Call Now
Website
Call
Business Details
Premier Strength Training in Chaska & Excelsior, MN
At Fitness First, we are dedicated to transforming lives through personalized strength training programs that address the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of fitness. Founded on the principle that strength training empowers individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, we serve a diverse clientele ranging from time-strapped professionals to competitive athletes and active grandparents. Our team of certified professionals brings decades of combined experience in exercise physiology, sports training, and rehabilitation, ensuring each client receives evidence-based, customized guidance.

We prioritize building meaningful relationships, utilizing industry-leading equipment, and fostering accountability to help clients achieve their unique goals. With a focus on education and long-term wellness, we bridge the gap between clinical theory and practical application, enabling clients to overcome physical challenges, enhance performance, and embrace active lifestyles.
Services
Personal Training Injury Rehabilitation Nutritional Advisement Strength Training Fitness Consultation
Highlights and features
  • We offer appointment-only sessions for personalized attention.
  • Our instructors are professionally educated and certified.
  • We use scientific, evidence-based exercise prescriptions.
  • We provide industry-leading commercial-grade equipment.
  • We build genuine relationships to support your goals.
What people say
Improved strength Supportive staff Achieve fitness goals Active lifestyles Efficient workouts
Services
Personal One-on-One Fitness Training
Personal One-on-One Fitness Training begins with a comprehensive consultation to define goals. Clients work individually with certified instructors who design and monitor customized exercise prescriptions. This approach ensures focused attention, proper technique, and measurable progress toward enhanced physical health and functional strength.
Athletic and Non-Athletic Injury Rehabilitation
Athletic and Non-Athletic Injury Rehabilitation bridges physical therapy and active living. Programs focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and functional skills post-injury. Clients reduce re-injury risks through targeted exercises tailored to their recovery needs, enabling a safe return to daily activities or sports.
Nutritional Advisement
Nutritional Advisement educates clients on sustainable dietary habits aligned with fitness goals. Sessions dispel myths and emphasize self-sufficiency in making informed nutritional choices. The program supports overall wellness by integrating balanced eating with strength training for long-term health benefits.
Personalized Fitness Training
Personalized Fitness Training mirrors one-on-one sessions but allows for small group appointments. Instructors tailor programs to individual needs while maintaining a ratio of no more than three clients per instructor. This balances personalized attention with collaborative motivation in a structured environment.
People
Steve Ritz
Exercise Physiologist and Founder
Steve Ritz, founder and exercise physiologist, has over 30 years of experience working with clients from cardiac rehab patients to professional athletes. He holds advanced degrees and certifications, and is dedicated to improving clients' health through strength training.
Greg Gerding
Fitness Specialist
Greg Gerding, a Fitness Specialist since 2003, creates customized fitness plans and educates clients on wellness. His background in business and certifications enable him to relate to professionals while prioritizing strength training and nutrition.
Tony Austad
Fitness Specialist
Tony Austad specializes in strength training, flexibility, and nutrition. With expertise in exercise physiology, he develops programs for diverse clients and emphasizes scientific education to help individuals achieve their fitness goals effectively.
Nick McCoy
Fitness Specialist
Nick McCoy, a Fitness Specialist since 2007, focuses on exercise prescription and client education. His experience in human performance testing and management ensures clients receive tailored programs to meet their health and wellness objectives.
Zach Vine
Fitness Specialist
Zach Vine combines physiology knowledge with coaching experience to deliver personalized training. Certified in strength conditioning, he helps clients improve physical and mental resilience, emphasizing long-term health and athletic performance.
Questions
What services does Fitness First offer?
Fitness First offers personalized one-on-one training, injury rehabilitation, nutritional advisement, and customized fitness programs tailored to individual goals.
Do you provide virtual training options?
Currently, Fitness First focuses on in-person appointments to ensure hands-on guidance and proper technique monitoring during sessions.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Contact us via email or call Chaska at 952-448-4322 or Excelsior at 952-401-4322 to book a free consultation.
What makes Fitness First unique?
We combine evidence-based training, certified instructors, and a relationship-driven approach to deliver personalized programs that prioritize long-term health and functional strength.
Are there membership packages available?
Fitness First offers flexible scheduling and customized plans but does not list specific membership packages in the provided text.