★ 5

I have been searching for a trainer to help me for years. I was in a severe, multi-trauma accident at age 27. I am now 69. Years of PT, lost count of the surgeries. Had cervical fusion 2-1/2 yrs ago; total knee replacement 6 months ago. Decades of pain. The Retreat Gym has become my support, refuge, and wellness haven. Owner Mark and his staff are fantastic. Extremely knowledgable, welcoming, supportive, 100% non-judgemental. The atmosphere is calming, relaxing. I absolutely recommend The Retreat Gym to anyone - fitness guru, athlete, injured, post-surgery, post-trauma, young, old. Customized personal workout, yet at a reasonable cost.

Source: Google

★ 5

🏋️🏻‍♂️

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I joined the gym to get help with chronic pain from old martial arts injuries. I had a lot of fear of reinjury but Mark created an environment where I felt safe. He is there to support you the whole time!
Mark creates personalized workouts which is a huge benefit and luxury to not have to plan/stress about and gets you the results you want. This gym has helped me learn to trust myself and my body and now I’m healing and strong as hell!

Source: Google

★ 5

The trainers are fantastic! The atmosphere is calm and comfortable. The clients are welcoming. I really enjoy my time there.

Source: Google

★ 5

The Retreat feels like coming home. I’ve had a rich history of sport leagues and diving into all the offerings of the big box gyms of the world - the classes, the hype, the contests. At the heart of it has always been strength. I’m older. My professional life is intense. I wanted a place to go do hard physical work without all the noise. The Retreat offers that. The equipment curation is rich and thoughtful - everything needed to work hard and play physically. The setting is eclectic and quietly encourages exploration. Mark’s coaching is candid and full of questions that move me forward when I’m stuck. I’m not part of the small groups, but I feel very much a part of the community. Mutual respect. Good people. Everyone just doing their work, being kind. Highly recommend for those needing a space to do their thing.

Source: Google

★ 5

I had been working out on my own for years and hadn't seen any progression in a very long time. I knew from The Movement Gym that Mark knows what he is doing, so I decided to give a professional a chance. Over the last year and a half, his knowledge and curated workouts have finally helped me see what I never thought was possible for my body type, muscles!
I also love the atmosphere at The Retreat, people are down to earth and welcoming, and there's fun art everywhere.

Source: Google

★ 5

After going through cancer treatment during the pandemic, I felt like my body was no longer able to do the things I wanted to do day to day. I'm not sure what took me so long to go to Mark for help in regaining my strength and reducing (moving to eliminating) my pain. From our first meeting I was confident that I made the right choice and every week I look forward to my workouts and to seeing the people at the gym! After 4 months I have really improved my health, physically and mentally, and I love that my workouts are tailored just for me and can be tweaked immediately if something feels off. I look forward to continuing to build on this foundation for living my best life!

Source: Google

★ 5

I feel soooo lucky. Lucky to have found The Retreat Gym, Mark, and personal trainers, Maggie and Libby, who work hard to help me stay on track with my fitness goals. Today was a perfect example, super frustrating work/life situation, I didn’t want to go anywhere. But, I went to the gym. And that was a saving grace. I only talked to Mark for a minute, he always listens. His encouraging words and an hour of strength training got me right back on track. I walked out super energized, ready to tackle my work dilemma. That’s the mental health part of my experience with the gym. But, there’s also the reason I went in the first place.
Having torn my meniscus doing a sloppy step over turn in ballet. At 67 years old I figured that would be the end of dancing. And it wasn’t. Mark’s ability to find the right exercises to strengthen my knee has enabled me to recover from that injury and come back stronger. I am still able to dance. Priceless.

Source: Google

★ 5

The Retreat Strength Gym is the kind of place that quietly transforms you. The space is equipped with top-of-the-line gear, and every workout is tailored to your goals—whether you’re just getting started or training for something bigger. The unique group training format is a standout: I follow my personalized workout during a shared training time, with the flexibility to consult the owner whenever needed. It’s the perfect blend of structure and autonomy.

The owner’s depth of knowledge in building strength and overcoming physical barriers is truly impressive. But what sets this gym apart is the atmosphere. There’s a shared sense of respect and encouragement that makes showing up feel like joining a community, not just ticking off a workout. Members range from beginners to lifelong athletes, and the focus stretches from short-term goals to lasting whole-body wellness.

Since joining, I’ve gained consistency, true strength, improved my speed as a runner, and dramatically increased my mobility. But more than anything, I’ve found a place I actually want to keep coming back to. That motivation is everything.

Source: Google

★ 5

When you start a program at The Retreat, Mark is going to take a lot of time listening to you explain how your body is currently working for you and how you want it to work differently. For me, I needed to address some chronic pain, but mostly I wanted to be able to continue participating in activities with my teenagers. I found myself watching instead of doing more often that I liked.

After about 3 months, I was moving pain free. And recently, I went tubing with my 15 year old. I thought I wouldn’t be able to move my arms the next day, but to my delight, I was barely even sore!

Source: Google

★ 5

I never knew that I could feel so safe and at-home in a gym. No matter your skill level, age, or your reason for showing up, you’ll find what fits you best at The Retreat. I’m so grateful that a space like this exists.

Source: Google

★ 5

The Retreat is a welcoming and safe space to work out. Mark uses his vast knowledge and kind, easygoing demeanor to guide and support my strength training. His assistant coaches are also highly competent and very supportive to work with!

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark at The Retreat Strength Gym meets you and your body where you are at with compassion and curiosity. I highly recommend him and his gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark and this gym have been a huge game changer for me. I’ve had bad pain in my low back and sacrum since my early 20s. I’ve done tons of body work, personal training, physical therapy with multiple therapists, etc. I’ve always struggled with workouts making my back pain worse, even with really careful form and exercise choices. After the worst year of pain I’ve ever had, I decided to commit to doing whatever it takes this year to change things and find a solution. I’ve added in a few things that were moving the needle forward the first few months of the year, and was starting to feel some improvement. Then I decided to join this gym and work with Mark, based on a personal recommendation. I could not be more thrilled with the outcome already in one month.

I felt less pain already after the first workout, which was shocking. Each week I am feeling noticeably stronger, more confident in my body, and starting to forget to be afraid that I will hurt myself, and afraid that I won’t be able to travel, hike, stand for long periods, basically live my life. If you know, you know. I feel so much better, and I also feel excited to see how much stronger I can get. I actually love these workouts more than envy I have done before. They’re just fun!

Mark is truly exceptional at knowing how to design a program with your specific needs in mind, and making adjustments as you go if things aren’t working as planned. The small group classes function a lot like personal training, with full personalization for each person and 1:1 check ins regularly throughout the workout. We are basically all there doing our own unique program just sharing the gym, and Mark or one of the other trainers is helping give feedback and answer questions. So it is a great value.

The gym is full of really cool equipment I have never used before as well. I truly can’t recommend it enough, especially if you are someone looking to recover from pain or injury, or someone who doesn’t feel super confident in a gym or athletic setting.

Source: Google

★ 5

The Retreat has become one of my favorite places to be. Mark and the other coaches have helped me through injuries and rehabilitation of a broken ankle. I am stronger in all facets of my life because of the work that I do at The Retreat. My goal is and has always been to stay strong as I age, I know that with the help of Mark and his coaches that I am set up to continue to do the activities I love.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this gym. It's filled with the most approachable and friendly people. There are people of every age and every body type. It's a place where you can come to do good things for your body and enjoy yourself while you do it.

Mark frequently changes up your routine, so you never get bored. They have every type of strength equipment you can imagine. Overall, the workouts pack a lot of punch and you're always challenged to push yourself to continue to improve.

Source: Google

★ 5

i have been a member of the Retreat for nearly 3 years now. i enjoy the friendly atmosphere and kindness of the other members. Mark Schneider is an excellent trainer. i tell people he is also my ersatz therapist during the adjustment of living in Minnesota after most of my life in California.
i appreciate the custom tailored workouts and help rehabing an injured shoulder as well as routines to address osteoporosis. Mark is very knowledgable about the body in general and i have drawn on his wisdom often over the last 3 years.
i would unhesitatingly recommend this small, well equipped and well managed workout space to everyone. By the way, i am 78 years old and never thought i would proudly consider myself a gym rat as i do now.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing gym and amazing trainer.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark is a magician. He has a deep understanding of body mechanics and customized a strength training program that took me far beyond the functional level I had hoped to achieve. A friendly, welcoming community. Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

There is no other gym like The Retreat! I always feel at ease the moment I walk through the door, thanks to the superb coaching and beautiful, welcoming environment. I love working with Mark, Maggie, and Libby – they're kind, thoughtful, patient, and encouraging. It's a testament to them that my mom became a member here last year (at age 71), the first time in her life that she has joined a gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

I am so happy I found The Retreat - truly I have never made so much progress with my fitness goals as I have with Mark. What I appreciated most was the format. I like committing to certain times because it keeps me motivated, but the workout itself is still individualized to my needs. Mark is a fantastic coach and I’ve learned so much from working with him and his team. The atmosphere of The Retreat is a huge bonus as well, people are very friendly and it makes for a great community environment. Highly recommend!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

The retreat is a fantastic gym for folks who want to get strong and be fit. Mark is so calm and so clear with his workout plans!!

Source: Google

★ 5

The personalized training at The Retreat Strength gym has increased my personal strength to greater than it has ever been. Also, understanding injuries and creating a program that fits my needs.

Source: Google

★ 5

The Retreat is a welcoming space with excellent equipment and a wonderful coaching staff.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark and The Retreat Gym have been a common place for my families health and strength. This gym is a perfect blend of strength and pushing your body to places you didn’t know it could go - and I can’t emphasize this enough - the safety net of testing and knowing body strength movements to the ability Mark does. Recommend 10/10 for those who never have lifted, used to, or just need a not out of the box option for body movement. The people and the trainers are the best.

Source: Google

★ 5

The Retreat Gym has been the perfect place for me to work on recovery from recent ankle and wrist injuries. Mark Schneider is an engaging and thoughtful coach and has put together a terrific program for me. Although I have passed a few milestones in my injury recovery, I plan to stay with Mark and the gym because it's an environment where I feel both challenged and accomplished, but without any sense of competition or pressure that I have experienced at other gyms.

Source: Google

★ 5

The Retreat is an oasis of a gym. The space is filled with art, texture, and plants, along with a thoughtful selection of equipment that helps accommodate any sensory or body-specific needs.

Mark is one of the most intuitive people I will ever meet! He has a magical (read: highly-skilled and thoughtful) way of watching clients move and noticing small adjustments that can be made to improve the experience. For example, he once said to me, "Hm, how does that feel on your left foot? Let's try this" and slid a small wedge under my shoe...which suddenly made the movement feel more in alignment. It's truly remarkable.

Many of the regulars here are long-term supporters of Mark. People drive from all over the metro to be HERE and in this environment. I have worked out with trainers for nearly a decade, but I've been waiting for years to feel the kind of progress I've achieved with Mark in just the last 9 months.

Lastly, I have found the pricing to be VERY reasonable for the small group session model. I feel like I get great access to Mark's knowledge and just as much attention as I need, and it's a fraction of the price in comparison to what 1:1 sessions are for a trainer at some other gym.

In summary, the Retreat is really special, Mark is incredible, and I will (hopefully) be coming to this gym forever.

Source: Google

★ 5

personalized coaching in individual and group settings. AS if you have a PT, Strength Coach all in one. Mark's expertise is unparalleled in Minnesota. Thanks Mark!

Source: Google

★ 5

At Retreat Strength, it's not just about lifting weights; it's about building confidence and resilience and creating a program that you can absolutely stick to because you love it. The trainers emphasize the mind-body connection, helping clients push past limitations and achieve holistic wellness.

With trauma-informed strength training at its core, the gym provides a supportive environment where both body and mind are nurtured.

The gym boasts top-notch equipment, but what truly sets it apart is the personalized training. Trainers not only focus on physical gains but also on understanding your individual needs, past injuries, weak (and strong) spots and personal goals. This tailored approach ensures that every session is effective and safe and dare I say FUN!

I have been a member (and in fact still am) at many other gyms in Minneapolis and beyond and while The Retreat is not about amenities and expansive programming, it is about something that I have come to believe is much more important. Knowledge and actual results. I have learned so much about exactly what I need to do (for my body) to be successful, meet goals, gain strength, and not injure myself. The various different programs that have been created for me are tailored to me and I can get in and get out with as much hands on coaching as I need on a specific day.

Whether you're recovering from injury or striving for peak performance, Retreat Strength Gym offers a welcoming space where you can grow, heal, and thrive. It's a place where fitness meets mindfulness, and every workout brings you closer to your best self. I love every session.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark has created an amazing and comfortable environment here. I came in with a 2 year old low-back injury that was giving me back pain with standing, numbness, and weakness in one leg, and the Retreat has helped me get back to playing rugby and feeling confident again. I really love going to the gym and feeling like part of a community.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Mark is phenomenal and the space is great. No matter what your fitness goals or levels are, this is a place for you.

Source: Google

★ 5

OK, WOOOOWWWW.

I spent 6 or 7 months watching the founder of this gym, Mark, transform five members of my family (two 70+ parents, my hubs and his brother, and my SIL) before I realized I’d better stop sleeping on his expertise and on the Retreat. And these were people who were all already in better shape than most *before* they started working out with Mark at the Retreat! And they constantly talk about how challenging and satisfying their workouts are - yet NOT. ONE. INJURY. in the entire group, even though they each have physical sensitivities for various reasons.

Yet, the results? Remarkable. I wanted in.

So I finally started going with my hubs, 3x/week. Just finished my 2nd week, and my mind is COMPLETELY blown.

No posturing, no drama, no cult of personality, no pounding bass at this gym. Just a calm, focused, relaxing yet energizing, respectful place to step up to your limitations, and crush them. It’s hard to imagine a single strength or agility training tool or machine that’s missing from this place. But there’s also copious, fascinating, amusing, beautiful art. And plants! All of them thriving. I swear, they vibe energy and nurturing like crazy!

And Mark: the guy is, seriously, an intuitive genius. I see all ages of people at all levels of fitness there, and he seems to calibrate their workouts (as he does mine) to an exquisite level every time, for each person. Everyone’s busy, focused, secure, calm, happy, and quietly - very quietly - knocking down their gremlins.

And two weeks in, I’m already mostly doing stuff in my workouts I’d NEVER have believed I’d be capable of so quickly - with ZERO harm of any kind. And I feel AMAZING. 😍

RUN, DON’T WALK, TO WORK OUT @ The Retreat w/this BADASS DUDE!

Source: Google

★ 5

I joined The Retreat a year ago, shortly after finishing PT from shoulder surgery. Mark’s coaching was the perfect next step from PT. I’ve made major progress through old injuries and improved my overall health.

The people are great, the gym is well equipped and 24/7 access if very convenient.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent training environment that is a pleasure to workout in. People are kind and coaching is superb. I have seen substantial improvement in my lifts since working with the Retreat.

Source: Google

★ 5

The gym environment is awesome and has a bunch of sweet tools. Mark is also THE BEST.

Source: Google

★ 5

The best equipment to leverage in Minneapolis and an even better environment. I've never experienced a more calming space while working out which helps produce even better results. Factor in A+ coaching from Mark, friendly gym-goers a sauna (with bluetooth!) for recovery and you get one of the best work out facilities in the Twin Cities. If you're looking for a comfortable space to achieve your health goals look no further than The Retreat.

Source: Google

★ 5

The best gym I’ve been to! It’s spacious and welcoming inside. The colors and finishing touches make it feel very comfy. I love all of the plants!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google