance. It is a wonderful change from other gyms I have been a part of in the past. The instructors are wonderful. They are kind, friendly, and - most of all - motivating. It is because of these things that I look forward to class and keep coming back week after week!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The Wheel has given me a place that I can feel comfortable working out with a lot of laughs and positive vibes. Every class gives you a chance to get out of your comfort zone while having fun. My overall health, mental and physical, has improved because I have a chance to come to class, exercise, chat, and laugh with everyone.
There is no other place like this in the Brainerd Lakes Area!
WHEEL MEMBER spotlight
Heather Noha
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I've only ever had four-legged kids and have been married for 20 years. Every dog I've ever had has been the best, including the one I have now. I laugh a lot even though you wouldn't guess it from my pictures. I'm 43 and honestly think that age is just a number. I believe in use it or lose it and that a body in motion stays in motion. My background is in Physical Therapy and I hope to return to my position as a Physical Therapist Assistant soon, although I enjoyed my change of pace and environment over the last year while working for Pequot Lakes Animal Hospital. I enjoy kayaking, walking and biking, and while the snow is beautiful in the winter I would rather be on the warm side of the glass.
Q: How did you first hear about The Wheel?
A: I heard about The Wheel from Dani. I originally met her through classes she was teaching at the YMCA and enjoyed her personality and teaching style. I took a leap of faith and Dani's word that these Spin classes were fun and not like the only other one that I had tried and honestly hated.
Q: When did you start working out at The Wheel?
A: I had a date with a Spin bike lovingly named "Love Handle" on May 29th, 2021. There are a lot of things that happen inside comfort zones; change is not one of them. I needed change.
Q: What are your favorite classes? Favorite time of day to work out?
A: I'm usually at the 5:30 am classes during the week and the Spin class Saturday mornings. I'm really liking the mix of Spin and strengthening classes, the Yoga Sculpt classes when I can make them, and am looking forward to trying a Barre class. I love being able to have the time and classes available to take care of me before I start the rest of my day.
Q: Why do you enjoy The Wheel and what keeps you coming back?
A: The Instructors, variety of classes, laughs, music, friendly faces, and exercise is such a huge component for my own mental health. Everything is better when it doesn't feel like work, and if it feels like work it's easier with laughter, friendly faces and music.
Thank you for being down to earth and welcoming to everyone. I wouldn't have stepped out of my comfort zone if you wouldn't have opened your doors. Thank you for being my Happy Place.
WHEEL MEMBER spotlight
Melissa Duffney
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
A: I am a mom of three girls and am a sixth grade Social Studies teacher at Forestview Middle School. I have always loved working out - it is my happy place! I also love to read, enjoy camping and four-wheeling in Outing, beach day (which is every day in the summer), and curling up to a good Netflix series (currently watching Maid).
Q: How did you first hear about The Wheel?
A: I heard about it through my friend (and Wheel instructor) Katie. I started mid-June and have been hooked ever since!
Q: What are your favorite classes? Favorite time of day to work out?
A: I love to cycle, so that is what initially drew me to The Wheel. I go to the 5:30 am classes daily and love the variety! If I don't get up in the morning and get it done, I won't do it!
Q: Why do you enjoy The Wheel and what keeps you coming back?
A: It starts my day off on a positive note. I leave feeling happy and ready for the day. It is a community of women (and a few men) who are committed to being their best selves. It is a beautiful and inviting atmosphere. The instructors just complete the overall experience. I am so glad I found you!
WHEEL MEMBER spotlight
Karlee Magnan
Q: How did you first hear about The Wheel?
A: I was actually coming back from vacation in February 2021 and feeling really miserable about myself and couldn't stand any of the pictures from my trip. I saw on Facebook that my cousin Shanda, who was also on this trip, was interested in going to an open house at The Wheel; so I asked her more about it in the airport as we were traveling home. I knew I needed to find something to help get me back on track. She invited me to come to the open house. I ended up signing up for a free trial class and invited my friends to come with me.
Q: What are your favorite classes? Favorite time of day to work out?
A: I seriously have loved every class I have taken. I usually spin four days a week and try to fit in a yoga class to help stretch out my muscles. I recently branched out and tried Barre and the Monday morning bootcamp, and absolutely love them. I love the variety of classes that are offered each month.
You can usually find me there at 5:30 a.m. I love that it helps set the tone for the rest of the day and I don't have an excuse not to be there. Nights can be busy with the kids after school and getting everything done before bed.
Q: Why do you enjoy The Wheel and what keeps you coming back?
A: I seriously love the instructors! Everyone is so good about showing modifications so the fitness classes meet ALL levels. I think it can be very intimidating walking into a gym on day one, but The Wheel was the exact opposite. I felt at home and had a sense of belonging. I've never felt intimidated.
Being part of The Wheel is so much more than just a workout place. I have learned to love my body for where I am today versus where I hope to be six months or a year from now. I have not only lost weight but I have gained so much self-confidence and have become a better person because of it.
WHEEL MEMBER spotlight
Martha Jendro
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I’m married with two kids. I work as a registered nurse at the surgery center and also casually in cardiology at Essentia.
Q: How did you first hear about The Wheel?
A: I first heard of The Wheel on Facebook. I knew of Dani from taking her classes in years past; and, Jenny, I knew personally but hadn’t taken her classes yet.
Q: When did you start working out at The Wheel?
A: I took my first class in June and was instantly hooked!
Q: What are your favorite classes? Favorite time of day to work out?
A: I love Jenny’s basic spin and Kristi’s yoga. They fit my schedule as I usually work out in the evenings. When time allows, I want to attend Dani’s yoga as well. She teaches a fantastic flow.
Q: Why do you enjoy The Wheel and what keeps you coming back?
A: I feel better, overall, since starting a weekly workout program. I love the upbeat classes and variety.
I love The Wheel and would highly recommend it to anyone! My girlfriends and I love our classes together and I’ve met some wonderful people along the way, as well. The instructors are all so encouraging and it’s such a welcoming environment.
WHEEL MEMBER spotlight
Deedee Vagts
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I am married with three fabulous children. I teach kindergarten at Harrison Elementary. The tiny humans are my most favorite ever! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, campfires, and sitting under our pergola at our lake home.
Q: How did you first hear about The Wheel?
A: I heard about The Wheel from two of my coworkers.
Q: When did you start working out at The Wheel?
A: I took my first classes in May.
Q: What are your favorite classes? Favorite time of day to work out?
A: My favorite classes have been the cycling classes taught by both Dani and Jenny. I like the morning class to get my day started in the summer and have also loved the late afternoon/after work with Jenny. Love her arm workout!
I have tried all of the classes that The Wheel has to offer and also throughly enjoy the Barre class with Mackenzie and PiYo with Tricia. All of the classes have given me lots more energy and have strengthened my entire body. I look forward to each and every class!
WHEEL MEMBER spotlight
Shawna (Resch) Wange
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I am 33, and I have three kids plus four bonus kiddos! Needless to say between family and my full time job I am very busy!
Q: How did you first hear about The Wheel?
A: I heard about The Wheel from a friend on Facebook before it opened!
Q: When did you start working out at The Wheel?
A: I took my first classes during the free test run week and immediately signed up for the unlimited monthly membership. It was just that good!
Q: What are your favorite classes? Favorite time of day to work out?
A: My favorite classes are the early morning spin classes. I have never looked forward to waking up at 4:30 am as much as I do now!
Q: Why do you enjoy coming back?
A: I love the variety of the classes. I have taken just about every class offered, by just about every instructor available. I really like that each instructor has their own style; they are all so different and there truly is something for everyone. Each instructor makes modifications very clear and they always make themselves available to answer questions and address any concerns you might have. I have felt welcome since the first time I walked through the door. But, my absolute favorite thing about The Wheel is that it's FUN! I'm getting married in July, and coming here keeps me motivated to get continue on my journey to health!
Get to know us (we're really nice, we promise!)
Jenny Holmes
Owner and instructor.
Daniela (Dani) Anderson
Owner and instructor.
Kristi Zernov
Yoga and cycling instructor and fiery beauty.
Sara Stainbrook
Cycling instructor and dance party enthusiast.
Kim Anderson
Cycling instructor and dog lover.
Joanna Collins
Instructor and local legend.
Haley Lauer
Registered Dietician, instructor, and beautiful soul.
Mackenzie Erickson
Barre instructor and dancing queen.
KEEP ROLLING, BABY!
The Wheel has moved! Check us out in our new location at FitQuest Athletic Club in Baxter!