★ 5

Ben Tilus and the team at XLR8 provided my son a positive and upbeat environment to learn, test and train. Ben is a special coach that has the ability challenge and inspire while simultaneously making hard effort a lot of fun. The team at XLR8 has the knowledge and resources to help athletes improve their training, nutrition, sleep and mindset (without forgetting that the athletes are balancing school, grades and life). A true passion for helping athletes succeed at their highest level can be felt from the moment you first enter the lab.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has been working with Ben for about one year and I’m closely involved with both her training and racing program. Her progress under XLR8’s program has been remarkable. Ben’s data based approach is unique for high school runners and likely underutilized even at the collegiate level. This approach takes a lot of the guesswork out of training and provides objective tools for measuring progress. On a personal level, Ben cares deeply about his athletes and always seems to provide the right support at just the right time. After only six months with Ben, my daughter was runner up as a freshman in very competitive State track 800 and 1600 events. She finished the season with another 2nd place at the Nike Outdoor National Freshman mile. If your son or daughter is looking to achieve that next level of performance, I’d highly recommend Ben’s program.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve loved coming to train here & better my running mechanics, nutrition, strength, & speed. I’ve gained friendships with many new people & improved greatly—the people here are awesome! I would highly recommend!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Tilus has been a great coach to learn from and has provided a lot of change and great new ways to think about the sport to runners and coach! He has helped me grow alot. Always excited to see what xlr8 is doing and what great things they have next !

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Tilus and his XLR8 team are amazing. They work with the athlete and family through this whole process. Coach Tilus is very responsive to questions, concerns, and to his athletes. I highly recommend anyone looking for a private running coach to seek out Coach Tilus and XLR8.

Source: Google

★ 5

As a coach XLR8 has helped me take our program to the next level! Ben has so much knowledge, experience, and passion for the sport- It truly shows in the amount of time and effort he puts in to all his athletes

Source: Google

★ 5

I always had great experiences in the lab! Everyone is very friendly and extremely passionate, not to mention more than knowledgable in the top end of the science of endurance sports. The people at XLR8 genuinely want to see you succeed and become your best and that care is what really sets it apart.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ben is an amazing coach! He has helped my daughter improve her running on many levels.

Source: Google

★ 5

XLR8 Performance Lab has been a game changer for me and my success on the track! Coach Tilus is extremely knowledgeable about the sport of running and how to produce the best athletes in the sport!

Source: Google

★ 5

XLR8 Performance Lab really helps athletes get faster and become more competitive. The atmosphere is fun and energetic. Ben is very relatable and creates an environment with a good balance of work hard play hard. I recommend anyone who wants to improve their performance to check out XLR8!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Ben and xlr8 are awesome! They have great equipment and coaching that taught me so much about myself as a runner!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

As a parent of an athlete who has worked with Ben for 5 years, I am extremely thankful my daughter has had the opportunity to work with Ben and the XLR8 Performance Lab. Ben is an outstanding coach. He understands the science behind performance in distance running and is willing to tailor training programs for each athlete. His results and the performance of his athletes speak for themselves.

Clearly, Ben knows his stuff when it comes to distance running, but there are advantages to XLR8 that go beyond strong training plans, lactate testing, etc. One of the best outcomes of joining XLR8 has been the opportunity for my daughter to observe and build relationships with the outstanding athletes that work with Ben. Seeing how women like Paityn Noe, Addison Dorenkamp, Jordyn Brown, Marissa Ferebee approach the ups and downs of training, racing, and life outside running has been invaluable to my daughter.

I highly recommend XLR8 to any parent who has a child with a passion for running and a desire to improve.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Ben is a very knowledgeable coach! Testing with him has helped me learn more about my physiology and the type of training I need to improve as an athlete.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has worked with Ben and XLR8 for the last 4 years From day one, the team was welcoming, supportive, and full of positive energy. Competing and collaborating with other XLR8ers taught my daughter leadership, responsibility, and how to push herself while supporting others. I would highly recommend reaching out to Ben with any questions you may have.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This is where my son went to test, to train, to learn, to grow; it's an incredible environment where he had fun, was challenged, became aware what was needed to achieve his goals, and got stronger, fitter and faster over his time training there. It's an amazing place where he was welcomed by athletes from all over the Midwest - some of whom were competitors - who became training partners & close friends. XLR8 provided a life changing experience he personally sought, and it delivered 100x over expectations. Coach Ben Tilus is not only a remarkable coach but he is more importantly the most decent human and person you can entrust your son/daughter to train with if that is something that matters to you as well - the growing staff is well-vetted/ top notch as well and you can tell they have been Tilus-trained in all ways. The results of XLR8-trained athletes are legendary in the state and it will only continue to grow. I could only leave 5 stars unfortunately, but, this place deserves at least 10 ...

Source: Google

★ 5

XLR8 is great! The staff cares for each and every one of us and always encourages us to do our best!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent coaching

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★ 5

XLR8 made me the best runner I could possibly be. My running form, lactate levels, weaknesses, and strengths were all professionally analyzed. Because of that, I went from getting smoked in easy meets to placing top 15 at State XC — and then just five months later, I placed 2nd at State Track. Ben taught me to embrace the pain, work harder than I ever thought I could, run with the big dogs, and ultimately earn a spot at a Division I University.

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Ben is one of the most genuine and dedicated coaches out there. He truly cares about every athlete he works with and goes above and beyond to help each one reach their full potential. He played a huge role in helping me earn a spot in my dream college running program. Between his recruiting expertise, top-tier coaching, and constant mentorship, the XLR8 program stands unmatched. If you’re serious about becoming the best runner you can be, there’s no better place in the nation — hands down.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ben was an excellent coach whose support and expertise made my confidence grow as an athlete. He not only helped me grow stronger but also race smarter!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Ben is a great resource for our Waukee APEX Exercise Science class. He has given hundreds of our students that chance to learn how to apply science to running and possibly turn it into a career!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The best place to get fast. Don’t go if you don’t want to get fast. (*Caution* might go D1 after program)

Source: Google

★ 5

Great environment and great people! I always enjoy working out at the lab as well as talking to Ben!

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★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place!!

Source: Google

★ 5

5 years ago when Caleb was in the 8th grade we found Ben. It was after cross country. Having Ben coach Caleb was one of the best decisions we ever made for him and him passion for running. We got to be parents and love our son. Ben was his coach and helped him be the best runner he could be. Every runner wants to get better and better and better but there are ups and downs. Ben was always there especially when Caleb needed him the most through the down times (e.g. identifying the low iron) and so many times helped raise Caleb up to end the season on a high note. The value we got from Ben and XLR8 compared to the fee paid is really no comparison. And it’s no different than club volleyball or club basketball. If you want to excel you need coaching to learn and motivate. If your son or daughter comes to you and says they want to be the best runner they can be I highly recommend Ben Tilus. We got to be the parents, cheer him on and love him up. We left all the rest to Ben.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter had an AMAZING first day in The Lab. She came home talking about all of the lifting and workouts they did. She can be picky, especially when her dad is involved 😉. But she LOVED it! Thank you XLR8. We will be back!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

He works super well with and cares for all of his athletes, also really knows his stuff!

Source: Google

★ 5

Ben is awesome and definitely knows his stuff! Without a doubt, if you are willing to work with Ben, I can guarantee you will improve your running abilities. He makes sure you have every resource you need as an athlete and I’m so lucky I found him. You won’t come across a program like XLR8 very often, so I would definitely give it a try. You won’t regret it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I couldn't ask for a better coach in Ben. If you're looking to make a jump in fitness, definitely check him and XLR8 out!

Source: Google

★ 5

Joining xlr8 was one of the best decisions of my life and I highly recommend it! Ben is an amazing coach and he has helped my running improve so much. I have met so many amazing people from this and the environment is great!

Source: Google

★ 5

I absolutely love xlr8 and the community it comes with. Coach Ben is awesome to work with and super helpful in so many ways. I've made so many friends through the program and would 100% recommend

Source: Google

★ 5

The great coaching staff gives me the resources I need to take my training to the next level!

Source: Google

★ 5

XLR8 is a great program. Ben has really helped take my running and confidence to the next level. He’s there to help and teach you throughout your running journey. And creates individualized workouts to strengthen your weaknesses.

Source: Google

★ 5

Exciting and educational

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★ 5

Great way to build more knowledge on how your training effects your fitness. Recommend to any athlete that wants to take running to the next level.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

i absolutely love working with coach ben! it’s such a positive environment and he works hard to give each athlete specific critiques. if you’re a runner or an athlete i 10/10 recommend coming to XLR8.

Source: Google

★ 5

I would definitely recommend any serious runner to come over and give the lab a try! Coach Tilus is a great guy and knows what he is doing, the work he has done with me has helped me push my running ability to the next level!

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Coach Tilus and XLR8 for the past few months has helped me make progress as an athlete that I didn’t think was possible!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you are a runner or just an athlete in general and want to learn more about how you can maximize your performance XLR8 is the place for you. The testing helped me to learn a lot about my body and how I can get better. Ben does a great job at explaining everything and what all the tests are for. He is very professional and respectful. I would definitely recommend checking out XLR8 performance lab.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place to improve yourself as an athlete. Would recommend to anyone who wants to reach their goals!

Source: Google

★ 5

The Lab has helped me improve so much as a runner. I have seen many PRs and the support from the coaches is amazing!

Source: Google

★ 5

Originally I came across XLR8 after seeing an Instagram post. I wasn’t 100% sure about going in to get tested but after reaching out and talking to Ben I knew I had to give it a try. Getting tested and joining the off-season program was the best decision I could have made! Everyone was so welcoming and I have grown so much not only as an athlete but also a person! Ben is so passionate and dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential and I would definitely recommend coming in and getting tested!

Source: Google

★ 5

Exceptional program for taking the next step in running.

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★ 5

Coach Ben was amazing. He made my son feel comfortable, explained the testing very well and made sure he had fun in the process. My son left excited and ready to get to work!

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Ben is great to work with. He has great knowledge to provide athletes with. I learned a lot of information from my test results. I’m looking forward to training and to see improvement in my running!!:)

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Ben was awesome to work with, and help provide a lot of good feedback and answered all my questions

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Made a 2 hour drive and it was totally worth it! Ben was very good at making the data easy to understand and I was given an opportunity that is hard to find. I totally suggest going in!

Source: Google

★ 5

We were totally impressed with our experience at the lab. Very professional and informative. We look forward to going back in the future.

Source: Google

★ 5

I really enjoyed my experience at the lab! Ben was very knowledgeable and gave me great data on how to improve myself. Definitely recommend and looking forward to coming back.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ben did an amazing job with all the testing made sure to walk me through everything and was super helpful and knowledgeable about all things running and running related highly recommending you checking out his lab!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Going to the XLR8 Lab was such a great experience! At XLR8, there are several different options for tests. I had a lot of fun getting my VO2 Max and vertical jump tested It also was so cool to use the state of the art facility! Coach Tilus was super accommodating and friendly and I really enjoyed my time! I definitely recommend going to XLR8 if you ever need to get your VO2 Max tested or if you are rehabbing from injury as they offer equipment to help with recovery!

Source: Google

★ 5

First time trying anything like this, a great experience overall! Learned so much about my individual running style and what I can do to become a better athlete. Ben was super helpful and answered all of my questions. Will be coming back!

Source: Google

★ 5

I had a great experience at the lab and it was definitely worth the long drive for me, Ben is great and I’m eager to continue working with him. Great facility and great equipment, definitely a good place.

Source: Google

★ 5

I had a great time at the lab! Ben was very helpful and the experience was fun and informative!

Source: Google

★ 5

They have lots of different options test wise. And Ben is very knowledgeable about each test, and how to develop your training based on it.

Source: Google

★ 5

My sister and I absolutely LOVED our experience at the lab! We learned so much about ourselves and our running styles, and have overall really benefited from all of the information that we were given. 100000/10 recommend!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I first went to the lab in October of 2019 and completed the testing. It was a very eye-opening experience to see where you stand as a runner/athlete and where you have potential to grow. With that information Coach Tilus gave me a personalized workout program to follow which has dramatically improved my fitness. Coach Tilus is extremely knowledgeable, and an excellent motivator and communicator, along with being a great guy! I highly recommend Coach Tilus and the XLR8 Lab if you're looking to increase your performance.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ben is great, equipment is great. Helped accelerate my injury recovery!

Source: Google

★ 5

The trip we made to the XLR8 Performance lab was not only incredible from a data analytics perspective, but also very fun and motivational for the two athletes I took with. It helped us gain a better understanding of their training levels/strategy as well as race strategy and overall potential. If you’re serious about running at your peak potential, I’d highly recommend getting in to see Ben!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

our freshman daughter Claire has greatly benefited from the speed sessions and the overall programs that xlr8 offer. highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Ben has been great to interact with and the variety of workouts he developed for my daughter have been invaluable for her development. Having these plans has been the one constant throughout the COVID19 challenging period.

Source: Google